Now that summer is winding down, it’s time to finish those items you have on your bucket list. Get that one last dip in the pool, pint of beer, and round of golf before the hectic fall season settles in. Need more ideas? Here you go.
Celebrate National Golf Month
Did you know August is National Golf Month? Burke Lake, Jefferson, Oak Marr, and Pinecrest Golf Courses are offering an August special: Buy one adult, nine-hole round and get one free for your child or teen ages 5–17. The offer is available weekdays all day and weekends after 1 p.m. Fairfax County, various golf courses
Enjoy DC Restaurant Week
Just as summer winds down, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts its annual Summer Restaurant Week from August 28 through September 3. Lunches will be $25, and dinners will be either $40 or $55. Restaurants in NoVA, DC, and suburban Maryland
Grab a Brew Along the LoCo Ale Trail
August is Virginia Craft Beer Month. Good thing Loudoun County is one of the liveliest craft beer destinations in the U.S. The county has more than 30 breweries, most of which are part of the LoCo Ale Trail. Enjoy tasting rooms on farms, mountaintops, historic downtowns, and more. Loudoun County, various locations
Visit the Lego Discovery Center
The new Lego Discovery Center opens August 10 in the Springfield Town Center. With 12 zones, kids can choose to check out places like the Hero Zone and test their agility in the laser maze or cross a climbing wall. Creative kids can get inspired by different Lego magazines or make their own mosaics and portraits. 6563 Springfield Town Center, Ste. 12004, Springfield
Head to a Fair
Nothing says summer like visiting a fair. Nearby fairs include the Fairfax 4-H Fair and Carnival, which runs through August 6, and the Prince William County Fair that starts August 11. If you want to travel, try the Carroll County Fair or the Highland County Fair. Various locations
Go Bowling
Before summer fades, visit Penny Lanes Bowling for a Kids Summer Fun pass, which consists of one game of bowling, a shoe rental, and $15 in arcade game play. Penny Lanes Bowling is part of an all-in-one location with dining, a movie theater, gaming, and a bowling alley. 51 Towne Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg
Check Out Super Smash Con
Dulles Expo Center hosts the ultimate Nintendo fan experience and biggest Smash Bros. event in the world. August 10–13, enjoy music and live competition. 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly
Shop for Back-to-School Clothes
Over 40 boutiques will participate in the 14th annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale on August 12. There will also be pop-up live music performances along King Street. Alexandria
Catch Cyrano de Bergerac
Synetic Theater’s comedic performance of the timeless play will take audiences on a romantic adventure with elements of loyalty and sacrifice intertwined. The show closes August 13 with performances every day except August 7 and August 8. 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
Enjoy a Late Summer Concert at Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap’s August and early September lineup is full of great acts like Regina Spektor, Jason Mraz, Diana Krall, John Fogerty, Jethro Tull, and Sting.1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
Celebrate Women’s Equality Day
What better way to celebrate Women’s Equality Day on August 26 than to go to the Lucy Burns Museum? The museum is partnering with Fairfax County Public Library to celebrate with author Laura Kumin. Kumin will discuss her book All Stirred Up: Suffrage Cookbooks, Food, and the Battle for Women’s Right to Vote. 9518 Workhouse Wy., Lorton
See Circus Vazquez at Potomac Mills
Enjoy the wonder and sparkle of the circus with jugglers, acrobats, clowns, and other performers. The Circus Vazquez will be at Potomac Mills August 4–21. 2700 Potomac Mill Cir., Woodbridge, $30–$80
Cool Down at One of NoVA’s Water Parks
Get that last grasp of summer fun in at one of NoVA’s water parks. Highlights include Atlantis Waterpark’s giant 500-gallon dumping bucket and Ocean Dunes Waterpark’s water slides, waterfalls, and squirters. Various locations
Go Peach Picking
There’s nothing like biting into a juicy peach during the dog days of summer. Take the family to pick some peaches or go to a peach festival.
Don’t Miss the Night Sky Festival
Enjoy Shenandoah National Park at night for a three-day festival August 11–13. There will be stargazing, ranger talks, kids’ activities, and guest presentations. 3655 U.S. Highway 211 E., Luray
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week
National Farmers Market Week is August 6–12. Luckily, the area has dozens of market options. Don’t miss perfect end-of-summer fruits and vegetables in peak season. Various locations
Have Fun at Taste of Leesburg
Eat and drink at the fifth annual Taste of Leesburg from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 12. Highlights include Kyuri Su, a cucumber and onion salad from Keko Kitchen, and popsicles in raspberry lime and chocolate sea salt from King of Pops Chantilly. Enjoy live entertainment and shopping. Downtown Leesburg, $45–$55
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