With summer in full swing, there is no shortage of outdoor and indoor fun to be had in Northern Virginia this weekend. Here are some of your options for weekend events July 7–9.
Night Ranger
Friday, July 7, 6 p.m.
Rock out to Night Ranger at Capital One Hall on July 7. It’s the band’s 40th Anniversary Tour. The band released its 12th studio album called ATBPO, or “And the Band Played On,” an ode to making music during the pandemic. 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $39.75
First Friday Art Walk in Great Falls
Friday, July 7, 6–8 p.m.
Get an inside glimpse at the Great Falls art scene at its First Friday Art Walk. You’ll be able to visit seven artist studios, meet the artists, and view their art up close. 756 Walker Rd., Great Falls, free
Alicia Keys
July 7, 8 p.m.
With 15 Grammy Awards, a bestselling memoir, a lifestyle brand, and her humanitarian work, this multi-hyphenate has truly done it all. Now, Alicia Keys is on the road again, performing live. Luckily, the DMV has not been overlooked. 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $68
Leesburg First Fridays
Friday, July 7, times vary
On the first Friday of every month, downtown Leesburg is full of live music, art exhibits, wine tastings, and more. Plus, some of the restaurants and boutiques stay open until at least 9 p.m. and often offer special deals. July’s events include a free paper marbling activity at the Loudoun Museum and jazz music at the Lightfoot Restaurant. Downtown Leesburg, times vary, first Friday of every month except January
Manassas First Fridays
Friday, July 7, times vary
Once a month, Historic Downtown Manassas shuts down Center Street to make space for a lively night of fun. Restaurants offer specialty food and drinks, which you can enjoy while you stroll the block. July’s theme is Bands After the Boom. Historic Downtown Manassas, 6–9 p.m., first Friday of every month
Disney’s Descendants: The Musical
July 7–8, times vary
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. 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $15–$20
Fredericksburg Comic and Toy Show
Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This annual comic book and toy convention offers fun for all ages. Highlights include a cosplay contest and a dance-off. There will be vendors, artists, and special guests in attendance to fuel the comic book-inspired fun. 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $10–15 per pass, free for children under 10 with adult pass purchase
Second Saturday Sip & Stroll
Saturday, July 8, 1–5:30 p.m.
Wander around Reston Town Center with a drink in hand at the Second Saturday Sip & Stroll event. Along with the chance to enjoy an adult beverage in the fresh air, there will be live music, food, and vendors. There’s fun for the kids, too, at the Kids’ Zone and Game Zone. 11900 Market St., Reston, free, drinks extra
Los Three Baritones at Mosaic Live!
Saturday, July 8, 6–7:30 p.m.
Stop by Mosaic for the next installation in its family-friendly outdoor summer concert series. This Saturday, you’ll be greeted by the low-voiced operatic singing of Los Three Baritones. Bring a lawn chair to Strawberry Park to sit back and enjoy the show. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, free
Alexandria’s Birthday
Saturday, July 8, 9:30 p.m.
Alexandria celebrates turning 274, along with feting the U.S.’ 247th birthday on Saturday, July 8. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performs and the fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. 100 Madison St., Alexandria
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Through July 9, all day
Every year, the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage hosts a festival to honor the diverse landscape of living cultures and traditions in the United States. This year’s event will feature two primary programs: one about the culture of the Ozarks and one about how religious communities and traditions intertwine throughout the country. The National Mall between 12th and 14th streets, Washington, DC, free
Fall Out Boy
July 9, 6:30 p.m.
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. 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $25
BlerDCon 2023
Through Sunday, July 9, times vary
Fae’d to Black is the theme of this year’s BlerDCon, an inclusive celebration of Black nerd culture and everything anime, gaming, comics, and sci-fi. The schedule of events is jam-packed with workshops, and panels on topics, such as “RealmScape Festival: Mythical Cultures of Color.” There will be music, dance, screenings, a Fae Par-Tea, a Spades tournament, and celebrity guests, including Cree Summer. Even the lunch breaks will go above and beyond: the food truck rally includes 14 vendors. 2799 Richmond Hwy., Arlington, $30–$70 per entrance badge, $200 VIP
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
Through July 9, various times
This iconic show, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, adapts the biblical story of Joseph into an energetic, eccentric, and ultimately heartwarming pop musical. 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $55–$75
Feature image courtesy Capital One Arena
For more activities around NoVA, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
