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 Northern Virginia 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.)
For the Fourth
It’s no surprise that NOVA goes all out for Independence Day. I mean, how could we not? Here are a few ways you can celebrate around the area.
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.
Fairlington July 4th Parade | Friday, July 4 | 10 a.m. | Fairlington Fire Station, Arlington | Free | Celebrate the Fourth of July with the annual parade and after-party.
Freedom, Flip Flops, and Fireworks | Friday, July 4 | 10 a.m. | City Hall, Fairfax | Free | This parade offers all of the aspects you need, including marching bands, floats, old fire engines, and more.
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.
Red, White & Blue Tournament | Sunday, July 13 | 8 a.m. | Pinecrest Golf Course, Alexandria | $110 | The event is two players per team for a 9-hole scramble, and registration includes lunch and carts.
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.
Aquapoolooza | Saturday, July 19 | 4-7 p.m. | Lake Newport Pool, Reston | $20+ | Free for members, this 1970s-themed pool party will be full of games, crafts, prizes, and more.
Root for the home team
Your Washington Nationals will play against the Boston Red Sox during Fourth of July weekend. However, if you want to see fireworks at the stadium, you’ll have to go to the game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, July 3.
Catch some Loudoun United FC matches this month. The team will play Orange County FC on Thursday, July 3, and Oakland Roots FC on Saturday, July 19 at Segra Field.
The Alexandria Aces are about halfway through their season, with plenty of games left for you to watch. Head to Frank Mann Field for some great baseball games throughout July.
Concerts
James Arthur | Wednesday, July 2 | 8 p.m. | Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna | $54+ | Don’t miss multi-platinum artist and X Factor winner James Arthur’s Wolf Trap debut, featuring his global hits and powerful voice ahead of his new album PISCES.
Barenaked Ladies | Wednesday, July 16 | 5:30 p.m. | $73+ | Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna | Known for hits like “One Week,” the band headlines the “Last Summer on Earth Tour 2025” with Sugar Ray + Fastball.
Karan Aujla | Saturday, July 19 | 8 p.m. | EagleBank Arena, Fairfax | $87.60+ | Hear this Canadian-based rapper and singer on his “It Was All A Dream” world tour.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.
