Kick off the summer season with a calendar full of can’t-miss musical, concerts, and festivals for every interest. Here are the best June events to check out this month.
June 1
Chicago: The Musical
The longest-running American musical in Broadway history is back in town. Set in the 1920s, the Tony Award–winning story follows Roxie Hart as she hopes to avoid conviction with the help of a criminal lawyer after murdering her lover. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $58.50
June 4–8
Birmingham Royal Ballet: Black Sabbath – The Ballet
Heavy metal and ballet collide in this headbanging performance. Dancers will perform to Black Sabbath tracks like “Paranoid” and “Iron Man,” as well as new works that take inspiration from the band. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $59–$169
June 7
Manassas Railway Festival
Celebrate Manassas’ rich railroad history at this family-friendly festival featuring train memorabilia, model train displays, and specialty vendors. You can even experience rail travel on a scenic train ride from Manassas to Clifton and back on the Virginia Railway Express. Manassas Railroad Depot: 9431 West St., Manassas, $8 with train ticket, free without
June 7
Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe Race
There’s a race for everyone in the family at this annual event. Compete in up to four races in categories including canoes and kayaks, ranging from expert to beginner levels. There will be two, 5-mile downriver races and a 1-mile sprint race. Old Mill Park: 2201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, $25–$55
June 7
WorldPride Parade
This tradition celebrates the history and evolution of the LGBTQ+ community in DC. There will be a range of floats and organizations on the parade route from 1 to 8 p.m. Plus, don’t miss the street festival on Pennsylvania Avenue with vendors, food, and music. 14th and T streets NW, Washington, DC, free
June 7
Taste of Springfield
This food festival, now in its eighth year, features local restaurants, exhibitors, and live entertainment including DJs, bands, and youth entertainers. Plus a chance to win prizes. Springfield Town Center: 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, free
June 8, 10
Happy Together Tour
This package tour is back for its 16th year, with acts including The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, and Gary Puckett. The show will be jam-packed with hits from the ’60s and ’70s. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $109.50
June 12–15
DC/DOX Documentary Film Festival
For four days, documentary films will be on display throughout Washington, DC, for this annual film festival. Films this year include The Alabama Solution about incarcerated activists in Alabama and Steal This Story, Please! about the importance of independent journalism. Locations vary, single tickets $15, all-access passes starting at $200
June 14
Puerto Rican Festival
Show your love for Puerto Rican heritage at this annual event overflowing with great energy. Indulge in authentic cuisine, traditional dances, and vibrant costumes for a taste of Puerto Rican culture. Harris Pavilion: 9201 Center St., Manassas, free
June 14
Cajun Fest
Bringing the Louisiana heat to Northern Virginia, join the Breaux ‘krewe’ at this family-friendly event featuring jazz music, Cajun food, craft vendors and, of course, wine. Tickets come with a souvenir glass and beads. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, $20 for adults, $10 for kids
June 14
Erykah Badu
The five-time Grammy-winning R&B artist brings her soulful chart-topping classics like “Love of My Life” and “Tyrone” to Wolf Trap. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $59
June 14
Fairfax Juneteenth Celebration
On this day in 1865, the enslaved people near Galveston, Texas, first learned they were free, thus making this a landmark date in American history. Join Fairfax County on National Independence Day and partake in the many activities planned for this special celebration. Old Town Square: 10415 North St., Fairfax, free
June 18
James Blunt
The singer-songwriter will perform his 2005 album Back to Bedlam, known for the nostalgic hit “You’re Beautiful,” in its entirety. Fans will also hear hits from his career, alongside unreleased songs Blunt wrote during “the Bedlam era.” Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $57
June 19
Tower of Power
The Oakland R&B horn section and band is celebrating 57 years of funk and soul with a 2025 U.S. tour. Head back in time with classics such as “So Very Hard to Go” and “You’re Still a Young Man.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $89.50
June 21
Manassas Bee Festival
Bring your friends and family to a 19th-century historic property near downtown Manassas for a buzzworthy day. This event offers plenty of activities, including a costume parade, bluegrass band, a mead and beer garden (featuring special brews made with local honey), food trucks, and farm animals. Liberia House & Grounds: 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas, free
June 21–22
33rd Annual Barbecue Battle
Pitmasters from across the country will showcase their skills at this quintessential summer event. Expect more than 100 free food samples, a Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest, and music on three stages. Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Third Street to Seventh Street, Washington, DC, $20–$60
June 28
Alexandria Pride Fair
The eighth annual Pride Month celebration will feature more than 60 exhibitors, a drag story hour, food trucks, a mobile art lab, health services, and more. City Hall & Market Square: 301 King St., Alexandria, free
June 29
The Roots
After selling out last year’s show, the legendary hip-hop band, led by Questlove and Black Thought, is back by popular demand. The house band of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon brings an electrifying fusion of soul, jazz, and hip-hop. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $52
Feature image of Birmingham Royal Ballet: Black Sabbath – The Ballet courtesy The Kennedy Center, photo by Johan Persson
This story originally ran in our June Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
