For families who want to budget before the busy fall begins while still enjoying the waning days of summer, here are free events or things to do with free admission in August. They include a concert series in Herndon, a cardboard boat regatta in Reston, and a festival of crafts and kites in Leesburg.
Friday Night Live Concert Series in Herndon
Fridays, 6:30–10 p.m.
The outdoor concert series on the Town Green in Herndon brings popular local acts from up and down the East Coast to play a variety of genres. In August, see Shake the Room + Legal in the District (August 2), Social Call + Pool Boys (August 9), Doc Marten and the Flannels (August 16), and JunkFood (August 23). The concerts are produced by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and title sponsor is MainStreet Bank. Herndon Town Green: 777 Lynn St., Herndon
Middleburg Sidewalk Sale
August 2–4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday hours posted by individual shops
If you’re an avid window shopper, check out Middleburg’s 18th Annual Sidewalk Sale. Admission is free, but area boutiques and shops would love it if you bought something. Downtown Middleburg
Cardboard Boat Regatta
August 10, noon–5 p.m.
The Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta does charge a fee to participate, but watching the race is free. Thousands come to watch participants try their handmade cardboard boats in timed heats. The event is rain or shine. Reston Museum: 1639 Washington Plz. N., Reston
Leesburg Festival of Crafts & Kites
August 17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
This free admission, family-friendly event includes live entertainment, moon bounces, kite flying, and more. There will be food vendors on hand and a showcase of handmade arts and crafts too. Ida Lee Park: 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
August 24, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
This free admission and pet-friendly event includes over 20 ethnic food vendors offering global cuisine. To eat you will have to pay, but there will be cultural performances that showcase traditional dances and rhythms. The event will be rain or shine. Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria
2024 Children’s Summer Reading Festival at Chantilly Regional Library
August 18, noon–3 p.m.
Celebrate summer reading with a free outdoor event featuring a mini zoo, caricature artist, photo booth, popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, and more. The second annual celebration hopes to encourage younger readers to be enthusiastic about summer reading. 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly
Feature image of the Cardboard Boat Regatta by Charlotte Geary, courtesy the Reston Museum
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