While Arlington is entering the later days of the summer, a full schedule of outdoor events continues through August.
Movie showings, live concerts and the Arlington County Fair are sure to draw crowds in the maybe-not-so-blistering heat of the late-ish season. Other outdoor attractions range from Rosslyn’s Dark Star Park Day to an outdoor bonsai class in Pentagon City.
Here’s a look at what is coming up next month, plus a couple highlights to remember for September.
Outdoor concerts
Lubber Run Summer Concert Series
When: Tomorrow (Saturday) at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m.
The Lubber Run Amphitheater has been hosting free concerts all summer, and the lineup is coming to an end this weekend. The final two shows on Saturday and Sunday will be from Kenny Pirog & Friends, a rock-and-roll cover band, and STEMusic, an educational music group.
200 N. Columbus Street (Arlington Forest)
Fridays at the Fountain
When: Fridays from 5:30-8 p.m.
A free outdoor concert series continues at Crystal City’s Water Park all month. The following D.C.-area acts are playing in August: Alex Hamburger (jazz fusion), Taisha Estrada (Latin jazz/soul), Chicha Morada (cumbia) and The Montaines (alt pop/indie rock).
1601 Crystal Drive (Crystal City)
Beats — Ballston’s Lunchtime Acoustic Music Series
When: Tuesdays, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Ballston BID is hosting acoustic concerts outside Uncle Julio’s. The idea is to provide a fun, outdoor activity for office workers during their lunch hour. A lineup of artists is not yet available.
4301 N. Fairfax Drive (Ballston)
Rosslyn LIVE
When: Thursday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Gateway Park is finishing its summer concert series with one more show in mid-August. The local folk and bluegrass band Justin Trawick and the Common Good will be the entertainment for the night. Fly Pizza, a New York-style food truck, will also be providing pizza at the show.
1300 Langston Blvd (Rosslyn)
Outdoor movies
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” on Columbia Pike
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 at 8:30 p.m.
The Columbia Pike Partnership is wrapping up its outdoor movie series this summer with a showing of the horror classic “I Know What You Did Last Summer” at Penrose Square. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
2501 9th Road S. (Penrose)
Met Park Movie Nights
When: Fridays, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21, from 6-8 p.m.
Met Park’s “central green” will host two Friday movie nights in August: “Hairspray” on Aug. 7 and “Shrek” on Aug. 21.
1400 S. Eads Street (Pentagon City)
“My Cousin Vinny” at GMU
When: Friday, Aug. 14 from 8-10 p.m.
George Mason University is hosting one last outdoor movie screening this summer, the 1992 legal comedy “My Cousin Vinny.” Free popcorn will be available while supplies last.
3351 Fairfax Drive (Virginia Square)
Other outdoor events
Dark Star Park Day
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9-9:45 a.m.
Dark Star Park is an art exhibit celebrating Rosslyn’s history. Every year, at approximately 9:37 a.m. on Aug. 1, real shadows from spheres and poles line up with the shadows that artist Nancy Holt included in her design, marking the moment of Rosslyn’s founding in 1860. Rosslyn BID will be providing donut holes on a first-come, first-served basis.
1655 N. Fort Myer Drive (Rosslyn)
MoCA on the Move: Summer Fun Family Series
When: Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This weekly event at Met Park features musical guests and a local artist spotlight or craft-making instruction. Local acts such as guitarist Sean Tracy and cover band Acoustic Loops are coming in August. Art demos include watercolor painting and paper mosaics.
1400 S. Eads Street (Pentagon City)
Sound Bath in Ballston Park
When: Friday, Aug. 7 from 7-8 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Spiritual Enhancements is hosting two “sound baths” in a park in Ballston. The organization describes the experience as a blend of “the healing vibrations of alchemy crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, and grounding percussion with the gentle energy of Reiki.” The events also include a period of meditation.
1050 N. Stuart Street (Ballston)
Family Night at the Track and Meet of the Miles
When: Sunday, Aug. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Co-hosted by the DC Road Runners Club and Potomac Valley Track Club, this public track meet at Yorktown High School is open to runners of all ages. It includes both 400-meter and 800-meter “fun-runs” for kids, multiple one-mile races and a 3000-meter run. Registration costs $10 but children under 8 years old can race for free.
2700 N. Greenbrier Street (Yorktown)
National Landing Community Bike Ride
When: Saturday, Aug. 8 from 8-10 a.m.
Hosted by BellRinger Community Rides, this free, 17-mile bike ride will start at Long Bridge Park. “Just show up with your bike and helmet, we’ll do the rest!” the listing reads. Riders under age 14 should contact [email protected].
475 Long Bridge Drive (Crystal City)
The Arlington County Fair
When: Aug. 12-16 (hours vary)
Returning to Thomas Jefferson Community Center for its 50th year, the free Arlington County Fair will feature classic rides like the “double shot” drop tower and Ferris wheel, plus carnival delicacies such as fried Oreos and funnel cake. New additions this year include an inflatable “ninja” course and a “silent disco.”
3501 2nd Street S. (Arlington Heights)
Plants in the Park — Bonsai Class
When: Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Met Park hosts this monthly event in partnership with PlantHouse, a terrarium workshop and plant boutique. In August, the workshop will cover caring for bonsai trees.
1400 S. Eads Street (Pentagon City)
Save the date for September
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1-7 p.m.
This year marks the 34th annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, an event that includes free live jazz, funk and soul music, as well as food trucks and local vendors. The full lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but it will include Afro-Caribbean jazz band Plena Libre.
1300 Langston Blvd (Rosslyn)
Clarendon Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 26
The annual neighborhood street festival at Clarendon Central Park will feature Justin Trawick, Pebble to Pearl and Collective providing musical entertainment. A kid’s area will also include an inflatable obstacle course and an inflatable slide. Typically, over 100 local artisans, businesses and nonprofits participate in this marquee event.
3100 Wilson Blvd (Clarendon)
