From daredevil activities to cover band concerts, there’s no shortage of things to do in NoVA the weekend of August 25–27. End the month on a high note by checking out these events.
Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots Exhibit
August 25–26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., August 27, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Learn the history behind America’s high-flying heroes. There will be a screening of the film Rise Above, which centers around the Tuskegee Airmen, the country’s first group of Black military pilots. There will also be a display of a Red Tail P-51C Mustang, a legendary fighter aircraft, and an immersive screening experience that lets attendees experience what it was like to fly in the plane. 10600 Harry J. Parrish Blvd., Manassas, free
Peaches and Cream
August 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Savor the taste of summer with this sweet event. This cooking class is at the Sully Historic Site, which was home to more than 1,200 peach trees in the 18th century. Celebrate the region’s peach-filled history by baking peach pie in the site’s 18th-century style kitchen. To top it all off, there will be hand-churned peach ice cream. 3650 Historic Sully Wy., Chantilly, $15
Fairfax Comic Con
August 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., August 27, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Head over to the Dulles Expo Center for a day of costumes, character Q&As, and comic fun. There will be panels featuring members of the Star Wars and Justice League animated series casts, WWE wrestler Tugboat, and comic artists. There will be a cosplay contest and video game tournament, along with craft workshops for little ones. 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, starting at $22.50, free for ages 10 and under
Over the Edge with Holistic Haitian Alliance
August 26, 11 a.m.
Ever wanted to dangle from a 14-story building? Well, now you can. And the best part is your money will go toward supporting children in Haiti. You’ll rappel down the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center (don’t worry, you’re secured by a rope.) No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome. 7901 Tysons One Pl., Tysons, $50 registration fee, $1,250 individual fundraising minimum, $1,000 individual fundraising minimum if on a team of two or more people
Clear the Shelters
August 26–27, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
This weekend is the perfect time to find a furry friend. Adoption fees at Loudoun County Animal Services will be waived for all available animals, including cats, kittens, dogs, rabbits, livestock, and small pets. There will be a kids’ craft station and giveaways for adopters. 42225 Adoption Dr., Leesburg, free
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
August 26 , 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Visit Alexandria’s waterfront for an afternoon of global tastes and festivities. Only one restaurant per country will be represented. In addition to food, the festival features international musical and dance performances and a global fashion show. 100 Madison St., Alexandria, free
East Meets West Festival
August 26, 2–8 p.m.
Visit Arts Herndon for this celebration of South Asian music, art, and dance. The event is hosted by SaReGaMe, an Ashburn-based youth band with members ranging from first graders to high school seniors. The band’s performance is something you won’t want to miss. There will also be food, games, henna, and meditation. Proceeds go toward new equipment and resources. 750 Center St., Herndon, $5, free for ages 10 and under
80’s Mayhem Event Featuring The Legwarmers
August 26, 5–9:30 p.m.
Come in your finest neon and bust a move at this 1980s tribute concert, featuring your favorite tunes from an iconic decade. Bring your kids for family-friendly activities, including glitter tattoos, balloon animals, moon bounces, and a selfie station. Try food and drinks from Blackfinn Ameripub, Señor Tequila’s, Burger 21, The Zone, and bb.q Chicken. 43751 Central Station Dr., Ashburn, free
Nickelback
August 26, 6:30 p.m.
Unleash your inner rock star at Nickelback’s Get Rollin’ Tour. The legendary band is set to perform classics like “How You Remind Me” and “Far Away,” plus songs from its most recent album, Get Rollin’. Country artists Brantley Gilbert and Josh Ross open for Nickelback. 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $46
Mary Chapin Carpenter
August 26, 7:30 p.m.
This five-time Grammy winner is taking her musical talents to Wolf Trap. Carpenter, who is one of 15 women voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, is a star in the country and folk worlds. The singer-songwriter is known for several top hits, such as “Down at the Twist and Shout” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $40
The Amish Outlaws
August 26, 6–9:30 p.m.
This ex-Amish cover band defies the stereotypes. Several of the band’s six members grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with traditional Amish upbringings. But after turning 16, they decided to leave home and pursue careers in music. Armed with drums, a bass guitar, a keyboard, and powerful vocals, this band is ready to take the stage at the Tarara Winery by storm. 13648 Tarara Ln., Leesburg, $29.17 for adults at the gate, $13.36 for under 21
The Robert Cray Band
August 27, 7:30 p.m.
Whatever your music taste is, you’ll find your groove with The Robert Cray Band. The group is known for its blend of soul, R&B, gospel, blues, and rock music. This band, a five-time Grammy winner and member of the Blues Hall of Fame, is certain to put on a can’t-miss performance. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $59.50
Philip Guston Now
Through August 27
Explore the 50-year career of modern artist Philip Guston at the National Gallery of Art’s Philip Guston Now exhibit. Through more than 150 paintings and drawings, learn about Guston’s various artistic styles, which range from muralism to abstract expressionism to figuration. Fourth St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Feature image courtesy CAF Rise Above
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