HOME RECIPES HOME DECOR KIDS CRAFTS
Things to Do for Kids in Washington DC in August 2026
Prince William County Fair
Manassas, VA
Daily, August 1-8, 2026
The Prince William County Fair features livestock and arts exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, live music and shows, food, carnival rides and games, and more. Website
Starlight Cinema at Sully Historic Site
Centreville, VA - FREE
Saturdays, August 1-22, 2026
Families can enjoy free drive-in movies and a children's show every Saturday night in August as part of Fairfax County's Summer Entertainment Series. Website
Asia in a Bite at One Loudoun
Ashburn, VA - FREE
Saturdays & Sundays, August 1 & 2 and 29 & 30, 2026
Asia in a Bite and Live! Night Market bring the vibrant Asian night market experience to communities across the DMV — featuring 30–40 food vendors, 10+ crafty merchandise vendors, DJ music, and rotating food lineups every time. Website
Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta
Reston, VA - FREE
Saturday, August 8, 2026
A fun and unique event, the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta has quickly become a community favorite growing in size each year. The Regatta brings together residents, businesses, and visitors from across the Greater Washington, DC metro area. In this festive environment, Lake Anne Plaza swells with thousands of spectators who cheer on their favorite boats. Website
DC Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor
National Harbor, MD
Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9, 2026
Families will be dazzled as they witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns floating on the water in National Harbor. The event also includes food trucks, music, and giveaways. Website
Howard County Fair
West Friendship, MD
Daily, August 8-15, 2026
At the annual Howard County Fair, families can enjoy rides, agricultural exhibits, a dog show, a parade, food, live music, and more. Website
Arlington County Fair
Arlington, VA
Wednesday - Sunday, August 12-16, 2026
The Arlington County Fair is back this year with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. Website
One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown
Ashburn, VA
Daily, August 12-23, 2026
Families can enjoy all of their favorite rides, carnival food, games, entertainment, and more at the One Loudoun Carnival. Website
The Princess Concert at Capital One Hall
Tysons, VA
Thursday, August 13
Prepare for a show-stopping performance of iconic, heartwarming, and nostalgic songs from movies including Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and more. There will also be a few songs from favorite pop stars like Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Website
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Gaithersburg, MD
Daily, August 14-22, 2026
This annual fair offers 62 acres of fun for families, including over 5,000 animals, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more. Website
NASCAR Weekend at Richmond Raceway
Richmond, VA
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Experience the excitement of NASCAR short track racing under the lights at Richmond Raceway. The weekend features intense on-track action, entertainment for all ages, family-friendly activities, and an atmosphere perfect for creating unforgettable summer memories together. Website
Playpalooza DMV in Vienna
Vienna, VA - FREE
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Check out Playpalooza DMV, a free pop-up party with bounce houses, face painting, a touch-a-truck zone, an inflatable obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, a toddler zone, character appearances, and more. Website
Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Bluemont, VA
Saturday & Sunday, August 15 & 16, 2026
Grab your shovel and dig in at Great Country Farms' Annual Potato Harvest. Start your morning off with a pancake breakfast and fresh fruit from the orchards, then walk down to the potato field to dig for potato treasures. Website
Panda Fest DC
Washington, DC
Saturday & Sunday, August 15 & 16, 2026
PANDA FEST is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcase the vibrant food, art, and cultural traditions from Asia. Enjoy panda inflatables, panda crafts, panda face painting, panda-themed food, and more. Website
The Wiggles – Tree Of Wisdom Spectacular! (at Capital One Hall)
Tysons, VA
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
In a concert filled with surprises, this high-energy extravaganza is set to have the whole family singing, dancing, and Wiggling from start to end! Join in this all-ages celebration featuring timeless hits and sing-along moments including Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy, and Hot Potato!, plus all-new favorites like Big Red Ute, Bin Night, and so much more. Website
Leesburg Festival of Kites & Crafts (at Ida Lee Park)
Leesburg, VA - FREE
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Head to Ida Lee Park for a celebration of colorful kites, creativity, and fun. Fly your own kite or watch the incredible displays, explore handmade crafts from local artisans, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in delicious food and beverages. Kids can jump in moon bounces, get creative in the coloring tent, and enjoy games, activities, and face painting. Website
Library of Congress National Book Festival
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday, August 22, 2026
The National Book Festival brings together bestselling authors and thousands of book fans for author talks, panel discussions, book signings, and other activities. The lineup includes children's authors and activities. Website
Asia in a Bite at Tingey Plaza
Washington, DC - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23, 2026
Asia in a Bite and Live! Night Market bring the vibrant Asian night market experience to communities across the DMV — featuring 30–40 food vendors, 10+ crafty merchandise vendors, DJ music, and rotating food lineups every time. Website
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
National Parks - FREE
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
It's National Public Lands Day, and that means your admission is FREE! On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. Website
Playpalooza DMV in Springfield
Springfield, VA - FREE
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Check out Playpalooza DMV, a FREE pop-up party with bounce houses, face painting, a touch-a-truck zone, an inflatable obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, toddler zone, character appearances, and more! Website
"Hoppy Hour" Kids show with King Bullfrog at Clare & Don's Beach Shack
Falls Church, VA
Saturday, August 29
Get ready to jam out with King Bullfrog at Hoppy Hour - a kids show full of fun, music, and laughter! Please hop over to Clare and Dons Backroom and catch King Bullfrog! Website
Around The World Cultural Food Festival (at Oronoco Bay Park)
Alexandria, VA - FREE
Saturday, August 29, 2026
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival features national dishes and beverages from around the world for purchase, along with cultural music, dancing, and shopping from ethnic artisans and crafters. Website
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Annapolis, MD
Saturdays & Sundays, August 29 - October 25, 2026
This massive annual Renaissance Festival includes live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes to get into the spirit. Website