This weekend brings an interesting mix of events to Northern Virginia, with everything from a ‘90s grunge rock performance to a celebration of the freshly appointed Morocco Day in the City of Alexandria. If you’re looking for things to do, here are 10 noteworthy ideas on the schedule for July 14–16.
Seventh Annual Performing Arts Festival
Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, noon–9 p.m.
Attention, dancers: Dance Matrix & Company will present their seventh annual Performing Arts Festival in Fredericksburg this weekend. Stop by to participate in hands-on workshops with professional dancers and watch live performances by local artists. 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, workshops free, $20 at the door for performances
Hanover Tomato Festival
July 14, 5–9 p.m. and July 15, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sweeten up your summer with a trip to Mechanicsville for the Hanover Tomato Festival. A variety of Virginia farms sell their homegrown produce, including tomatoes (of course), berries, jams, and pickles. Food vendors serve tomato-themed dishes, such as fried green tomatoes, caprese salad, and tomato basil sorbet. Aside from tomatoes, you can visit fine arts vendors and other booths for hands-on activities and crafts. Danny Kensy, who has toured with Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, performs on Saturday. Poll Green Park: 8996 Pole Green Park Ln., Mechanicsville, free
Doc Marten and the Flannels at Herndon Friday Night Live!
Friday, July 14, 6:30–10 p.m.
Looking to liven up your Friday night? Stop by Friday Night Live! for an exciting musical performance. The Town of Herndon hosts their outdoor concert series every week from May through August on the Town Green. This weekend’s headliner is Doc Marten and the Flannels, a ’90s tribute band from Baltimore. They promise a high-energy show with their signature grunge, rock, and party sounds. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Herndon Town Green: 777 Lynn St., Herndon, free
Vettes for Vets Car Show
Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Whether you already have a Corvette sitting in your garage or have always dreamed of one, the Vettes for Vets Car Show is the outing for you. This annual Corvette show, now in its third year, benefits the Willing Warriors. Peruse the Corvettes while enjoying food, live music, and vendors. People’s Choice, Warrior’s Choice, Founder’s Choice, and Pastor’s Choice awards will be presented to the standout cars around 1:30 p.m. Warrior Retreat at Bull Run: 16013 Waterfall Rd., Haymarket, $20 per car pre-registration or $25 on-site
Archeology Family Day at Mount Vernon
Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Get your hands dirty at this educational and family-friendly archeology event at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. You’ll have the opportunity to pick the brain of an archeologist, partake in an archaeology-themed movement program, and try hands-on activities like plotting objects on a dig grid. There are even take-home craft kits and broken-plate puzzles available to continue the fun at home. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $28 for adults, $15 for youth under 11, free for under 5
Port City Old Town Pub Crawl
July 15, 1:30-6 p.m.
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
Jungle Cruise at Reston Station
Saturday, July 15, 6:30–9 p.m.
Round up the whole family for a movie screening under the stars. This week’s installation in Reston Station’s Wild Summer movie series is Disney’s Jungle Cruise. The film stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt, whose characters embark on a dangerous journey inspired by the eponymous Disneyland theme park ride. 1900 Reston Metro Plaza Floor 10, Reston, free
Moroccan Heritage Festival
Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Celebrate Moroccan American heritage and culture in honor of the City of Alexandria’s newly appointed Morocco Day, July 15. This festival the following day will include an official proclamation and feature traditional Moroccan music, food, fine arts, and crafts. Market Square: 300 King St., Alexandria, free
1776
Through July 16
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
Flare by Charles Philipe Jean-Pierre
Tuesdays to Saturdays through October 15, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The ongoing series by the DC-based artist is on exhibit through mid-October. The multimedia pieces by Jean-Pierre showcase how memory, color, and light shape our imaginations and focus on synergy, and lack of, between perceptions and realities throughout society. Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art: 11850 Freedom Dr., Reston; free
Feature image by Joan Marcus
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
