July is hot – and we’re not just talking fireworks. Outdoor fun is abundant around here. Whether you believe that the U.S. is a melting pot or a salad bowl, our area is home to a delicious mix of cultures and experiences. Check out these activities to know where to go and what to expect.
July 1
Family Ice Cream Social at Heritage Frederick
Heritage Frederick Garden
Located behind the big white house/museum at 24 East Church Street
Frederick, Md.
Heritage Frederick Garden
Located behind the big white house/museum at 24 East Church Street
Frederick, Md.
This free ice cream social from 1 to 4 p.m. is happening compliments of the volunteers of Heritage Frederick. Ice cream will be served and good old-fashioned games
July 1
Savor the samplings from Black-owned food and wine vendors and enjoy live performances at this event that brings together the best of African-American cuisine and culture.
July 1
This food and cultural festival is for ages 21 and older and features craft drinks, a beer garden, wine tastings, live art and music, contests, games and entertainment. Foods include Latin, French, African, Greek, Asian, Italian, and more.
July 2
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
10431 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, Md.
10431 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, Md.
The Biggest Cookout Ever is an outdoor food festival for guests 21 years or older. This ultimate cookout experience promotes inclusivity, diversity, and community.
July 7 – 9
Organized by the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute, this weekend's event highlights Romanian culture – old and new – and includes folk music and dancing, jazz and hip-hop, traditional crafts demonstrations, literary performances, culinary presentations, wine tasting, and more.
July 8
The City of Alexandria celebrates its 274th birthday and the USA’s 247th birthday on Sat., July 8, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the big birthday experience including cupcakes, local vendors, and live music.
July 15
Whether you feel like “lei” -ing out or dancing, the Key West Fest at Breaux’s has everything you need to cool off while enjoying fun in the sun, food and craft vendors, live music, and of course, fine wine all add to the experience.
July 15
Archaeology Family Day
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Va.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Va.
Meet a Mount Vernon archaeologist and explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about George and Martha Washington and the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon.
July 21
Don McLean American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour
Birchmere Music Hall
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, Va.
Birchmere Music Hall
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, Va.
Grammy-award honoree, Songwriters Hall of Fame member, and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don McLean will bring his American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour to the Birchmere Music Hall. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs and albums ever this year, McLean will entertain fans and prove that “Bye-bye, Miss American Pie” will forever remain a classic staple in music.
July 22
The Raid: Minute-by-Minute at Harpers Ferry
Allies for Freedom Room
801 Shenandoah St.
Harpers Ferry, W.V.
Allies for Freedom Room
801 Shenandoah St.
Harpers Ferry, W.V.
Step back in time with this presentation that looks at the 36 hours of the raid, dissecting the movements of all 21 raiders and John Brown.
July 22
This vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture and community features live performances, food trucks, artisans and craft vendors, cabezudos (head puppets), and DOMINAZO, a domino tournament in partnership with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Domino USA.
July 22
Head to the heart of DC’s wine country for this event and enjoy food and snack vendors, live music, artists – and of course, fine wine.
July 22
Colombian Festival
The Catholic University of America
University Garage
3598 John McCormack Rd. NE
Washington, DC
The Catholic University of America
University Garage
3598 John McCormack Rd. NE
Washington, DC
Dance, art, food, and folklore galore, this festival celebrates Colombian culture, art, gastronomy, and music.
July 28
The 2023 Outlaw tour celebrates Willie Nelson’s legendary life and legacy in his milestone 90th birthday year. The Maryland tour includes Willie Nelson & Family, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, Kurt Vile and The Violators, and more.
July 31 to Aug. 3
Twilight History for Youth
Fredericksburg, Va.
Fredericksburg, Va.
Children ages 8 to 12 learn hands-on 18th-century skills, trades, and recipes during four nights, at four historic sites in Fredericksburg, Va. They’ll explore the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, the Rising Sun Tavern, the Mary Washington House, and the Mary Washington Monument.
