The days are long, the sun is shining, and it’s time to make this summer one to remember. For a jam-packed month of concerts, festivals, and summertime celebrations, check out these 15 July events happening in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.
Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
Celebrate the nation’s birthday with a spectacular fireworks show on the National Mall. The colorful, 35-minute display illuminates DC’s monuments and memorials. It begins at 9:09 p.m. National Mall: Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC, free
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
July 4
Watch daytime fireworks at George Washington’s home and see the National Concert Band perform at noon. The event ends with an 18th-century magic show. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, free for 5 and under; $13 for 6–11; $26 for 12+
Janet Jackson: Together Again Tour
July 12
This five-time Grammy Award–winning singer will rock DC, with rapper Nelly joining as special guest. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $39.95
Willie Nile
July 12
Touring across North America, this veteran rocker from New York has received high praise from Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Lucinda Williams. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $30–$45
Patty Griffin
July 12–13
This two-time Grammy Award–winning folk musician performs with guitarist David Pulkingham. Griffin’s distinct, wide-ranging canon features personal recordings over two decades. In 2023, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $65
Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room
July 13–January 31, 2027
Ruffled Feathers shows artist James McNeill Whistler’s formal and intimate portraits of London’s Leyland family. See how motifs from Asia inspired his designs. National Museum of Asian Art: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
July 16–17
This two-night show will transport your favorite 21st-century songs and artists back in time. Postmodern Jukebox takes today’s radio hits and reimagines them with the classic sounds of legendary singers like Frank Sinatra and The Andrews Sisters. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $89.50
Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
July 20
Spend a leisurely Saturday at Dillon’s Woods for this 11th annual event where you’ll taste various wines and bites to eat. The Darby Brothers, Juliana & The Agreeables, and the Chris Timbers Band will perform. Fireman’s Field: 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, $5–$10
Loudoun County Fair
July 23–27
From equestrian shows and pig races to magic shows and farm demonstrations, this five-day fair is sure to create memories with live music, rides, and carnival food. Loudoun County Fairgrounds: 17558 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, free for 5 and under; $5 for 6–12 ($15 weekly); $15 for 13+ ($40 weekly); parking $5
Back to the Future: The Musical
July 23–August 11
The story of Marty McFly comes alive as a Broadway musical. This time-traveling comedic adventure features original music and hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $49–$199
Andrew Dismukes
July 25–27
Expect to laugh as the Saturday Night Live comedian performs for three nights. The Emmy-nominated writer and stand-up comic’s show is for those 21 and older. Arlington Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pk., Arlington, $25–$35
Ghostbusters in Concert
July 26
“Who you gonna call?!” Experience this ’80s classic as the National Symphony Orchestra performs Elmer Bernstein’s score and Ray Parker Jr.’s hit song. The full movie will be projected onto screens in-house and on the lawn. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $38
Fredericksburg Tattoo Invitational
July 26–28
This event with more than 150 booths will showcase a wide range of tattoo styles and techniques from local and national talent. Fredericksburg Convention Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $15–$20 daily admission, $30–$35 for three-day pass
Beck
July 27
Alongside the National Symphony Orchestra, this eight-time Grammy Award–winner performs new arrangements of familiar favorites and seldom-heard songs. His experimental and lo-fi singer-songwriter style has produced an extensive catalog of gold and platinum records. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $49
Green Day: The Saviors Tour
July 29
The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas join the band for an evening of ’90s greats along with some newcomers. It’s been 30 years since the album Dookie came out and 20 years since American Idiot. Nationals Park: 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC, starting at $48
Feature image of Ghostbusters in Concert courtesy Wolf Trap
This story originally ran in our July issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
