With scorching temperatures sweeping Northern Virginia and the rest of the country lately, it’s been tempting to hide from the heat. Luckily, there are things to do indoors and out the weekend of July 21–23. See what’s on tap.
Freaky Friday
July 21–July 23 and July 28–30, times vary
This musical, based on the 1972 novel and Disney films where a mom and daughter who don’t get along switch bodies, is sure to entertain the whole family. It’s being performed at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. 125 S. Old Glebe Rd. Arlington, $15 for adults, $12 for kids and seniors
Big Fish
Friday, July 21, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 22, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 23, at 3 p.m.
Catch the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s rendition of the Broadway musical Big Fish at Katherine Johnson Middle School. The story tells the fantastical, unbelievable tales of Edward Bloom’s life involving mystical creatures like witches and mermaids. Edward’s son, Will, doesn’t believe these stories but must decide if he’s willing to as he prepares for the birth of his own child and discovers a secret. 3801 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax, $25 general admission and $15 for 12 and under
Don McLean’s American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour
July 21, 7:30 p.m.
The music never died for Don McLean, who brings his iconic song and album to The Birchmere. The tour celebrates the 50-year anniversary of “American Pie” landing in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $69.50
Super Senior Prom
July 21 through August 6, 7:30 p.m.
Catch the premiere of this immersive theater event by NextStop theater company. The theater will be transformed into a 1958-style prom venue so you can relive (or reimagine) the glory days of your youth. Take prom photos, sip on spiked punch, and angle for the Best Dancer award on the dance floor. The event feature a live performance the Off-Broadway hit The Marvelous Wonderettes ‘58, which will include classic songs like “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.” 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, $35
Last Ham Standing Comedy Show
Friday, July 21, 8–9:30 p.m.
If your family is looking for laughs this Friday night, look no further than the Last Ham Standing Improv Show at Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center. The audience will shape the show, as the performers play off their suggestions to create entertaining scenes and fun improv games on the fly. 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville, $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for kids
Hanh Bui Book Signing
Saturday, July 22, 2–3 p.m.
Hanh Bui left a war-torn Vietnam with her family at 8. Now a mother of three with a master’s degree in early childhood education under her belt, she’s become dedicated to celebrating heritage and sharing diverse stories. Her debut children’s picture book The Yellow Áo Dài tells the story of a young girl who winds up connecting to her Vietnamese heritage after she rips her late grandmother’s precious áo dài. At this event, Bui will sign books. Book-themed cookies and gummy bunny treats will be provided for kids at the end. 1555 King St., Alexandria, free
Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
July 22, 2–8 p.m.
Travel to Dillon’s Woods for a day of award-winning spirits and bites. Eight wineries and breweries will be there, along with food vendors serving milkshakes, grilled cheeses, and popcorn. The festival offers live music, eclectic shopping options, face painting, and caricature drawing. You can visit Arts in the Garden to meet artists and watch as they create their work. 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, $5 in advance, $10 at the gate, free for kids 16 and under, drink tickets are extra
Scouts, Spies, and Espionage: The Unionist Underground of the Fredericksburg Area
Saturday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
Join park rangers for a riveting history lesson at the next installation in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Military Park’s History at Sunset series. This Saturday’s tour will dissect the role of Unionists in the Fredericksburg area during the Civil War, diving into how they snuck intel to the Union army and contributed to a larger network of subterfuge. Sturdy shoes and bug spray are recommended for the 1.5-mile walk. 6159 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Saturday, July 22, 7:30–10 p.m.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has sold millions of records, toured across the world, and made appearances on Dancing with the Stars and Superbowl XXXIII in its 30 years together. Catch the band’s contemporary swing revival sounds at the Reston Town Center Pavillion. Remember to bring a chair or blanket. 11900 Market St., Reston, free
Jenny Lewis
July 22, 8 p.m.
This critically acclaimed indie rock artist has toured with everyone from Harry Styles to The Chicks. Today, 25 years after her start in the music industry, Jenny Lewis isn’t stopping any time soon. On the contrary, some say the singer-songwriter’s recent work is her best yet. 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $40–$75
Jurassic Park in Concert
Saturday, July 22, 8 p.m.
Let the harmonious sounds of the National Symphony Orchestra bring your favorite dinosaur flick to life. Wolf Trap’s Jurassic Park in Concert event pairs an HD screening of the iconic Stephen Spielberg film with live orchestral music for an immersive event. This is the 30th anniversary for the movie’s premiere. For even more dino immersion, stop by Wolf Trap’s Filene Center before the show to sift fossils and admire specimens from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $40
Countdown to Christmas Expo
July 22–23
Holiday fanatics, you no longer have to wait until the cooler months to speak your truth. Escape the July heat and embrace “the most wonderful time of the year” at this Fredericksburg expo. Shop for homemade goods, gourmet foods, seasonal crafts, and self-care products, all while adding a little Christmas spirit to the dog days of summer. 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $7 for 13 and older, $6 for seniors, free for kids 12 and under
Peruvian Gastronomic Festival
Sunday, July 23, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Celebrate Peruvian culture at El Festival Peruano Gastronómico de Virginia 2023, where top-notch Peruvian cuisine from the DMV area will be showcased. Along with food, guests can enjoy live music, dance, and folklore. There will be kid-friendly events as well. 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, $20–$30
For more local events, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
