The summer is going by so quickly, but never fear, there is still plenty of family-friendly summer fun to be had at a variety of August events. There are concerts, county fairs, movies, a Renaissance festival, and more. For even more ideas on ways to have fun this month, check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun.
Sesame Street the Musical
Now through August 31
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
Your favorite friends from Sesame Street are coming to DC to spread joy and fun! Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, and more will perform sing-alongs of your favorite songs and have you and your kiddos dancing in your seats. This 70-minute production is best for audiences 2 years and older. Check out the show’s website for information about its VIP experiences, sensory-friendly performances, and the family-friendly pre-show brunch experience, 123 Brunch Street, being offered at the KC Café.
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair
July 31 – August 3
Frying Pan Park
Fairfax, VA
Enjoy a day on the farm at Frying Pam Park. See farm animals and tractor demos, enjoy carnival games and food, live entertainment, and ride the carousel. You can pre-purchase ride tickets, including Unlimited Ride Wristbands, online.
Friday Night Fishing
August 1 and 8
Diamond Teague Park
Washington, DC
Head to Diamond Teague Park across from Nationals Stadium for FREE fishing on Friday nights. Participation is first-come first-served, and you get 1 hour to try and catch a fish. Anacostia Riverkeepers will supply bait and equipment. They’ll also have staff on hand who can teach newbies how to fish.
AdMo Vibe Concert Series
August 1, 7, 14, and 21
Kalorama Park
Washington, DC
Head to Kalorama Park for this FREE summer concert series. From 6pm until 7:30pm, participants will enjoy performances from DC-based musicians. Take your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and feast on take out from one of the many restaurants in the area.
Firsthand Experience: Pinhole Pics
August 2
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, DC
NMWA’s Firsthand Experience workshops are for learners 13 years of age and older. They get the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning activities with contemporary artists. This event will focus on pinhole cameras and photography, allowing participants to take and develop photos taken with lens-less cameras, which they will make, under the guidance of artist and writer R.C. Barajas. Tickets to the museum and registration for the event are required.
Howard County Fair
August 2 – 9
Howard County Fairgrounds
West Friendship, MD
The Howard County Fair is celebrating its 79th year of fair fun! Treat your family to fair food, carnival rides and games, pony rides, dog agility contests, and more. Children 12 and under are FREE.
Paddle Through Nature: The Potomac by Kayak
August 3, 17, and 31
Key Bridge Boathouse
Washington, DC
Whether you are a nature lover or a history buff, you will enjoy this 1.5 hour guided kayak tour on the Potomac. A National Park Ranger will be your guide. Participants will be supplied with kayaks and life jackets. You must purchase tickets ahead of time, but don’t wait…slots could fill up quickly.
Bao Li’s 4th Birthday Celebration
August 4
National Zoo
Washington, DC
The National Zoo’s male giant panda, Bao Li, is turning 4! Celebrate the big guy’s birthday at 9am, when the panda keepers will give him a fruit-based ice birthday cake. Admission is FREE, but you must reserve a timed-entry pass to the zoo. And reserve parking ahead of time too.
Concerts on the Avenue
August 5, 12, and 19
U.S. Navy Memorial
Washington, DC
This FREE, family-friendly summer tradition will have you tapping your feet and singing along with the world-renowned U.S. Navy Band as they perform everything from modern hits to patriotic tunes. Performances will be held on the first three Tuesdays of the month and will begin at 7:00pm. Make sure you arrive early to get a good seat.
Play Date at NMNH
August 5, 12, 19, and 26
Natural Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC
On Tuesdays, NMNH Educators welcome kids and families for “Play Dates”, wherein a special topic is explored. Activities are geared for early learners but all ages are welcome. This month, the topics will be: Rainforests (8/5); Elephants (8/12); Orangutans (8/19); and the Deep Sea (8/26). Play Dates are FREE to attend.
Rock the Dock
August 6, 13, 20, and 27
The Wharf
Washington, DC
Head to the Transit Pier at The Wharf for the last Rock the Dock concerts of the summer. On Wednesdays at 7pm, families can enjoy FREE, live music performances by a variety of artists, including rock, soul, Go-Go, and country. While at The Wharf, enjoy take out from one of the tasty restaurants at the Wharf or drinks from Cantina Bambina.
Summer In The Parks at Carter Barron
August 7, 14, 21, and 28
Fort Slocum Park
Washington, DC
The National Park Service and the Rock Creek Conservancy are hosting “Summer in the Parks” events on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. These FREE, family-friendly events aim to celebrate the public lands that bring the community together. The events will include games, activities, and music from DJ Lance Reynolds. Take a blanket, some lawn chairs, and a dinner picnic to make an evening out of it! This event is FREE, but please register online.
Otakon
August 8 – 10
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
This annual convention celebrates all aspects of Asian pop culture including anime, manga, music, movies, video games, and more. Check out the weekend schedule for family-friendly activities, teen-focused highlights, and much more. Go online to register to attend. Please note that children 8 and under can attend for FREE.
Montgomery County Fair
August 8 – 16
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds
Gaithersburg, MD
Nothing says summer like a county fair, and the Montgomery County Fair does not disappoint. Take the family out for a day of carnival rides and games, fair food, and Grandstand events that include a Monster Truck show, Demolition Derby, a rodeo, and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Children 11 and under are FREE!
Prince William County Fair
August 8 – 16
Prince William County Fairgrounds
Manassas, VA
This county fair is packed will all sorts of summer fun. In past years, there have been camel and pony rides, a Demolition Derby, a livestock show, mechanical bull riding, and wine tastings. And, of course, there is fair food, midway games, and carnival rides a-plenty. Please see website for ticket packages and discount days.
Emery Heights Community Day
August 9
Emery Heights Community Center
Washington, DC
Bring the whole family down to the Emery Heights Community Center for a day of FREE, family-friendly fun. The DC Parks and Recreation Department and Friends of Emery will host this event that will delight attendees with entertaining live music performances, a DJ, fitness classes hosted by DacGo-Go Fitness, and live professional wrestling brought to you by C3W Wrestling! This community celebration will run from 12pm until 9pm.
Third Annual Caribbean Cultural Concert
August 9
Freedom Plaza
Washington, DC
The Mayor’s Office of Caribbean Cultural Affairs and the D.C. Caribbean Carnival are hosting this fun-filled day of music, dancing, and celebration. This FREE event will celebrate the various, vibrant cultures of the Caribbean.
Water Lantern Festival
August 9 – 10
Southpointe Event Area
National Harbor, MD
This event gives you the opportunity to share a unique experience with your family. Tickets are required. Gates open at 5:30pm. You can enjoy music and food trucks and design your lantern from 8:30pm until 9:30pm. Launch time is at 9:30pm. If the thought of participating in the launch of hundreds of lanterns on the Potomac gives you pause, you should note that the hosting organization states that it will clean up all the lanterns after the event and that the lanterns are eco-friendly.
Arlington County Fair
August 13 – 17
Thomas Jefferson Community Center
Arlington, VA
The Arlington County Fair has been providing quality family-friendly entertainment for over 40 years. Admission is FREE, although ride tickets must be purchased. The Kids’ Court activities vary from year to year but typically include family-friendly interactive games, live performances, coloring, and more. Check out the event website for more information about the schedule and shuttle service that will be provided from locations throughout Arlington. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for the Pie Eating contest!
11th Annual Chuck Brown Day
August 16
Fort Dupont Park
Washington, DC
This FREE family-friendly event celebrates the legacy of Go-Go legend and DC’s own Chuck Brown. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment that will commemorate this local legend.
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
August 23
Oronoco Bay Park
Alexandria, VA
Celebrate and learn about cultures around the world at this FREE event (food and beverages are available for purchase). Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy food from restaurants representing a wide variety of countries. Additionally, there will be singing and dancing performances, vendors, and artisans of cultures from around the world.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 23 – October 19
Annapolis, MD
This annual festival, which draws huge crowds every year, will transport you back to 1539. You will wander among knights, princesses, fairies, minstrels, and more at this craft show/festival/cosplay opportunity. Visitors will be entertained by over 200 performers. There is fair food and ale. Little ones can play in the children’s area that includes a pirate ship. Tickets are required and advance purchase is suggested. Refer to the event website for all sorts of information that will make your experience more enjoyable.
Opera in the Outfield
August 24
Nationals Stadium
Washington, DC
The Washington National Opera has brought FREE opera broadcasts to Nationals Stadium for 15 years. This year, audiences will be able to watch WNO’s production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. In addition to the opera broadcast, which will be performed in English, attendees will enjoy other activities and entertainment including photo opportunities and prize giveaways. Seating is available in the stands or on the grass in the outfield, but you must arrive early to get seating access to the field as it is very popular and there is limited capacity.
DC Jazz Festival
August 27 – 31
Various Locations
Washington, DC
Celebrate the art of jazz throughout Labor Day weekend. A variety of venues in the area will host many concerts throughout the Festival. The Wharf DC will host DC Jazz Fest on August 30th and 31st. This event will include a hugely entertaining lineup on multiple indoor and outdoor stages. Check out the website for schedules and ticketing information.
Cinematery: The Mummy
August 29
Congressional Cemetery
Washington, DC
Enjoy the adventure and fun of “The Mummy” in the unique setting of the historic Congressional Cemetery. Pack a picnic and drinks to enjoy as you watch this classic.
Alcohol is permitted and will be for sale. Make sure you take low-lying lawn chairs and picnic blankets!
Black Panther
August 29
Bridge District
Washington, DC
Another outdoor movie viewing option will be hosted at the Bridge District in DC. Black Panther will be the first of three monthly outdoor films. It is FREE to attend, and complimentary popcorn will be provided.
DC Festival of Magic
August 29 – 31
Capital Hilton
Washington, DC
The 5th Annual DC Festival of Magic will bring five of the best magician performances from across the country to dazzle DC audiences over Labor Day weekend. Tickets can be purchased online. Please note that all performances are for audiences 15 years of age and older, except for John Reid’s Family Shows on August 31st (for ages 4 and up).
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
August 29 – September 1
Roosevelt Center
Greenbelt, MD
For over 70 years, the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival has delighted adults and kids of all ages. Attendees will be able to enjoy the annual parade, carnival games, craft fair, musical performances, and Bingo. Those with a competitive spirit can take part in a variety of competitions including corn hole, table tennis tournament, pie eating contest, and much more. Please check the website for an updated schedule and its Facebook page for the most up to date information.
National Symphony Orchestra: Labor Day Concert
August 31
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual Labor Day Concert will once again entertain folks on West Lawn of the Capitol. The concert is FREE and no ticket is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
