Send Summer Off Right: Northern Virginia Festivals to Enjoy This August

The tail end of summer is one of the best times to explore everything our corner of Virginia has to offer. From smoky barbecue and world flavors to kites drifting over the park and a county fair marking a big milestone, here are several local gatherings worth putting on the calendar before the season winds down. Whether you're planning a family outing, a low-key date night, or a weekend with friends, there's something here for everyone. ☀️

Arlington County Fair

📅 August 12–16  ·  📍 Arlington

This year the Arlington County Fair hits a big milestone, celebrating 50 years as one of the largest no-cost events on the East Coast. Expect the full fair experience: carnival rides, midway games, live entertainment, a lineup of food vendors, local shopping, competitive exhibits showcasing homegrown produce and handmade crafts, plus family-friendly touches like a Kids Court and a sensory break tent. It draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, so plan to arrive early.

Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd St. S., Arlington. Admission is free; rides, food, and parking are extra.

Hogfest 2026

📅 August 15, starting at noon  ·  📍 Manassas

The inaugural Hogfest BBQ and Music Festival brings together slow-smoked barbecue, a roster of local vendors, and a full afternoon of live music. Performers include Custer Flock, the Robert Ray Band, and Tiny Hands, and there's even live improvisational painting created on the spot in response to the music. Bring an appetite—plenty of food and drink will be on hand.

10470 Dumfries Rd., Manassas. Tickets around $11.20.

Winchester Greek Festival

📅 August 22, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. & August 23, noon–4 p.m.  ·  📍 Winchester

Head to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church for a weekend steeped in Greek tradition. Alongside classic dishes like gyros and moussaka, you'll find plenty of music and dancing to keep the celebration going. The festival runs rain or shine, so no need to watch the forecast.

1700 Amherst St., Winchester. Free admission.

Leesburg Festival of Crafts & Kites

📅 August 22, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.  ·  📍 Leesburg

Ida Lee Park sets the scene for a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon. Browse and shop handmade goods, try your hand at arts-and-crafts stations, and watch colorful kites fill the sky overhead. The event welcomes pets and takes place rain or shine.

60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg. Free.

Reston KidsFest

📅 August 29, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.  ·  📍 Reston

Reston Town Center turns the spotlight on the little ones with a day built around family fun. Look forward to live music, hands-on games, and entertainment throughout the afternoon. It's one stop in Reston Town Center's packed summer calendar, which also features outdoor concerts, pups-in-the-pavilion evenings, and fitness classes.

11900 Market St., Reston. Free.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival

📅 August 29, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.  ·  📍 Alexandria

Marking its 10th year, this global celebration takes over Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria. Sample traditional foods and drinks from around the globe, shop from a wide range of artisans and makers, and enjoy folk singers and dancers representing different countries throughout the day.

100 Madison St., Alexandria. Free admission.

🌲 Bonus for the Outdoorsy

On August 25, the National Park Service waives entrance fees at parks nationwide in honor of its 110th anniversary—a great excuse to explore Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park, or Shenandoah National Park for free.

Getting out to these community events is one of my favorite ways to appreciate everything that makes Northern Virginia such a wonderful place to call home. 🏠

If you're thinking about putting down roots in the area—or wondering what your current home might be worth—I'd love to help. Reach out anytime!