Summer is here and the livin’ is easy, especially in Loudoun where our wineries and craft breweries are in full swing concerts, food festivals and outdoor events are ready to entertain. Here we select some not-to-miss summer events in Loudoun. For a complete list of all summer activities, visit our events page.
Summer Concerts
May 24 is the start of the 26th annual Tarara Summer Concert Series at the Potomac River-front vineyard. The 80s cover band The Reflex will kick the season off, which runs every Saturday through September. Some other bands include Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, Three Sheets to the Wind, The Seven Wonders and Nashville Nights, for a bit of 90's country. May 25 is the annual Nova MusicFest benefitting Cancer Can Rock at 868 Estate Vineyards in western Loudoun. Make your way to the Applachian hilltops in Bluemont to join Bear Chase Brewing Co. for award-winning brews and live music every Friday evening through September. For fans of Americana and Bluegrass, Loudoun non-profit A Farm Less Ordinary hosts A Fest Less Ordinary in Purcellville on May 31 - a foot stompin’ banjo pickin’ celebration of bluegrass and Old Time with performances by local favorites Justin Trawick and The Common Good, Gabrielle Zwi, Personal Moose, ilyAIMY, Griefcat and Karen Jonas.
Strawberry Festival
Nothing says summer like juicy ripe strawberries. Wegmeyer Farms is having a weekend full of strawberry fun at the Lincoln Strawberry Festival on May 16-18 in Hamilton where you can test your strawberry picking skills and compete in old-fashioned contests including: pie-eating, ice cream eating and a boogey-off. Local artists will hit the stage with live performances and local vendors will be on site for you to shop artisan-style. The festival proceeds fund local non-profits and provide scholarship funding. This festival is truly where the joy of strawberries meets the spirit of community. Rally the kids and make your way to Great Country Farms in Bluemont for the annual strawberry festival happening on May 24, 25, 31 and June 1. Highlights include the Lil’ Sprout Float Parade featuring decorated strollers and wagons, a diaper derby for infants, a pie eating contest, live music, multiple food options (Apple cider donuts) and of course wine, cider and beer for the adults.
Polo in the Park
Tailgates, picnics, rosé wine, designer hats and thoroughbred horses – you know it’s summer in Loudoun when Polo in the Park returns to Morven Park on Saturday evenings. This year’s series at Morven’s International Equestrian Center starts June 7 and continues through July 26. Buy tickets or reserve your railbox or tailgate space here.
Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival
Did you know Loudoun is home to a 13-mile stretch of the world-famous Appalachian Trail on the crest of the Blue Ridge? Celebrate stories of the trail and help raise money to preserve it at the 6th Annual Loudoun A.T. Festival in Hillsboro from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 7. The free, family-friendly event toasts the beauty of the Trail with live music, talks, meetings with thru-hikers, an “Art of the Trail” art exhibition, a rock wall climb and multiple craft, food and beverage vendors. Get your hiking boots on!
Burg Family Reunion
Juneteenth is officially Thursday, June 19 but the Burg Family Reunion Club’s 5th annual Juneteenth celebration will take place on the lawns of Ide Lee Recreation Center, Leesburg on June 21. A day-long celebration commemorating the end of slavery, it will feature guest speakers, genealogy discussions, food vendors and multiple live music performances. This year's lineup includes local legends such as; Junkyard Band, Quiet Fire Soul, Members Only Band and more!
TASTE Leesburg
Fans of fine food, wine and craft beer need to make their way to downtown Leesburg on August 9 for the annual culinary extravaganza TASTE Leesburg. The popular foodie festival takes place on and around the Town Green and features scores of local restaurants, food trucks, breweries, wineries and farm stands offering “tastes” of their best fare. Enjoy bites and brews while listening to live music and make sure to take some product home.
Explore Wildlife
Discover Loudoun through the eyes of local wildlife. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy promotes education through programs focused on learning about local wildlife and habitat sustainability for various species. These educational opportunities range from "Birding" and landscape photography to habitat restoration - most at no cost to you. Learn more about how to engage here.
