Summer has arrived! Get outside and make the most of the sunny weather with events in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Here are some of the best festivals, performances, and concerts to fill up the month of June.
Dr. Jill Biden — View from the East Wing
June 3, 7 p.m.
Hear from former first lady Jill Biden — the only first lady to continue a career outside the White House while her husband was in office — about her life, education, and advocacy. Tickets to the in-person talk include a signed copy of her new memoir, View from the East Wing. Virtual passes are also available. Sixth & I, Washington, DC, $20 virtual, $69 in-person
National Gallery Block Party
June 6
Celebrate art and community at this lively bash hosted by the National Gallery of Art. Guests can enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and after-hours access to exhibitions. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, free
Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show
June 6–7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The town of Occoquan comes alive with nearly 300 artisan vendors and river views. Visitors can get their fill of recycled crafts and live music while learning about wildlife and water conservation. Downtown Occoquan, free
The Beach Boys
June 7, 3 p.m.
Spend a summer afternoon with The Beach Boys. Led by Mike Love, the iconic group brings decades of surf rock hits — from “Surfin’ USA” to “Fun, Fun, Fun” — to the Filene Center. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $66+
Songwriters Celebrate John Prine
June 9, 7:30 p.m.
An all-star lineup gathers to honor the legacy of John Prine. Featuring artists like Emmylou Harris and Margo Price, this tribute concert celebrates Prine’s lasting influence on American music. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $71+
DC/DOX Film Festival
June 11–14
Join industry leaders, journalists, and film enthusiasts in exploring nonfiction cinema at this annual film festival. The event also features panels, masterclasses, and workshops focused on the process of documentary filmmaking. Multiple venues, Washington, DC, prices vary
Sails on The Potomac/ALX Jazz Fest
June 12–14, noon–6 p.m.
Part of the Sails on the Potomac festival, the 48th annual ALX Jazz Fest features live performances, ship tours, and family-friendly activities. Get a peek at the tall ships Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana. Listen to Americana roots, jazz, and spoken word, and end with an evening of fireworks over the Potomac. Waterfront Park, Alexandria, free
Capital Pride
June 12–21
Take part in the region’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration during this week-long festival. This year’s theme is “EXIST. RESIST. Have the Audacity!” Visitors can enjoy a rooftop party, parade, and festival. Multiple locations, Washington, DC, prices vary
Cajun Fest
June 13, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Head over to Breaux Vineyards for a spirited day of Cajun culture. You’ll find New Orleans Zydeco music, Cajun-themed food trucks, and craft vendors. Tickets include a souvenir glass and Cajun beads. Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville, $20
MidSummer Book Fair
June 13, noon–4 p.m.
Book lovers can stock up on summer reads at this seasonal sale. Browse titles from Birch Tree Books & Plants, meet local authors, and sip on summer wine. Bleu Frog Vineyards, Leesburg, free
Orville Peck
June 14, 7 p.m.
Masked country outlaw Orville Peck makes his Wolf Trap debut with a genre-blending performance. Expect songs from his latest album, Appaloosa, alongside fan favorites. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $51+
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
June 17–July 5
The dazzling Broadway musical lands at The Kennedy Center. Immerse yourself in the world of glitz and glamour with this story, following a young composer who falls in love with a cabaret star. The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, $56+
From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage
June 18, 2026–2029
More than 600 specimens and cultural items from all 50 states, DC, and five U.S. territories will be on display at this exhibit celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, free
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteeth
June 19–20, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
This Juneteenth event at George Washington’s Mount Vernon honors and celebrates enslaved people who sought freedom. See demonstrations, performances, tours, and live music. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, $16+
Broadway in the Park
June 20, 8 p.m.
Show tunes take center stage during this crowd-pleasing night of musical theater. Featuring Tituss Burgess and Heather Headley, alongside performers from Signature Theatre, this is bound to be a sing-along-worthy evening. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $49+
Great American State Fair
June 25–July 10
Experience summer fun at the “biggest and boldest state fair in the country.” Try classic foods from different states — including Maine lobster rolls and Texas-sized steaks. National Mall, Washington, DC, free
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
Opens June 26
Be among the first to visit the new National Geographic Museum and see exhibits and immersive experiences that reveal the wildlife, landscapes, communities, and cultures that make up our world. Also check out the magazine gallery, interactive courtyard, and archives. National Geographic Museum of Exploration, Washington, DC, $29
Independence Day Parade
June 27, 11 a.m.
Begin your celebration of Independence Day early at this family-friendly Purcellville parade. The town’s parade float contest offers awards for Best Presentation of Theme, Most Unique, and Best Overall. Purcellville, free
34th Annual BBQ Battle
June 27–28
Sample food from the country’s best pitmasters at this annual barbecue battle. The two-day event features live music, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations and competitions, and various vendors. Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets, Washington, DC, $21+
Feature image of ALX Jazz Fest by Devin Eutsy
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
