We’re just as eager to get out as you are. Here are the 19 best activities to add to your planner for June.
As of press time, these events were scheduled to take place. As always, it’s important to check online for the latest updates and safety precautions before heading out to any venue.
Kick off the start of summer vacation with the kids at Rosalita’s Puppets: The Three Singing Princesses. As the three princesses search for their missing dad, little ones are asked to help the sisters on their journey through music. // June 2, 10–11:30 a.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville; $5; franklinparkartscenter.org
Space lovers and educators will want to join this virtual presentation of Teaching with Science Fiction: A Conversation with Andy Weir, which allows guests to engage The Martian author in a discussion about his new book and how to add science fiction into lesson plans. // June 2, 6–7 p.m.; free; airandspace.si.edu
What Can Downton Abbey Teach Us About British History? There’s a program for that. Join a history professor to explore the show’s accuracy as you look into the United Kingdom’s history of sexual revolution, voting rights, and the Roaring ’20s. // June 2, 6:30 p.m.; $20–$25; smithsonianassociates.org
Explore the anatomy and intersections of the human body, reptiles, and amphibians at The Naked and the Newt: Humans and Herpetons exhibit. The gallery will also be hosting in-person and online workshops discussing and drawing different animals. // June 4–26; Del Ray Artisans: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; free; delrayartisans.org
Take in the budding vineyards of summer at the Terroir to Table: Bloom Wine Dinner. Start the evening off with a tour of the vines before making your way to the five-course food-and-wine pairing in the garden. // June 5, 6:30–10 p.m.; The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek: 43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg; $115-$125; lostcreekwinery.com
Summer flowers help spruce up any table, especially when you create your own arrangement with a little help. All you need to do is pick up your supplies and join the virtual Peony Workshop over social media to create a bright, bold bouquet. // June 9, 7 p.m.; Helen Olivia Floral Design: 1519 Leslie Ave., Alexandria; $125; helenoliviaflowers.com
Enjoy the summer sun and crisp breeze at Courtney King’s outdoor concert. On her debut album, Feel Good Swiller, the alt-rocker combines punk, blues, and classical to create her own unique sound. // June 10, 6 p.m.; Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna; free; jamminjava.com
Chicago native Joel Kim Booster is ready to make you laugh your tail off. Now based in Los Angeles, Booster has made appearances on Conan and The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail and has written for Billy on the Street and Big Mouth. // June 11–12, times vary; Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $20-$25; acdh.arlingtondrafthouse.com
Spend your Saturday savoring the best the city has to offer at the Taste of Woodbridge 2021. From tastings and vendors to interactive fun and live entertainment, kick off the summer season with the community. // June 12, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center: 15201 Potomac Town Pl., Ste. 180, Woodbridge; free admission, $1 per tasting ticket
Take a step back in time to when Elvis took the nation by storm with The Rock-A-Sonics. The quintet combines vintage country and rock ’n’ roll for a true old-school sound. // June 12, 4 p.m.; Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas; $12.50–$25; hylton.gmu.edu
Graffiti Soundstage is looking to spread the classic sounds of rock to a new generation of listeners. Natives of Northern Virginia, the band always leaves fans with a memorable live show, packed with bluesy and hard rock–influenced originals and beloved covers. // June 13, 7 p.m.; Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna; $15; jamminjava.com
The Allman legacy continues with The Allman Betts Band. Led by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, both sons of the founders of the Allman Brothers Band, the group is ready to bring its energy and the spirit of rock to the next generation. // June 13, 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $59.50; birchmere.com
Cozy up on the couch for the Hylton at Home performance of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra. Join the ensemble virtually for a performance of music and spoken word about the orchestra’s own story. The set list for the night includes pieces from Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert. // June 17, 7:15 p.m.; free; hylton.gmu.edu
Celebrate your beloved dad with something sweet. Skip the bakery line and sign up for the Father’s Day Chocolate Drip Cake decorating class to create your own handmade treat topped with chocolate and bacon bits (similar to, though not exactly the same as, the ones shown here). // June 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies: 10927 Main St., Fairfax; $95; franscakeand
candy.com
Celebrate Juneteenth at Lucasville and the emancipation of enslaved people by stopping by the one-room schoolhouse to learn about how those freed lived in Prince William County throughout the Reconstruction and Jim Crow era. // June 19, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Lucasville School: 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas; free; pwcgov.org
Nothing beats a refreshing drink with a view. Enjoy an after-hours beverage at the Craft Beer Festival at Mount Vernon. With 32 tasting options, beer lovers will be able to taste the best the region has to offer during one summer night. // June 19–20, 6–9 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; $40–$48; mountvernon.org
If Dad loves nothing more than baiting a hook, the Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama is your perfect plan for his special day. Bring the family along for a barbecue as you compete to land the most and biggest bluegill and bass (there are prizes). // June 20; Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont; $8–$10; greatcountryfarms.com
Punkie Johnson brings her standup set to NoVA. Along with her SNL spot, the standout’s résumé includes Space Force, Corporate, and A Black Lady Sketch Show. // June 24–26, times vary; Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $20; acdh.arlingtondrafthouse.com
Nothing says “summer celebration” like fireworks. Make your way over to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate for the annual illuminations that light up the sky. While you’re there, meet different historical figures and cool off with some 18th-century-style ice cream. // June 25–26, 6–9:45 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; $22-$50; mountvernon.org
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
