Food events galore grace the calendar the weekend of August 11–13, along with convention center–sized excitement and concerts. Check out these can’t-miss NoVA events.
Kirsten Larson Book Reading and Signing
Friday, August 11, 11 a.m.–noon
Are your kids curious about STEM? Join Kirsten Larson, former NASA employee-turned-children’s book author, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for story time featuring her latest release, The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of. The picture book, illustrated by Katherine Roy, lyrically tells the tale of astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free, $15 parking
Cannolipalooza Pop-Up
Saturday, August 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Stop by Bisnonna Bakeshop for its last pop-up event of the summer, Cannolipalooza. The artisan bakery will serve 20 cannoli flavors, plus cookies and pastries. Creative flavors include limoncello and black sesame. Twelve Twenty Coffee will be served. 10782–D Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, price varies by item
Peach Fuzztival
August 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate peak peach season at Great Country Farms. Start off the day with a pastry breakfast at Knead It Bakery before peach-picking. Other activities include a peach pie-eating contest, peach pit-spitting contest, water balloon toss, and live music. For peachy refreshments enjoy Bluemont Vineyard’s peach wine slushies, peach wine, and peachy food specials, as well as Dirt Farm Brewing’s Som’ Peach Golden Ale, brewed with 800 pounds of peaches. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $14 for adults, $12 for children, free for kids two and under and Fan of the Farm Club Members
Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, August 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Shoppers won’t want to miss the 14th Annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale. Over 40 local boutiques will step out to the sidewalks of Old Town to showcase exceptional deals. There will be live music pop-ups along King Street for added ambiance. Old Town Alexandria, free
Black Business Expo and Food Truck Festival
Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Shop over 100 Black owned businesses and feast on the food truck cuisine of your dreams at this event coming to the Fredericksburg Expo & Convention Center. The business expo and food truck festival are part of a larger weekend of events for Black business owners in the DMV, the Fourth Annual Virginia Black Business Expo & Conference. Register for this event and others. 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $10, free for kids 10 and under
TASTE Leesburg
August 12, 5–10 p.m.
Explore the flavors of Leesburg from restaurants and food trucks. In addition to food that you buy from the vendors, you can purchase a wristband online for unlimited sips of fan-favorite beers, wine, cider, and mead. There will be over 65 vendors. As you dine and drink, shop at retail booths and enjoy an evening of live music and street performances. Market and King streets, Leesburg, free admission, $45–$55 for drink tickets, food extra
Pentatonix & Lauren Alaina
Saturday, August 12, 8 p.m.
A cappella fans are in for a treat at this concert headlined by reality competition show The Sing-Off winner Pentatonix. The vocal group is best known for Christmas music, but its discography contains a multitude of other powerful original songs and pop covers. Country singer and American Idol alum Lauren Alaina joins the group at Jiffy Lube Live. 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, tickets start at $32
VietFest
Saturday, August 12 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday, August 13, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
This annual Vietnamese heritage festival, which claims to be the largest on the East Coast, is a two-day outdoor celebration of Vietnamese culture. Festivities will include a lion dance, a fashion show of traditional áo dài, musical and dance performances, and crawfish and pho eating contests. This is the 10th year of the event, which is hosted by the National Organization for Vietnamese American Leadership of Greater Washington, DC. The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center: 7901 Tysons One Pl., Tysons
Popsicle Hike
Sunday, August 13, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Bring the kids to this sweet summer hike at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. The August Popsicle Hike is a guided 1- to 2-mile walk in the woods with icy treats provided along the way. Participants can expect to see Goose Creek and Banshee Reeks’ Lookout Rock. 20185 The Woods Rd., Leesburg, free
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
August 13
Turn into a dancing queen and enjoy a night of iconic tracks performed by an ABBA tribute group. Sing along to hits like “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo” as the Filene Center transforms into a 1970s dance floor. 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $39
Bebel Gilberto
August 13
American-Brazilian singer Bebel Gilberto takes the stage to promote her latest album João, an ode to her late father, the Grammy Award–winning João Gilberto. Bebel, a four-time Grammy nominee, is known for her Bossa Nova style, which blends Brazilian rhythms with American jazz influences. With a personal collection of songs, Bebel is sure to bring an evening of memorable music. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $49.50
Super Smash Con
Through Sunday, August 13, times vary
Let’s-a-go to the ultimate Nintendo event at Dulles Expo Center. The convention lets gamers play various games and watch tournaments, panels, and presentations. Other attractions include larger-than-life controllers and a guided tour through gaming history. 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Dr., Chantilly, $19–$39 for a one-day pass, free for 7 and under
Feature image courtesy TASTE Leesburg
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