Whether you’re looking to stay cool or embrace the heat, you’re bound to find an exciting activity in NoVA this July 12–14 weekend. Sing, laugh, and learn at these noteworthy events.
Blerdcon 2024: Summer Madness
July 12–14, times vary
This event celebrates Blerd (Black nerd) culture and champions connections with diverse communities in an inclusive environment. Special guests include MSNBC correspondent Joy Reid and actor Phil LaMarr. A musical lineup features Tre Watson, Roxxy Haze, Aeoxis, and more. Visit Food Truck Alley, play card games, and attend cosplay meetups throughout this celebration. Hyatt Crystal City: 2799 Richmond Hwy., Arlington, starting at $42
The Charm Bar: ETHICGOODS Product Launch Party
July 12, 4–8 p.m.
Create your own charm jewelry at this Charm Bar Launch Party that is debuting 64 distinct charms. General tickets include one chain and one charm, all made of gold-plated stainless steel, with the option to purchase additional charms and ETHICGOODS products. Enjoy free wine, product raffles, and snacks throughout the event. The Global Local: 102 Loudoun St. SW, Leesburg, $30
Possum Punchlines Comedy Show
July 12, 7:30 p.m.
Experience improv games and quirky stand-up from acts across the DMV on the second floor of this possum-themed gift shop. Heather Joyce hosts and performers include Mu Cuzzo, Colby Knight, Carly Crickenberger, and Chris Porter. A portion of every ticket sale goes to help the possums. Recommended for 18 and older. Possum-bilities: 211 William St., Fredericksburg, $12
Patty Griffin
July 12–13, 7:30 p.m.
This two-time Grammy Award–winning folk musician performs with guitarist David Pulkingham. Griffin’s distinct, wide-ranging canon features personal recordings over two decades. In 2023, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting from the Americana Music Association. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $65
Janet Jackson: Together Again Tour
July 12, 8 p.m.
This five-time Grammy Award–winning singer will rock DC, with rapper Nelly joining as special guest. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $39.95
Willie Nile
July 12, 8 p.m.
Touring across North America, this veteran rocker from New York has received high praise from Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Lucinda Williams. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $30–$45
Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
July 13, 6–10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate 275 years with the City of Alexandria and America’s 248th birthday during this action-packed evening. Listen to live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, hear poetry by Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam, and enjoy birthday cupcakes. A grand finale of fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Two additional locations at Canal Center Plaza and New Waterfront Park provide jazz music and art projects. Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria, free
Dave Matthews Band
July 13, 7:30 p.m.
Formed in Charlottesville in 1991, this American rock band will visit Jiffy Lube Live on tour and perform some of its greatest hits. Hear singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer and backing vocalist Carter Beauford, and more perform rock, jazz, and indie fusion songs including “What Would You Say” and “Crush.” Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $67
Summer Art Market
July 13–14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This 3rd annual indoor market showcases different groups of local artists with original work. Browse and purchase ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, crafts, and more. Thirty-two artists are featured over the two-day event. Del Ray Artisans: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
Turnstiles: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel
July 13, 6 p.m.
Bring a chair or blanket, sip on delicious wines and beers, and listen to music under the stars at Tarara Winery. Turnstiles, a renowned tribute band, performs authentic renditions of classic Billy Joel hits in an electric and nostalgic show. The Tarara Summer Concert Series at Shadow Lake is ongoing every Saturday night until the end of September. Tarara Winery: 13648 Tarara Ln., Leesburg, $15–$60
World War II Weekend at Rippon Lodge
July 13–14, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Hear and learn about the daily life of World War II soldiers in the European and Pacific Theaters during this two-day event. Discover how Axis and Allied soldiers operated equipment, armaments, and historic military vehicles. Historians, book discussions, original war artifacts, and 1940s era music are featured. Rippon Lodge Historic Site: 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, free
Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room
July 13–January 31, 2027
Ruffled Feathers shows artist James McNeill Whistler’s formal and intimate portraits of London’s Leyland family. See how motifs from Asia inspired his designs. National Museum of Asian Art: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Jamie Barton
July 14, 2 p.m.
Grammy-nominated mezzo-soprano and Wolf Trap Opera alumna Jamie Barton shares her incredible vocals in this classical music recital. Her performance includes Jake Heggie’s “Music” from The Breaking Waves, Schubert’s “An die Musik,” Duparc’s “L’Invitation au voyage,” and more. Barton is also Wolf Trap’s 2024 Filene Artist in Residence and will work with WTO’s emerging singers on career preparation. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $38
A Special Evening with Big Daddy Weave
July 14, 7 p.m.
This Christian-music band returns to the DC area for the first time since 2019 for a night of greatest hits and worship classics. Known for 18 top-5 hits, the five-member band will perform songs including “Redeemed,” “Overwhelmed,” and “My Story.” Ballston Quarter: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, $35–$67
Feature image by Alex Mangione Photography
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
