Saturday is packed. Keep a weather backup.
Loudoun Loop is the 5 best things to do in Loudoun this weekend, sent every Thursday morning.
This is a strong family weekend with trucks, potatoes, carnival rides, and hands-on history. Saturday night adds free music, Fleetwood Mac songs at Tarara, and an indoor Journey tribute. Rain chances are in the forecast all weekend, so start outdoor plans early and keep Tally Ho or another indoor option ready.
Weather note: Last checked Thursday, August 13. The National Weather Service point forecast for Leesburg called for a high near 85 on Friday with a 30 percent daytime rain chance and a 50 percent chance Friday night. Saturday had a 40 percent rain chance before 2:00 PM and again after 8:00 PM. Sunday had a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2:00 PM. Check outdoor event status before leaving.
Top Picks
One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown
Friday, August 14 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Saturday from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM; Sunday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
One Loudoun Uptown, 44578 Atwater Drive, Ashburn
Official event page
The easiest flexible family plan this weekend. Go early Saturday for shorter ride lines, or use Friday evening to combine the carnival with the market and live music across One Loudoun.
Good to know: Admission is free. Ride tickets and wristbands cost extra and can be purchased on site or through the official event page. The carnival runs through August 23.
The Big Dig and Big Rigs
Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Big Rigs runs Saturday only from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Great Country Farms, Bluemont
Official event page
The strongest family pick of the weekend. Kids can climb into trucks and construction equipment on Saturday, then everyone can take a wagon to the field and dig fresh potatoes on either day.
Good to know: Advance admission is $10 per child and $12 per adult, plus a $1 ticketing fee. Gate admission is $14 per guest age 3 and older. Potatoes are sold separately by the pound.
Revolutionary Stories Family Day
Saturday, August 15 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Loudoun Museum and Mervin Jackson Park, Leesburg
Official event page
A free, hands-on way to use the America 250 weekend. The museum is bringing local Revolutionary War history outside with living history encounters and activities about the different people who supported the war effort in Loudoun.
Good to know: Completely free and open to all ages. Outdoor portions may be affected by rain.
Tarara Summer Concert Series: The Seven Wonders
Saturday, August 15; gates at 5:00 PM, concert from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Shadow Lake at Tarara, Leesburg
Official event page
The big outdoor music pick. The Seven Wonders covers Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, and Tarara's final season makes this a better reason than usual to take the chairs and make a night of it.
Good to know: Concerts are rain or shine and ticket sales are final. Online general admission is $20 for guests 21 and older and $10 for guests under 21, plus fees and tax. Door admission is $25 for guests 21 and older and $10 for guests under 21.
Tally Ho Theater weekend shows
Friday, August 14 or Saturday, August 15; doors at 7:00 PM
Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg
Official venue page
The dependable indoor choice if storms interrupt outdoor plans. The Expendables play Friday with Chad Tepper and Sons of Paradise. Saturday is Trial By Fire, a Journey tribute.
Three More Worth Knowing
Moonlight Market and Justin Trawick Duo
Friday, August 14; market from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, music from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
One Loudoun Park, Ashburn
Official event page
A low-friction Friday with local makers, free live music, dinner nearby, and the carnival a short walk or drive away.
Leesburg Summer JAMS: Johnny Kasun's Jim Croce Tribute
Saturday, August 15 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Leesburg Town Green, 25 West Market Street
Official event page
The free Saturday-night option downtown. Bring a chair or blanket, and pair it with Revolutionary Stories Family Day if you want to keep the whole day in Leesburg.
Dirt Farm Summer Sundays with Luke Johnson
Sunday, August 16 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dirt Farm Brewing, Bluemont
Official event page
A simple adult afternoon if the weather cooperates: free live music on the mountain, beer, and the brewery's weekend lobster roll special.
Forward this to one Loudoun friend who is still deciding what to do this weekend. New readers can join free at loudounloop.com.