As the last day of school draws near, it’s time to prepare for some summer fun. Make sure to add these Northern Virginia June festivals to your calendar.
Appalachian Trail Festival
June 5 and June 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Head to Hillsboro’s Old Stone School for a day of live music, an art show, kid’s activities, and food and drinks. Special guest Heather Anderson, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, will be making an appearance. Music groups include Rock Creek Revival, Melissa & The Mothmen, and the Short Hill Mountain Boys. 37098 Charles Town Pke., Hillsboro, free, $17.85 to meet Anderson
Saint Katherine’s Greek Festival
June 5 to June 7
Celebrate all things Greek at Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church. There will be authentic Greek dancing, live music, and homemade Greek food. The festival will be held rain or shine. 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, free
National Community Band Festival
June 6 to June 7, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The annual two-day festival is sponsored by the Fairfax Wind Symphony and George Mason University’s Dewberry Family School of Music. Participants include regional and visiting community bands, ensembles, and symphonies. 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $5 to $15
Alexandria Jazz Fest
June 12 to June 14
Enjoy three days of live music at the Alexandria Waterfront for the 48th annual ALX Jazz Fest. This year, the festival will expand as part of “Sails on the Potomac,” a weekend festival in celebration of America’s 250th. The weekend will include performances that highlight the city’s musical past, present, and future. 1A Prince St., Alexandria, free
Children’s Summer Reading Festival
June 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kick off Fairfax County Public Library’s summer reading program. The annual event encourages young readers to stay enthusiastic about reading over the summer. Find games, crafts, food trucks, face painting, a photo booth, bounce house, and more. 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, free, but if you pre-register via Eventbrite, a free festival tote is available while supplies last
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
June 13, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Columbia Pike Partnership and Arlington Arts are celebrating this 29th annual festival. It will feature Joslyn and The Sweet Compression as headliners. 2597 Columbia Pike, Arlington, free
Herndon Pride Fest at Arts Herndon
June 27
The third annual Herndon Pride Fest will return to Arts Herndon with a day of live music and theater, local vendors, activities, and a children’s arts space. The day promises to celebrate inclusion, community, and creativity during Pride Month. 750 Center St., Herndon, free
Manassas Bee Festival
June 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The nonprofit The Friends of the Manassas Bee Festival is hosting this event, which will be at Liberia House & Grounds. Expect food trucks, costumes, honey for sale, animals, and more. 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas City
Feature image courtesy Columbia Pike Partnership
