May Events in Northern Virginia and Festivals Near DC

Updated on April 9, 2025 by Julie McCool

2025 May events in Northern Virginia celebrate spring, strawberries, art, and more plus special holidays including Mother’s Day, Kids to Parks Day, and Memorial Day. Some May events require reservations so plan ahead and always check for cancellations and updates.

Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.

Happy May Day!, May 1

Start a May Day tradition with a visit to one of the many beautiful gardens in Virginia and Washington DC. May is one of the best times to see Virginia gardens in bloom. Plus, you can shop for your own native plants at many of the gardens in our area.

Friday Night Live!, Herndon, May 2

Friday Night Live! kicks off May with another season of weekly concerts in downtown Herndon. See our complete guide to free Outdoor Concerts in Northern Virginia featuring more than 40 concert series offering a whole season of great local music.

Revolutionary War Weekend, Mount Vernon, May 3-4

George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate hosts one of the largest Revolutionary War encampments of the year.  See Continentals, Redcoats, and cannons in action at this family-friendly event, and meet the soldiers and “General Washington. ”Activities are included with regular admission; 9:00 – 5:00 daily.

Spring Festival, Reston, May 3

Head to the Walker Nature Center to celebrate spring with live animals, fishing and craft activities, canoe/kayak rentals ($5), and more family fun. Free admission, rain or shine, 1:00 – 5:00

Spring Farm Day, Frying Pan Farm Park, May 3

Enjoy a day of family fun at Frying Pan Farm with hands-on farm activities like cow and goat milking, crafts, games, puppet shows, and a chance to meet the baby farm animals. Walk-ins welcome; $14/$12 at the door/advance, under 2 free. 10:00–3:00.

2025 Pet Festival, Leesburg, May 3

The popular Pet Festival returns to the Village at Leesburg with a day of furry fun. Enjoy exhibitors, rescues, pet activities, contests, and more. Free, noon-4:00.

Virginia Gold Cup, The Plains, May 3

Head to Great Meadow in The Plains for the 100th running of the world-famous Virginia Gold Cup. Watch some of the best steeplechase racing, terrier races, shopping, hat contests, tailgate contests, and more. Follow the link for tickets and schedule.

Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival, Manassas, May 3

The Manassas County Fairgrounds once again hosts an afternoon of tasty beer, bourbon, and bbq. Live entertainment and outdoor games add to the party vibe. Tickets start at $45 with VIP tix available. VIP noon-6:00; general 2:00-6:00.

Run the Greenway, Dulles, May 4

Join the annual Run the Greenway 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run. This is a rare chance to run on the Dulles Greenway, beginning at the Toll Plaza. Follow the link for race schedules and to register.

Rails to River XC Bike Race, Reston, May 4

Head to Lake Fairfax Park to ride or watch the Rails to River XC Mountain Bike Race. Riders complete 1 to 3 laps on the 7-mile course on some of the best bike trails in Northern VA. The Bike Lane will be pouring tasty craft beer in the post-race beer garden.

Cinco de Mayo, Multiple Locations, May 5

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a dine-in or takeout order of tasty tacos in Northern Virginia, from your favorite local spot.

Stargaze at the Udvar-Hazy, Chantilly, May 10

Head to our favorite Smithsonian museum, the Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, to learn about and view the night sky. Attendees can stargaze through the telescopes of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. Museum parking is free after 4:00 and the event is free. 8:30 pm-10:30 am.

Spring Art Market, Del Ray, May 10

Shop local from Del Ray artisans at the Spring Art Market in Colasanto Park. Media includes ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. Free admission; 10:00-4:00.

Mason Neck Eagle Festival, Lorton, May 10

The 27th annual Eagle Festival returns to Mason Neck State Park in Lorton. Celebrate and learn about eagles with a full day of live animal shows and family-friendly activities plus bird walks, pony rides, food, and more. The event (including park admission) is free. 10:00–4:00.

Art in the Burg, Middleburg, May 10

Celebrate the arts when Middleburg displays artwork by local and regional artists throughout town. Festivities include live music, art activities for kids, cooking demonstrations, and more. Free, 10:00-6:00.

Asian American & Pacific Islander Festival, Annandale, May 10

Head to Mason District Park for live performances, lion dances, dragon dances, a parade, and more plus enjoy food, crafts, and games celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. Free, noon-4:00.

Mother’s Day, May 11

We rounded up fun and beautiful places to celebrate Mom this year, no reservations required. Our list of local parks, gardens, and other destinations includes an active option and another choice for folks with limited mobility or families with strollers. Plan a unique and special day with Mom!

Bike to Work Day, May 15

Celebrate bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work. The DC region's annual Bike to Work Day celebration features 100 pit stops in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The first 16,000 people to register and bike to a pit stop get a free T-shirt.

Find area bike trails with our guides to 12 Northern Virginia Paved and Mountain Biking Trails and 8 Epic Virginia Trails to Hike and Bike.

Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour, Mount Vernon, May 16-18

Get tickets early for this sell-out event at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, appearances by “George and Martha Washington”, and live jazz on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac. Ticket prices start at $48; 6:00–9:00.

McLean Day, Lewinsville Park, McLean, May 16-17

Celebrate McLean at this annual festival featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, and more family fun. Admission is free; tickets are sold for rides and some activities. Friday 2:00-10:00 (carnival only); Saturday 11:00-5:00.

Strawberry Festival, Lincoln, May 16-18

The Lincoln Strawberry Festival, hosted by Wegmeyer Farms, returns with strawberry picking, live entertainment, contests, and family fun. Tickets are $15 (additional fee for optional pancake breakfast). 10:30 – 5:00.

Clifton Homes Tour, Clifton, May 16

The Annual Clifton Homes Tour is back with guided tours of four elegant homes and two historic churches. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charming town of Clifton and visit Fairfax County's first winery. Tickets are $35/$40 advance/day of. 10:00-4:00

Tephra ICA Festival, Reston, May 17-18

One of the most popular festivals in Northern Virginia, the Tephra ICA Festival lines the streets of Reston Town Center with art-filled booths. Shop quirky, unique, and beautiful art and enjoy kid's activities, food trucks, and live entertainment. Sat 10:00-6:00, Sun 11:00-5:00

Loudoun County Farm Tour, May 17-18

We had a great time on this self-guided tour of farms in the Loudoun County countryside. Choose your stops to meet local farmers and check out their farms and products. Try a scenic drive on the Unpaved Roads of Loudoun County to add more fun to your day. 10:00-4:00.

National Kids to Parks Day, Multiple Locations, May 17

Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with a family-friendly visit to local, state, and national parks in the Northern Virginia area. Plan your own Kids to Parks Day outing with our big guide to 21 Fun Family-Friendly Parks in Northern Virginia or plan a Shenandoah National Park Day Trip.

For extra fun, download the free ParksPassport mobile app to plan your trip, earn badges, and access Junior Ranger Booklets.

Northern Virginia Tea Festival, Reston, May 17

Spend an afternoon of tasty teas and fun at the new Northern Virginia Tea Festival at beautiful Lake Anne in Reston. The festival features tea vendors plus crafts, demonstrations, music, and more. Free admission, 10:00-6:00

PRCS Food Truck Festival, Leesburg, May 17

Sample delicious dishes from local food trucks while you enjoy live music and fun activities. This family-friendly festival also features a cornhole tournament. Free, 11:00-3:00.

Virginia Wine & Craft Festival, Front Royal, May 17

The 37th annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival fills the streets of downtown Front Royal with crafters, wine-makers, and fun for all ages. Enjoy local wine, cider, and mead plus tasty food and live entertainment. Wine-tasting tickets $30, 11:00-6:00

Spring Garden Day, Alexandria, May 17

Head to beautiful Green Spring Gardens to shop the Big Plant Sale, art and crafts, a bake sale, and food vendors. Free admission, 9:00-3:00.

Asian Festival on Main, Fairfax, May 18

Old Town Fairfax hosts this one-day festival highlighting Asian heritage with family-friendly arts and crafts, live performances, food, and more. Free, noon-6:00.

Memorial Day Weekend Events, May 24-26

Memorial Day events kick off the unofficial start of summer. Plan your long weekend with our complete guide to Memorial Day Weekend events in Northern Virginia. A few popular events are highlighted below.

Viva! Vienna! Festival, Vienna, May 24-26

ViVa! Vienna! celebrates Memorial Day and the Vienna Community with carnival rides, food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment. 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community, and humanitarian organizations. Sat and Sun 10:00–10:00, Mon 10:00–6:00.

Strawberry Jubilee, Great Country Farms, May 24,25,31, Jun 1

Head to Great Country Farms for fun strawberry picking in Virginia at the longest-running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. Enjoy live music, farm contests (like a daily Diaper Derby), and tasty treats in beautiful Bluemont. Online tickets are $12/14 child/adult. 9:00–5:00.

Art in the Garden Festival, Chantilly, May 24-26

Enjoy a day at the National Botanic Garden in Chantilly featuring art, wine, and chocolate. The 4th annual Art in the Garden Festival is a great time to see Hobbit Town, the Castle, unique plant collections, and more. Tickets start at $35. Noon-5:00 daily.

Memorial Day Festival and Parade, Falls Church, May 26

The Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival includes a 3K Fun Run, Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, inflatables, arts and crafts, food, pony rides, and live entertainment. Free admission; 9:00–5:00.

Sandlot Cars and Coffee, The Boro Tysons, May 25

Check our cool cars and sip tasty coffee at The Boro Tysons, one of the great urban parks in Northern VA. The event is free, no registration needed. 11:00-1:00.

Virginia Wine Festival, Tysons, May 31-Jun1

One of the country's oldest wine festivals returns to Tysons Plaza with delicious wines, food, music, and more. Tickets start at $55, Sat 4:00-9:00 Sun noon-5:00 with VIP options available.

Wolf Trap Summer Blast-off!, May ?

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band launches Wolf Trap National Park’s summer season with a program of concert band favorites, followed by a fireworks display. The event is free but arrive early to guarantee a spot; the park will close at capacity. 

Gates open at 6:30 pm for Lawn seating. Concert begins at 8:00. Fireworks viewing area opens following the performance, at approximately 9:30 pm and fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 pm. Free.

More May in Northern Virginia Activities

Here are more ways to have fun during May in Northern VA.

Strawberry Picking in Northern VA

May is strawberry season in Virginia. Head to the field for family-friendly fun with our complete guide to Strawberry Picking in Virginia and U-Pick Farms Near DC.

Farmers Markets, Multiple Locations

Some of the best seasonal Farmers Markets in Northern Virginia open in late April and early May. Our complete guide lists more than 40 farmer's markets in the DC area with a market for nearly every day of the year.

Enjoy Local Campgrounds and Cabins

Warm weather returns and that means camping time is here. Find the perfect place overnight in nature with our guide to 15 Great Northern Virginia Campgrounds for Camping Near DC.

Burke Lake Train and Carousel, Burke

Head to Burke Lake Park for a ride on the one-third-scale replica C. P. Huntington steam train. The train and carousel are open weekends through May, then daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors can also play mini-golf, and walk or bike the 5-mile trail around Burke Lake, rated one of the 10 best urban fitness trails in the nation by the American Hiking Society.

Take a Scenic Drive

In May, trees are green and gardens are blooming. It's the perfect time for a scenic drive to small towns, pretty parks, and historic sites. Plan your outing with our guide to 8 Great Northern Virginia Scenic Drives Near Washington DC.

Plan a whole month of fun spring outings with these related articles:

• Spring Bucket List of 30 Fun Outings
• Gorgeous Gardens In Virginia and Washington DC
• 15 Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia for Wildflowers and Wildlife
• 8 Great Spring Hikes in Northern Virginia

Plan a Spring Getaway in and Near Northern Virginia

Ready for a weekend getaway or weekday escape? Find beautiful and unique places to stay in and near Northern Virginia with our guides:

• 17 Amazing Northern Virginia Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
• 17 Fantastic Northern Virginia Wine Country Vacation Rentals
• 21 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia
• 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC

There are 2025 May events for every age and interest to celebrate this beautiful month in Virginia. Check back for our updated guide to June Events in Northern VA. 

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