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- Block Party in Vienna, Ice Cream & Cookouts, Comedy + Live Music Lineup
Block Party in Vienna, Ice Cream & Cookouts, Comedy + Live Music Lineup
Plus, a unique tour details the historic "Fairfax Resolves" in Alexandria | A preview of the weekend ahead and things to do in Fairfax County
Hey gang, Matt here!
It’s hard to believe it’s already mid-July. Summer sure is cruisin’ right along, which means it’s a good time to find some fun things to do in the community this weekend!
Don’t worry, we have found some “cool” indoor events if you’re looking to beat the heat. Looking for a tasty solution? Sunday is also National Ice Cream Day. 🍦

Let’s dive in!
In this week’s newsletter:
Block party in Vienna, history comes to life in Alexandria
Taco, Hot Sauce, & Beer Festival + two line dancing events
Comedy in Lorton and Herndon + where to find live music
Make your own ice cream, campfire cookouts
Nationals return home to face the Padres
Cheers,
Matt
A message from us

Things To Do
History, block party happenings, and a whole lot more! ⬇️
Dueling Pianos at Tysons Corner Center
The second Dueling Pianos night of the summer is set for Friday, July 18 at Tysons Corner Center. Enjoy a live, interactive performance featuring the hits of yesterday and today. The show runs 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons
Billed as “the hottest block party around,” the second “Chillin’ on Church” of the summer is set for Friday, July 18 from 6:30p.m.-9:30p.m. Enjoy food trucks, sweet treats, drinks, live entertainment, and much more on the Vienna Town Green.
144 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Find A Farmers Market Near You
If you’re looking for fresh produce, local meats and eggs, artisan vendors, and more, check out our 2025 Farmers Market Guide! We have details for nearly 20 markets across Fairfax County, from Great Falls to Lorton, Chantilly to Falls Church, and much more.
“Fairfax Resolves” Specialty Tour
To mark the anniversary of the “Fairfax Resolves,” join a specialty tour at Carlyle House Historic Park on Friday, July 18 to explore one of our area’s most historic events. Two times are available. Tickets: $8 per person, and registration is required. (Want to know more about the Fairfax Resolves? Jump down to our Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week for details.)
121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria
The Nation’s Gun Show at Dulles Expo Center
The Dulles Expo Center hosts The Nation’s Gun Show this weekend, running Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20. A variety of firearms will be on sale and on display through the weekend, including rifles, shotguns, historic firearms, and more. Tickets start at $15 for adults with a three-day pass available for $25.
4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

Food & Drink
Good food, cold drinks, and plenty of fun! 🍻
Capital One Center’s Culinary Week Runs Through Friday
The inaugural culinary week at Capital One Center in Tysons kicked off Monday and runs through Friday, July 18. The event features large events and private classes led by acclaimed chefs and mixologists. Participating restaurants and bars include Wren, Ometeo, Stellina Pizzeria, and many more.
1803 Capital One Dr. S, Tysons
Taco, Hot Sauce, & Beer Festival at Bunnyman Chantilly
The new Bunnyman Brewing — formerly Mustang Sally Brewing — in Chantilly is hosting a one-of-a-kind Taco, Hot Sauce, & Beer Festival on Saturday, July 19. Some of the DMV’s top taco vendors will be on hand dishing up their favorite meals. Admission is free with food and drink items available for purchase. The event runs 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m.
14140 Parke Long Ct., Chantilly
Lord of the Rings Trivia at Audacious Aleworks
Trivia straight out of Middle Earth comes to Falls Church on Saturday, July 19 at 7:00p.m. Test your Lord of the Rings trivia and enjoy a pint.
110 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
Wine & Line Dancing at The Winery at Bull Run
A boot scootin’ good time at The Winery at Bull Run on Friday, July 18 with a night of line dancing and wine. This event is free. The fun runs from 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. Ages 18+.
15950 Lee Highway, Centreville
Line Dancing Returns to Fair Winds Brewing Co.
Fair Winds is running (well, dancing) it back! The Lorton brewery is once again hosting line dancing on Friday, July 18 starting at 6:30p.m.
7000 Newington Rd., Suites K-L, Lorton
Go Out & About Together
Music, Arts, & Entertainment
Lots of comedy and live music on tap this weekend! 🎶
An Evening of Improv in Herndon
The Resonance Improv Alliance will host an evening of improv comedy where they transform audience suggestions and turn them into songs, sketches, and more. The fun starts Friday, July 18 at 8:00p.m. at the NextStop Theatre. Tickets: $25.
269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon
Standup Comedy Night at Workhouse Arts Center
Enjoy laughs in Lorton on Saturday, July 19 for Workhouse Arts Center’s latest Standup Comedy Night led by acclaimed comedian and producer, Rahmein Mostafavi. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. Showtime: 7:30p.m.-9:00p.m.
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Todd Rundgren Headlines Capital One Hall
The electronic music and progressive rock pioneer comes to Capital One Hall on Sunday, July 20 for one show only. Showtime: 8:00p.m. Tickets start at $65.
7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
“Weird Al” Yankovic Headlines Wolf Trap
Another packed weekend at Wolf Trap caps off with a performance by the legendary “Weird Al” Yankovic on Sunday, July 20. Tickets remain but are limited. Showtime at the Filene Center: 8:00p.m.
1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
Where to Find Live Music Around the Area This Weekend
Concerts in the Park in Falls Church — Rockabilly and country group Kiti Gartner & The Drifting Valentines perform in Cherry Hill Park on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00p.m.
312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Taylor Swift Tribute in McLean — “Lover: An Eras Tour Experience” comes to the McLean Central Park on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00p.m.
1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
Reston Concerts on the Town — “Sensational Soul Cruisers” headlines this week’s Reston Concerts on the Town on Saturday, July 19 at 7:30p.m. at the Reston Town Center pavilion.
11900 Market St., Reston
Friday Night Live! Herndon Rocks — ‘80s legends Herr Metal will headline this week’s Herndon Rocks concert on Friday, July 18 at 6:30p.m.
777 Lynn St., Herndon
Cathy & Marcy’s Old Time Coalition — GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer perform at Mason District Park Amphitheater in Annandale on Friday, July 18 at 7:30p.m.
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Mosaic Live — Munit Mesfin headlines this week’s performance in Fairfax’s Mosaic District on Saturday, July 19 at 6:00p.m.
2910 District Ave., Fairfax
Fab Friday Summerbration: So Fetch — The 2000s tribute band “So Fetch” headlines this week’s performance at Reston Station on Friday, July 18 at 7:00p.m.
1901 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston

Families & Kids
It’s all “paws” and games this week! 🐾
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Hosts “Paws & Read”
The “Paws & Read” summer reading series kicks off this week, allowing children and their families the chance to read alongside adoptable pets and catch up on their favorite book. This runs Tuesdays-Thursdays from July 15-August 14 from 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m. at the Lorton campus. Note: dogs are not a part of this program.
8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton
Family Game Night at Tysons Corner Center
Enjoy everything from cornhole to ping-pong, plus tasty food and a DJ spinning the sounds of summer for Family Game Night at Tysons Corner Center. The event runs Thursday, July 17 from 4:00-7:00p.m.
1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons
Reston Association’s Fairy Fest
An interactive exhibit gives kids a chance to dress up and bring their imaginations to life with the Reston Association’s Fairy Fest on Saturday, July 19. Cost: $10/RA member, $15/non-RA member. The event runs 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. at the Walker Nature Center.
11450 Glade Drive, Reston
Campfire Cooking at Lake Fairfax Park
Learn how to cook over an open fire and enjoy a snack as well during this hands-on demonstration at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, July 19 at 12:30p.m. Cost: $10
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston
Making Ice & Ice Cream in Chantilly
A fun, hands-on experience recreating how Americans made ice and ice cream in the 19th century. Hand-crank the ice cream and even use ice tongs! Join the fun on Sunday, July 20 at 2:00p.m. in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Tickets are $10 per person.
5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly

Sports & Recreation
Each weekend, we run down the schedule as our local pro and college sports teams take the field (or court, ice, etc.) if you’re interested in hitting the big game.
News & Notes
⚾️ The Washington Nationals drafted high school phenom shortstop Eli Willits the first overall pick in Sunday evening’s Major League Baseball draft.
⚽️ D.C. United hits the road to face the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
🏀 The Washington Mystics are off this weekend for the WNBA All-Star Break.
Home Games
⚾️ MLB: San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals
Friday, July 18 at 6:45p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
⚾️ MLB: San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals
Saturday, July 19 at 6:45p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
⚽️ USL: Oakland Roots SC at Loudoun United FC
Saturday, July 19 at 7:00p.m., Segra Field, Leesburg
⚾️ MLB: San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals
Sunday, July 20 at 1:35p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week
Did you know: This week marks the 251st anniversary of the Fairfax Resolves, resolutions drafted — at the command of George Washington and others — primarily by George Mason to formally reject British Parliament’s supreme authority over the American colonies. The resolutions were adopted on July 18, 1774.

Before We Go, Some Good News!
Reston native and George Mason University standout James Quinn-Irons will continue his baseball career in the pros after he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft on Monday.
Congrats, James!
Know about some good news in the community? Send it our way for this section.

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.
Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax