There are plenty of fun summer activities in Northern Virginia on the weekend of August 9–11, from jamming out to pop and rock tunes to eating watermelon and seafood. And, there’s a carnival and sidewalk sale where you will be able to pick up some deals.
One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown
Through August 18, hours vary
Bring the whole family for a day of rides, games, prizes, and carnival food at One Loudoun. Get your adrenaline rush on the Raptor and Zipper roller coasters or take a casual spin on the Gondola Ferris Wheel. From arcade games to funnel cakes, this carnival has it all. Purchase ride tickets online or at the carnival. One Loudoun: 20626 Easthampton Plz., Ashburn, free
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
August 9–10, 8 p.m.
In a tribute to one of the most famous rock bands of all time, this show will highlight Fleetwood Mac’s classic discography and has been personally endorsed by Mick Fleetwood. Broadway at The National: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $55
70th Anniversary Ice Cream Social
August 9, 1–2:30 p.m.
Beat the summer heat with delicious ice cream to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Arlington’s 55+ Program at Aurora Hills. PhEd-Up With Phriends performs live acoustic music featuring classic pop, folk, and blues tunes. Must have a 55+ membership. Aurora Hills Recreation Center: 735 18th St. S., Arlington, free
BBQ & Bluegrass
August 10, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
At this 13th annual celebration of American Cookin’ and American Music, taste smoky barbeque and Breaux wines while jamming out to bluegrass bands Shade Tree Collective and Short Hill Mountain Boys. Craft vendors and food trucks will be there. Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, free admission
Crab Feast at Aslin Herndon
August 10, 1–4 p.m.
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat crab feast with food from Tony & Chrissy Crab Grub. Eat crabs, beer, and corn during this relaxing afternoon. If your kids don’t like crabs, they can choose food from the regular menu. Aslin Beer Co.: 767 Elden St., Herndon, $75; $25 for under 12
Earthly Delights Artist Reception
August 10, 6–8 p.m.
Birds, insects, greenery, and skies galore. Artists Sandra McClelland-Lewin and Bettie Sperty showcase their vibrant compositions at an artist reception for ARTFactory’s Earthly Delights exhibition, on display until September 14. View acrylic paintings and Trompe-l’œil optical illusions while meeting the artists and enjoying light refreshments. ARTFactory: 9419 Battle St., Manassas, free
15th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale
August 10
Shop at over 60 independent boutiques at this sidewalk sale. As one of the longest-running seasonal summer shopping events in the DC region, storefronts along King Street and throughout Old Town Alexandria offer discounted summer merchandise. Visit Boxwood, Old Town Books, Ten Thousand Villages, and more, along with six pop-up art markets. The sale will happen rain or shine. Old Town Alexandria: King St., Alexandria, free
Slush & Splash Watermelon Bash
August 10, noon–8 p.m.
For all things watermelon, visit Eden Try Winery for a refreshing day of summer fun. The event features a watermelon carving contest, a dragon sprinkler, watermelon-themed drinks, and Squeeze Ems Food Truck. Hard to Tell provides live music from 5–8 p.m. Eden Try Winery: 6818 River Rd., Fredericksburg, free
Swiftie Night: A Taylor Swift Dance Party
August 10, 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m.
Arrive Bejeweled in your favorite era and sing along to some Taylor Swift hits for a not-so Cruel Summer. Try specialty era-inspired cocktails and enter a Taylor Swift lookalike contest to win Shipgarten gift cards. This event is 21+. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
August 11, 8 p.m.
“Mamma Mia!” Have the time of your life at this ABBA performance by the world’s top ABBA tribute group. Expect to hear iconic hits including “S.O.S.,” “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” and more. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $42
Cousins Maine Lobster & Wine
August 11, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
As seen on Shark Tank, the Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck will serve up tasty seafood at Potomac Point Winery. Try lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster tacos, lobster quesadillas, and more. Pair your lobster meal with a glass of chardonnay, petit manseng, or viognier. Reservations are encouraged. Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard: 275 Decatur Rd., Stafford, free
Soft Power
Through September 15, times vary
Tony Award winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori join forces for a political musical satire featuring “a faceoff between Chinese and American exceptionalism.” Bring your friend who works in politics. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, starting at $53
Feature image courtesy One Loudoun
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