Don’t let the warm weather keep you cooped up inside for the weekend. With performances, comedy shows, art markets, and festivals, here are the best ways to beat the heat this weekend in and around Northern Virginia from July 10 to 12.
Ricitos and the Three Bears
July 10–12, 10:30 a.m.
Bring little ones to see this classic story with a bilingual twist at Wolf Trap. Hear original songs as you follow the tale of Ricitos (Goldilocks) as she stumbles across the home of three bears and sits in their chairs and tastes their sancocho (stew). Wolf Trap Chrildren’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, Vienna, $14
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
July 10–19
Step into Willy Wonka’s chocolate world with this theatrical performance. The story is set to an original score featuring songs like “Pure Imagination” from the 1971 film. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, $25+
A Laugh & A Lark
July 10, 7 p.m.
Spend the night laughing your socks off at Lark Brewing Co. Comedy lovers can enjoy food, cold beers, and story-driven jokes headlined by Sterling Scott. Lark Brewing Co., Aldie, $20
A.R. Rahman with NSO
July 10, 8 p.m.
The National Symphony Orchestra joins Grammy- and Academy Award–winner A.R. Rahman for an unforgettable night. Listen to genre-spanning tracks by the musical composer behind the score of “Slumdog Millionaire.” A celebration dinner — which includes food, orchestra performance seats, and VIP lounge access — will be held before the concert. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $61+
Summer of Sunflowers
July 11–August 14
Head to Great Country Farms and pick your own sunflowers for $1 a bloom at their Summer of Sunflowers festival. Sunflower lovers can add on a French bucket with 20 cut your own blooms. Attendees can borrow clippers from the farm market or bring their own. Great Country Farms, Bluemont, $13 for adults, $11 for children ages 3 to 17, and children 2 and under are free
Occoquan Sidewalk Sale
July 11
Find your next favorite item of clothing or home decor at this community sale throughout historic Occoquan. Spend the day perusing local businesses, boutiques, and galleries, offering the best summer deals. Historic Occoquan, free
Summer Art Market
July 11–12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Find your next favorite piece of original handmade artwork at Del Ray Artisan’s two-day Summer Art Market. Browse a selection of ceramics, jewelry, photography, paintings, and more, all by local artists. Del Ray Artisans gallery, Alexandria, free
Wheels and Warbirds
July 11, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Continue your America250 celebrations at The Capital Wing of Commemorative Air Force’s Wheels and Warbirds event. Take a look at classic and exotic cars, military vehicles, and aircraft. Aviation fanatics can sign up for the chance to fly in one of four warbirds. There will also be flying demonstrations, food trucks, live music, and a kid’s corner. Culpeper Regional Airport, Elkwood, free entrance, warbird rides $177.60+
Patriotic Festival
July 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Marker-Miller Orchards’ 2026 season and Independence Day with a day-long festival. Visitors can find peaches and fresh garden vegetables at the market, baked goods, scenic wagon rides, a cow train for kids, and live music, and food by Blue Ridge Bar-B-Q. There will also be strawberry and peach slushies and hand-dipped ice cream for sale. Marker-Miller Orchards, Winchester, free
Key West Fest
July 11, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you can’t make it to Florida this summer, Breaux Vineyard’s tropical extravaganza will have you feeling like you’ve been teleported to Key West. Admission includes entry as well as a souvenir glass and lei. Wine and food are sold separately, and leashed, friendly dogs are welcome in outdoor grassy areas. Festivalgoers can listen to Caribbean music, browse a variety of craft vendors, and indulge in island-themed food. Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville, $20 for general public, $15 for members
DMV Asian Night Market
July 11, 4–10 p.m.
Be sure to bring your appetite to this traveling Asian night market as it makes a stop in Manassas. Guests can find more than 60 vendors, listen to live music, and watch performances including traditional dances, boxing, and live cooking shows. Plus, enter the eating competition and see how many Korean corndogs and twist potatoes you can eat. Manassas Park City Library, Manassas Park, free
Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
July 11, 6 p.m.–9:45 p.m.
Find live music, food and drink vendors, and a firework display at this Alexandria birthday party with jaw-dropping views. Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria, free
Disney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert
July 11, 7:30 p.m.
Spend the evening under the sea with this musical adaptation of Disney’s iconic “Little Mermaid.” Sing along to your favorite movie hits including “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Wolf Trap, Vienna, $43+
Minions and Gru Festival
July 12, noon–6 p.m.
Get in on the mischievous fun at Shipgarten’s Minions and Gru Festival. Kids will love face painting, moon bounces, live magic, and a performance by Gru and his minions. You can also find food, drinks, outdoor games, and various TVs and projectors. Shipgarten, Tysons, free
Sunday Art in the Park with Shenandoah Conservatory
July 12, 7–8 p.m.
Get carried away by this musical soiree with Reston Community Center’s summer concert series. Listen to popular tunes and classical music performed by Shenandoah Conservatory’s Professor of Viloin Akemi Takayama and her students. Reston Town Square Park, Reston, free
Feature image courtesy Great Country Farms
