County fairs, train shows, and concerts are among the fun events happening the weekend of August 16–18.
Alexandria Restaurant Week
August 16-25
Spend your weekend dining at some of the best restaurants in the city. Over 90 eateries will be participating in the Restaurant Week celebrations. Diners will be able to try seafood delicacies, juicy cheeseburgers, sweet cheesecakes, and more. Various locations
Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show
August 17–18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This miniature railroading show is an excellent place for hobbyists and newcomers alike to fall in love with the world of model trains. Ultra-realistic scale models of trains, cars, and buildings will be on display. Buy old trains and collectibles at this family-friendly event. Dulles Expo Center; 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, $10–$11, free for 11 and younger
Hootie & the Blowfish
August 17, 7 p.m.
Hootie & the Blowfish will perform at Jiffy Lube Live. Jam out to hits like “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Old Man & Me.” Opening acts include Atlanta-based rock band Collective Soul and singer-songwriter Edwin McCain. 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $35
Boyz II Men
August 17–18, 8 p.m.
Prepare for an evening of smooth harmonies and ’90s classics as Boyz II Men returns to the Wolf Trap. The Grammy Award–winning R&B trio, known for hits like “Motownphilly” and “On Bended Knee,” plays concerts on back-to-back nights, accompanied by the hip-hop and R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe. 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $45
Mosaic Live
August 17, 6 p.m.
Catch the last outdoor concert of Mosaic’s summer concert series at Strawberry Park. Attendees will hear performances from School of Rock Vienna students, as well as DC-native Latin pop rock group Ocho de Bastos. Grab the lawn chairs and cooler and soak up summer. Strawberry Park: 2910 District Ave., Fairfax, free
Foodways: Preservation
August 17, 9 a.m.–5p.m.
Have you ever wondered what George Washington used to eat? Make the drive to Mount Vernon this weekend to discover how food was prepared in the 18th century. Event highlights include coopering (barrel-making) and food preservation demonstrations, as well as tours of the slave quarters, smokehouse, and salt house. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $26 admission for 12 and older, $13 admission for 6–11, free for five and younger
Fairfax Comic Con
August 17–18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
It’s time to suit up and swing on over to the Fairfax Comic Con for two action-packed days of pop culture fun. Attendees will get the chance to meet and greet industry insiders and browse through over 150 booths featuring vendors, authors, artists, and celebrities. There will even be a cosplay contest, though be mindful to check the rules before getting in character. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, starting at $20, weekend passes for $32
Liz Longley
August 17, 6:30 p.m.
This Nashville-based singer-songwriter brings her country-tinged Americana sound to Jammin Java. Following the 2020 release of her first studio album, Funeral For My Past, Longley is back touring to promote the release of her upcoming EP It’s Me Again. Folk artist Sam Robbins, who auditioned for The Voice, will open. 227 Maple Ave E., Vienna, $22–$25
Future & Metro Boomin
August 17, 8 p.m.
Legendary rapper and hip-hop artist Future and renowned producer Metro Boomin are teaming up for the We Don’t Trust You tour, which takes over the Capital One Arena on Saturday. Experience the duo that transformed hip-hop music over the last decade and cemented the “Atlanta sound” into the cultural ethos. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $117
Fauquier Education Farm Watermelon Festival
August 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
From games and vendors to free watermelon samples, this festival has something for everyone. Funds raised support the farm’s education programs. Fauquier Education Farm: 8428 Meetze Rd., Warrenton, $10; $2 under 18
Leesburg Festival of Kites and Crafts
August 17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Spend Saturday making fun crafts and flying kites at Ida Lee Park. With more than 60 food and shop vendors and moon bounces for the kids, the entire family will love it. Live entertainment throughout the day. This event happens rain or shine. Ida Lee Park: 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, free
Tie Dye Date Festival
August 17, 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
Break out your wildest tie dye for a wacky day of entertainment at Shipgarten’s Tie Dye Date Festival. Bring your socks, shirts, or towels to tie dye during the event. This family-friendly and dog-friendly event has games like the three-legged race, Stein-to-Stein pour, and loud charades. Dogs must be leashed. Registration recommended. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free admission
Prince William County Fair
Through August 17
This weekend, the Prince William County Fair features monster trucks and a demolition derby. Don’t miss the rides, petting zoo, and pony rides. Prince William County FairGrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, $12–$20 online, $$15–$25 at the gate, free under 4, free 65+ on August 12
Bronco
August 18, 7 p.m.
The beloved Mexican supergroup takes the stage at the Eagle Bank Arena, playing classic grupero hits like “Dime Quién Es” and “Quién Dijo Yo?” Throw on your best 10-gallon hat and get ready to sing the night away as the band celebrates its 45th anniversary. Eagle Bank Arena; 4500 Patriot Cir, Fairfax, starting at $69
Arlington County Fair
Through August 18
From the traditional candy apple to the pie-eating contests, this fair is family-friendly fun. Check out Food Truck Alley, the Kids Court, and of course, the amusement rides. Sensory friendly hours are available August 17–18. Thomas Jefferson Community Center: 3501 Second St. S., Arlington, free, rides extra
Feature image courtesy Jammin Java
For more stories this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
