With the solstice on June 20, summer has officially begun. The weekend of June 21–23 offers a variety of fun events to kick off your summer including a barbecue battle and solstice celebrations.
With the weekend expected to be very hot, it is possible that some events will be canceled.
Editor’s note: Saturday’s festivities for Portside in Old Town Summer Festival have been canceled due to extreme heat.
Portside in Old Town Summer Festival (Canceled)
June 21, 6–9 p.m. and June 22, 1–8 p.m.
Relish the summer season with live jazz, beer, poetry readings, and family entertainment. In honor of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary, Port City Brewing Company will serve an India Pale Ale called ALX275, brewed with 275 pounds of hops. Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria, free
Ben Platt
June 23, 8 p.m.
Don’t miss the Dear Evan Hansen star for a night of soaring vocals. He’s just released his album Honeymind. Alongside him, recent Grammy Award–winner Brandy Clark will captivate with her Americana tunes. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $45
4th Annual Manassas Bee Festival
June 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bring the whole family to this festival, which raises awareness to save the bee population. There will be a costume parade, food trucks, a bluegrass band, and farm animals. Learn about native plants and pollinators. Manassas is the first city in Northern Virginia to receive a Bee City USA designation. Liberia House and Grounds: 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas
Founders Row Young Explorers Kids Club
June 22, 10 a.m.–noon
Enjoy a day filled with fun at the Founders Row Young Explorers Club. There are three dates this summer with different themes, and June’s activity is focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Expect interactive games and activities, a splash pad, and the chance for children to learn about nature, science, and history. Founders Row: 109 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Summer Solstice Feast in the Field
June 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Embark on a culinary adventure and celebrate the summer solstice at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s Biocultural Conservation Farm. Light snacks and drinks will be served during a stroll through the garden. During cocktail hour, guests can sip on a signature cocktail and participate in a silent auction. A family-style dinner highlighting the various summer crops grown at the farm follows. The Fly Birds, an award-winning alternative bluegrass group from Winchester, will provide live music. 8614 Mill Reed Rd., Upperville, $225
Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
June 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural experience. Taste authentic Thai dishes, including pad thai, som tum, and mango sticky rice. Performances include traditional Thai music, Thai boxing, and dancing. Peruse Thai crafts and artistry at the marketplace. The Manassas Museum: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
Movie on the Pitch
June 21, gates open 6 p.m., showtime 7 p.m.
Loudon United hosts a free movie night on the pitch for all to enjoy. This week’s movie is the beloved family film Zootopia Food and drinks are available for purchase at the stadium. No tickets are required for entry, but the venue recommends RSVPing. Segra Field: 42095 Loudon United Dr., Leesburg, free
Out & About Festival
June 22, 3 p.m.
Enjoy a celebration of LGBTQ+ talent and allies at this Wolf Trap music festival. Three stages of musical acts will include headlining Grammy-winning artist Brittany Howard and indie sensation Jenny Lewis. The Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods will feature a performance by Laura Doherty & The Heartbeats for a separate entry ticket. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, starting at $49
Reggae Festival
June 22, 1–6 p.m.
Groove to the Jamaican genre at this festival filled with live music and fun activities like a three-legged race and a hula hoop competition. There will also be food vendors, more than 40 beer and cider samples from local breweries, and face painting for the kids. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., free
32nd Annual Barbecue Battle
June 22, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and June 23, 11 a.m. –7 p.m.
The Giant Annual Barbecue Battle is returning to the region for its 32nd year. Over 100 free food, drink, and product samples will be available to try. Live music will be played on multiple stages, with artists EU and The Chuck Brown Band making appearances. Interactive cooking demos are offered with chefs Spike Mendelsohn and Shanel on Saturday and Smokecraft Barbecue on Sunday. Keep an eye out for appearances by big-name food labels, including Kraft, Heinz, and even the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile — and don’t miss Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest! Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $20
Feature image courtesy Giant Barbecue Battle
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