The entertainment scene in Northern Virginia has brought its A-game this July. Venues across the region will host fabulous shows featuring some of the biggest names in music, Independence Day celebrations with stunning displays of fireworks, and great theater to entertain any audience. With events like this, July is sure to be unforgettable.
July 1
Diana Ross
When a Motown legend lands in NoVA, it’s not an event to miss. Diana Ross’ massive talent has enchanted listeners since the 1960s — and this tour should be no different. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $52
July 1
Independence Fireworks
For some, July Fourth is a multiday affair. If you want to kick off the month with patriotic flair, there’s no place more fitting to do so than George Washington’s estate. Fireworks and live music will get you in the spirit. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $24–$52
July 1–4
Red, White, and Blueberry Wine and Pie Pairing
Winery 8 Chains North partners with Mom’s Apple Pie Company to offer wine and pie pairings for America’s birthday. The wine grower and bakery owner happen to be brother and sister. Needless to say, it’s a delicious family affair. 8 Chains North: 38593 Daymont Ln., Waterford, $5
July 7
Alicia Keys
With 15 Grammy Awards, a bestselling memoir, a lifestyle brand, and her humanitarian work, this multihyphenate has truly done it all. Now, Alicia Keys is on the road again, performing live. Luckily, the DMV has not been overlooked. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $68
July 7–8
Disney’s Descendants: The Musical
Do you know a current or former Disney Channel fanatic? Pied Piper Theatre Company puts on its own live rendition of one of the channel’s most popular original movies, featuring the teenage children of iconic characters like Maleficent, Jafar, and Cruella de Vil. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $15–$20
July 9
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy takes So Much (for) Stardust on tour this summer. The rock group has been hailed by fans ranging from emo to pop-punk since its start in 2001. Now, more than 20 years later, these middle-aged rockers are still swinging. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $25
July 11
Cliffdiver
This Tulsa, Oklahoma, band takes pride in defying genre norms, calling its unconventional sound “elevator emo pop.” Its first album, Exercise Your Demons, exemplifies the philosophy of creating music that falls outside the box, and also explores important themes like grief and mental health awareness. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $15–$25
July 12
Disney Princess: The Concert
Whether you’re a parent to a princess-obsessed child or looking to indulge in some fairy tale nostalgia, this one-night-only event is sure to leave you feeling enchanted. Settle in for an evening full of familiar tunes. PS: Dressing up in royal attire is encouraged. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $29
July 15
Port City Old Town Pub Crawl
Now in its 10th year, this annual event hosted by Port City Brewing Company is not for the weary. It takes revelers to bars and restaurants near the Alexandria waterfront for brews and bites from early afternoon into the evening. Crawlers can grab swag throughout the event and get their pub crawl passes stamped at each participating location. If you get them all, you win a limited-edition pint glass. Alexandria, free
Through July 16
1776
You’ve never seen the Founding Fathers like this before. This Tony Award–winning musical depicts the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. This cast, however, bridges the gap between Colonial times and modern America, featuring a multiracial ensemble of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$139
July 21
Don McLean’s American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour
The music never died for Don McLean, who brings his iconic song and album to The Birchmere. The tour celebrates the 50-year anniversary of “American Pie” landing in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $69.50
July 22
Jenny Lewis
This critically acclaimed indie rock artist has toured with everyone from Harry Styles to The Chicks. Today, 25 years after her start in the music industry, Jenny Lewis isn’t stopping any time soon. On the contrary, some say the singer-songwriter’s recent work is her best yet. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $40–$75
July 22
Jurassic Park in Concert
You’ve never seen Jurassic Park like this before. Watch the Oscar Award–winning film projected onto the big screen, inside or on the lawn at Wolf Trap, accompanied by the powerful music of the National Symphony Orchestra. The NSO’s rendition of this classic movie’s scoring promises a dynamic and dramatic soundscape. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $40
July 22–23
Countdown to Christmas Expo
Holiday fanatics, you no longer have to wait until the cooler months to speak your truth. Escape the July heat and embrace “the most wonderful time of the year” at this Fredericksburg expo. Shop for homemade goods, gourmet foods, seasonal crafts, and self-care products, all while adding a little Christmas spirit to the dog days of summer. Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $7 for 13 and older, $6 for seniors, free for kids 12 and under
July 28–29
Colin Quinn: Small Talk
This Saturday Night Live alum is an expert in the art of the one-man show. His “latest attempt at humor” (as he refers to the show) explores the ins and outs of a dreaded social convention: small talk. Or, more specifically, how to avoid it at all costs. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $39
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
This story originally ran in our July issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
