9 Things to Do in Northern Virginia in May 2017

When you live in Northern Virginia, you can take your pick from a number of inviting festivals, concerts, shows, and tastings throughout the year. A local community is always putting on something to bring residents together. Here are 9 events to consider attending this May:

1. 1. Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival (Old Town Hall Fairfax, April 15-May 9). A number of events rolled into one, this arts festival takes place daily across a three-week period to shine a spotlight on music, visual arts, dance, and drama in the community. Explore the website to find a performance or exhibit before the festival ends on May 9!
2. 2. Small Works/BIG IMPACT (Arlington’s Gallery Underground, May 1-26). This art competition features work from a variety of artists, photographers, and sculptors. The general public can head to the gallery during the month of May to view the works and learn more about Northern Virginia’s thriving arts community.
3. 3. Derby-Q Festival (Old Town Hall Fairfax, May 6). Get ready for the local “BBQ, Blues, Bourbon & Brews Festival” in Fairfax this Saturday. Enjoy mingling with the locals, eating a variety of BBQ styles, and watching the Kentucky Derby at this casual annual gathering.
4. 4. Pirate Fest (Lake Fairfax Park, May 6-7). Fun for kids and families alike, the Pirate Fest is a celebration of the state’s history. Dress up, bring your best pirate impression, and enjoy a marketplace filled with performers, food, and trinkets. The two-day event will also include pirate boat tours and more.
5. 5. The Piano Men (Signature Theatre, May 8-14). Catch Mark G. Meadows, Nick Lehan, and Shayna Blass as they serenade the audience with all-time favorites from iconic piano men including Elton John, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel. The new cabaret will give you a taste of the local theater performances you won’t want to miss throughout the year.
6. 6. Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour (Mount Vernon, May 15-21). Enjoy a sip from 20 different local wineries when you head to Mount Vernon for this popular spring event. You may want to order tickets early to reserve your place. The festival and sunset tour feature live music, wine samples, and a full tour of the on-site mansion and cellar. Learn about the history of the vineyard as you munch on an optional tasting box during the event.
7. 7. Revolutionary War Day (Gunston Hall, Lorton, May 20). Find out more about the nation’s early history when you explore Gunston Hall, Colonel George Mason’s residence, and watch on-site reenactments showing daily life for the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War.
8. 8. Brambleton Brew Fest (Brambleton Town Center, May 20). With 25 local breweries signed up for tastings at this event, you can find your favorite new brew for 2017 and some new friends, too. While event organizers try to showcase brews from local places, they will feature some Atlanta-native SweetWater Brewing company selections this year. Listen to live music and explore the local food truck scene at this laid-back event in Brambleton.
9. 9. Taste of Arlington (Arlington, May 21). Walk from N. Randolph Street to N. Monroe Street on Wilson Boulevard to catch a bite of local fare from restaurant favorites. This year’s event will feature more than 50 restaurants, 10 food trucks, and 360 beer and wine selections. The event routinely attracts tens of thousands of guests, making it a great opportunity to network, make friends, and learn more about area communities.

May is a happening month in Northern Virginia. The weather has improved considerably, so there is no excuse to stay in!