There are plenty of spots to celebrate Independence Day around NOVA this July. | Photo by rovenimages via Pexels.
July is here, and we’re ready for all NOVA has to offer. Whether it’s celebrating Independence Day or cooling off at Aquapoolooza, there is a ton to check out this month.
For the Fourth
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon | Friday, July 4 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Vernon | $0+ | Head on over to celebrate Independence Day with daytime fireworks and a special keynote address given by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Independence Day Celebration | Friday, July 4 | 9:45 a.m. | Ida Lee Park, Leesburg | Free | Enjoy a parade through Historic Downtown Leesburg, including a competition for the best parade entry.
Something for everyone
Alexandria + USA Birthday Celebration | Saturday, July 12 | 6-9:45 p.m. | Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria | Free | Catch this one-of-a-kind Alexandria event full of music, food, and fireworks.
Encore Stage & Studio presents “Footloose” The Musical | Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 22 | Times vary | Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, Arlington | $16+ | Kick off your Sunday shoes and enjoy a night of music, dance, and high-energy fun.
Mason Jazz Camp - Student Showcase 2025 | 2 p.m. | Concert Hall, Fairfax | Free | Enjoy a performance from the Mason Jazz Camp students after their week-long camp.
Independence Fireworks | Friday, June 27-Saturday, June 28 | Times vary | Mount Vernon| $29+ | Celebrate Independence Day early at Mt. Vernon with fireworks both nights.
Saturday, June 28
Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies | 10-11 a.m. | Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria | $12+ | Discover how Hamilton, Washington, Madison, Burr, and others crossed paths at this historic tavern.
Sunday, June 29
Color Our World - Fireworks Painting| 1-4 p.m. | Pohick Regional Library, Burke | Free | Unleash your creativity and paint a fireworks scene to celebrate Independence Day.
GrillMarX plans to open its fourth location at 510 S. Washington St. in Falls Church in late July or early August. With a two-story dining area, two bars, a fresh seafood bar, and outdoor seating, you won’t want to miss this new spot. (ARLnow)
Outdoors
Plans to revitalize John Ewald Park in Alexandria will be discussed at a public meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center. Some ideas include relocating the children’s play area and parking lot, enhancing lighting, and creating a loop walking path. (ALXnow)
Asked
What do you think of Rosslyn? Share your thoughts in a quick community survey by Friday, July 18, to help shape future programs and experiences. Complete it for a chance to win one of ten $100 local restaurant gift cards.
Eat
Looking for a way to celebrate Bastille Day? Old Town Alexandria’s Bastille Brasserie & Bar plans to host a week-long celebration from Tuesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 13. The restaurant will feature a $59 prix fixe menu, showcasing a variety of French flavors.
Community
National Night Out takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in neighborhoods around Alexandria. The family-friendly evening will feature hot dogs, games, and raffles. Registration closes Friday, July 18.
Older Adults
Apply for Virginia’s Senior Farmers Market Program if you’re 60+, a Virginia resident, and earn $2,413/month or less ($3,261 for two-income households). Eligible participants receive $50 in vouchers to use at farmers markets through Nov. 30.
Development
Ground broke on Fairfax County’s first affordable housing project in Merrifield. The plan is to repurpose the currently vacant building at 2990 Telestar Ct. into an affordable 80-unit apartment building. (FFXnow)
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Have you noticed more of your friends leaving NOVA? You’re not alone. New data shows that Virginia was in the bottom 10 in the nation for inbound moves. Personally, I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to leave NOVA.
The basics you need while they’re on sale. Amazon Basics just marked down tons of products in a sale exclusive for Prime members — time to restock the bathroom/office/supply closet shelves:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
While writing today’s newsletter, I was listening to a lot of ABBA. I might have to go see Mamma Mania!, an ABBA tribute band, when they perform at The Vault in Capital One Hall, Tysons, on Friday, July 11. We think you’ll be head over heels for this performance. 🕺
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