July
<cal2>SUMMER DRESSAGE CLASSIC. July 26-27, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg. The highlight of the competition is the musical freestyle. The Morven Park Equestrian Center is located just north of Leesburg on Route 15. Call Shannon Pedlar at 703-777-2890 or visit the Morven Park Web site at www.morvenpark.org.
TRAINING CAMP. July 20-28, at Redskins Park, 21300 Redskins Park Drive, Ashburn. Features eight practices open to the public. Bring the family, a camera, lawn chair, memorabilia and a paint pen for autographs history. Visit www.Redskins.com or call 703-726-7411.
MUSIC FEST. Sundays, at the Belmont Country Club, 19661 Belmont Manor Lane, Ashburn. Gates open at 5 p.m., an opening act takes the stage at 6 p.m. with the main act following at 7 p.m. Bring blankets or chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase; no outside refreshments permitted. Profits from the concert series are donated to Loudoun County charities. Tickets vary in cost and are available at www.liveatbelmont.com or by calling 804-794-6700.
OKLAHOMA! The Sterling Playmakers present "Oklahoma!" July 25-27, Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 8-10, at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. The show is directed by Kathy Bleutge and produced by Emilie Pugh. Tickets are $15 for the reserved section and $12 for general admission. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES. The Bluemont Concert Series on the lawn of the Old Loudoun County Courthouse in downtown, historic Leesburg at 1 East Market St., Sundays, 7 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and seniors, $2 for children 12 and under; proceeds go to support Bluemont's year-round Artist-In-Education program in area schools. No pets, alcohol or smoking are allowed. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at Smart's Mill Middle School. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and a picnic before the show.
FOUR SEASONS OF OATLANDS. Oatlands Plantation, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, holds its annual Four Seasons of Oatlands Art Show and Sale, from July 7-27, Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. The show and sale is a benefit for Oatlands and there is no charge for admission to see the art. The show is located in the historic Carriage House on the property. Free parking. Call 703-777-3174 or visit www.oatlands.org.
SOUND OF SUMMER SERIES. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Saturdays, 6-9:30 p.m. Share music and wine by Tarara's lake. Bring a picnic, taste wine and enjoy classic stylings of world music by regional artists. Rain or shine. Cost adults $10, under 12 free; tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
LOUDOUN COUNTY FAIR. July 28-Aug. 2, at Loudoun County Fairgrounds in Leesburg. Agricultural exhibits, horse and livestock shows, family entertainment and food. Daily tickets, adults $10, children 6-12, $5; full-week passes available. For more information call 703-777-3835 or visit www.loudouncountyfair.com.
OL’ FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY. Celebrate the 4th of July at Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday set in the park’s historic area. Live musical entertainment and food. $5 donation per family. Call 571-258-3700.
BASTILLE DAY. Saturday, July 4, Willowcraft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. Willowcraft celebrates Bastille Day with all things French, 12-5 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 703-777-8161 or visit www.willowcraftwine.com.
<cal1>August
<cal2>LOUDOUN COUNTY FAIR. July 28-Aug. 2, at Loudoun County Fairgrounds in Leesburg. Agricultural exhibits, horse and livestock shows, family entertainment and food. Daily tickets, adults $10, children 6-12, $5; full-week passes available. For more information call 703-777-3835 or visit www.loudouncountyfair.com.
MUSIC FEST. Sundays, at the Belmont Country Club, 19661 Belmont Manor Lane, Ashburn. Gates open at 5 p.m., an opening act takes the stage at 6 p.m. with the main act following at 7 p.m. Bring blankets or chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase; no outside refreshments permitted. Profits from the concert series are donated to Loudoun County charities. Tickets vary in cost and are available at www.liveatbelmont.com or by calling 804-794-6700.
OKLAHOMA! The Sterling Playmakers present "Oklahoma!" July 25-27, Aug. 1-3 and Aug. 8-10, at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling. The show is directed by Kathy Bleutge and produced by Emilie Pugh. Tickets are $15 for the reserved section and $12 for general admission. Call the hotline at 703-437-6117 or visit www.sterlingplaymakers.com.
ANNUAL RACE. The YMCA Loudoun County's annual Leesburg 10K/20K Race, Aug. 10, registration begins at 6:15 a.m., both races begin at 7:30 a.m., at Market Station in Leesburg. There is a quarter mile Kids’ Fun Run immediately after start of the race. No registration required for the fun run and medals awarded to all finishers. Call the race hotline, 301-871-0400 or visit www.ymcawashdc.org or www.runwashington.com.
SOUND OF SUMMER SERIES. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Saturdays, 6-9:30 p.m. Share music and wine by Tarara's lake. Bring a picnic, taste wine and enjoy classic stylings of world music by regional artists. Rain or shine. Cost adults $10, under 12 free; tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
BLACKBERRY DAYS WINE FESTIVAL. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Aug. 2-3, Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 12 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the traditions of berry picking with live music, food and craft vendors, wine tastings, children's activities, hay rides, live bands, you-pick thornless blackberries and Tarara's own blackberry wine. Rain or shine. Cost adults $15, under 21 and designated drivers $8, 6 and under free; discount tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES. The Bluemont Concert Series on the lawn of the Old Loudoun County Courthouse in downtown, historic Leesburg, at 1 East Market St., Sundays, 7 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and seniors, $2 for children 12 and under; proceeds go to support Bluemont's year-round Artist-In-Education program in area schools. No pets, alcohol or smoking are allowed. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at Smart's Mill Middle School. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and a picnic before the show.
LUCKETTS FAIR. All ages. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Route 15 north from Leesburg. Aug. 23-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. The Lucketts Fair is a family affair with something for everyone. This popular event features juried crafts, antiques, children’s games and entertainment, a petting zoo, food and bluegrass music all day long. Call 703-771-5281 for more information. Event admission: $8 per person, children under 6 free. Two-day tickets, $12.
DOG DAYS PEACH AND SUNFLOWER FEST. Aug. 16-17, Great Country Farms, 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. Bring the whole family, including dogs, for a romp in the sunflower field and then cool off in the farm fountain. Admission is $8. Call 540-554-2073 or visit www.greatcountyfarms.com.
ALDIE MILL ART SHOW. The 11th Annual Aldie Mill Art Show and Sale at the historic Aldie Mill, 39401 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1. and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in September, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Free. Call 703-327-9777 or e-mail aldiemill@nvrpa.com.
<cal1>September
<cal2>SUMMER BACK BARN BBQ. Sept. 6, Willowcraft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. Featuring all traditional barbecue eats along with its summertime award winning wines, 1-5 p.m. Children and family pets welcome. Tickets $12. Call 703-777-8161 or visit www.willowcraftwine.com.
LABOR DAY CELEBRATION. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Bring business card for a free tour and tasting and be entered into a drawing for Tarara gifts. Labor Day wine specials. Cost tasting fee. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
SOUND OF SUMMER SERIES. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Saturdays, 6-9:30 p.m. Share music and wine by Tarara's lake. Bring a picnic, taste wine and enjoy classic stylings of world music by regional artists. Rain or shine. Cost adults $10, under 12 free; tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
GREAT GRAPE WINE FESTIVAL. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Sept. 20-21, Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate the harvest at Tarara's biggest wine festival featuring wines, craft and food vendors, children's activities, you-pick apples, live music and guided hay ride tours of the vineyard. Rain or shine. Cost adults $15, under 21 and designated drivers $8, 6 and under free; discount tickets available online. 703-771-7100 or visit www.tarara.com.
MAIZE AT TEMPLE HALL FARM REGIONAL PARK. Annual autumn activities and giant cornfield maze are held 15789 Temple Hall Lane, Leesburg, Sept. 26-Nov. 2. Featuring an 11-acre cornfield maze, hay rides and pick-your-own pumpkins. Visit www.nvrpa.org/parks/themaize/ for more information. Call 703-779-9372.
ARTS & CRAFT FESTIVAL. Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vendors selling handmade crafts, tapestries, jewelry, furniture, glassware. Food available. There will be a photography expo. Enter park at Loudoun Park Lane. Free admission. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling, 571-258-3700.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA SENIOR OLYMPICS. Sept. 20-Oct. 2, open to residents 50 and older. Event include shuffleboard, table tennis, pickle-ball, tennis, golf, horseshoes, pool and team line dancing, among others. Transportation to events provided by Loudoun County Senior Center. Call 703-228-3600, Ext. 9996. Visit www.novaseniorolympics.com. Registration fee is $10, for each additional event it is $1.
LOVETTSVILLE OKTOBERFEST. Sept. 26-28, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. All ages. Downtown Lovettsville, 6 East Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville. Includes vendors, street performers, live music, art sale, German cuisine. German dinner the night before. Church services and local children’s performances Sunday. Free. Call 540-822-5788.
ANNUAL VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL. Sept. 27-28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Includes live entertainment, children’s activities, seminars and wine tasting. Morven Park, Leesburg. $25 per person for tasting, $15 for designated drivers and anyone under 21. Visit www.virginiawinefestival.org.
ALDIE MILL ART SHOW. The 11th Annual Aldie Mill Art Show and Sale, at the historic Aldie Mill, 39401 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1. and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in September, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Free. Call 703-327-9777 or e-mail aldiemill@nvrpa.com.
FALL INTO THE ARTS. Sept. 27, Leesburg Historic District, 12-4 p.m. Juried art festival featuring local artists. Includes live entertainment and activities for children. Visit www.FallIntoTheArts.com.
LURE OF LOUDOUN GALA. Sept. 27. Celebrate the Loudoun Museum’s anniversary at the River Creek Country Club, 43800 Olympic Blvd., Leesburg. A black-tie event with dinner, music and dancing. Cost is $200. Corporate sponsor possibilities. Call 703-777-7427 for more information.
PUMPKINVILLE. Sept. 29-Nov. 4, Leesburg Animal Park, 19720 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. Celebrate fall with a family visit to Pumpkinville. Pick a pumpkin and enjoy the giant hill slides, hay mazes, rope swings, apples and apple cider and much more. Weekends include camel rides, popcorn, food vendors and mini tractor rides. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $6.50 weekdays and $10 weekends and holidays. Call 703-433-0002 or visit www.leesburganimalpark.com.
LEESBURG’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Sept. 14, 2-5 p.m. Celebrate the founding of Leesburg with food, music a parade and other activities for the entire family. Visit wwww.leesburgva.gov.
<cal1>October
<cal2>NORTHERN VIRGINIA SENIOR OLYMPICS. Sept. 20-Oct. 2, open to residents 50 and older. Event include shuffleboard, table tennis, pickle-ball, tennis, golf, horseshoes, pool and team line dancing, among others. Transportation to events provided by Loudoun County Senior Center. Call 703-228-3600, Ext. 9996. Visit www.novaseniorolympics.com. Registration fee is $10, for each additional event it is $1.
LEESBURG COURT AND MARKET DAYS. Oct. 18, historic Leesburg district. Leesburg’s historic district comes alive through demonstrations, dramatic vignettes of local historic court trails, entertainment, children’s activities and fresh produce in the market place, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 703-737-7144 or 703-737-7019 or visit www.leesburgva.gov/visitors.
PADDLE AND WINE. Oct. 12. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, has teamed up with River & Trail Outfitters to offer customers an experience on a private paddle and wine tour or a paddle, wine and concert series tour. Visit www.tarara.com
OCTOBER WINE DAYS. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Oct. 19. Includes live music, wine specials. Rain or shine. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., music from 12-4 p.m. Visit www.tarara.com.
LUCKETTS BLUEGRASS. Saturdays, October-April, doors open at 6 p.m., shows begin at 7 p.m. All ages. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. Bluegrass is synonymous with Lucketts. Call 703-771-5281 for more information. Admission: $12. Visit www.luckettscommunitycenter.org.
ANNUAL STERLINGFEST. All ages. Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. Bring the family to experience the celebration in its 20th year. Food, fun games, live music, stage shows and more. Call 703-430-9480. Free event. Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit SterlingFoundation.org.
HAUNTINGS. Downtown historic Leesburg, Oct. 27-28. Take the tours of Leesburg’s historic homes and sites; tours leave from the Loudoun Museum. Call 703-777-7427 for more information.
WATERFORD HOMES TOUR AND CRAFTS EXHIBIT. Village of Waterford, Oct. 3-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 1733 village, founded by Quakers, offers historic homes open for tour, 144-juried heritage craftsmen with hands-on demonstrations, continuous traditional music and dance, children’s activities, Colonial-era militia encampments, marching fife and drum corps and Civil War re-enactors with skirmishes throughout the weekend. Advance tickets, from Aug. 18-Sept. 22, are $13 per person, per day; $15 per person, per day at the gate. Children age 12 and younger are admitted free. Visit the Web at www.waterfordva.org.
FALL FARM COLOR TOUR. Oct. 18-19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A self-guided tour of Loudoun’s agricultural attractions. Participating sites are open free to the public. Visit www.loudounfarms.org.
AUTUMN APPLE FESTIVAL. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. See historic orchard tools at work, learn how to make cider, visit with local apple farmers, and browse locally made apple products and dishes. Live entertainment will be provided. Visit www.loudounfarmmuseum.org or call 571-258-3800.
MAIZE AT TEMPLE HALL FARM REGIONAL PARK. Sept. 26-Nov. 2. Annual autumn activities and giant cornfield maze are held 15789 Temple Hall Lane, Leesburg. Featuring an 11-acre cornfield maze, hay rides and pick-your-own pumpkins. Visit www.nvrpa.org/parks/themaize/ for more information. Call 703-779-9372.
HALLOWEEN PARADE. Oct. 31, 6 p.m. Leesburg Historic District, King and Market streets. Includes prizes for floats, bands and costumes. Free. Call 703-737-2175.
MIDDLEBURG ALL BREED DOG SHOW at Oatlands, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, Oct. 25-26. Sponsored by the Middleburg Kennel Club on the Oatlands north fields. For additional information call 703-777-3174 or visit the Web at www.oatlands.org.
MORVEN PARK STEEPLECHASE. Saturday, Oct. 11, 1:30 p.m. The annual Morven Park Steeplechase will be held at the Morven Park Equestrian Center, on Route 15 north on Tutt Lane. Call 703-777-2414. Gates open at 11 a.m.
FALL FESTIVAL BY JOSHUA’S HANDS. Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 38327 Charles Town Pike, Waterford. Come celebrate the glory of the fall season. Enjoy live music, entertainment, hayrides, three-legged races, demonstrations, pony rides, a petting farm, an old-fashioned spelling bee, crafts, carnival-style games, food vendors and more. Call 540-454-7827 or visit www.joshuahands.org.
ALDIE HARVEST FESTIVAL. Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Church of the Redeemer, 39041 John Mosby Highway, Aldie. This 200-year-old village presents a villagewide fall festival featuring food, music, antiques, handcrafted furniture and more. Children’s activities and pony rides included. Civil War re-enactors and Aldie Mill tours. Free; optional $5 parking donation. Call 703-327-4060.
PUMPKINVILLE. Sept. 29-Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Leesburg Animal Park, 19720 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. Celebrate fall with a family visit to Pumpkinville. Pick a pumpkin and enjoy the giant hill slides, hay mazes, rope swings, apples and apple cider and much more. Weekends include camel rides, popcorn, food vendors and mini tractor rides. Admission is $6.50 weekdays and $10 weekends and holidays. Call 703-433-0002 or visit www.leesburganimalpark.com.