This August, culture comes alive throughout the DMV area. There are plenty of festivals, shopping opportunities, concerts, county fairs, and carnivals. Now is the time to go out and enjoy these 13 events happening this weekend.
One Loudoun Carnival
August 6–17
Experience all your favorite concessions, amusement rides, games, and prizes at the One Loudoun Carnival. Check out the 13 major fair rides including the Avalanche, Rock N’ Cars, and Zippea. One Loudoun Uptown: 44578 Atwater Dr., Ashburn, free admission, ride ticket prices vary
Otakon
August 8–10
Celebrate Asian pop culture this weekend at Otakon in DC. Fans will gather to dance to music, play video games, bond over anime or manga, shop, and cosplay their favorite characters. Walter E. Washington Convention Center: 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC, prices vary
Prince William County Fair
August 8–16
This nine-day event has countless family-friendly activities. From motocross races and demolition derbies to craft shows and live music, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy. The fair will also include its annual PWC Fair Pageant. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, adult day pass $20, child day pass $10, senior day pass $10
Arabian Cultural Market
August 9, 1:30–6:30 pm
Enjoy a family-friendly day filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Arabian Market. Appreciate Middle Eastern flavors and sweets, live crafting demonstrations, art exhibits, games, and music. This is your chance to explore, connect, and celebrate with the community. Vienna Community Center: 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, free
Strawberry Soiree
August 9, 6:30–10:30 pm
Spend an evening inspired by Mary Lincoln’s love for strawberries, elegance, and entertainment. The Strawberry Soiree is a garden party celebrating one of the First Lady’s favorite summer traditions. Enjoy live swing and jazz music under the trees, flower crowns, champagne, dancing, and garden games. President Lincoln’s Cottage: 140 Rock Creek Rd. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $75
Taste Leesburg
August 9, 5–10 p.m.
Sample the best of Loudoun County at Taste Leesburg, an evening filled with local food, drinks, artisans, vendors, and live entertainment. This annual event transforms the downtown area into a lively street festival. Market and King streets, Leesburg, free
Broccoli City Block Party
August 9, 2–10 p.m.
Show up for a day full of music, dancing, food trucks, curated vendors, and surprise pop-ups that’ll keep the energy high. The DJ lineup includes DJ Flow, King Flexxa, Bearded Drummer, DJ Bo, and DJ K-Meta. 1201 Half St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $45
BBQ & Bluegrass
August 9, 11–6 p.m.
Grab your banjo and your bibs because it is BBQ & Bluegrass time at Breaux Vineyards. Celebrate the 13th annual celebration of “American cookin’ and American music” by filling your belly with smoky, tangy barbeque. The event will include live music, local craft vendors, and food trucks. Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, free
Summer Water Lantern Festival
August 9–10, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Live out your Tangled fantasy by attending the Summer Water Lantern Festival this weekend. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch. National Harbor: 802 National Harbor Blvd., Oxon Hill, Maryland, starting at $30.99, free for kids under 8
Shipgarten Showdown
August 10, 6–9 p.m.
Put on your cowboy boots and join the Shipgarten Showdown to dance the night away. Whether you’ve been dancing for years or have two left feet, this night is for you as you’ll line dance, swing, and two step on the dance floor. Stop by and enjoy music, food, and drinks. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free
Salvadoran Festival
August 10
Come together to unite communities through culture, education, sports. Enjoy dishes from Central America, Mexico, and South America tasting a variety of different cultures. The festival includes music, singers, dancing, clowns, and other performers. Harris Pavilion: 9201 Center St., Manassas, free
Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Through August 10
Head to Old Town to find great deals on 31 boutiques, including 529 Kids Consign, Penny Post, and Friends to Lovers bookstore. You can knock out back-to-school shopping or find something special for yourself. Old Town Alexandria, free
Burnside Farms Summer of Sunflowers
Through August 10
This weekend is your last chance to visit Burnside Farms’ colorful fields of over 30 varieties of cutting sunflowers. Each ticket includes three sunflowers, unlimited hayrides, and access to the farm’s new playground. Additional sunflowers are $1.50 per stem. Burnside Farms: 11008 Kettle Run Rd., Nokesville, tickets starting at $15, ages 5 and under free
Feature image courtesy Taste Leesburg
