Things to Do in Northern Virginia This Weekend (Aug 22–24, 2025) Festivals, Food & Fun

If you’re searching for things to do in Northern Virginia this weekend, you’re in luck—August is going out with a bang! From international food festivals and restaurant week dining deals to comic book fandoms and live music, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a family looking for entertainment, or just want to explore local events, here’s your complete guide to what’s happening across Northern Virginia.

📍August 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Manassas Museum Historic District, Manassas
Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world! Sample cuisine from over 30 food vendors, browse global crafts, and enjoy live performances that celebrate diverse cultures. Admission is free, making this one of the best family-friendly festivals in Northern Virginia.

📍 Through August 24 | Multiple NoVA Locations
This is your last chance to enjoy prix fixe menus at dozens of top restaurants across the region. From brunch to dinner, this Northern Virginia restaurant week event is a foodie’s dream. Bonus: Alexandria Restaurant Week kicks off August 23 for even more dining specials.

 

📍 August 23–24 | Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly
Fans of comics, anime, gaming, sci-fi, and pop culture won’t want to miss this one. Enjoy cosplay contests, meet celebrity guests, shop collectible vendors, and celebrate all things geek culture. One of the most popular Northern Virginia weekend events for families and fans alike

📍 Friday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Creative Cauldron, Falls Church
Prepare to be blown away by iO’s soulful, powerhouse vocals—often compared to Whitney Houston and Tracy Chapman. This intimate performance is perfect for lovers of jazz, soul, and rock.

📍 August 22–31 | Fairfax City
Another round of restaurant week specials in Northern Virginia kicks off this weekend. Fairfax City eateries are offering unique prix fixe menus, so it’s the perfect excuse to try something new.

📍 Opens Monday, August 25 | Tysons Corner Center
Level99, a massive challenge-based entertainment venue for adults, is opening its first DMV location right here in Tysons! Imagine an escape room meets game show—ideal for a night out with friends or a creative date. 🎯 [Read our blog post for a preview before it opens!]

Be sure to click the links to confirm all the details for a successful outing.
🗓️ Friday, August 22
Alexandria Restaurant Week  | Multiple area locations | Alexandria
Wright at Twilight | Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House | Alexandria
Standup Comedy Show: Anthony DeVito (Colbert, HBO) | Crystal City Sports Pub | Arlington
Columbia Pike Movie Night: Mufasa: The Lion King | Arlington Mill Comm Ctr  plaza
Paint + Sip Event | Lost Rhino Brewing | Ashburn
StageCoach Bandits Improv Show | StageCoach Theatre Co. | Ashburn 
Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour | Honor Brewing | Ashburn
Thomas Rhett | Jiffy Lube Live! | Bristow
IO the Singer “The Art & Soul of Nina Simone” | Creative Caldron | Falls Church 
Trivia Night | Aroma II | Haymarket
Yappy Hour | October One Vineyard | Leesburg
Learning at Lunch: The Smithsonian and Lorton | Workhouse Arts Center | Lorton
Puzzle Wars! | Ornery Beer Company Taproom | Manassas
The Gambler Returns: Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute | Franklin Park Arts Center | Purcellville
Experience South Africa Through Music | Reston Town Center | Reston
Dean Edwards (Comedy)| Capital One Hall | Tysons
Sesame Street the Musical | The Kennedy Center | Washington DC
🗓️  Saturday, August 23
Around the World Cultural Food Festival  | Oronoco Bay Park | Alexandria
80’s Mayhem | Loudoun Station | Ashburn
Bear Chase Brewing’s 7th Birthday Party! | Bear Chase Brewing Co. | Bluemont
Fairfax Comic Con | Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly
Family Fest | Douglass Community Center | Leesburg
Raging Reptiles Show | Eavesdrop | Manassas
Groovalicious | NOVA Live | Manassas
Dog Days – August | Breaux Vineyards | Purcellville 
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular | Capital One Hall | Tysons
James Taylor & His All Star Band | Wolf Trap | Vienna
Sesame Street the Musical | The Kennedy Center | Washington DC
🗓️  Sunday, August 24
Family BBQ Bash | Cookology | Arlington
Flying Circus Airshow | Flying Circus Aerodrome | Bealeton
Fairfax Comic Con | Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly 
Manuel Turizo  | Eagle Bank Arena | Fairfax
International Food Festival  | Manassas Museum /  Historic District | Manassas
Kiddo Rave | Shipgarten | McLean 
Baby Goat & Bunny Bottle Feeding | Little Goat Farm at the Lake | Nokesville
James Taylor & His All Star Band | Wolf Trap | Vienna
Big Bird’s Planetarium Show | Nat’l Air & Space Museum | Washington DC
 Sesame Street the Musical | The Kennedy Center | Washington DC

That’s a wrap on this weekend’s lineup! Whether you’re tasting your way through the International Food Festival in Manassas, checking out cosplay at Fairfax Comic Con, or scoring dining deals during Northern Virginia restaurant weeks, there’s no shortage of fun.

Stay cool, enjoy the last weekends of summer, and check back for more Northern Virginia events and things to do each week.

Picture of Dana Elam

Dana Elam

Hi I’m Dana! I’ve been living, working and playing in Northern VA for 30+ years. All while raising four, now grown up, children. I’m a lover of all people, sucker for my new granddaughter, and Realtor to Northern Virginia. Stop by often to stay up to date about upcoming local events, restaurants, and real estate! Join us as we explore the most amazing activities. Got real estate questions? Call or text me anytime! (703) 725-7249