With temps still teasing 90 degrees, it’s hard to believe the end of summer is nigh. But there is still plenty of fun to be had before you trade your slides for shearling-lined Birkenstocks. From festivals to sidewalk sales, new plays to dog-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone as this record-breaking hot season gives way to fall.
Watch the Shadows Align on Dark Star Park Day
Aug. 1, 9 a.m.
Every year on Aug. 1 at about 9:32 a.m., the shadows cast by the spheres and poles of the outdoor sculpture Dark Star Park align to mark the day William Henry Ross purchased the land that later became Rosslyn. Join in the 40th annual celebration of the event, which this year includes a county proclamation and the debut of a poem by Arlington Poet Laureate Courtney Le Blanc. // 1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Shop ’Til You Drop in Middleburg
Aug. 2-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The 18th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale happens this weekend in Virginia’s picturesque horse country, about 50 minutes’ drive from Arlington. Stroll Washington, Madison and Federal streets in search of discounted unique offerings from stores such as Crème de la Crème (pottery, ceramics, linens), Zest (clothing and accessories), The Accidental Peacock (antiques), Lucky Knot (men’s and women’s clothing), Middleburg Gourmet, Chloe’s of Middleburg (women’s clothing boutique) and The PLAYroom (toy store). Find additional bargains at Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s Emmanuel’s Treasures sale and the Duplicate Book Sale at the National Sporting Library & Museum on The Plains Road.
National Night Out
Aug. 6, 6-8 p.m.
Mosaic District will honor Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and Police Department as part of this nationwide program to promote police-community partnerships. During the event, enjoy barbecue and live music while kiddos pet alpacas and mingle with local heroes. // 2910 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
See Democracy in (a) Play
Aug. 6-Sept. 15
Signature Theatre kicks off its 35th season with Soft Power, the local premiere of an 85-minute musical fantasia that takes aim—with humor—at U.S. democracy through the story of a Chinese American playwright who hallucinates a Golden Age musical comedy about a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton falling in love. // 4200 Campbell Ave.,
Arlington (Shirlington)
Savor Sips of Rakia at an Ambar Master Class
Aug. 7, 7 p.m.
Balkan-specialty restaurant Ambar will celebrate rakia, the national drink of the Balkan countries in southeastern Europe. Guests will taste and learn about traditional Balkan fruit brandy production, history and flavors to find their favorite rakia. Available spirits include Williams pear, muscat grape, aged quince and aged plum rakias, plus an apricot rakia tonic cocktail. Each is paired with food items, such as pork belly-stuffed sour cabbage, pepper and cheese croquettes, and chocolate cake. The event costs $55. // 2910 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Sing HBD to Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque
Aug. 11, 3-5 p.m.
It’s the joint’s 10th birthday, but you get the gift. Swing by for a pig roast, oysters, libations, lots of surprises, giveaways and “a big ol’ birthday cake by Capitol Jill Baking,” says owner Joe “Hogsmoker” Neuman. Or try eats from pop-up Steeze Burger—mac and steeze balls, cheeseburger sausages and fries—on Aug. 1-3 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (or when it sells out). // 5731 Langston Blvd., Arlington
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Spin Through Arlington County Fair
Aug. 14-18
One of the largest free events on the East Coast, the Arlington County Fair will take over the Thomas Jefferson Community Center with midway rides, games, live entertainment, exhibitions, and food and drink. (Note that rides and games carry fees.) Look for carnival staples like corn dogs, cotton candy and funnel cake, but also Thai tea and meats from Smokecraft Modern Barbecue and Virginia Grill. A nonprofit, volunteer-driven effort since the first fair in 1977, the event also includes a Night Market on Aug. 15 from 5-10:30 p.m., where vendors from the DMV will sell their handmade goods. Got kiddos with sensory issues? Note that on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Aug. 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the fair offers sensory-friendly hours. // 3501 Second St. S., Arlington
Find a Romantic Page-Turner at Fonts Books & Gifts
Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate Bookstore Romance Day with a bevy of activities at this independent bookstore that opened late last year in McLean’s Chesterbrook Plaza. Get 10% off Romance Book Club titles for 2024 and enter to win a copy of your choice, spin a prize wheel with your purchase, browse the “select-a-trope” basket for inspiration, and do it all while sampling non-alcoholic sparkling wines. // 6262 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
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Turn Over a New Leaf at Botonologica
Aug. 20-24
As part of DC Plant Week, this Falls Church gift shop is celebrating with a host of events. Come in Aug. 20 for a DIY Terrarium Bar All-Day with pop-up TwelveTwentyCoffee. On Aug. 21, the shop is offering 20% off all planters, Aug. 22 is a Botanical Happy Hour and Plant Swap from 6-8 p.m., and Aug. 23 is 20% off all plants. The grand finale happens Aug. 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with the Outdoor Makers Market, complete with refreshments, door prizes and a free 2-inch terrarium plant with purchases. // 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Browse the Tysons Mixed Market
Wednesdays, Aug. 21-Sept. 25, 4-8 p.m.
Local businesses will converge at The Boro each week in the parking lot next to The Sandlot. Last year’s event attracted more than 50 vendors and 2,000 community members. This year, look for local makers, artisans and food vendors, plus lawn games and live music. // 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Bookmark the Date for the 2024 National Book Festival
Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
The Library of Congress’ annual celebration of all things literary returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with presentations from authors such as Sandra Cisneros, David Baldacci, Pulitzer Prize-winner Doris Kearns Goodwin and James Patterson. Some presentations will be livestreamed for those who can’t attend in person. The festival is also chock-full of family-friendly activities, such as deciphering historical handwriting and creating your own comic book. // 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C.
Eat Your Heart Out at the Around the World Cultural Food Festival
Aug. 24, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Take a one-day trip around the world with your taste buds at this fourth annual festival, offering 150 traditional food items from 24 countries. Happening at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria, it’s free to attend, but expect to pay to get a literal taste of places such as Bolivia, Japan and Ukraine. Visitors can also watch folk dances and performances from 12 countries, including India and Egypt, and shop the works of 110 artisans, crafters and independent consultants, including local creator Plants and What Knot. // 100 Madison St., Alexandria
Move to Your Own Beat at a Silent Disco
Aug. 24, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
Dance the night away on the rooftop of Punch Bowl Social without disturbing the neighbors. Grab headphones and choose from three stations to find your fav summer smash hits spun by DJ Shambles with PINOIBOI, DJ SAM I AM and DJ BDubZ. Tickets cost $10. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Who Says You Need a Gym to Exercise?
Through Aug. 26, 6-7 p.m.
Water Park, a Best of Arlington 2023 winner, is in on the summertime free outdoor fitness class trend with its Monday instructor-led series, Fitness at the Fountain. Upcoming workouts include Yoga with Bucky (Aug. 5), barre/high-intensity interval training with BarreBri (Aug. 12) and Zumba with Ana (Aug. 26). Bonus: You’ll find plenty of places to rehydrate and refuel your body after putting it through its paces. And this month, check out Fridays at the Fountain, free live concerts from 5:30-8 p.m. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Make the Most of the Dog Days of Summer at Astro Beer Hall
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Furry friends will lap up a free Peanut Butter Pup Cup when their humans make a purchase on the patio at this nearly year-old spot during its Thursday Paws on the Patio event. Prefer something indoors? Perhaps with a mic? Belt out a tune on Saturdays throughout the summer at Karaoke Night. Audience members vote on the best singer, who will get a $50 gift card. Play arcade games such as pinball and Ms. Pac-Man, and nosh on Asteroid Chicken Sliders on mini brioche buns, loaded tater tots or a s’mores cookie. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Turn Back Time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
Saturdays & Sundays plus Labor Day, Aug. 26-Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dust of your corset and chausses (a Medieval word for leggings) and make thy way to the 48th annual Ren Fest. Throughout the 27-acre Village of Revel Grove, behold more than 200 performers on 10 stages or in a 3,000-seat jousting arena. The fun includes 20-minute versions of the bard’s most famous plays by Shakespeare’s Skum, Barely Balanced acrobats, and swordfighters Puke and Snot. But keep thine eyes out for King Henry VIII while perusing the crafts by 140 artisans. Feast on smoked turkey legs, steak on a stake, crepes, ribs and sweets that you can wash down with ales, ciders and wines. Check ye olde website for modern-day ticket prices ($13-$32); children younger than 7 go for free. // 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland
Barks and Brews Festival
Aug. 31, 1-6 p.m.
Outdoor event space Shipgarten invites dogs to roam free (off leash) while human guests sample more than 40 beers and ciders from local breweries. At 3 p.m., pups can compete in entertaining games, plus there will be a Kids Corner with face painting, a moon bounce and crafts. Admission is free. // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
DC Festival of Magic
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Happening Labor Day weekend at the Capital Hilton, the event is organized by magician Brian Curry, who performs “The Good Liar” shows in the District and won the 2023 Milbourne Christopher Award for mentalism. A total of five shows will take place throughout the weekend, most for audiences 12 or 15 and up. Additionally, free tableside magic will be performed after the evening shows from 9 to 10 p.m. See the full schedule and ticket prices on the website. // 1001 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Take to the Water in a Private Yacht
Whether you want to partake in a paint party before your tour of the Potomac on a 45-foot Sea Ray, rent a 45-foot catamaran houseboat for a couple hours, turn heads in a JetCar Bugatti boat or think pink in a new 22-foot Bentley pontoon, Getmyboat has options. Rent a vessel with or without a captain and depart from various docks in D.C.