WOODBRIDGE, Va. – California Tortilla is diving into summer fun with the return of its popular Shark Week promotion, just in time to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary.

Starting Wednesday, July 23, anyone who buys a fish taco at a participating California Tortilla location will receive a free Shark Fin Hat—available in-store while supplies last. Guests who return with their fins by July 31 and make a purchase will receive a free fish taco in return. And for those ready to show off their fin flair online, posting a photo with the hat and tagging @caltort on social media will earn them another free taco through the Burrito Elito loyalty program.


NOKESVILLE, Va. – Burnside Farms is gearing up for its 2025 Summer of Sunflowers, opening Friday, July 11.

Located at 11008 Kettle Run Road in Nokesville, just 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., Burnside Farms is a family-run business known for its vibrant flower festivals. Founded by Leslie and Michael Dawley, the farm has been welcoming visitors since 2012, offering seasonal events like the Festival of Spring and the Summer of Sunflowers.


OCCOQUAN, Va. – There was excitement in the air in Occoquan on Friday, July 11, 2025, as FOX 5 brought its popular “Zip Trip” morning show to the historic riverside town. The live broadcast transformed Mill Street into a street fair filled with residents, shopkeepers, and visitors eager to show off their community to the D.C.-area audience.

Among the crowd was David Bloxsom, who drove in from Charlottesville to take part. “It gets me to communities I’ve never been before,” he said, adding that he’s also attended Zip Trips in Solomons and Annapolis. “Gets me out of the house. Gets me a nice day. Nice summer day”.


DUMFRIES, Va. – Fireworks will light up the sky over Garrison Park this Sunday as the Town of Dumfries hosts its annual Independence Fireworks Show.

The event takes place on July 6, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m. at 17749 Main Street and promises an evening full of family fun. According to a news release from the Town of Dumfries, attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, games, vendors, and a fireworks show starting at 9:30 p.m.


One aging sign in the window reads “We’re Evolving, Paragon Village is now EVO Entertainment,” but above the door, it’s labeled “Hooky Now Open.” It was also called “Muvico,” at one time.

There are a few basketball games along the wall. It’s a perfect place to play hooky from work or school, but there’s no guarantee the school truant officer won’t pop up unexpectedly.


MANASSAS, Va. – A dragon, a swamp, and a whole lot of heart are taking over the stage at All Saints Catholic Church this summer as the Upper Room Theatre Ministry prepares for its biggest production yet: Shrek the Musical.

Celebrating nearly 25 years since its founding, the Upper Room Theatre Ministry has transformed from a small church program into a regionally recognized theater experience. What began in 2000 with just 14 cast members in Godspell has become a summer tradition that draws talent from across the Mid-Atlantic and fills seats with thousands of theatergoers from around the region.


WARRENTON, Va. – A rare World War II-era TBM Avenger torpedo bomber will take to the skies over Fauquier County on Saturday, July 12, offering rides for aviation fans and history buffs alike.

The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will bring the aircraft to Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, located at 1533 Iris Trail in Midland, for a one-day-only event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the TBM Avenger, flights in a combat-proven Stinson OY-1 will also be available.


DALE CITY, Va. – One of the region’s most popular Independence Day traditions is back: The Dale City 4th of July Parade kicks off Thursday morning at 10 a.m. along Dale Boulevard.

The festive, family-friendly event runs eastbound from Kirkdale Road to Gemini Way, with marching bands, colorful floats, and community groups making their way down the heart of Dale City. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to stake out a good viewing spot.


QUANTICO, Va. – Independence Day celebrations are gearing up across the region, with events planned in both Fredericksburg and at Marine Corps Base Quantico in honor of America’s 249th birthday—and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

On Wednesday, July 3, Marine Corps Base Quantico will host a special celebration at Lejeune Field from 4 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is open to authorized ID card holders and promises an evening packed with family-friendly fun. Attendees can enjoy live music from Huntley—winner of the 2023 season of The Voice—and the band Full Moon Fever, plus food trucks, inflatables, a rock wall, and more. The event marks the start of festivities commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th year.


PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new episode of RV There Yet on the Discovery Channel is giving viewers a scenic and heartfelt tour through Prince William County, highlighting its natural beauty, rich history, and growing entertainment scene.

The episode, which aired Saturday, June 28, 2024, follows the show’s hosts as they explore several top destinations in the area. Their journey begins at Prince William Forest Park, where they meet Ranger Joshua Stringer and learn about the park’s origins as a 1930s New Deal project designed to give urban families access to the outdoors. The hosts hike, bike, and camp while discovering the area’s deep Native American and Civil War roots.


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