Whether virtual or in-person, these are the events and activities worth making time for this month.
Through August 4
After Midnight
Set to the sounds of Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, Harold Arlen, and many more and framed by poems from Langston Hughes, this soaring song-and-dance revue will transport you to the era of swing. The streaming production stars Hamilton’s Christopher Jackson and past Signature Theatre favorite Nova Y. Payton in a celebration of 28 tunes that were once the heartbeat of Harlem. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $35
August 5
Lindsey Stirling
Start your weekend celebration a little early with a night of music. Since the release of her self-titled album, the electronic violinist, dancer, and artist has climbed the Billboard charts and has been viewed billions of times on YouTube. Catch her latest single, “Lose You Now,” before the show. Wolf Trap: 1151 Trap Rd., Vienna; $37–$152
August 6–28
Together
The volunteers and board of directors of the Del Ray Artisans Gallery are coming together to create this special exhibit. Gallery members who donated the most hours from January 2021 through April 2021 were invited to enter pieces, with curators selecting the “featured” works on display. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; free
August 7
Air Supply
If you’re feeling all out of love, you may need the “Lost in Love Experience” with this Australian duo to set your heart right. Together for 46 years, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock have created a career full of chart-toppers, including “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” and “Lost In Love.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $100
August 7
Brad Williams
The comedian who was once pronounced “Prozac with a head” by the late Robin Williams brings his stylings to Falls Church. You may have already seen him on Legit, Deadbeat, and Sam and Cat. The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; $30–$40
August 7
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers
Take a trip to Margaritaville this summer with the mayor himself. There’s no better way to close out warm-weather festivities than by hanging out with other Parrot Heads with a drink in your hand. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow; $38–$416
August 7 & 8
Darn Good Music Festival
Kick off the start of August with two straight days of live music. Pack sunscreen—14 different acts will be playing, headlined by The Revivalists, Joywave, Third Eye Blind, and American Authors. Bull Run Special Events Center: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville; $129–$299
August 9
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
They burst onto the scene in the 1990s, granddaddies of the neo-swing movement. Lindy-hop on over to The Birchmere and discover (or remember) why “Go Daddy-O” and “You and Me and the Bottle Makes Three” are still as money as they ever were. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $70
August 13
Vanilla Fudge
Rock out with Long Island’s own heavy-rock band, which played The Ed Sullivan Show and influenced a generation of musicians, like Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Styx. See if you can still summon all of the words to “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg; $30–$75
August 13–21
2021 Prince William County Fair
Before you start thinking about the upcoming school year, get in some end-of-summer fun at the fair. After work and summer camp, pack up the family for endless rides, gooey fair food, and one-on-ones with those cute farm animals. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas; $7–$12
August 21
Rippon Lodge Car Show
The lawns of Rippon Lodge will be full of vintage and classic cars as throwback rock fills the site. After ranking your favorite rides, take a tour through the lodge for some extra historic appreciation. Rippon Lodge: 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge; $5
August 21
Terroir to Table: Veraison Wine Dinner
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and head out to a vineyard for a relaxing meal. The five-course food-and-wine pairing features farm-to-table dishes crafted by executive chef Charlie Loomis and winemaker Todd Henkle. The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek: 43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg; $125
August 21
Tanya Tucker
The iconic country star comes to Alexandria for the CMT Next Women of Country: Bring My Flowers Now Tour. Get ready to belt out “Delta Dawn” along with Tucker, who’ll be performing with special guest Erin Enderlin. The Birchmere: 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $65
August 21 & 22
Harlem Globetrotters
The craziest team in basketball is back in action for an afternoon game. But seriously, folks: Round up the whole family for not just a ball game, but a display of amazing skills, comedy work, and nimble athleticism on the court. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax; $25–$150
August 27
Red Not Chili Peppers
Enjoy the sounds of the Red Hot Chili Peppers without the jam-packed crowds. This tribute act re-creates the hits and high-energy performance of the original band, so expect to rock out to “Californication,” “Can’t Stop,” and other RHCP classics. The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; $12–$15
August 27–May 2022
Hung Liu: Portraits of Promised Lands, 1968-2020
The works of acclaimed contemporary artist Hung Liu, a Chinese-born American painter, are coming to Washington. Featuring more than 50 pieces of art, the exhibit showcases her time in China, immigration to California, the height of her career, and all the complex events in between. National Portrait Gallery: 8th and G streets NW, Washington, DC; free
August 28
Northern Virginia Reptile Expo
If your definition of a pet includes scales and shells, then this expo is for you. Spend the day at the fairgrounds to check out all manner of creatures that slither, swim, and hop. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas; $3
Through September 5
Grumpy Old Men: The Musical
Based on the 1993 movie, this show enlivens the crabby one-liners with tunes. The stage adaptation follows the two feuding guys as a beautiful new neighbor moves in across the street, pitting them against
each other as romantic rivals. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $55–$75
Through October 31
MSV Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Show
Take a walk through the garden to see it come to life through sculptures. From copper reptiles to steel birds, life-size pieces pop up throughout the seven acres of outdoor space. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley: 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $10–$15
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.