Add these fun-filled events to your calendar this weekend.
September is nearing it’s end, but the warm weather hasn’t left the region yet. Continue soaking up the warm temperatures and fall celebrations with these festivals, concerts, markets, and more. Here are the best ways to spend your weekend from September 18 to 20 in and around Northern Virginia.
September 18–19
Enjoy an evening with The Avett Brothers as the North Carolina folk-rock band heads to Wolf Trap for two nights. The Grammy-nominated group will perform its mix of bluegrass, rock, and folk. Alt-rock band Guster opens for both shows. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $61+
September 18–19
Head to downtown Leesburg for this two-day celebration of local music. The festival kicks off with Rhythm & Brews at Leesburg Town Green, followed by an interview and book signing by Lol Tolhurst, co-founder of The Cure. Listen to a lineup of local artists and bands at various locations. Downtown Leesburg, $10-$25
September 19
Spend the day exploring one of Washington, DC’s liveliest neighborhoods at the annual H Street Festival. The free event brings the H Street corridor to life with music, food, arts, and entertainment. H St., Washington DC, free
September 19–20
Presented by Capital One Arts and the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, this second annual festival is an open-air celebration with plenty of visual art, music, and food. There are also plans for hands-on workshops and immersive art exhibits. Capital One Center, Tysons, free
September 19–20
Get ready for a high-octane weekend at the Prince William County Fairgrounds. The touring show features giant monster trucks, with VIP tickets including access to a pre-show pit party where fans can meet drivers and get up close to the trucks. Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas $35+
September 19–20, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Experience the sights and sounds of a traditional colonial marketplace at this weekend festival. There will be artisans giving demos using 18-century techniques, games of the time like cricket, and live music using historical instruments like hammered dulcimers. Conjurer Peter Gardiner will be performing, and of course, President George Washington will be sharing stories from his life at Mount Vernon. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, $30 for adults ages 12+, $16 for youth ages 6 to 11, and children 5 and under are free
September 19–November 8
Fall fun returns to Cox Farms. Spend the day navigating giant slides, hayrides, and corn mazes at the family-friendly festival. Then, return after nightfall on Fridays and Saturdays for spooky trails, haunted hayride, bonfires, and a night market. Cox Farms, Centreville, $15+ for Fall Festival, $40+ for Fields of Fear
September 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Get creative at the Hirshhorn Museum during International Dot Day, a celebration inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot. The event includes read-aloud sessions and book signings with Reynolds, dot-themed art tours, and art activities. Hirshhorn Museum, Washington DC, free
September 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This free, rain or shine event at the City of Falls Church Community Center will have plenty of activities for children, including inflatables and pony rides, bounce houses, an obstacle course, and spinning rides. There will be a special scavenger hunt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festival. Local restaurants and businesses will be open for patrons throughout the day. City Hall, Falls Church, free
September 19–20, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
The entire family (including pets) are welcome to attend this festival featuring the traditional fall fruit. There will be a petting zoo, apple-themed concessions, and both pie eating and pie baking contests. Frederick County Fairgrounds, Clear Brook, $10 for ages 10+
September 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate German culture at John Carlyle Square in Alexandria. The family-friendly afternoon includes traditional German fare like pretzels and strudel, music and dance performances, and handmade arts and crafts. There will be whimsical competitions throughout the day like a beer stein holding contest and a Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest contest. John Carlyle Square, Alexandria, free
September 19, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Set in scenic Virginia horse and wine country, this free festival offers two biergartens, German fare, live music, and an Artists’ Alley filled with regional crafts and fine art. South Madison Street and Federal St., Middleburg, free
September 19, 11a.m.–6 p.m.
Experience the cultures that make up Northern Virginia through live performances, international cuisine, and hands-on activities. Reston Town Center, Reston, free
September 19, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Celebrate Thai culture at the Sawasdee DC Thai Festival in the middle of Washington, DC. The free event features food vendors serving Thai cuisine, drinks, and desserts. Plus, catch traditional Thai dances, T-pop, live bands, Muay Thai demonstrations, Thai language showcases, and more. Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd St. and 6th St., Washington DC, free
September 20, 7:30 p.m.
Spend an evening with neo-soul singer and fashionista Erykah Badu for one night only. The Grammy-winning artist will perform alongside hip-hop group De La Soul and producer The Alchemist, with hit songs including “On & On” and “Tyrone.” Wolf Trap, Vienna, $73+
September 20 and 21, 7–9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m.
Tethered hot air balloon rides for children and adults are the main attraction at this festival in Bealeton. Balloons do best in light winds and no thermal activity, so they will be flying in the early morning hours and late evening. Rides are first come, first served and there are also plans for airplane rides from an open cockpit biplane. Flying Circus Airshow, Bealeton, $30 for adults, $20 for children 11 and under, children 2 and under are free
Feature image courtesy Sawasdee DC Thai Festival