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!
America's 250th in #FXVA
First things first, this year, America is celebrating its 250th anniversary. In Fairfax County and across the nation, cities and historic landmarks are celebrating with special events, experiences, exclusive offers, limited-edition wines, and more. Every month, we'll highlight some of the 250th events and promotions you won't want to miss. Here's what's on deck for May:
- May 2-3: Revolutionary War Weekend at Mount Vernon
- May 17-18: Tephra ICA Arts Festival at Reston Town Center
- May 23: 26th Annual Ride of the Patriots
- May 24: Blast Off! "The President's Own" United States Marine Band at Wolf Trap
- May 30-31: The American Revolution in Virginia: 1775-1776 at the National Museum of the U.S. Army
Revolutionary War Weekend
May 2-3, 2026
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.
You'll also be able to walk through a replica of Washington's War Tent, which was the mobile command center of the Continental Army. Full details on the weekend's events are here.
New this year: Mount Vernon has launched a round-trip shuttle bus service from the King Street Metro station to the estate, making it easier than ever to get there. Buy tickets here.
National Travel & Tourism Week
May 3-9, 2026
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, 2026
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 to honor Mexican heritage. Fairfax County is a great place to let loose with its diverse blend of cultures, which is best seen through the area's 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 rato.
Bonus: For more delicious ways to celebrate, check out these great places to get a margarita!
Mason Neck Eagle Festival
May 9, 2026
Photo Courtesy of Stephen Keat.
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 28th 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 10, 2026
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!
Bike to Work Day & Tour de Hunter Mill
May 3, 2026, and May 15, 2026
Courtesy of Tysons Community Alliance
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 region, including Fairfax County. Registration isn’t required to attend. However, registered riders who stop by will receive the official 2026 BTWD t-shirt, while supplies last. 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 15th, don't miss the Tour de Hunter Mill community bike ride, hosted by Hunter Mill Fairfax County Supervisor 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 both short and long routes, which wind you past local parks, glide along the I-66 and Route 7 trails with seamless transit connections, and discover hidden back roads that lead all the way to Wolf Trap, one of the area's most iconic performing arts venues. Register here.
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 16
The 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 2026 - date to be announced soon
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
Carnival Rides: May 15
Festival Day: May 16
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.
Tephra ICA Fine Arts Festival
May 16 - 17
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. This year marks the festival's 35th anniversary and to celebrate, there will be a new People's Choice Award in honor of Festival Founder, Judith Forst. Additionally, the festival will recognize American craft traditions as part of the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
ViVa! Vienna!
May 23 - 25
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 artisans, retail vendors, professionals, and community and non-profit organizations.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 23 – May 25, 2026
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.
Insider Scoop: Returning Memorial Day weekend is the 26th Annual Ride of the Patriots to "Rolling To Remember." For more on the Ride of the Patriots and 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 2026 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 Sting, Riverdance, Gary Clark Jr., Lauren Daigle, Sarah McLachlan, and Lizzo with the National Symphony Orchestra. That's not all – Broadway, opera, family-friendly shows, and so much more this summer.
Plus, this year, Wolf Trap honors America with a special season-long series that invites audiences to experience the nation's story through music, highlighting the sounds that have shaped the country's rich cultural tapestry. Get the full America250 Series lineup here.
For more upcoming shows, see this round-up of who is set to grace the stage at Wolf Trap in the summer of 2026.
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 2 |
Holi at Mosaic Mosaic District May 3 |
|
Forks, Corks, and Kegs |
Wetlands Awareness Day Huntley Meadows Park May 3 |
| Taste of Tysons Corner Tysons Corner Center May 16 |
Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival Bunnyman Brewing Chantilly May 9-10 |
|
Spring Pop Up Market |
Spring Wine Festival Mount Vernon May 15-17 |
| Summer Pierogi FEST Settle Down Easy Brewing May 16 |
Northern Virginia Tea Festival Lake Anne Plaza TBD |
| Friday Night Live! Concert Series Town of Herndon May 22 (every Friday) |
Festival Argentino Kenmore Auditorium May 23 |
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.
