5 Fun Things To Do This Month Around Kingstowne

KINGSTOWNE, VA—Summer's going by fast, and there's just a month left to enjoy the season. There are plenty of events going on near Kingstowne to soak up the remainder of the summer.

There's a mix of free and paid events. Whether you're looking to go out for drinks or have fun with the whole family, there's a variety of events going on.

Here are five that caught our eye. Do you know of another event going on in August? Share in the comments below, or add it to the Kingstowne Patch Calendar. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

1. Free Kids Cooking Classes At Kingstowne Farmers Market, Aug. 4

5870 Kingstowne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315

Together We Cook will be at the Kingstowne Farmer's Market offering free 30-minute cooking classes. We'll be making a healthy snack with fresh produce from the market using basic cooking skills. Spaces are limited. Sign-ups are in-person the day of the event.

2. Annual Sidewalk Sale, Aug. 12-13

Around Del Ray and Old Town Alexandria

The annual tradition of sidewalk sales in Alexandria returns. Come support local businesses in Del Ray and Old Town Alexandria. Over 50 businesses will offer discounted summer merchandise. Local retailers will sell a variety of products, from fashion and jewelry to home decor, culinary, seasonal and gift items. Participating businesses will have bright yellow balloon markers outside their stores. Metered parking will be free in Old Town Saturday in addition to Sundays, and parking is always free in Del Ray. See participating businesses here.

3. Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-27

Around Alexandria

At least 57 restaurants are serving up special menus for the annual Alexandria Summer Restaurant week. For 10 days, restaurants will be serving up special menus. Over 50 restaurants will offer a $35 three-course dinner or dinner for two, and over 20 will have lunch specials for $10, $15 and $20 in addition. Restaurants around the city will participate. See more details here.

4. Solar Eclipse Peak, Aug. 21, 1 p.m.

Historic Huntley Plantation, 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria

For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. It is expected to happen Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kingstowne will see around 81 percent of the sun covered during the event. There's a nearby eclipse watching event at Historic Huntley Plantation (6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria) starting at 2 p.m. The event will include fun experiments, storytelling, crafts and viewing of the eclipse. Admission is $8-$10, but this event has a wait list. See more events and details about the solar eclipse here.

5. Outdoor Concerts, throughout August

Around Alexandria

Plan on going up to Old Town Alexandria for the sunset? Don't miss these free concerts in the first few weeks of August. The remaining summer concerts are:

• Canal Center Plaza Concert Series: Aug. 2, noon- 1 p.m. Performance by The Winstons--Memories of Motown at Canal Center Plaza, 44 Canal Center Plaza
• Market Square Concert: Aug. 3, 7 p.m. 8 p.m. Performance by the 257th Army Band Concert Band at Market Square, 301 King St.
• Sunset Concert: Aug. 8, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Performance by Capital Sound, pop/dance band of the 257th Army Band at John Carlyle Park, 300 John Carlyle St.
• Music at Twilight Concert: Aug. 10, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. City concert series with a performance by Mike Surratt & the Continentals International Polka Show at Fort Ward Park Amphitheater, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.
• Friday Night on the Square: Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Performance by the Alexandria Harmonizers featuring Men's Barbershop at Market Square, 301 King St.

Image via Patch