As summer reaches its peak in August, there are so many fun things to do in DC and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the region offers an awesome range of things to do to suit people of all ages and interests.
Summer of Sunflowers
Burnside Farms
11008 Kettle Run Rd.
Nokesville, VA
August – TBD
11008 Kettle Run Rd.
Nokesville, VA
August – TBD
Immerse yourself in more than 50 acres of glorious sunflowers during the Summer of Sunflowers. Find your way through sunflower mazes during the day. In the evening, celebrate Sunflower Sunsets: pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery as the bright yellows of the day turn golden in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set on a sea of sunflowers.
Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick
Brewer’s Alley Restaurant
124 N. Market St
Frederick, MD
August 4 – 19
124 N. Market St
Frederick, MD
August 4 – 19
Embark on a spooky journey through Frederick’s haunting history with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!” Unearth nearly 300 years of war, executions, and revenge as you delve into documented stories of the paranormal.
Movies on the Potomac
National Harbor
165 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD
August 3 – 21
165 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD
August 3 – 21
Bring a chair or a blanket, grab some food from one of the many nearby dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza to watch movies (for free) on the big screen. The films include Antman, Cruella, Invictus, The Incredibles, and more!
Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour
FedEx Field
1600 FedEx Way
North Englewood, MD
August 5 – 6
1600 FedEx Way
North Englewood, MD
August 5 – 6
Witness an unforgettable night of music, dance, and pure star power with Beyoncé at the Commander’s Stadium! As the great Michael Scott once said, “I am Beyoncé, always.”
History at Sunset
Fredericksburg Battlefield
Fredericksburg, VA
August 5
Fredericksburg, VA
August 5
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Fredericksburg Battlefield with the History at Sunset event! Join a fascinating guided tour through the hallowed grounds where pivotal battles took place while knowledgeable historians share gripping tales of the past.
Date Night with Princess Bride & Comedy
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Drive
Arlington, VA
August 11
2903 Columbia Drive
Arlington, VA
August 11
Experience the beloved movie, The Princess Bride on the big screen once again! This rare opportunity also includes a 20-minute live comedy set to kick off the evening. One might say it’s inconceivable!
Leitersburg Ruritan Peach Festival
Leitersburg Ruritan Club
21427 Leiter Street
Hagerstown, MD
August 12 – 13
21427 Leiter Street
Hagerstown, MD
August 12 – 13
Who doesn’t love peaches?! Held at the beautiful Leitersburg Ruritan Park, this sweet and savory event celebrates the juicy goodness of peaches with a variety of mouthwatering treats and fun activities for the whole family.
TASTE Leesburg
Downtown Leesburg, VA
August 12
August 12
Eat, drink, shop, enjoy. Admission is free. Food can be purchased directly from food vendors. Pre-purchase your unlimited drink-tasting wristbands for a reduced price. Stages will be set up for musical entertainment, cooking demos, and more.
Silver Spring International Food & Craft Festival
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
For a celebration of the nations, enjoy international food, crafts, and music. Artisans, crafters, and small businesses will offer their creations for purchase, and a DJ will play a variety of music.
CityFest DC
Culture House
700 Delaware Ave SW
Washington, D.C.
August 19
700 Delaware Ave SW
Washington, D.C.
August 19
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of all things DC at CityFestDC! With live music, captivating art galleries, delectable food vendors, and a whole lot more, this event is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the city and indulge in all the delights it has to offer.
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Flying Circus Aerodrome
5114 Ritchie Road
Bealeton, VA
August 19 – 20
5114 Ritchie Road
Bealeton, VA
August 19 – 20
They’re beautiful and magical – and if you’ve ever dreamed of taking in the countryside from a hot air balloon, this is your chance. If you’re afraid of heights, tethered balloon rides are an option, or just enjoy the colorful splendor of the balloons from the ground. You’ll also be treated to an airshow!
West Virginia’s Greatest Airshow
Eastern WV Regional Airport
Martinsburg, WV
August 26 – 27
Martinsburg, WV
August 26 – 27
Celebrating 100 years of Shepherd Field, this spectacular event brings the skies to life with breathtaking aerial acrobatics and skilled pilots showcasing their talents. From up-close encounters with iconic aircraft in the static display area to gravity-defying maneuvers in the air, this celebration of aviation promises an unforgettable day of high-flying fun.
FAIRS
Carnival rides, animal exhibits, entertainment, fair food! Enjoy the nostalgia of a good old agricultural fair. The DMV and beyond has several during the month of August. Where else can you enter your best homemade baked goods with the hope of winning a blue ribbon – and also see monster trucks, demolition derbies, drag racing, and more?
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
Frying Pan Farm Park
2709 West Ox Road
Herndon, VA
August 3 – 6
2709 West Ox Road
Herndon, VA
August 3 – 6
Howard County Fair
2210 Fairgrounds Road
West Friendship, MD
August 5 – 12
West Friendship, MD
August 5 – 12
Prince William County Fair
Expo & Event Center
10624 Dumfries Road
Manassas, VA
August 11 – 19
10624 Dumfries Road
Manassas, VA
August 11 – 19
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
501 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD
August 11 – 19
Gaithersburg, MD
August 11 – 19
Arlington County Fair
Thomas Jefferson Community Center
3501 Second Street South
Arlington, VA
August 16 – 20
3501 Second Street South
Arlington, VA
August 16 – 20