
Discover Occoquan!
Join us for a week full of events that highlight everything Occoquan has to offer. Concerts, karaoke, kayak races, shopping, dining, workshops, and more! See the schedule below for up-to-date information about Discover Occoquan events.
Schedule of Events
AUG
13-22
Discover Occoquan Scavenger Hunt!
Occoquan Business Partners
Occoquan, VA
Visit businesses throughout town and answer questions about Occoquan history on an official scavenger hunt passport (will be available online by Aug. 12). Then enter you passport in our Town Hall dropbox, for your chance to win the Grand Prize: an Occoquan canvas bag stuffed with products from and about Occoquan, Virginia! LEARN MORE HERE.
AUG
13-22
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Sale
So Olive
125 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Buy 2 bottles of olive oil or balsamic vinegar, get the 3rd bottle 50% off of equal or lesser value. Learn more at soolive.com.
AUG
13-22
Free Greeting Card with Purchase
Hitchcock Paper Co.
125 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Get a free greeting card with any purchase of $25 or more. One per customer per day. In store only - not valid for online orders. Learn more at hitchcockpaper.com.
AUG
13-22
Free Tea Tasting
Leaf & Petal
201 Union Street, Occoquan, VA
Each day Leaf & Petal will feature two different teas to sample in their new Occoquan shop. No purchase necessary. Learn more at leafandpetalva.com.
AUG
13-22

Summer Sale!
Glory Be
305 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Head over to Glory Be for their summer sale!
AUG
13-14
Haunted Pub Crawl
Occoquan Spirits
408 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
We will visit four of the most famous haunts the living enjoy in quaint Occoquan. We will spend 30 to 40 minutes in each establishment toasting to the ghosts and listening to the stories of the ghosts that reside there. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and bug spray as we will spend some time outside as well. Your tour could run longer if the ghosts are talking!
AUG
13
Pencil Drawings Demonstration
Artists' Undertaking Gallery
309 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Visit with award winning artist Roger Frey from 11:30am-4pm as he demonstrates pencil drawing. Roger, originally from Chicago, was educated in art in California and Italy. An Artists’ Undertaking Gallery artist since 2007, his works include acrylics, etchings, printmaking, portraits & landscapes. His unique works express his desire to create a personal style that meets his expressive needs.
AUG
14
Scuba Diving Tank
Patriot Scuba
305 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Watch our divers in action in our special scuba tank! Head down to Patriot Scuba between 1-5pm on August 14 and August 21 and wave hello or have your picture taken with our scuba diver! Our team will be there to answer all your questions about diving.
AUG
14
Encaustic Painting Demonstration
Artists' Undertaking Gallery
309 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Explore the ancient technique of Encaustic Painting with gallery partner Patricia Giovannoni at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Her presentation will discuss - What is encaustic painting? She will demonstrate the tools, materials, and basic steps for this technique. View some of her works in various stages of this process.
AUG
14
Kayak Sunset Tours
Penguin Paddling
201 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
August 14 at 6pm - head out on a two hour guided kayak tour by Penguin Paddling (launches from behind Madigan's Restaurant). This paddle trip will leave the start point and take you past the old Occoquan Mill Ruins, Occoquan Regional Park, and along a beautiful river scene packed with waterfowl, fish and other critters. Click here to book your tour.
AUG
14
Wire Wrapping Art Demonstration
Art A La Carte
310 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 5-7pm artist Melanie Barry will be demonstrating wire wrapping techniques with beads on functional stainless steel serving utensils (forks, spoons, spreaders, etc.). Melanie's new starfish line includes beads of fish and turtles with intricate metal work.
AUG
14
Oil Painting Demo
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 1-3 pm. See Loft Gallery artist Rich Moore demonstrate his expressive and colorful approach to painting landscapes with oil paints. Learn more at loftgallery.org.
AUG
14
Cabinet Updating Workshop
The Reclaimed Treasures
199 Union Street, Occoquan, VA
Ugly old kitchen cabinets? Bathroom vanity need updating? This is the class for you! Learn how to prep, paint and finish most any cabinet in your kitchen or bathroom. You will be guided through all stages of updating your cabinetry. Everything will be provided for you in this hands on instructional class at 6:30pm. Fee: $95 Register online.
AUG
14-15
Artists at Work
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 12-3pm stop by the Loft Art Center and see art being created and talk with the artists working in their studios. Learn more at loftgallery.org.
AUG
15
Giant Paper Flower Making Workshop
Hitchcock Paper Co.
125 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
In this fun class at 1pm you will make giant roses and learn techniques to cut, shape, and attach the petals and leaves. You will also get templates and instructions to take home. Perfect for beginners or seasoned crafters! All materials provided. Fee: $60. Register online.
AUG
15
Wood Block Carving Demo
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 1-3 pm Loft Gallery artist Susan Larimer works in both relief and intaglio printing, pen and ink. Come talk with her about her art processes and watch as she demonstrates carving a design on a wood block to be used in print making. Learn more at loftgallery.org.
AUG
15
Mixed Media Demonstration
Artists' Undertaking Gallery
309 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 11am-5pm Patti Durbin will discuss her work and have a variety of fabric shapes and colors for visitors to experiment with to create an image. Patti’s images are diverse and express the joy and uniqueness found in embracing one’s self as they are. She incorporates fabric and recycled materials from an organic perspective to weave positive messages of self empowerment.
AUG
15
Annual Duck Splash
Patriots for Disabled Divers
View from Public Dock, Occoquan, VA
Adopt a numbered rubber duck from Patriot Scuba, then join us Sunday, August 15 to watch it race along the Occoquan River with hundreds of other ducks! $5 to adopt your duck. Winners receive $20-500 depending on their place in the race. All proceeds benefit Patriots for Disabled Divers. Get your tickets HERE.
AUG
16
Workshop: Intro to Drawing
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 10am-12pm learn basic drawing techniques through demos and class activities with artist Teresa Brunson. Students will learn to draw using shapes, line and value. Class size is limited to 4 students to ensure individualized attention. All you have to bring is your interest to draw!
Fee: $60. To register email teresatindlebrunson@gmail.com.
AUG
17
Workshop: Intro to Pastel Painting
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 10am-12pm learn basic pastel painting techniques through demos and class activities with artist Teresa Brunson. Students will complete 2 pastel paintings. A class limit of 4 students allows individualized attention. All class supplies are provided. Fee: $75. To register email teresatindlebrunson@gmail.com.
AUG
18
Workshop: Children’s Drawing & Painting
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 10am-12pm learn basic drawing and watercolor painting techniques through demos and class activities with artist Teresa Brunson. Students will complete 2 drawings/paintings. A class size of 4 students will allow individualized attention. All art supplies are included for use during drawing & painting class. Fee $75. Registration required - email teresatindlebrunson@gmail.com.
AUG
19
Sharing Experience through Tea and Art
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Enjoy a Gong Fu ceremonial tea tasting where you will be served 6 different Premium to Estate Teas from around the world. Then enjoy short presentations and/or art demos from the studio artist along with personal tours of their art studios. Fee $20. Register with Darlene Kaplan via chineseart@darlenekaplan.com or 703-922-4175.
AUG
19
Copper Work - Chasing & Repousse Demo
Artists' Undertaking Gallery
309 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 11am-4:30pm accomplished coppersmith Anne Jordan, will demonstrate the techniques of chasing or embossing, and repousse on copper vessels. Anne is inspired by nature and the inherent properties of copper. She enjoys the challenge of forming hard copper into delicate, fluid, lifelike objects resembling plants and animals.
AUG
20
Workshop: Wineglass Painting
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 10am-12pm learn several basic painting techniques for painting on glass with artist Teresa Brunson. Each student will be given one wine glass to paint. The class will only have 4 students to ensure individualized attention. All supplies for use are included (stencils, brushes, paint, images etc.). Fee $35. Registration required - email teresatindlebrunson@gmail.com.
AUG
20
Fusion Mineral Paint 101 Workshop
The Reclaimed Treasures
199 Union Street, Occoquan, VA
Join us at 6:30pm for our Fusion Mineral Paint 101 Workshop where you will learn the basics about Fusion Mineral Paint and accompanying products. You will receive hands on instruction on how to prep a piece, paint, distress, and stencil. We will provide everything you need including several paint colors, paint brush, and a small wood project. Fee: $95 Register online.
AUG
20-21
Haunted Pub Crawl
Occoquan Spirits
408 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
We will visit four of the most famous haunts the living enjoy in quaint Occoquan. We will spend 30 to 40 minutes in each establishment toasting to the ghosts and listening to the stories of the ghosts that reside there. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and bug spray as we will spend some time outside as well. Your tour could run longer if the ghosts are talking!
AUG
21
Quilling Workshop - Sailboat
Hitchcock Paper Co.
305 Mill Street #A8, Occoquan, VA
Try your hand at the very ancient art of paper filigree - quilling. In this workshop you will learn a number of basic shapes using 1/4" width paper to create a beautiful boat design. You will be able to take your completed masterpiece home with you and frame it if you wish! All necessary materials and tools are provided. Fee $75. Register now.
AUG
21
Textured Paint Demonstration
VanEch Studio
125 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
At 12pm and 3pm, visit VanEch Studio for interactive demonstrations on how to create fabulous layered textured paint finishes with Salt Wash™️ paint additive. All Salt Wash™️ purchased during our demonstrations will be 20% off.
AUG
21
Workshop: Children’s Drawing & Painting
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 10am-12pm learn basic drawing and watercolor painting techniques through demos and class activities with artist Teresa Brunson. Students will complete 2 drawings/paintings. A class size of 4 students will allow individualized attention. All art supplies are included for use during drawing & painting class. Fee $75. Registration required - email teresatindlebrunson@gmail.com.
AUG
21
Mixed Media Art Demonstration
Art A La Carte
310 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 5-7pm artist Karen Rexrode will demonstrate paint techniques with her 3D assemblage or mixed media art. New, partially finished examples will be on hand for anyone that is curious on the building process with her multidimensional art.
AUG
21
Scuba Diving Tank
Patriot Scuba
305 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
Watch our divers in action in our special scuba tank! Head down to Patriot Scuba between 1-5pm on August 14 and August 21 and wave hello or have your picture taken with our scuba diver! Our team will be there to answer all your questions about diving.
AUG
21
Concert & Beer Garden
Town of Occoquan
River Mill Park, Occoquan, VA
Join us from 4-9pm for a Beer Garden hosted by Waters End Brewery plus concerts from Up All Night (4-6pm) and Timewarp Rock (7-9pm)! Grab a blanket or camp chairs and enjoy music and brews in Occoquan's River Mill Park.
AUG
21-22
Artists at Work
The Loft Gallery of Occoquan
313 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
From 12-3pm stop by the Loft Art Center and see art being created and talk with the artists working in their studios. Learn more at loftgallery.org.
AUG
22
Wood fired Stoneware & Porcelain Demo
Artists' Undertaking Gallery
309 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA
At 1pm and 3pm ceramic artist & instructor, Stephen Lally, will demonstrate how to make ceramic animal rattles. He will provide clay for those who would like to make one at home then bring it back for him to fire for free. Stephen’s work grows out of the blended traditions of functional pottery from England & Japan. His works are meant to be used, not just set up on a shelf.