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Your Guide to Arlington Summer Events

From concerts and county fairs to outdoor cinema to farmers markets, nothing says it's summer like taking the fun outdoors! Check out these upcoming outdoor events during your stay in Arlington.

Farmers Markets

When: All summer

Where: Various neighborhoods

Fresh produce and artisan goods pop up all over Arlington county in the summer with farmers' markets nearly every day of the week. Check out our Farmers Markets page for more information and market schedules.

Man picking apples at the Arlington VA Farmer's Market
Farmers Market in Arlington

The U.S Army's Twilight Tattoo

When: May 4- July 27

Where: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

The U.S. Army’s Twilight Tattoo is an action-packed military pageant featuring Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s ceremonial units, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." The show features performances by The U.S. Army Blues, The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The U.S. Army Voices, The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team.

military pageant featuring Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s ceremonial units at Twilight Tattoo
U.S Army's Twilight Tattoo

Rosslyn Cinema

When: June 3-25

Where: Gateway Park 

Rosslyn Cinema is back on the lawn at Gateway Park! Join the Rosslyn BID Friday evenings in June for a fun summer lineup of your favorite movies. The movies range from kids animated movies to the perfect date night rom-com and even adventure, so there's a genre for everyone. This event is free, and no registration is required.

Movies in the park in Rosslyn Virginia
Rosslyn Cinema

1812 Overture Concert

When: August 8, 8 p.m.

Where: National Museum of the U.S. Army

The U.S. Army Band presents an annual 1812 Overture Concert at Joint Base Fort Myer-Henderson Hall. A late-summer tradition in the Washington area for more than 50 years, this concert features the Concert Band, Herald Trumpets, the Army Chorus, Army Voices, and members of Downrange. Updates are posted at www.facebook.com/usarmyband.

Netherlands Carillon Concert Series

When: June 4 - August 27

Where: Netherlands Carillon

Enjoy sweeping views of Washington, D.C., while guest artists play patriotic music, jazz and pop on the Carillon's 50 bells. Meet on the lawn at the foot of the Carillon. Bring blankets to this family-friendly event.

Lubber Run Summer Concert Series

When: June 10 - August 14

Where: Lubber Run Amphitheater

The Lubber Run Summer Concert Series features free performances from a variety of genres including big band, blues, soul and orchestral music as well as cabaret to the Lubber Run Amphitheater. Working in partnership with the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation which funds four family-friendly shows at the end of the season, we bring the very best of DC metro area arts to the heart of Arlington.

U.S. Marines Sunset Parade

When: June 14 - August 9

Where: Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

Enjoy a one-hour performance, the Sunset Parade features the music of "The Commandant's Own", The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

Columbia Pike Blues Fest

When: June 17-19

Where: Columbia PikeS. Walter Reed Dr. from Columbia Pike to 9th St. S.

Every summer since 1995, Columbia Pike has hosted the largest Blues Festival in the DC metropolitan area. This free outdoor music event sees thousands of residents and visitors come together each year in South Arlington. From live blues, jazz, and bluegrass music, to family-friendly activities, to craft beer and wine and local vendors, you’ll find something for everyone at the event Arlington Magazine called “Arlington’s best block party.”

Crowd enjoying live band at Blues Fest in Arlington VA
Columbia Pike Blues Fest

Arlington Pride

When: June 25

Where: Gateway Park

The first Arlington Pride Festival is happening on Saturday, June 25 and will be located at The Rosslyn Gateway Park. This epic event is FREE and will be full of food, entertainment, giveaways, education, fun and surprises. More details to come.

Arlington Pride Promo Graphic
Arlington Pride

BlerDCon

When: July 8-10

Where: Hyatt Regency Crystal City

BlerDCon says it is a convention for all to embrace their inner nerd. Whether you’re into anime, comic books, sci-fi, gaming or cosplay, BlerDCon convenes the expansive nerd audience and fans of all backgrounds and cultures. BlerDCon will host panels, celebrity guests, workshops, gaming tournaments, and cosplay contests.

Group dressed up as comic characters and superheroes at BlerDCon in Arlington VA
BlerDCon

Find more events on our events page. For more cool summer fun, check out our things to do page. Plus, you can find the perfect place to stay during your visit.

Author: Courtney Cacatian