1) The latest iteration of the enduringly popular French Canadian circus, Cirque du Soleil, is back in Northern Virginia this summer, bringing its usual (yet unusual) cast of characters. From the bold patterns of the costumes to the agile stylings of the performers, Cirque du Soleil’s Volta promises an inspired circus performance, reflecting a tale of modern society. Watch as game show contestant Waz embarks on a journey to rediscover his individuality in a world full of people who stick to the norm. As he travels through an urban world reliant on technology, Waz finds freedom in the individualists he meets along the way. Inspired by the whimsical culture of street sports, each scene is different than the next, featuring stunts like hand-to-hand acrobatics, a BMX performance and aerial artistry. The vibrant show, written and directed by Canadian-born Bastien Alexandre, who has been collaborating with Cirque du Soleil for about 18 years, is accompanied by a playful, electronic score composed by famed-musician Anthony Gonzalez of the group M83. Whether it’s the music or the physical feats that attract you to the big top, Volta’s over-the-top artistry is a must for fans of the Cirque tradition. // July 26-Sept. 29; times vary; Tysons II: 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons; tickets from $49
2) As we’ve come to expect, Wolf Trap continues to bring some of the biggest talent in the world to the Northern Virginia area. Sting, nearing the end of an impressive international tour, will be performing in the Filene Center for an intimate night of epic music. // Aug. 26-28; 8 p.m.; Filene Center: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; from $55
3) Relive the pandemonium of experiencing The Beatles at their height of fame with 1964 The Tribute. As they have for over 30 years, 1964 The Tribute has continued to preserve the legacy of The Beatles by re-creating everything that made the band one of the most influential groups in history. // Aug. 4; 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $35
4) Pick up your clubs for the right cause! The World’s Largest Golf Outing at Pohick Bay, benefiting the Fisher House Foundation, is the largest charitable golf event held on one day. Spend an August morning on the green helping military families and veterans across the country. // Aug. 5; 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Pohick Bay Golf Course: 10301 Gunston Road, Lorton; $57
5) Chantilly’s Dulles Expo Center hosts Super Smash Con and the largest Super Smash Bros. tournament in the world. Attendees can participate in everything from panels and trivia to retro games, live music and esports. Also, swing by the marketplace for an assortment of Super Smash goods. // Aug. 8-11; times vary; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Center, Chantilly; from $19
6) One of the oldest summer shopping events in the region returns for its 10th year in Alexandria. At the Summer Sidewalk Sale, over 50 participating boutiques in the area will be offering incredible discounts on amazing products.Look for the bright yellow balloons indicating participating establishments. Find a wide selection of goods while strolling through Old Town and Del Rey. // Aug. 10-11; times vary; Old Town and Del Rey, Alexandria; free
7) Celebrate the community of Reston at Lake Anne’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Competitors will have the chance to expertly fashion a boat made entirely out of cardboard and race for the glory while supporting the Reston Historic Trust & Museum. // Aug. 10; noon-6 p.m.; Lake Anne Plaza: 1639 Washington Plaza, Reston; prices vary
8) Enjoy the best of everything that Leesburg has to offer at Taste Leesburg. Local eateries, breweries and wineries will be serving participants delicious bites and beverages in the heart of downtown Leesburg. // August 10; 5-10 p.m.; Historic Downtown, Leesburg; free admission, $35-$45 unlimited drink ticket.
9) Waterfront Park in Alexandria will play host to the 2019 Ballyshaners Irish Festival. Spend an evening enjoying Irish entertainment, live Irish tunes and a delectable array of food and drink. // Aug. 24; 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Waterfront Park: 1A Prince St., Alexandria; free
10) Immerse yourself in the work of over 20 artists from all over the country that have contributed to the group exhibit Habitats at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center. See how these artists uniquely interpret the relationship between humans and their surrounding environment at the Target Gallery. // Aug. 9-Sept. 22; times vary; Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; free
11) Calling all LEGO-obsessed children (and grown-ups) in Northern Virginia! Dulles Expo Center will be displaying a massive assortment of all things LEGO at Brickfair. During this event, the expo center will be filled with LEGO games, unique LEGO sets and some of the most amazing LEGO creations in existence. // Aug. 3-4; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Center, Chantilly; $10-$15
12) Celebrate National Peach Month at Great Country Farms by indulging in every peach creation possible. After picking a few at the farm, enjoy peach pie, peach slushies, peach ice cream, peach bread, peach pizza and much more during the annual Peach Daze Fuzztival. // Aug. 3-4 & 10-11; 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; $10-$12
13) Adam Ferrara brings his incredible acting and stand-up resume to Arlington for a night of live comedy and improv. Come enjoy the comedic stylings of Ferrara at the unique Art Deco theater. // Aug. 16-17; times vary; Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington; $20
14) Spend a summer night at Signature Theatre viewing the Tony Award-winning production Assassins. See how Director Eric Schaeffer looks to recapture the sinister and compelling musical about presidential assassination, while also celebrating the 30th anniversary season at Signature. // Aug. 11-Sept. 29; times vary; Signature Theatre; 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $40-$103
15) Make sure to warm up your singing voice for a very special screening of The Sound of Music. This month, Wolf Trap hosts a Summer Sing-A-Long to the family-friendly Oscar-winning film. The fun begins before the screening with a themed costume contest. // Aug. 24; 7:15; Filene Center: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; $25-$45
16) One of country music’s biggest stars is landing in Bristow! Three-time Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley will be packing the Bristow Amphitheater at Jiffy Lube Live. // Aug. 10; 7:30 p.m.; Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow; from $27
17) August is prime county fair season. Check out these five happening in and near NoVA this month and beyond.
18) Visit the Workhouse Arts Center for an extravaganza of creativity made by a diverse group of artists at the inaugural Workhouse Mural Project and Festival. See live painting by professional muralists, live performances, food trucks and local vendors. Meet with muralists and watch them create art on the spot. // Aug. 3; 3-9 p.m.; Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; $20
19) Join a diverse selection of musicians celebrating community right outside the front door at Fredericksburg Porchfest. The Acoustic Onion, Tony Fauntleroy, Karen Jonas and many more will help bring people together like only an evening of fantastic music can. // Aug. 17; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free
This post originally appeared in our August 2019 issue. Want to know about all the best things to do in NoVA this summer? Subscribe to our semiweekly Things to Do newsletter to stay up to date.
