NOVA Weekend Energy: August 21–23, 2026 | Markets, Music, Festivals & More ✨
NOVA is bringing the energy this weekend with a packed lineup of local markets, live music, outdoor festivals, family-friendly fun, and community favorites. From August 21–23, explore fresh local finds, catch live performances, discover unique events, and make the most of summer with something happening for every kind of weekend mood.
Northern Virginia Reptile Expo Fredericksburg
August 22, Saturday · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
J.E. Rowell Building
2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-7308
🎟️ Cash at Door · Ages 12+ $10 · Children 6–11 $5 · Ages 5 & Under Free
Step into a fascinating world of reptiles and exotic creatures at the original Northern Virginia Reptile Expo in Fredericksburg. Explore a packed showcase of reptiles, arachnids, feeders, supplies, and more, all gathered under one roof. Whether you’re an experienced keeper, a curious first-timer, or simply looking for a unique weekend adventure, this expo offers an up-close look at some of the animal kingdom’s most intriguing species.
Bodies of Work Group Exhibition
August 21, Friday · 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Principle Gallery
208 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
🎟️ Public Event
Figurative art takes center stage at Principle Gallery in a sweeping exhibition featuring contemporary artists from North America, Europe, and Australia. Discover intimate portraits, atmospheric realism, and imaginative works exploring identity, memory, perception, and the endlessly evolving language of the human figure.
HIJYNX – The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
August 21, Friday · 6:00 PM
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
15826 Sunshine Ridge Ln, Gainesville, VA 20155-2044
🎟️ Public Event
Ease into Friday night with wine, live music, and laid-back vineyard energy as HJYNX takes the stage at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm. Settle in, sip something local, and enjoy a lively soundtrack surrounded by the relaxed atmosphere of a Gainesville winery evening.
Swamp Trash Band USA Plays Market Square in Fredericksburg
August 21, Friday · 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Market Square
909 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5821
🎟️ Public Event
Downtown Fredericksburg gets a live soundtrack as Swamp Trash Band USA brings original music and selected covers to Market Square. Historic streets, open-air energy, and live music come together for an easygoing Friday night in the heart of the city.
Fredericksburg Farmers Market
August 22, Saturday · 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hurkamp Park
500 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
🎟️ Public Event
Start Saturday surrounded by the colors and flavors of the season at the FXBG Farmers Market. Browse locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, and more while supporting local farmers, makers, and small businesses in downtown Fredericksburg.
Burke Farmers Market
August 22, Saturday · 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Burke Farmers Market
10399 Premier Ct, Burke, VA 22015
🎟️ Public Event
Slow down for a Saturday morning filled with local finds and handcrafted favorites. Browse seasonal market offerings and discover golden honey, whipped honey, beeswax candles, pollen products, and other naturally inspired goods from Blackstone Honey Bee Farms.
Gainesville Farmers Market
August 22, Saturday · 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Gainesville Farmers Market
7500 Iron Bar Ln, Gainesville, VA 20155-3603
🎟️ Public Event
Spend your Saturday discovering locally made favorites at the Gainesville Farmers Market. Browse fresh market finds alongside pure honey, whipped honey, handcrafted beeswax candles, pollen products, and other thoughtfully made goods worth bringing home.
Community Empowerment Fest & Back to School Drive
August 22, Saturday · 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
John Lee Pratt Memorial Park
120 River Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
🎟️ Free Public Event
Community, resources, and back-to-school support come together for a family-focused afternoon in Fredericksburg. Explore local vendors, community resources, live entertainment, giveaways, games, youth programming, workforce resources, and a school supply drive created to help families start the new school year strong.
Leesburg Festival of Kites and Crafts
August 22, Saturday · 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ida Lee Park
60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg, VA 20176
🎟️ Free Admission · Pet Friendly · Rain or Shine
Look up because the sky over Leesburg is getting colorful. Ida Lee Park transforms into an outdoor celebration filled with vibrant kites, local artists and crafters, family activities, entertainment, and plenty of summertime energy. Admission is free, pets are welcome, and the festival goes on rain or shine.
Night Market at Eavesdrop Brewery
August 22, Saturday · 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Eavesdrop Brewery
7223 Centreville Rd, Suite 115, Manassas, VA 20111
🎟️ Free Public Event
Step into the strange after dark at Eavesdrop Brewery’s Night Market. Browse handmade goods, collectibles, plants, oddities, vintage treasures, and unexpected finds while live music, local makers, food vendors, and cold craft beer keep the night buzzing.
One Hot Mess at The Farm!
August 22, Saturday · 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
16015 John Marshall Highway, Haymarket, VA
🎟️ Public Event
Classic rock, food trucks, cold brews, and summer-night energy take over The Farm Brewery as One Hot Mess returns for another outdoor show. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather your crew, and settle in for an evening of live music under the open sky.
Silver Tones Swing Band at the Saturday Night Concert Series: Harris Pavilion
August 22, Saturday · 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110-5502
🎟️ Free Public Event
Swing under the stars as the Silver Tones return to Harris Pavilion for a lively evening of big-band favorites and plenty of room to dance. Bring dinner, chairs, or blankets and enjoy classic swing sounds in downtown Manassas. An extended sound check begins at 6:30 PM before the main show at 7:00 PM.
The Ultimate 2000’s Dance Party with So Fetch
August 22, Saturday · 7:00 PM
Tally Ho Theater
19 W Market St, Leesburg, VA
🎟️ Tickets via TicketWeb
Your 2000s playlist is coming to life. So Fetch takes over Tally Ho Theater with a live-band celebration packed with pop anthems, emo favorites, radio hits, and throwback tracks from the decade that gave us unforgettable fashion, music, and pop-culture moments.
10th Annual Ditch Diggers Dash 5K & Touch a Truck
August 23, Sunday · 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ditch Diggers Dash Event Site
11220 Assett Loop, Manassas, VA 20109-3999
🎟️ Registration via RunSignup
Run for a cause at the 10th Annual Ditch Diggers Dash, supporting the HCCA Family Relief Fund and Morgan’s Message. The morning includes packet pickup and Touch a Truck at 7:00 AM, a Kids’ Fun Run at 8:00 AM, the 5K at 8:30 AM, awards at 9:40 AM, and a post-race celebration at 2 Silos Brewing.
Alpacas & Baby Goats at Eavesdrop!
August 23, Sunday · 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Eavesdrop Brewery
7223 Centreville Rd, Suite 115, Manassas, VA 20111
🎟️ Free Public Event
End the weekend with maximum cuteness as alpacas and baby goats visit Eavesdrop Brewery for an afternoon of cuddles, photos, and family fun. The event is family-friendly and pet-friendly, with food nearby and outside food welcome, making it an easygoing Sunday stop for animal lovers of all ages.
KATIE WEDGE
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