By Maura Stevens
Summer is heating up with lots of events in July. Whether you are looking for an old time county fair, an outdoor block party, a wine festival or an array of 4th of July celebrations. Check out our Things to Do for July
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual folklife festival honors different cultures each year. This year’s focus is the United Arab Emirates. The festival, which is held on the National Mall, features live music, cooking demonstrations and also a large marketplace with artisans from around the globe selling their wares.
Through July 4| National Mall
Second Saturday Art Walk
The Workhouse opens its studio doors to the art loving public. Visit and talk with the talented artists and peruse artwork for sale.
July 9|Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA
To Kill A Mockingbird
Richard Thomas takes on the role of Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of this American classic.
Through July 10|Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
Chillin on Church
Pack up the family and head out to Chillin on Church – a free outdoor concert on the town green. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy live music, food, and beer and wine. This month the featured musical artist is Ocho Des Bastos.
July 15| Church Street, Vienna, VA
The Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
The 8th annual festival features local wineries sampling their varietals and educating participants about each one. There will also be food vendors, artisans, live music, face painting, corn hole and other activities. Bring a chair or blanket to sit and enjoy.
July 16| Dillon’s Woods at Fireman Field, 250 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132
Blue Man Group
Blue Man group is back with a new, family friendly show featuring new music, audience participation and of course – drums.
July 19-31|Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
Loudoun County Fair
Head out to Leesburg to experience this classic county fair with 4-H animals, livestock auctions, pig scramble, professional bull riding and a demolition derby. There is also a carnival with rides, a petting zoo, live music each night and lots of live demonstrations
July 26-30|Loudoun County Fairgrounds, 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg, VA 20175
Fourth Of July Celebrations
Town of Vienna – July 1st
The US Navy Concert Band will perform at at Yeonas Park at 8:30 Pm followed by a fireworks display.
Washington, DC – July 4th
Parade – Independence Day Parade with bands, floats and pipe and drum corps march along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW beginning at 11:45 AM
Capitol Fourth Concert – returns live this year from the West Lawn of the Capitol. Gates open at 3 p.m.
Fireworks on the National Mall
The National Park Service will host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
City of Fairfax – July 4th and 5th
Independence Day Parade – July 4th
This popular local parade steps off at 10 a.m. at 4100 Chain Bridge Road and is held rain or shine. The parade loops around Old Town Fairfax, along Chain Bridge Road, Main Street, University Drive, and Armstrong Street.
Fireworks – July 5th 6:30 – 9:30
Due to construction at the school, the evening fireworks show will be held on July 5th. There is no public parking at the school but there will be fully accessible shuttle buses running between Fairfax High School and Woodson High School throughout the evening.
Great Falls July 4th
Independence Day Parade – the town is hosting the Little Patriot Parade from 8:30-9:30 followed by the main parade at 10:00. Then food and festivities continue until 12:30.
Fireworks Evening events include liive music, games, food trucks from 6:00-9:00 followed by fireworks at 9:00
Reston – July 2nd
Fireworks at Lake Fairfax Park with live music, food trucks and a firework show. Tickets required but free for pedestrians and bikers.
Herndon – July 4th
Enjoy live music and fireworks at Bready park. Music starts at 6:30 PM along with bingo and other family games. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM.
Leesburg – July 4th
Parade – the annual Independence Day Parade begins at 10:00 AM. The parade will start at Ida Lee Park, travel down King Street and conclude at Fairfax Street.
Concert and Fireworks – the evening events begin at 6:00 with a live music performance by Kevin Mac and The Homies. There will be lots of food vendors on hand and fireworks begin at 9:30.
Manassas – July 4th
Family Fun with lots to do for the family. Rides for kids begin at 3:00 PM. Followed by a bike decorating contest, watermelon eating contest, caricaturists, face painters and food vendors.
Fireworks – bring a chair or blanket to the lawn of the Manassas Museum to catch the firework show at 9:15 PM.
McLean – July 2nd
Moved to Saturday this year, come out and enjoy food, music and fireworks at Langley High School from 6:30 – 10:30. Various shuttles available.
Alexandria – July 9th
Celebrate America’s 246th birthday and Alexandria’s 273rd at this double celebration with live music, food and fireworks.
