Rain may interfere with a few of the weekend’s outdoor activities, but there’ll an interesting mix of events nevertheless. Here are six ideas to get your weekend plans started.
Sports Collectibles Show
Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25, times vary
Calling all sports fans! This athletics, autographs, and memorabilia show at Dulles Expo Center isan enthusiast’s dream, with around 200 exhibitors carrying collectibles like vintage sports cards. Fans can also purchase autographand photo opportunities with their favorite players. More than 50 professional athletes will be there, including Wade Boggs, LeSean McCoy, and Larry Brown. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. $25 for Friday early admission, $10-15 general admission, free for kids under 10
Arlington Pride 2023
Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25, times vary
This year, Arlington will be celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride all weekend long. On Friday, soak up the glitz and glamour of the inaugural Miss Arlington Pride Pageant. Saturday features the free Pride Festival, an empowering, fun-filled celebration of live entertainment, surprise guests, games, and vendors. On Sunday, end the festivities on a high note with the Pride Drag Brunch inside the new Departures bar at Alamo Drafthouse for appetizing eats and entertainment from lively performers and host Eva Peroxide. Arlington, price varies by event
Manassas Bee Festival
Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Buzzing for some family fun? Check out the third annual Manassas Bee Festival. The event will be held on the historic grounds of Liberia House in downtown Manassas, a Bee City USA® designation. The kids might want to bring their best pollinator wear for the costume parade, join in on the spelling bee fun, hang out with farm animals, or hop on over to the bouncy house. The adults might be more tempted to check out the community apiary, the mead garden, or the live music. Liberia House Historic Site: 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas, free
Children’s Summer Reading Festival
Saturday, June 24, 4–7 p.m.
Kick off summer reading with Fairfax County Public Library’s inaugural celebration to kick off its summer reading program. It will feature a plethora of fun activities for children, including games, crafts, a bounce house, and a mini zoo. To keep it lively all afternoon long, the event will also feature a DJ, snacks, and food trucks. Chantilly Regional Library: 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly, free
Out and About Festival at Wolf Trap
Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m., and Sunday, June 25, 4 p.m.
Music and nature meld in this can’t-miss Pride festival. Grammy winner Brandi Carlile headlines the two-day, three-stage event. She’s joined by Yola, Rufus Wainwright, and other dynamic LGBTQ+ artists. The culinary lineup includes food trucks, a buffet, and concessions. Along with the live performances, there will be community activities including a scavenger hunt and a Unicorn Play Space. Wolf Trap Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $59
George Washington’s Cabinet Roleplaying Experience
Sunday, June 25, 2–4 p.m.
Step into a time machine with this rare roleplaying adventure opportunity at Mount Vernon. The Situation Room Experience is a 75-minute game in which visitors take on the role of various historic figures and work together to take action in response to the crises that emerged during George Washington’s second presidential term. Tickets include a grounds pass for Mount Vernon to explore after the simulation. High school students and adult audiences alike are invited to play. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy., Mount Vernon, $15
Feature image courtesy Wolf Trap
For more events around NoVA, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
