Updated on April 8, 2026 by Julie McCool
2026 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.
Revolutionary War Weekend, Mount Vernon, May 2-3
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 Farm Day, Frying Pan Farm Park, May 2
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; $15/$12 at the door/advance, under 2 free. 10:00–3:00.
2026 Pet Festival, Leesburg, May 2
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 2
Head to Great Meadow in The Plains for the 101st 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 2
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 3
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.
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.
Spring Art Market, Del Ray, May 9
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; 9:00-3:00.
Mason Neck Eagle Festival, Lorton, May 9
The annual Eagle Festival returns to Mason Neck State Park in Lorton. Enjoy a full day of live animal shows and family-friendly activities including bird walks, pony rides, food, and more. Free, 10:00–4:00.
Art in the Burg, Middleburg, May 9
View artwork by local and regional artists throughout Middleburg. Festivities include live music, art activities for kids, cooking demonstrations, and more. Free, 11:00-6:00.
PRCS Food Truck Festival, Leesburg, May 9
Sample delicious dishes from local food trucks while you enjoy live music and fun activities at this family-friendly festival. Free, 11:00-3:00.
Mother’s Day, May 10
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 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 15-17
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 $51; 6:00–9:00.
McLean Day, Lewinsville Park, McLean, May 15-16
Celebrate McLean with live entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, and family fun. Free admission; tickets are sold for rides and some activities. Friday 3:00-9:00 (carnival only); Saturday 11:00-5:00.
Strawberry Festival, Lincoln, May 15-17
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.
Tephra ICA Festival, Reston, May 16-17
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 16-17
We love 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 16
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.
Clifton Homes Tour, Clifton, May ?
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
Virginia Wine & Craft Festival, Front Royal, May 16
The 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 16
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 17
Old Town Fairfax hosts the largest festival highlighting Asian heritage in Virginia. Enjoy family-friendly arts and crafts, live performances including Lion and Dragon dances, food, and more. Free, 11:00-6:00.
Rails to River XC Bike Race, Reston, May 17
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.
Friday Night Live!, Herndon, May 22
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.
Memorial Day Weekend Events, May 23-25
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 23-25
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 23,24,30,31
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 Nature Festival, Chantilly, May 23-24
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.
Stargaze at the Udvar-Hazy, Chantilly, May 23
Head to the Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, to stargaze through the telescopes of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. Free admission, free parking after 4:00. 8:30-10:30 pm.
Wolf Trap Summer Blast-off!, May 24
The 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 and registration is required but does not guarantee entry. The park closes 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.
Memorial Day Festival and Parade, Falls Church, May 25
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.
Bull Run Wine Festival, Centreville, May 30-31
Enjoy wine tastings, live music, an artisan market, and food trucks at one of Fairfax County’s two wineries, the Winery at Bull Run. A portion of ticket sales will go to TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. $45, noon-5:00.
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 2026 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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