Weekend Fun: Restaurant Week, Potato Harvest, and Cardboard Boat Regatta

From outdoor concerts to amazing food and drinks, mark your calendar with these weekend things to do on August 18–20.

By Michele Kettner August 17, 2023

Whether you’re looking for a lovely food festival or specialty dinner or want to enjoy a family outing with The Little Mermaid and Barbie, there are plenty of events in NoVA and DC the weekend of August 18–20.

August 18

World-renowned pop artist Lionel Richie heads to Capital One Arena for his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour. You won’t want to miss the chance to watch this five-time Grammy winner take the stage by storm as he teams up with Earth, Wind & Fire for an iconic performance. 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, resale starting at $29

August 18–20, times vary

Almost 130 exhibitors from around the world are ready to showcase beautiful rings, pearls, diamonds, gemstones, and fine jewelry this weekend at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center. Tickets give you access to all three days of the show. 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $6 online, $8 at the door

August 18–27

Over 70 restaurants are set to provide Restaurant Week specials, so bring your appetite. Among them is The Study, one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best Restaurants in 2022. Of course, the list has something for everyone from Italian to tacos to juicy burgers. Alexandria, $25, $35, or $45 for one-person meals

August 19–20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Grab your shovel and start digging for dinner. Jump on the wagon, head into the fields, and find as many potatoes as your heart desires. The weekend festivities at Great Country Farms also include live music, educational tours, and fun in the play area. Tickets include admission to the fields and play area. Potatoes are purchased separately by the pound. 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont; $12 for children, $14 for adults

August 19, 12:30–6 p.m.

Celebrate summer with drinks, food, specials, and tunes at over 20 different bars and restaurants in Del Ray. Participating restaurants include Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, Lost Boy Cider, Miami Vibes, and Spice Kraft. Check in at Northside10: 10 E. Glebe Rd., Alexandria and Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap: 401 E. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, $15–$25

August 19, 1 p.m.

Spend the day watching boats race (and most likely sink) at the annual event at Lake Anne Plaza. Plus, if you aren’t participating, make your way to the “Super Soaker Station” for a chance to blast the contestants with water. 1639 Washington Plz., Reston, free for spectators

August 19, 3–7 p.m.

An afternoon at the Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm sounds like the perfect day. Bring a chair and come with an empty stomach to enjoy crabs, wine, beer, other food truck delicacies, and live music. General admission plus includes unlimited crabs. The VIP package includes unlimited crabs, a $20 food truck voucher, wine or beer flight, a mallet, and early admission. 15850 Sunshine Ridge Ln., Gainesville, $50–$90 for general admission, $150 for VIP package, $900 VIP package with table

August 19, 4–9 p.m.

Say cheers to the weekend with bourbon and craft beer at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds. Attendees will be able to sample award-winning beer and bourbon from Fredericksburg breweries and others from across the state. Select Virginia wineries and cideries will be in attendance. General admission tickets include unlimited beverage samples. 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, $10–$60

August 19, times vary

If you’re obsessed with honey, make sure to grab a seat at this dinner at Haley’s Honey Meadery. The four-course honey-inspired meal will feature dishes from four different Fredericksburg restaurants, including Always Flavored, Sprelly, Carl’s Frozen Custard, and Haley’s Honey Meadery. 1600 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, $60 per person

Through August 19

The largest county fair in Virginia is coming to a close this weekend. Don’t miss out on classic carnival attractions, including games, rides, and tasty fair food. The last two days will also feature a petting zoo, wine tastings, camel and pony rides, and motocross. 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, $20 for ages 14–64, $10 for ages 4-13 and seniors, under 4 free

August 20, noon–6 p.m.

Head over to Shipgarten for an afternoon of family fun. Start off the day with your little ones meeting Ariel, and Barbie and Ken. Then the kids can enjoy the moon bounces and face painting, while the parents try out the amazing food and drinks. And if you bring along your furry friends, let them take a run at one of the restaurants on-leash and off-leash dog parks. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean, free

Through August 20

Come one, come all to the Arlington County Fair. This event offers something for everyone, from carnival rides to shopping to live musical performances. Enjoy a delectable selection of carnival fare, including funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, and caramel apples. Make sure to stop by for a full day of family fun. 301 Second St. S., Arlington, free

Through September 17

The captivating romance of The Bridges of Madison County comes alive in this musical adaptation of the bestselling novel. It is a story of love and passion, set to a Tony Award–winning score. Don’t miss this enchanting, must-see show. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, $40-$99

Feature image courtesy Arlington County Fair

For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.