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!
Revolutionary War Weekend
May 4-5, 2024
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 19-25, 2024
Image courtesy U.S. Travel Association
The third 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
Sunday, May 5, 2024
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
Saturday, May 11, 2024
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 26th annual Eagle Festival returns for a day of shows 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
Sunday, May 12, 2024
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
Friday, May 17, 2024 and Friday, May 5, 2024
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 15,000 to register can pick up a free tee 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 Hunter Mill District. This year's routes include the new shared-use path along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Register here.
Summer Festivals are Back
Ongoing
Image courtesy Rotary Club of Vienna Virginia's Facebook
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 4
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 4-5
This festival is a celebration of all things tea, taking place at Elden Street Tea Shop's new home at Lake Anne Plaza! Over 20 different classes, 3 types of tea ceremony demos, live music, and of course a May the Fourth Be With You costume contest!
McLean Day
Rides Only Preview Day: May 17
Festival Day: May 18
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. Friday, May 17, a day before McLean Day, you’re invited to "Preview Day" - a rides-only event where you can get a taste of what to expect on Saturday.
BrewWorks
May 18
This annual festival at the Workhouse Arts Center highlights the best of beer and art. Don't miss the exciting art battle, where artists compete in several rounds to find the ultimate winner!
Tephra ICA Fine Arts Festival
May 18 - 19
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.
Taste of NoVA
May 19
Taste of NoVA brings Northern Virginia Magazine's Best Restaurants to life, with samples and sips from dozens of eateries and craft beverage distributors, plus live music and chef conversations. It takes place at the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
ViVa! Vienna!
May 25-27
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
Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27, 2024
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 24th 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 2024 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, Lyle Lovett, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and Lauren Daigle. That's not all – Wolf Trap is also hosting a three-stage music festival called the Out & About Festival, headlined by the incomparable Brittany Howard, just in time for Pride Month. With Broadway, opera, family-friendly shows, and more, summer has never sounded better. 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 4 |
PerchFest The Perch Tysons May 3-4 |
|
Taste of Tysons Corner |
Spring Pop Up Market Mosaic District May 4-5 |
| Northern Virginia Tea Festival Lake Anne Plaza May 4-5 |
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour Mount Vernon May 17-19 |
|
BrewWorks |
Taste of NoVA National Museum of the U.S. Army May 19 |
| Cirque du Soleil - Corteo George Mason University - EagleBank Arena May 17-25 |
Festival Argentino Kenmore Auditorium May 31-June 1 |
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.
