Looking for things to do this weekend? Look no further because here are 12 exciting weekend events in the Northern Virginia and DC area. This weekend is full of concerts, fairs festivals, and craft activities.
National Symphony Orchestra Performs Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
July 17, 8 p.m.
Star Wars fans, gear up for a musical rendition of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The National Symphony Orchestra is taking a musical approach to the classic movie, adding another level of suspense to important scenes. Watch the Oscar-nominated film come to life. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $57
Bask & Basket: The Perfect Picnic
July 17–20
Enjoy a picnic at the National Mall with friends, family, or loved ones. The National Mall will provide a basket filled with everything you need to relax. Choose between a pre-packed breakfast or lunch or simply enjoy the basket and bring your own food. National Mall: 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, starting at $58.30
Lotus and Water Lily Festival
July 18–20
Visit the Lotus and Water Lily Festival for a fun weekend filled with activities. On Friday, enjoy outdoor yoga, a lotus garden scavenger hunt, forest bathing, and an outdoor jazz performance. Saturday will have Reiki-inspired gemstone jewelry making, a fashion show, and Latin and Ethiopian dance performances. On Sunday, tune into acrylic painting near the lotus pond, a West African drumming performance, and hips & heart yoga. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC, free
Dog Days of Summer
July 19, 1–4 p.m.
Unleash the fun and celebrate with your furry friend at the “Dog Days of Summer” event at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space this weekend. Let your dog run around and play on the big lawn, splash zone, and test their skills in the agility course. Eileen Garnett Civic Space: 7200 Columbia Pike, free
UFC 318 Watch Party: Holloway vs Poirier 3
July 19
Grab your boxing gloves and join the Shipgarten watch party for an exhilarating night of MMA action. Get ready to shout and cheer as you watch Holloway and Poirier showcase their skills. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
Book-A-Licious Brunch
July 19
Come join for a delightful weekend morning at the Village at Shirlington for the Book-A-Licious Brunch event. Whether you’re a bookworm or just looking for a fun outing, this event is welcoming for all. Eat while browsing through a selection of books from various genres. Village at Shirlngton: 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington, starting at $ 71.21
The Offspring
July 19
Rock your night away and join this American rock band at Jiffy Lube Live. Known for top hits like “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid,” “Pretty Fly,” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” The Offspring are lining up with other iconic bands like Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, tickets start at $30
The International Colombian Festival
July 19
Enjoy the all-day International Colombian Festival. More than 13 bands will perform throughout the day, including Los Embajadores Vallenatos, Cathia, and La Marvela. The day will be filled with music, dancing, food, and drinks. The Catholic University of America: 3598 John McCormack Rd. NE, Washington, DC, starting at $23.57
Tell Me Lies – The Fleetwood Mac Experience
July 19
Tell Me Lies, a Fleetwood Mac cover band, honors the legacy and brings the timeless music to life for audiences of all ages. Join them as they join the stage to honor the 1970s by bringing an electrifying rock experience. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, starting at $48.70
Dried Floral Gold Hoop Workshop
July 19
Immerse yourself in the PlantHouse cozy ambiance and learn how to weave dried flowers onto a gold hoop. Whether you’re new to crafts or floral art, this workshop is a perfect way to unleash your creativity. PlantHouse: 921 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria, tickets start at $25.47
Fauquier County Fair
Through July 19
Enjoy the classic carnival rides and games, mechanical bull rides, food vendors, cornhole tournaments, beer gardens, and food competitions with pie, pizza, and hot dogs at the Fauquier County Fair. Plan on also enjoying multiple days of live bluegrass music, magic shows, and bull rodeos. Fauquier County Fair Grounds: 6209 Old Auburn Rd., Warrenton, adults $10, children ages 2–11 $5, seniors $5
Big Time Rush
July 20
Big Time Rush, the American pop boy band formed in 2009 after the Nickelodeon show of the same name, is taking the stage at Jiffy Lube Live this weekend. The band is known for songs like “Boyfriend,” Worldwide,” “Windows Down,” and “City Is Ours.” Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $39.95
Feature image courtesy Wolf Trap
