Let’s face it: the end of summer is the worst. Not only do we have to say goodbye to the bright summer sun, green foliage and sandy beaches, we have to wait another few weeks before the trees brighten to warm amber, gold and violet.
What we need this weekend is a little sensory therapy- sights and sounds, tastes and smells to awaken us to the wonder that is autumn.
Let’s start tonight.
Friday Evening, Sept. 7
It’s First Friday Gallery Walk again in Leesburg. Every first Friday of the month the restaurants and stores in the old town district host bands to create a lively, festival type atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from in a variety of price ranges and an equally large variety of musical acts.
Take blues guitarist Bobby Thompson at the Recovery Center, piano music by Nancy Prestipinio at Sona Bank, or rock guitarist Billy G. at the Pink Shop. Hop from shop to shop, hear some great music, eat some great food and enjoy the warm weather. Check out what times the musical artists will perform at the First Friday website.
Saturday, Sept. 8
If you are a festival person, a history nut or fantasy fanatic, you are going to love the “Ren Fest," officially known as the Maryland Renaissance Festival. This autumn it’s a must for families and fun-loving individuals.
Enjoy strolling through a medieval town, watch Monty Python inspired entertainment, and see skilled sportsmen in jousting and archery. Chat with theater folk, staying in character as kings, queens, lords, ladies, knights and towns folk. Drink mead at the town tavern and enjoy entertainment the way it was done in days of “Yore,” and while you’re at it, try to hold off on the cell phones for a few hours.
Saturday Evening, Sept. 8
The festivals do not need to stop when the sun goes down. WMZQ Fall Festival, State Farm presents country music singer Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan at Jiffy Lube Live. Aldean is known for his hit songs on the Hot Country Songs charts: "Why", "She's Country", "Big Green Tractor" and "Fly Over States."
Sunday, Sept. 9
Keep the festival going on Sunday too with an urban street festival at Adams Morgan Day. Adams Morgan is a small hipster community in D.C. known for its restaurants, bars and authentic shops.
This year they expanded the kid’s fair and are including live dance instructions. Come see the vibrant vendors, taste the delicious food and hear the multi-cultural music.
Sunday Evening, Sept. 9
No, it’s not a three-day weekend, and it’s technically a school-night, but here’s a reason to make an exception.
On Sunday, Rush is playing Jiffy Lube Live. Rush is the progressive rock band known for their virtuosic musicianship. While other bands used synthesizers and keytars to look like they had stepped into the future, Rush revolutionized rock by taking it to the next level.
Enjoy a band that is not just great nostalgia but is great, period.
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