Lucky you. You just found NOVAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout NOVA each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Fun for the fam
16th Annual Taste of Del Ray | Sunday, June 1 | 1-3 p.m. | Mount Vernon Recreation Center Fields, Alexandria | $13+ | Grab your tickets now for this popular annual event featuring delicious food from across the state — it often sells out fast.
The Arlington Triathlon | Sunday, June 8 | 7:30 a.m. | Washington-Liberty Aquatics Center, Arlington | $115 | This event is designed for kids ages 7 to 15, with participants competing in age-based heats to keep things fair and fun for everyone.
Firefly Festival | Sunday, June 22 | 7-9 p.m. | Fort CF Smith Park, Arlington | Free | Admire the twinkling natural light of fireflies as they light up the park sky — bring a blanket or picnic for the family.
Live music
Columbia Pike Blues Festival | Saturday, June 14 | 1-8 p.m. | S. Walter Reed Dr., Arlington | Free admission | Bless your ears with blues, jazz, and bluegrass and treat your tastebuds to barbecue, burgers, and more at this iconic music festival.
47th Annual ALX Jazz Fest | Saturday, June 14 | 3-9:30 p.m. | Waterfront Park, Alexandria | Free | Enjoy jazz performances by artists from across the region, paired with inspiring words from renowned poets.
Indigo Girls with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra | Thursday, June 19-Friday, June 20 | 8 p.m. | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $100+ | Hear the Indigo Girls perform songs like “Closer to Fine” and “Dear Mr. President” accompanied by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.
Rock the Block | Friday, June 20 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Old Town Square, Fairfax | Free | End the week right with a rockin’ concert as you sip on a beer and munch on snacks from local vendors.
Pride events
Mosaic Pride Celebration | Saturday, June 14 | 3-9 p.m. | Mosaic District Avenue, Fairfax | Free | This event starts with a parade followed by activities, drag performances, and more.
Pride Pawty + Puppy Parade | Sunday, June 22 | 3-5 p.m. | Bryant St. Market, DC | $15 | Bring your furry friends along for dog-friendly activities, then shop at LGBTQ+-owned businesses and support an animal rescue supply drive.
8th Annual Alexandria Pride | Saturday, June 28 | 3-6 p.m. | City Hall + Market Square, Alexandria | Free | Check out 60+ exhibitors, drag story hour, food trucks, and live music — if your organization would like to be a vendor, register here by June 1.
For more Pride events in the area, check out our Pride Month guide.
