Hey gang, Matt here!

A quick story before we dive into the fun happening this weekend…

Growing up in western Pennsylvania, the county fair was a staple of my childhood. The rides, the food, the excitement, it was a must-stop every summer. Nearly every county had one. They drew crowds from near and far.

Things like county fairs are exactly why I started this newsletter — they bring people together, they’re a fun event for all ages, and they offer a little something for everyone. If you’re heading Out & About to the fair this weekend, enjoy it! Maybe I’ll run into you by the funnel cake stand. 😉 

Now, onto the fun happening this weekend. ⬇️

In this week’s newsletter:

• Fairfax County Carnival and Fair, BrickFair LEGO Expo

• Wine & Fondue Festival, Super Smash Bros. tournament at Aslin Beer Co.

• Tiny Music Fest on Main in Fairfax, full lineup at Wolf Trap

• Touch-a-Truck in Reston, campfire nights across the region

• Nats host Brewers this weekend

P.S.: Going Out & About this weekend? Tag us on Instagram and we’ll re-share as many photos as we can! Not yet a subscriber? Sign up for Out & About Fairfax for FREE here. 

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

Fairs, LEGOS, farmers markets, and more fun! ⬇️

• Fairfax County Carnival and Fair

  • It’s back for its 75th year! The Fairfax County Carnival and Fair runs Thursday, July 31-Sunday, August 3 at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Enjoy classic carnival rides and games, food, tractor demos and 4-H exhibits, and much more. Parking: $10 Friday after 4:00p.m. through Sunday. Tickets and ride information, and more can be found in the link above.

    • 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon

• BrickFair LEGO Fan Expo at Dulles Expo Center

  • More than 1,000 LEGO Exhibitors will pack the Dulles Expo Center this weekend for a one-of-a-kind fan experience from Saturday, August 2-Sunday, August 3. Enjoy hands-on activities, chances to win prizes, and more. Tickets: $9-$21 in advance, $25 at the door.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Stargazing at the National Air & Space Museum

  • Join the museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for an up-close look at stars, planets, and the moon on Saturday, August 2 from 8:30p.m.-10:30p.m. Stargazing is free and open to the public, and will be held weather permitting. Telescopes will be provided by the museum and the club.

    • 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly

• 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.

• Kayaking in Lake Fairfax Park

  • Enjoy an afternoon on Lake Fairfax and learn how to kayak at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on Saturday, August 2 at 4:30p.m. This introductory class is for ages 12+. Cost: $43. (Can’t make the afternoon class? Check out the evening session, as well.)

    • 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston

Food & Drink

All of your main food groups (and drinks) are covered! 🍕

• Wine & Fondue Festival

  • Enjoy food, drinks, and more at Shipgarten’s Wine & Fondue Festival on Saturday, August 2 from 1:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Admission is free with wine, fondue, and more available for purchase.

    • 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean

• Super Smash Bros. Tournament at Aslin Beer Co.

  • Enjoy the classic video game during a competitive Super Smash Bros. melee tournament at Aslin’s Alexandria brewpub on Sunday, August 3 starting at 12:00p.m. Tickets start at $10.

    • 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria

• RAMMY Awards on Sunday

  • The RAMMY Awards, the Oscars of the DMV’s restaurant scene, are set for Sunday, August 3. Some Fairfax County restaurants are among the finalists, including:

    • Ometeo (Tysons) for Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year

    • Andy’s Pizza (Tysons, Fairfax) for Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year

    • The Falls (Falls Church) for Casual Restaurant of the Year

    We’ll recap the winners in next week’s newsletter!

• Port City Brewing’s Food & Beer Pairing

  • Enjoy a summer-centric food and beer pairing at the Alexandria brewery on Thursday, July 31 at 6:30p.m. Enjoy five Port City beers and five dishes for a tasty seasonal dinner. Tickets: $48.

    • 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria

• “Sunset Sip & Stretch” Pure Barre Class at The Winery at Bull Run

  • Take barre class to The Winery at Bull Run on Thursday, July 31 at 6:30p.m. Tickets are $35 and include the class and a glass of wine after class.

    • 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

Here is who’s taking the stage across the area! 🎶

• Tiny Music Fest on Main in Fairfax

  • The monthly Old Town Fairfax concert series returns on Sunday, August 3, with the sound of bluegrass as the Short Hill Mountain Boys take the stage. The show runs from 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. The show is free, and pizza and beer will be available for purchase.

    • 10409 Main St., Fairfax

• Full Weekend at Wolf Trap

  • A star-studded weekend at Wolf Trap begins with the timeless hits performed by Emmylou Harris and Graham Nash on Thursday night. Other shows this weekend include performances by the National Symphony Orchestra including Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara on Friday and “Back to the Future” in concert on Saturday.

    • 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna

• Keshi Performs at EagleBank Arena

  • The acclaimed singer-songwriter brings his “Requiem World Tour” to Fairfax on Thursday, July 31. Showtime: 8:00p.m. Tickets start at $41.

    • 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax

• Reston Concerts on the Town

  • John Acosta’s Bee Gee’s Gold Tribute headlines this week’s free show at Reston Town Center Pavilion on Saturday, August 2. Showtime: 7:30p.m.

    • 11900 Market St., Reston

• “The Enchanted Forest” at NextStop Theatre

  • It’s the final weekend of performances of “The Enchanted Forest” at NextStop Theatre from Friday, August 1-Sunday, August 3. Tickets start at $80.

    • 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon

Families & Kids

A great weekend for the kiddos to go Out & About! 🚗

• “Totally Trucks” in Reston

  • Kids can enjoy a touch-a-truck-style event hosted by the Reston Association on Friday, August 1 from 8:30a.m.-12:00p.m. This free event also includes a “Totally Trucks” construction helmet.

    • 12250 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston

• Campfire Saturdays in Burke Lake Park

  • Campfire Saturdays at Burke Lake Park. Team up with an astronomical naturalist who will help parents and kids identify the stars (telescopes will be provided, and s’mores included). The fun is scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at 8:00p.m. Tickets are $12.

    • 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station

    • MORE: Want more campfire fun? Check out the Campfire Skills session in Reston and a Campfire Night Hike in Chantilly.

• Carlyle House Family Fun Day

  • Story time and arts and crafts are among the activities for the Carlyle House Family Fun Day in Alexandria on Saturday, August 2 from 12:00p.m.-3:00p.m. This event is free but donations are encouraged.

    • 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria

• 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

Sports & Recreation

Each weekend, we run down the schedule for our local pro and college sports teams if you want to check out the big game.

News & Notes

• ⚽️ Loudoun United FC is at FC Tulsa on Friday.

• ⛳️ A green and gallery like no other — Workhouse Arts Center, in Lorton, hosts a new Masterpiece Mini Golf. This creative 18-hole mini golf course is open from Thursday, July 31-Sunday, August 3.

Home Games

• 🏀 WNBA: Golden State Valkyries at Washington Mystics

  • Thursday, July 31 at 7:30p.m., CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.

• ⚾️ MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals

  • Friday, August 1 at 6:45p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

• ⚾️ MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals

  • Saturday, August 2 at 4:05p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

• ⚽️ MLS: Ethiopia at D.C. United (Hybrid Friendlies)

  • Saturday, August 2 at 5:00p.m., Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

• ⚽️ NWSL: Portland Thorns FC at Washington Spirit

  • Sunday, August 3 at 12:30p.m., Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

• ⚾️ MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals

  • Sunday, August 3 at 1:35p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: Due to its location and historical significance, the Potomac River is also nicknamed “The Nation’s River.”

Before We Go, Some Good News…

Today, we want to share some good news from Vienna!

Madison High School student Violette Jaillon and her friend Reese Paradise are helping local students and families in need by collecting new Jansport backpacks ahead of the upcoming school year. They have requests for 200 backpacks at 12 local schools.

Through their program “Quality Backpacks for Vienna Kids in Need,” they have raised $2,700 worth of backpacks this year. Now in their fourth year, they say the program has raised over $7,000 worth of quality Jansport backpacks for local elementary, middle, and high schools.

They are accepting new backpacks and cash donations through August 12. If you would like to help, you can find their Amazon wishlist here and more information in the Vienna VA Foodies Facebook group here.

Great work!

Know about some good news in the community? Send it our way for this section.

We Want to Hear from You!

Want to get your neighbors Out & About?

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax