15 Events You Need to Check Out in DC and NoVA This August
August stretches out like summer’s final lap. Schools are around the corner, but the local calendar hasn’t hit the brakes yet. Big-name concerts, offbeat traditions, and free outdoor festivals pack the month with ways to hold onto the season just a little longer.
Here’s what’s worth showing up for.
Luke Bryan Keeps the Energy High
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Luke Bryan’s bringing his tour to Columbia on August 7. Tickets start at $69. If you know his hits—“Play It Again,” “That’s My Kind of Night”—expect a set packed with crowd favorites. People turn up for a good time, and he delivers: big choruses, hands in the air, every song built for summer. The crowd’s part of the show, and nobody leaves quietly.
A Tribute to Trees Through Local Art
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Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria is hosting “Lovely As a Tree” through August 30. The exhibit looks at trees through the eyes of local artists with paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. And how they connect with nature emotionally or culturally. It’s free, mellow, and good for a slow afternoon indoors.
Montgomery County 4‑H Fair & Carnival in Herndon
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Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon hosts the Montgomery County 4-H Fair & Carnival from August 8–16. It’s got tractors, funnel cake, goats, rides, and the works. Adults pay about $13 to get in, and most of the charm comes from how little it’s changed. It’s farm-style fun, right off the highway.
Taste Leesburg Returns Downtown
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Downtown Leesburg clears the streets on August 9 for Taste Leesburg, a walkable food fest with vendors, trucks, and drinks lining Market and King streets. Live music fills the gaps between bites, and no tickets are required to get in. It’s a casual way to eat well and explore local favorites.
Cardboard Boat Racing on Lake Anne
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Also on August 9, Reston hosts its annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, where teams build and race boats entirely from cardboard. The community-focused event includes music and activities along Lake Anne Plaza. It’s free to attend and always draws a creative, supportive crowd.
Jonas Brothers Light Up Bristow
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Pop-rock trio the Jonas Brothers will perform August 12 at Jiffy Lube Live. They’re known for catchy hooks and Disney-era nostalgia, as they continue to draw multi-age fans with polished stadium shows. And with tickets starting at $30, it’s a relatively low-cost way to catch a stadium act before summer ends.
Bizet’s Carmen Under the Stars
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Opera in an amphitheater beats opera in a suit. On August 14, Carmen plays at Wolf Trap, which you can catch for just $39. The show combines drama, big vocals, and that famous score with the comfort of lawn seating and snacks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious first-timer, this production is open-air and accessible.
A Preview of October’s Ramble Festival
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Tysons gets a jump on festival season August 14. For $28.50, The Vault lines up roots and Americana acts for one night only. No big crowds or endless walking—just a tight bill and musicians up close. If you want a sample of October’s Ramble Festival, this is where to get it, indoors and easy.
Handmade Crafts and Kite Flying in Leesburg
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Ida Lee Park fills with handmade goods, food, and kites on August 16 for the Leesburg Festival of Crafts & Kites. This family-friendly event blends vendor booths with outdoor activities, giving attendees of all ages something to enjoy. It’s free and family-friendly, and the kite-flying section keeps kids busy.
A Tony-Winning Revival at The Kennedy Center
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Parade arrives in DC for a run at the Kennedy Center, August 19 through September 7. The musical tells Leo Frank’s story—real events, weighty themes, no shortcuts on emotion. Critics have called this revival one of the most honest takes on justice and prejudice in years. Tickets start at $49 and top out at $159.
Train Headlines in Vienna
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Wolf Trap welcomes Train on August 20 for a night of radio favorites. Tickets start at $62.50. “Drops of Jupiter” still lands strong, and they’ve got enough hits to keep the set moving. Their concerts are built for casual fans who just want a good time with songs they know.
The Black Keys Shake Things Up in Columbia
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August 28 belongs to The Black Keys at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Their gritty, guitar-heavy sound cuts through clean with crowd favorites and newer tracks. It’s the kind of show where the volume stays high and the set never drags. Lawn seats start at $51.15 if you’re aiming for casual and loud.
Craft Traditions Get Their Spotlight at Renwick
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The Renwick Gallery’s “State Fairs: Growing American Craft” exhibit showcases textiles, ceramics, and woodwork inspired by the spirit of state fairs. The display will continue from August 22 to September 7, honoring both technique and nostalgia. It’s detailed, handmade work, and entry won’t cost you anything.
A Global Menu in Alexandria
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Over 40 countries’ cuisines show up on August 23 at Oronoco Bay Park for the Around the World Cultural Food Festival. Add in performances, views of the water, and the option to try something totally unfamiliar, and it’s a full afternoon. The event is open and free to walk around.
DC JazzFest Returns to The Wharf
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The Wharf hosts DC JazzFest from August 27 to 31. Stages pop up along the water, with artists from DC and around the world. Some sets are ticketed, but plenty are open to the public. Just show up and hear something new—no planning required.