Seasonal & Holidays

10 Ways To Make The Most Of Summer Before VA School Starts

Here's a list of 10 things that students in Virginia can enjoy before they head back to school.

School starts soon in Virginia, leaving little time to check off items from the summer bucket list.

Several events are coming up before Virginia students head back to class.

Here are some ways to make the most of the final stretch of summer:

Find out what's happening in Restonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta

Saturday, Aug. 8, 12 p.m., at Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza North, Reston, VA, 20190

This much-anticipated Reston tradition, sponsored by the Reston Museum, brings an afternoon of hilarious mishaps, fierce-but-friendly competition and plenty of fun, free for the community to enjoy.

Find out what's happening in Restonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Back To School Bash & Craft Fair

Saturday, Aug. 8, at Wilderness Presidential Resort, 9220 Plank Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, 22553

Celebrate the end of summer vacation with a family fun day featuring a moon bounce, laser tag, barrel train rides, and a live DJ. This free outdoor event also hosts various local crafters, vendors, and food and dessert trucks for everyone to enjoy.

Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market

Saturday, Aug.8, 9 a.m., at 1900 and 1804 Mount Vernon Ave., Del Ray in Alexandria

Join us for the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market—a vibrant, open-air market filled with one-of-a-kind vintage finds, handmade goods, local art, and curated treasures you won’t see anywhere else.

Shoff Promotions Comic Book, Sports Cards and Pokemon Show

Sunday, Aug. 9, 9:30 a.m., at the Annandale Virginia Fire House Expo Hall, 7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale

The spacious hall is filled with of top area dealers with Gold, Silver, Bronze and Modern Age Comic Books, a wide selection of Pokemon singles and packs and Plushies. You'll also find vintage to present Baseball, Football, Basketball and Hockey cards graded /raw and supplies for all your collecting needs. Plus some vintage Rock & Roll LPs and CDs. Something for Everyone!

Kayak Nature Immersion: A Sensory Experience On The Water

Friday, Aug. 14, 5 a.m., at Reservoir Park, 22211 Water Vista Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20148

Join us on the water to experience nature immersion from a unique perspective. Rather than focusing on speed or distance, we'll move slowly and intentionally, pausing often to engage our senses and deepen our connection with the natural world. Guided invitations will encourage curiosity, presence, and reflection as the shoreline, trees, sky, and water become partners in the experience. Come discover this remarkable fusion of water and woodland, adventure and serenity.

The Big Flea Market at the Fredericksburg Expo

Saturday, Aug. 15 and 16, 4 p.m., at Fredericksburg Expo Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg.

Discover a vast collection of unique treasures including vintage jewelry, antique home decor, jewelry, art, furniture, pottery, vintage apparel and so much more at this premier shopping event. Admission is just $12 for both days, giving you plenty of time to explore all the incredible finds on display. An amazing treasure hunt!

7th Annual Salvadoran Festival

Sunday, Aug. 16, 12 p.m., at the Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St., in Manassas

The Latin American community comes together again to celebrate this 7th annual festival in 2026! Organized by the Salvadoran American Council (COSALVA), entertainment for the whole family includes music, singers, dancers, clowns, and other performers. Enjoy the richest, most varied dishes from Central America, Mexico, and South America, plus a wide variety of crafts.

The International Gem & Jewelry Show

Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m at Hyatt Regency Dulles, 2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon

Forget retail, shop directly from designers, wholesalers and manufacturers for the largest selection at the lowest prices! Shop from rows and rows of quality jewelry, gemstone, bead, jewelry supply and accessory dealers in a unique marketplace setting. Our environment breeds competition and ensures that you will get the best quality merchandise at rock-bottom prices. Find something for everyone when you visit America's favorite jewelry and gemstone marketplace.

Reston Association's Dog Paddle

Saturday, Aug. 29, 8:30 a.m., at Autumnwood Pool, 11950 Walnut Bridge Road in Reston

Bring your dog for a dip in one of Reston Association’s pools that have closed for the season and bid farewell to the dog days of summer. Registration is required as space is limited and often sell out. Click link in headline for more details.

Around The World Cultural Food Festival

Saturday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m., at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St, Alexandria

One of the DMV's most anticipated cultural celebrations is marking a major milestone this summer. The 10th Annual Around The World Cultural Food Festival returns to Oronoco Bay Park, inviting the community to experience a day of authentic global cuisine, live entertainment, and cultural discovery.

Are you planning an event yet this summer or fall? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

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