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.
Summer In The Parks at Fort Slocum
August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
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 2 – 4
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.
Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Harry Potter™ Day
August 3
Nationals Park
Washington, DC
Get your Harry Potter fix at the ballpark during the Washington Nationals’ Harry Potter Day! The game starts at 4:05, but gates open at 2:45pm. Arrive early…the first 10,000 fans will receive one of four Mystery House jerseys. Also, there are so many fun, family-friendly activities planned, including Harry Potter themed photo booths, caricaturists, and face painters. During the game, enjoy Harry Potter themed scoreboard content and President’s Race. And don’t forget to look for the golden snitch throughout the game! Please note that fans are invited to come dressed in Harry Potter gear, but props resembling weapons will not be allowed into the ballpark.
Water Lantern Festival
August 3 – 4
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 at 8pm. Launch time is from 8:30pm until 9:30m. 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.
Howard County Fair
August 3 – 10
Howard County Fairgrounds
West Friendship, MD
The Howard County Fair is celebrating its 78th year of fair fun. Treat your family to fair food, carnival rides and games, pony rides, pig races, and more. Children 12 and under are FREE.
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival
August 1-4
Frying Pan Park
Fairfax, VA
Enjoy a day on the farm at Frying Pam Park. See farm animals and tractor games, enjoy carnival games and food, live entertainment, and ride the carousel (tickets are just $1.25 each!).
Concerts on the Avenue
August 6, 13, and 20
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 6, 13, 20, and 27
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: Spots and Stripes (8/6); Elephants (8/13); Teeth in the Ocean (8/20); and Prehistoric Sea Creatures (8/27). Play Dates are FREE to attend.
Rock the Dock
August 7, 14, 21, and 28
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, classic rock, and Americana. While at The Wharf, enjoy take out or drinks from one of its many tasty restaurants.
DC Arab Culture Festival
August 9
The REACH at the Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
This family-friendly event will showcase the diversity and beauty of Arab and Middle Eastern cultures. There will be musical performances and an Art Bazaar. Head over to the REACH at the Kennedy Center to celebrate the richness of Arab and Arab American heritage at this FREE festival.
LEGO Discovery Center DC Birthday Bash
August 9
Springfield Town Center
Springfield, VA
Celebrate the LEGO Discovery Center DC’s first year of exploring, creating, and imagination, including its 4D sensory cinema experience, interactive Mini World, the Imagination Express train ride, opportunities to build, and much more. There will be a 10% admission discount (see website for promo code and to purchase tickets online), LEGO set giveaways, a scavenger hunt, and more ways to celebrate this fun, interactive family-friendly DMV destination. Please note that all adults must have a child in their party and tickets are required for all entrants.
Montgomery County Fair
August 9 – 17
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, Pig Races, Touch-A-Truck, Illusionists, Cowboy Circus, and more. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Children 11 and under are FREE!
Prince William County Fair
August 9 – 17
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.
Firsthand Experience: Pop-Up Books
August 10
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, DC
NMWA’s Firsthand Experience workshops are for students 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 pop-up books, allowing participants make their own with published artist Carol Barton. Tickets to the museum and registration for the event are required.
Emery Heights Community Day
August 10
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, an on field fitness class hosted by Go-Go Fitness, and live professional wrestling brought to you by C3W Wrestling! This community celebration will run from 12pm until 8pm.
Arlington County Fair
August 14 – 18
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!
Gabby’s Dollhouse
August 14, 15, 17, and 18
Walmart at Dulles Landing Dr. in Dulles, VA
Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA
Head to Gabby’s Dollhouse tour: “Party with Marty the Party Cat”! Meet Marty the Party Cat, peek inside character themed rooms like the cat-tactic party room and more! Dance and have fun at this FREE event.
10th Annual Chuck Brown Day
August 17
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.
Peirce Mill Open House
August 17
Peirce Mill at Rock Creek Park
Washington, DC
Peirce Mill, located in Rock Creek Park, was built in 1829. It will be open from 10am until noon on August 17th for public visits. See and learn what life in the mill was like in the 1800s, as well as some local history. Tours are FREE.
24th Annual National Book Festival
August 24
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
The National Book Festival returns this year with a litany of in-person activities and author talks. The featured authors this year include Sandra Cisneros, Tamron Hall, James Patterson, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Max Greenfield. Check out the event website for its full schedule as well as a full list of this year’s participating authors. Tickets are not required for this FREE and fun family-friendly event.
Opera in the Outfield
August 24
Nationals Stadium
Washington, DC
The Washington National Opera has brought FREE opera broadcasts to Nationals Stadium for 14 years. This year, audiences will be able to watch WNO’s production of Puccini’s Turnadot! which sold out in May. In addition to the opera broadcast, which will be performed in Italian with projected English subtitles, 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.
Family Fishing
August 24
National Arboretum
Washington, DC
Anacostia Riverkeeper is an organization that works to protect and restore the Anacostia River. It hosts numerous activities that give the public the opportunity to engage more with the river. On August 24th, join them for their learn-to-fish event for families from 9am until noon. Gear and bait are provided at this FREE, family-friendly event. Participants can register and fill out the required waiver online.
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
August 24
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.
Washington at War Family Day
August 24
Tudor Place
Washington, DC
This family-friendly event will commemorate the 210th anniversary of the British attack on Washington during the War of 1812. Enjoy crafts, a scavenger hunt, and an exhibit about the Tudor Place’s connection to this important moment in history.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
August 24 – October 20
Annapolis, MD
This annual festival, which draws huge crowds every year, will transport you back to 1537. 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.
Drag Storytime
August 25
Unity Park
Washington, DC
This Drag Queen Storytime, held monthly, aims to help kids develop a love of reading as well as self-love, an appreciation of others, and the diversity among us. The DC Public Library, which is a hosting partner, will be there with their famous “book bike,” additional books, and info about local libraries. This event is FREE to attend and geared for kids of all ages and their families.
WOW Indonesia! Festival
August 25
Pennsylvania Ave, NW (between 3rd and 7th Streets)
Washington, DC
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia will host this celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Indonesia. Attendees will be thoroughly entertained by a parade, as well as music and dance performances. Delicious food vendors will be onsite. Additionally, there will be cooking demos, games, and arts and crafts workshops. This family-friendly cultural event is FREE to attend.
DC Jazz Festival
August 28 – September 1
Various Locations
Washington, DC
Celebrate the art of jazz over Labor Day weekend. A variety of venues in the area will host over 100 concerts throughout the Festival. The Wharf DC will host DC Jazz Fest on August 31st and September 1st. This event will include a hugely entertaining lineup on multiple indoor and outdoor stages. Check out the website for schedules and ticketing information.
