This Friday marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the meteorological start to summer. Ready to celebrate? This upcoming weekend is filled with summer solstice celebrations, festivals, sports events, and Juneteenth activities. Here are some of the best weekend events to visit around Northern Virginia.
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth
June 19-21
Visit Mount Vernon this weekend to learn more about the history behind Juneteenth and what emancipation meant to 18th-century Virginia. Mount Vernon is offering a variety of family friendly activities over the three-day event, including music and character performances, an Enslaved People of Mount Vernon specialty tour, and spinning, cooking, and blacksmithing demonstrations. Mount Vernon will unveil a new exhibit, Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit, about the lives of enslaved people at the estate, on June 19. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $26 for adults, $15 for kids 6–11, kids under 5 free
Play All Day VA
June 20
Celebrate the longest day of the year at Play All Day VA throughout Virginia. Counties across the state invite people to celebrate the day by participating in family-friendly events in Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax County. Play All Day VA will include food, drinks, art exhibits, and summer concerts. Locations vary, free with registration recommended
Line Dancing at The Winery at Bull Run
June 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Put on your cowboy boots and make your way to the dance floor this weekend at The Winery at Bull Run for line dancing. Boots and experience are not required for line dancing lessons in country, hip hop, and pop in the main tasting room. 15950 Route 29, Centreville, free
Seán Heely Summer Solstice Concert
June 20, 7:30 p.m.
Award-winning Gaelic singer, fiddler, harpist, and composer Seán Heely will be perform to celebrate the summer solstice at the Creative Cauldron. 127 E Broad St. Falls Church, tickets start at $30, virtual tickets start at $15
Manassas Bee Festival
June 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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
Solstice Saturday
June 21
Stay up for the first Saturday of summer at the Smithsonian’s Solstice Saturday celebrations. To mark the summer solstice, museums at the National Mall will be offering free events throughout the day and night with extended hours. The Smithsonian will be offering multiple special events at certain museums including Asia After Dark, Sally’s Night, and The National Museum of African Art. Multiple area locations, free
Damn Right Encore Tour
June 21, 7:30 p.m.
Buddy Guy, a six-time Grammy Award–winning singer and guitarist, is taking the stage at Wolf Trap for his Damn Right Encore Tour. Guy is known for American blues, blistering vocals, and electrifying guitar riffs. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $51.50
Family Fun Entertainment Series: Groovy Nate
June 21, 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.
Join the high energy fun event in Reston for clowns, magicians, live music, and interactive games. This family-friendly event is perfect for kids to burn some energy and bring their best dance moves. 11900 Market St., Reston, free
The Village at Shirlington Yacht Party
June 21, 5–7 p.m.
Kick off the summer right at Village at Shirlington Yacht Party. Wear your best florals, linens, and boat shoes, and join the exciting evening featuring live music, exclusive specials from their restaurants, and retailers. It’s the perfect activity to sip, stroll, and shop while enjoying the beginning of the summer with friends, family, and neighbors. 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington, free
33rd Annual Barbecue Battle
June 21–22, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Pitmasters from across the country will showcase their skills at this quintessential summer event all weekend. Expect more than 100 free food samples, 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
Philippine Independence Festival
June 21–22, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
This Mosaic District festival celebrates Philippine Independence Day, which is observed this year on June 12. The festival will have two stages of entertainment, food vendors with Filipino food, arts and crafts, and karaoke. District Avenue, Fairfax, free
WNBA Game: Washington Mystics vs Dallas Wings
June 22, 3 p.m.
Watch the WNBA Washington Mystics play against the Dallas Wings on Sunday. The Mystics are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with four wins and seven losses. CareFirst Arena: 1100 Oak Dr. SE, Washington, DC, tickets start at $88
Dog Days of Summer
June 22, 3–7 p.m.
Enjoy the “paw-ty” for dogs and their owners at Caboose Commons. The event will include homemade dog treats, mobile grooming, and local vendors. Caboose Brewing Company: 2918 Eskridge Rd., Fairfax, free
Red Bull Salzburg vs Al Hilal at Audi Field
June 22, 6–8 p.m.
End the weekend off strong with a soccer match event at Audi Field for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) will go head-to-head in an intense game, competing to move on to the next stage in the World Cup. These are two of three games featured at Audi Field. Audi Field: 100 Potomac Ave. SW, Washington, DC, tickets start at $48.90
Feature image courtesy Manassas Bee Festival/Facebook
