There are plenty of reasons to be excited for May. The warmth of the sun, an abundance of blooming flowers, and of course, the kickoff to outdoor events and fun in Fairfax County. It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here! Festival season, holiday celebrations, one-of-a-kind experiences, and more are on the agenda this May in #FXVA. Add these to your calendar!
Huntley Meadows Park Turns 50!
May 1 - June 1
Huntley Meadows Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary AND the 200th anniversary of nearby Historic Huntley! Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to join in honoring five decades of wetland conservation at the Wetlands Awareness Day to get up close with raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. Then, on Saturday, May 17, take part in the Family Hilltop Outing with a special guided tour of Historic Huntley and take in stunning 360-degree views.
Revolutionary War Weekend
May 3-4, 2025
Image courtesy Mount Vernon
Every year, George Washington’s Mount Vernon remembers the battle for American independence during Revolutionary War Weekend. Witness Mount Vernon's serene 12-acre field as it transforms into a battleground where hundreds of Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations and engage in 18th-century battle reenactments. You can meet soldiers, discuss military techniques, and even encounter General Washington himself.
National Travel & Tourism Week
May 4-10, 2025
Image courtesy U.S. Travel Association
The first full week of May is recognized as National Travel & Tourism Week, a celebration of the U.S. travel and tourism community. This year, we’re moving forward by spotlighting travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating diverse communities, creating fresh job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and uniting millions of Americans in a fundamental connection—travel. Click here to learn about National Travel & Tourism Week in Fairfax County.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2025
While it's a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, it's actually a celebration of its victory during the Battle of Puebla against the French Empire in 1862. The actual Mexican Independence Day is in September, but Cinco de Mayo is still celebrated in America as a way to honor Mexican heritage. Fairfax County is a great place to let loose with its diverse blend of cultures shown through the culinary scene and year-round festivities. And rest assured, Cinco de Mayo is no exception. So, round up your friends and celebrate this Mexican holiday by exploring a variety of events and celebrations going on around the county. Whether you opt for one or decide to attend them all, you're guaranteed to have a buen tiempo.
Bonus: For more delicious ways to celebrate, check out these great places to get a margarita!
Mason Neck Eagle Festival
May 10, 2025
Did you know that Fairfax County is located along the "Atlantic Flyway?" It's the East Coast's version of a superhighway for migrating birds! Millions of hawks, songbirds, and other various species of waterfowl can be seen traveling through the area each spring. Mason Neck State Park is one of the best places to spot America's symbol, the bald eagle, in action. The 27th annual Eagle Festival returns for a day of learning featuring live mammals, reptiles and raptors, live music, food and more.
Bonus: Learn the incredible story about Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge here.
Mother's Day Celebrations
May 11, 2025
Brunches, tea time, cake decorating, and more. Mom deserves all the appreciation this Mother's Day, and there are plenty of ways to make her feel special this month. Click here to find more Mother's Day events in Fairfax County and stay tuned as more are added to the calendar!
Hot Tip: Keep an eye on our Insider Blog for a guide to locally-made Mother's and Father's Day gifts by the Made in Fairfax network!
Bike to Work Day & Tour de Hunter Mill
May 4, 2025 and May 15, 2025
Image credit David Galen for Bike to Work DC
It’s hard not to notice how active Northern Virginia residents are - and it's no wonder, with all the amazing trails to explore in the area. As a testament to an appreciation of health, well-maintained biking trails and shared roadways, the Washington Area coordinates a Bike to Work Day with nearly 100 pit stops all over the area, including Fairfax County. The first 18,000 to register can pick up a free T-shirt at one of the pit stops! So buckle up that helmet, pump up your tires, and hit the road!
For more biking fun, and if you can't wait until the 17th, don't miss the Tour de Hunter Mill community bike ride, hosted by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Walter Alcorn. There are two routes (a long and short one) that highlight various bike-friendly areas of the Hunter Mill District. This year's routes include the new shared-use path along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. Register here.
WorldPride
May 17 – June 8, 2025
WorldPride 2025 kicks off May 17 in nearby Washington, DC, marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in DC, making it an especially significant occasion. Get ready for an unforgettable lineup of events, from high-energy concerts headlined by the one and only Shakira, as well as by Doechii, and to the iconic WorldPride Street Festival. Immerse yourself in Washington’s multi-faceted atmosphere to discover why the capital region is one of the most celebrated LGBTQIA+ centers in the world! Escape the crowds and celebrate love and diversity at Reston's highly anticipated Pride Festival starting on the evening of May 31 and into June 1. Saturday night, guests can watch live performances at the Rising Voices Community Concert and then enjoy a fun day filled with local vendors, live performances, inspiring speakers, and endless fun and festivities on June 1!
Summer Festivals are Back
Ongoing
Nothing screams warm weather like the return of festival season in Fairfax County! Our most beloved annual May events are officially making a comeback. From fine arts to barbecue, keep tabs on the growing list of summer festivals this May and beyond with our detailed festival season guide.
In the meantime, here are a handful of upcoming May festivals to whet your appetite for the season:
Taste of Tysons Corner
May 3
This second annual Taste of Tysons highlights more than 40 participating restaurants from Tysons Corner Center eateries. The event will also feature live music, chef demos, and fun family activities!
Northern Virginia Tea Festival
May 18
This festival is a celebration of all things tea, hosted by Elden Street Tea Shop at Lake Anne Plaza. A day filled with tastings, artisan vendors, expert-led workshops, and cultural experiences.
McLean Day
Festival Day: May 17
McLean Day is festival season's perfect first taste of rides, exhibitor booths, entertainment stages, and everything else you'd expect a community festival to be. This year marks its 110th Birthday, so this is one festival you won't want to miss.
Tephra ICA Fine Arts Festival
May 17 - 18
Lovers of fine arts will rejoice to hear that Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art is bringing back its annual festival to Fairfax County this May. The Tephra ICA Fine Arts Festival brings more than 200 artists, one-on-one experiences, performances, and special events to Reston Town Center.
ViVa! Vienna!
May 24 - 26
ViVa! Vienna! is back during Memorial Day Weekend as a family and community-oriented celebration of the greater Vienna community spirit. Enjoy thrilling amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment for all ages. Vendors include handcraft artisans, retail vendors, professionals, and community and non-profit organizations.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 23 – May 26, 2025
Can you think of a better place than the Washington, DC area to honor the nation's brave men and women who gave their lives to protect ours? The National Capital Region boasts some of the most unique monuments and memorials in remembrance of our fallen. Spend Memorial Day weekend with a humble and adventurous heart in Fairfax County.
Also returning Memorial Day weekend is the 25th Annual Ride of the Patriots to "Rolling To Remember." For more on Rolling to Remember, visit here.
Wolf Trap Summer Season Kick Off
Shake off the winter chill and bask in the warm glow of summer excitement! Wolf Trap's Summer 2025 lineup kicks off this month at the Filene Center, and it's brimming with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Get ready for an unforgettable season of superstar performances from the likes of John Legend, Maren Morris, Cynthia Erivo, and Train. That's not all – Broadway, opera, family-friendly shows, and so much more this summer. Here's the full guide to Wolf Trap's summer lineup.
Even More Special Events
Photo courtesy George Washington's Mount Vernon, taken by John A. McCreary
With so many special events happening throughout the region, there's no shortage of fun and adventure to be had. From food and wine fests to immersive experiences, mark down these unique and awesome events happening this May.
| Spring Farm Day Frying Pan Farm Park May 3 |
Taste of Tysons Corner Tysons Corner Center May 3 |
|
Spring Pop Up Market |
Wetlands Awareness Day Huntley Meadows Park May 4 |
| Cocktails by Candlelight George Mason's Gunston Hall May 9 |
NOVA's Largest Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival Mustang Sally Brewing Company May 10 |
|
Spring Artisan Market |
Spring Wine Festival Mount Vernon May 16-18 |
| Summer Pierogi FEST Settle Down Easy Brewing May 17 |
Northern Virginia Tea Festival Lake Anne Plaza May 18 |
| Friday Night Live! Concert Series Town of Herndon May 23 (every Friday) |
Festival Argentino Kenmore Auditorium May 31 |
If you’re visiting Fairfax County in May on a weekend getaway or a family trip, these events and activities won’t let you down. If these events and activities aren't enough for you, be sure to keep up with our main Events Calendar for an assortment of fun happening all month long. Share what fun you end up having in Fairfax County on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax. Did we miss anything above? Tell us in the comments below.
