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19 Best Things to Do in DC August 2023: National Book Festival, County Fairs, and More

It's almost open... Discover the new Lego Center! Photo courtesy of the Lego Discovery Center
It's almost open... Discover the new Lego Center! Photo courtesy of the Lego Discovery Center
7/30/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Summer is not over yet! August in DC has so many great things to do outdoors, like outdoor movies and concerts, summer fairs and festivals, and the best beach days.

Whether your family is looking to cool off at one of the best water parks in the DC area, relax at a free outdoor movie or summer concert, or explore our region with a summer day trip from DC, there's plenty of fun to be had before school starts.

August also kicks off county fair season across the DC region. From the Montgomery County Agriculture Fair to the Prince William County Fair to the Arlington County Fair, kids can enjoy classic rides, games, funnel cake, and more.

And, big news: the new LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC opens August 14 in Springfield, Virginia. Want a sneak peek? It's hosting First-to-Play Days August 10-13.

Find more top August fun in our list of the best indoor rock climbing gyms for kids near DC and our Heat Wave Hot List: 25 Cool Things To Do in DC with Kids.

We're adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don't forget to check it frequently.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

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Can your cardboard stay afloat? Photo courtesy of the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta
Can your cardboard stay afloat? Photo courtesy of the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this August

Mubadala Citi DC Open

Washington, DC - Daily, through Sunday, August 6, 2023
DC's biggest tennis championship returns to the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center with a new name - Mubadala Citi DC Open. Watch top tennis stars compete in doubles and singles tennis matches. READ MORE

Peach Fuzztival

Bluemont, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, through August 13, 2023
Celebrate peak peach-picking season at Great Country Farms with peach-eating and peach pit-spitting contests, family water games, pick-your-own peaches, and lots more.    READ MORE

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival

Herndon, VA - Thursday, August 3 - Sunday, August 6, 2023
Free
This annual festival includes carnival rides and games, food, farm animals, live  entertainment, tractor demos, and lots more family fun. READ MORE

DC Water Lantern Festival

Oxon Hill, MD - Saturday, August 5, 2023
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.  READ MORE

Starlight Cinema

Centreville, VA - Saturdays, August 5-26, 2023
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. READ MORE

Howard County Fair

West Friendship, MD - Saturday, August 5 - Saturday, August 12, 2023
At the 76th annual Howard County Fair, families can enjoy rides, agricultural exhibits, a dog show, a parade, food, live music, and more. READ MORE

One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown

Ashburn, VA - Wednesday, August 9 - Sunday, August 20, 2023
Families can enjoy all of their favorite rides, carnival food, games, entertainment, and more at the One Loudoun Carnival. READ MORE

First to Play Days at LEGO Discovery Center

Springfield, VA - Thursday, August 10 - Sunday, August 13, 2023
Be one of the "First to Play" at the new LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, DC. Officially opening August 14, it welcomes visitors for ticket-only preview days. LEGO Discovery Center is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground with over two million bricks. From interactive Mini Worlds and masterclasses with the Master Model Builder to a 4D Cinema, imagination and creativity run wild. READ MORE

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Gaithersburg, MD - Friday, August 11 - Saturday, August 19, 2023
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.  READ MORE

Prince William County Fair

Manassas, VA - Friday, August 11 - Saturday, August 19, 2023
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. READ MORE

Library of Congress National Book Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, August 12, 2023
Free
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. READ MORE

Arlington County Fair

Arlington, VA - Wednesday, August 16 - Sunday, August 20, 2023
Free
The Arlington County Fair is back this year with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta

Reston, VA - Saturday, August 19, 2023
Free
The annual Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta is back this year celebrating Reston pride. Participating teams of all ages construct and decorate their own life-size cardboard boats. These boats then take to the water in timed heats with team members rowing out to a designated buoy and back to the docks at Lake Anne Plaza. READ MORE

Big Dig Potato Harvest

Bluemont, VA - Saturday & Sunday, August 19 & 20, 2023
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. READ MORE

The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival

Bealeton, VA - Saturday & Sunday, August 19 & 20, 2023
Head out to the Flying Circus Airshow to watch hot air balloons and aircraft take flight. Families wanting a breathtaking view of the area can take a ride for an additional fee. Arrive early, as lines get longer throughout the day. READ MORE

Summers Farm Sunflower Festival

Frederick, MD - Saturdays and Sundays, August 19 - September 10, 2023
Take beautiful, Insta-worthy family pictures in the acres of sunflower fields at the Summers Farm Sunflower Festival. There are also dozens of activities at the farm for kids, including corn hole, jumping pillows, farmer golf, farm animals, and more. READ MORE

CANCELED Family Fun: Arts & Crafts Workshop at House of Sweden

Washington, DC - Saturday, August 26, 2023
Free
Enjoy a hands-on arts and crafts workshop provided by the Embassy of Sweden. All supplies are provided. READ MORE

Around The World Cultural Food Festival

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, August 26, 2023
Free
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival returns to Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria. The festival features national dishes and beverages from around the world available for purchase along with cultural presentations. READ MORE

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Annapolis, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, August 26 - October 22, 2023
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. READ MORE

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