May has arrived and along with warm weather and spring flowers, there are tons of things to see and do in
Northern Virginia. What better way to get everyone out of the house after a long winter than a festival, and there are a lot to choose from this month!
The first weekend in May kicks off with three festivals that will appeal to a wide range of interest. Take the kids to
Pirate Fest at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston to celebrate Virginia's seafaring past. Kids and adults will experience life as a sailor and learn all about life on the high seas! Pirate Fest is Saturday May 2, and runs from 10am-5pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
The Taste of Merrifield in the Mosaic District of Fairfax gives you the opportunity to sample local food from various restaurants and food trucks. In addition to great food, there will be kids activities and live music! This event is free, but tickets must be purchased for food and activities. The Taste of Merrifield is Saturday May 2, from 12-8pm.
The annual
Pet Fiesta at the Reston Town Center is Saturday May 2, from 10am-4pm, and is one of the areas biggest events for pets. This outdoor festival brings together local businesses, animal rescue groups and pet owners for a day of live entertainment, activities, pet contest, and pet adoptions. Admission is free, but there is a charge for most activities.
Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tour is one of Mt. Vernon's most popular events. This event celebrates the history of wine making in Virginia and features wine from 16 Virginian wineries. Bring a blanket and enjoy sampling wine while listening to live music on the east lawn of George Washington's historic home. This year's festival is May 15-17, 6-9pm. Tickets are limited, and Saturday night tends to sell out.
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is May 16, 10am-6pm and May 17, 10am-5pm at the Reston Town Center. This annual event brings more than 200 artists from around the nation for two days of exhibiting and selling their works. There will also be live entertainment and hands on art activities for the kids. There's a voluntary donation of $5 per adult at the gates.
38th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival at Riverfront Park in Old Town Alexandria is May 25, 1-6pm. This event will include entertainment by various bands, starting with a performance by The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, from the U. S. Army Band "Pershing's Own". This is a free event and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Herndon Festival in downtown Herndon runs May 28, 6-10, May 29, 5-11pm, May 30, 10:00am-11pm, May 31, 10am-6pm. The Herndon Festival is one of Northern Virginia's most popular outdoor festivals! This event features live entertainment on three stages, a carnival, fireworks, children's hands-on art area, arts & crafts show, business expo, 10K/5K race and fitness expo, and a large selection of food vendors. Admission is free. Free shuttle bus service provided from festival parking areas.
Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival is May 30-31 at the Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center and features Virginia's best wine, food and music. This year’s focus is Virginian cuisine, and nearly two dozen of the area’s favorite Food Trucks will be on hand. Check website for various tasting ticket and admission prices.
All of these festivals are a great fun, and an opportunity to experience new things, sample different food, and meet interesting people!
