May 2025 in Northern Virginia offers a variety of engaging outdoor events and activities. Here are some highlights to consider:

May 1-May 7

• Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival ( April 25-May 4) Winchester- This historic 10-day festival celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, live music, and family-friendly activities.
• Historic Garden Week Tours (April 28-May 3) – Exclusive tours of Virginia’s most beautiful private gardens and historic homes. A wonderful way to spend a spring afternoon!
•    DC Boat Show at National Harbor (May 3–5) Boat enthusiasts can tour new and pre-owned vessels that are up for immediate sale or to order at this second annual weekend event. There will also be live music, food and drinks, vendor tents with boating gear, and a golf simulator.
• Annual Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival (May 3-4) Old Town, Alexandria-The popular September Art Festival is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine.
• Virginia Gold Cup (May 3, 2025, Great Meadow, The Plains) – Celebrate the 100^th Running of this premier steeplechase horse racing event. They’ll be elaborate tailgating and fashionable derby attire.
• Healthy Strides Fantasy Forest 5K/10K ( May 3, 2025) Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, VA Description: A magical run through the enchanting pathways of Burke Lake, offering both 5K and 10K options. Participants may encounter mythical creatures along the way.
• Run The Greenway: (May 4) Dulles Greenway, Loudoun County- Experience the Dulles Greenway like never before with 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run options. This event supports local charities and offers a unique opportunity to run on the scenic toll road.

MAY 8-May 14

• Mother’s Day Brunch at The Stable (May 11) Bluemont Vineyard -Treat mom to a delightful 21+ brunch experience featuring exquisite wines and a curated menu set against the picturesque backdrop of the vineyard.

 

• Spring Garden Tour & Tea (May 8) Alexandria- Explore some of Alexandria’s most beautiful private gardens during this annual tour. Gain inspiration and insights from local gardeners and landscape designers.

 

• Mother’s Day Music & Tea (May 9) Arlington-Celebrate all mothers with live piano music by Valerie Welsh, tea, and assorted pastries and sweets.

 

•   Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame @ Workhouse Arts Center (May 10) Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.

 

• Mother’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise (May 11) Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Potomac River featuring a brunch buffet, a DJ, and bottomless mimosas!

 

• Virginia Renaissance Faire @ Lake Anna Winery (May 11-17) The Virginia Renaissance Faire returns for a season of revelry and merriment.

 

• AC/DC & The Pretty Reckless (May 12) Northwest Stadium, Landover MD.

 

May 15- May 22

• Tephra ICA Arts Festival (May 17-18) Reston Town Center– A nationally recognized juried art show featuring hundreds of artists, live music, and interactive exhibits.

 

• Romeo and Juliet (May 17–19) Hylton Performing Arts Center: Experience the ballet version of the Shakespearean romance. The Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra interprets the tragic love story through live orchestra music, captivating choreography, and beautiful costumes.

 

• Woodson 5K for the Max Pound Foundation (May 17) Fairfax, VA- A community 5K run/walk event supporting the Max Pound Foundation, dedicated to providing resources and support for mental health initiatives.

 

• Asian Festival on Main (May 18) Fairfax- A celebration of Asian heritage through food, arts, and performances in the heart of Old Town Fairfax.

 

• Spring Wine Festival (May 16-18) Mt Vernon- Enjoy evening tours of George Washington’s estate, complemented by wine tastings from Virginia wineries, live music, and stunning views of the Potomac River.

 

• Strawberry Jubilee Festival (May 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, & June 1st) Great Country Farms, Loudoun- The longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food and fun games for the whole family!

 

May 23-May 31

•   Viva! Vienna! (May 24–26)  Vienna-Bring the family to a holiday weekend festival with amusement rides, live entertainment, a beer garden with pub games, and food and retail options from dozens of vendors.
• Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Ride for Freedom (May 25) Washington, DC/Northern VA) – A massive motorcycle rally honoring POW/MIA service members.

• Virginia Wine Festival (May 31 – June 1) Tysons – Celebrate Virginia wineries with tastings, gourmet food, and live music.
• The Barns at Wolf Trap (May 23) Opera alumnus John Holiday has established himself as “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” -Los Angeles Times Enjoy dinner and a show at The Barns! Starting 90 minutes before your performance, enjoy specialty drinks, artisanal starters.
• Memorial Day Weekend Events Various commemorative events and festivals occur throughout Fairfax County, honoring the nation’s heroes with parades, concerts, and ceremonies.

 

Ongoing May Events:

• Friday Night Live! (Herndon, Fridays in May) – An outdoor concert series (most are free!) with food trucks, beer gardens, and live bands.
• Stone Tower Winery Spring Concert Series (Loudoun County) – Enjoy live music while sipping Virginia wine at this scenic vineyard.

 

🌸 Cherry Blossom-Related Events in May

• Cherry Blossom-Themed Cruises – Some boat tour companies offer springtime sightseeing cruises with cherry blossom-inspired themes, even after peak bloom.
• National Arboretum’s Late-Blooming Cherry Trees – While most Yoshino cherry blossoms fade by April, the National Arboretum has late-blooming varieties that can still be seen in early May.
• Japanese Cultural Events – The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) and other organizations sometimes host post-festival events, such as art exhibits or film screenings, extending the cherry blossom spirit.

 

Waterparks in Northern Virginia  Opening May 24:

Great Waves Waterpark Alexandria, VA- Located in Cameron Run Regional Park, Great Waves offers exciting water slides, a wave pool, and a splash pad for younger children.

Pirate’s Cove Waterpark Lorton- Situated within Pohick Bay Regional Park, Pirate’s Cove features a large pirate-themed play structure, water slides, and a leisure pool

Volcano Island Waterpark Sterling-Part of Algonkian Regional Park, Volcano Island boasts a tropical theme with water slides, a giant dumping bucket, and interactive play features.

Farmers markets located in Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington Counties:

• Dale City Farmers Market
  14090 Gemini Way, Dale City, VA, this market operates year-round on Sundays. From April to November, it’s open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Westover Farmers Market
  1644 N. McKinley Rd., Arlington, VA, the Westover Farmers Market is open on Sundays. From May to November, it operates from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Manassas Farmers Market
  Held at 9024 Prince William St., Manassas, VA, this market runs on Saturdays from April to November, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Fairlington Farmers Market
  3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington, VA, the Fairlington Farmers Market operates on Sundays from May to November, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

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