Find fun events and things to do in and around Fairfax County, Virginia in May. Spring is here (finally!) and it’s a great time to get out and discover Fairfax!
May 3 – May 5, 2018: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Fairfax High School, Fairfax City, VA)
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” Tickets available at fxplayers.org. Dates: May 3, May 4, and May 5 at 7:00pm; May 5 at 1:00pm.
May 3 – May 6, 2018: Mason Film Festival (George Mason University, Fairfax, VA)
Film and Video Studies is proud to announce our 6th Annual Mason Film Festival! Mark your calendars for a celebration of student filmmakers from the Film and Video Studies Program. All events are FREE and open to the public. Click here for schedule and locations.
May 4, 2018: Friday Night Live -Herndon Rocks! Season Kick Off (Herndon, VA)
Free outdoor concert series every Friday May thru August on the Herndon Town Green at 6:30pm.
May 5, 2018: Derby-Q Festival at Old Town Square (Fairfax City, VA)
This community festival will feature specialty beer tastings along with a variety of BBQ vendors. Live blues bands will perform on stage while the crowds anxiously await the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports – the Kentucky Derby to be shown on the big screen! Click here for ticket info.
May 5, 2018: LeaseWeb Manassas Airshow 2018 Manassas, VA)
The 2018 Leaseweb Manassas Airshow is a 100% free to attend aviation event to be held at the Manassas Regional Airport on May the 5th 2018. The airshow features both civilian and military airshow performers from around North America in aircraft ranging from warbirds and vintage airplanes to unlimited class aerobatic and modern day military marvels of engineering. This year, the Leaseweb Manassas Airshow will be highlighting many of the organizations in the area that promote careers in the trades and STEM. The event runs from 10 am – 4 pm. Rain date: May 6th.
May 5 – 6, 2018: Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend (Alexandria, VA)
Watch hundreds of Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate. Throughout the weekend, learn more about life in the 18th century, discuss military techniques, and watch battle re-enactments. Wander through the encampment and meet the soldiers. This family-friendly event features a youth muster on the bowling green and even meeting General Washington.
May 5, 2018: Pet Fiesta Exhibition and Pet Adoption (Reston, VA)
Super pet adoption, paws-itively fun pet contests and fashion show, exhibitors of pet resources, pet rescue and non-profit groups. Presented by and benefiting GoodDogz.org. All on-leash pets welcome. Free admission, rain or shine. 10am to 4pm at Reston Town Center
May 7, 2018: Mr. Knick Knack Children’s Performances (Reston, VA)
Free Performances of unique, heart-centered music for children! Presented by Reston Town Center, every Monday through October. No performances on Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Columbus Day. Mondays, 10:30 – 11:15 am, Pavilion.
May 9, 2018: Little Tots Kick Off at Fairfax Corner (Fairfax, VA)
Join us for fun and lively family entertainment the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10:30am all summer long on the Plaza stage. Bring your Little Tot’s swimsuit and a towel for fun in the interactive splash fountain sponsored by INOVA Children’s Hospital after each event!
May 12, 2018: Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park (Herndon, VA)
Watch sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Participate in hands-on farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Enjoy crafts, games, and get an up-close introduction to the baby farm animals from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins welcome $8 at the door ($7 if you register ahead of time).
May 12, 2018: Walk For The Animals (Arlington, VA)
On Saturday, May 12, from 9AM to 1PM, join Animal Welfare League of Arlington and more than 600 local animal lovers and their canine companions for the annual Walk for the Animals, which benefits their shelter animals and supports the services and programs they provide to the Arlington community.
May 12, 2018: Fairfax Symphony: A Night At The Opera (George Mason University, Fairfax, VA)
Celebrate the FSO’s 60th Anniversary with beloved arias and duets with soprano Danielle Talamantes and tenor Carl Tanner. From the majesty of Aida to the tenderness of La Boheme and the unabated romance of Turandot’s Nessun Dorma, experience an unforgettable evening filled with soaring melodies and tender duets from Verdi, Puccini, and Bernstein.
May 17, 2018: City of Fairfax Hometown Thursdays (Fairfax City, VA)
This new series will host local bands from the Fairfax Area. Hometown Thursdays is an opportunity for the community to meet up with friends, grab dinner at one of the many restaurants in downtown, and listen to great music! This is a free, family-friendly event for all ages! 3rd Thursday in May, June, August & September from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Old Town Square.
May 18, 2018: Bike To Work Day
Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association invite you to celebrate bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work. There will be 100 Bike to Work Day pit stop events held throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Take a break at a pit stop on your way to work for food, beverages, fun, and prizes. Register now, it’s free! There are also a few pit stops open for your afternoon commute back.
May 18, 2018: Free Family Movie Night – My Little Pony (Fairfax City, VA)
Free family friendly movie on the new state-of-the-art big screen at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax City from 7pm to 9pm. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 14. Bring a non-perishable food item to help support Britepaths.
May 19, 2018: Spring Garden Day – The Big Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens (Alexandria, VA)
More than 40 local garden vendors descend on Green Spring Gardens with beautiful and unusual plants to fill your spring gardening needs. Growers and Master Gardeners are on hand to help with plant selections and gardening advice. Proceeds benefit the gardens. 9am to 3pm.
May 19, 2018: 21st Annual Antique Car Show (Fairfax City, VA) UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER.
Presented by the Northern Virginia Regional Group of the Early Ford V-8 Club, City of Fairfax, and the Downtown Fairfax Coalition, enjoy live Bluegrass Music, food, and see the Model-T Ford reassembled in 15 minutes. 10am to 3pm at City Hall.
May 19, 2018: Kids Safety Saturday (Fairfax City, VA)
Events scheduled include bicycle safety course, moon bounce, City of Fairfax Fire Department’s “Smoke House” and refreshments. 10am to 1pm at City Hall in Fairfax City.
May 19, 2018: City of Fairfax Band – The Americans (Fairfax City, VA)
An evening of All-American music by Aaron Copland, Paul Creston, Alfred Reed, John Phlilp Sousa and John Williams, plus a tribute to Stephen Foster featuring the Fairfax Saxophone Quartet. Adding to the celebration is the presentation of the winner of the 2018 City of Fairfax Band Young Artist Competition in performance with the band. 7:30pm at Fairfax High School.
May 19, 2018: Grand Opening at Commonwealth Swim Club (Fairfax, VA)
Visit Commonwealth Swimming Pool at the Grand Opening/Open House event. It’s free and open to the public. Enjoy swimming, live music, raffle prizes and a silent auction. You can stay for dinner and an outdoor movie – Back To The Future (tickets for non members can be purchased here https://www.commonwealthswimclub.org/join-1/. The pool is located at 9800 Commonwealth Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22032. Event is from 11am to close.
May 20, 2018: Northern Virginia Youth Winds Spring Concert (Fairfax, VA)
Free concert at Fairfax High School at 3pm.
May 20, 2018: Taste of Arlington (Ballston/Arlington, VA)
BallstonGive’s 31st Annual Taste of Arlington is the largest food+beer+music+kids+dog festival showcasing the diversity of Arlington’s food scene and attracting nearly 25,000 people.The exciting and highly anticipated festival transforms downtown Ballston into a family-friendly street festival with dining, music and entertainment for all ages. Taste of Arlington is located along Wilson Boulevard from N. Randolph Street to N. Lincoln Street. The hours are from noon to 7pm on Sunday, May 20th.
May 20, 2018: Pups ‘N Pints Party (Dogfish Head Alehouse Fairfax, VA)
Race and party for the animals! Join HART (Homeless Animal Rescue Team) in the morning for their second annual 5K immediately followed by an all-day party at Dogfish Head Alehouse to benefit the animals of HART. Don’t want to race? Just come and hang out and support animal rescue at Dogfish. Know that with every beer drank and entre eaten, 10% of the proceeds goes directly to the animals of HART. So drink up and save a pup!
May 25, 2018: Rock the Block! (Fairfax, VA)
Rock the Block is a free concert series at Old Town Square in Fairfax City which features live bands, beer garden, and city restaurant vendor booths. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. The season kicks off on May 25th with the Reagan Years. Performances are held the 4th Friday of the month, May–October, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
May 26 – May 27, 2018: Fairfax Swimming Pool Open House (Fairfax, VA)
Fairfax Swimming Pool, located at 4200 Roberts Road, Fairfax, VA, will be holding an Open House Event on Saturday and Sunday May 26 & May 27 from 12pm to 4pm. It’s free and open to the public. It’s a great opportunity to check out the pool and go for a swim. Special events on Saturday include moon bounce for children, pizza for sale and free swimming for non-members. Sunday is free swimming for non-members.
May 27, 2018: Ride of the Patriots (Fairfax City, VA)
Join us for our 20th annual Ride of the Patriots which is the largest, escorted open motorcycle ride to the Rolling Thunder rally. This fully police escorted ride begins in Fairfax VA (parade begins at Captain Pell’s parking lot in Fairfax City at 7:30am) and rides to the Pentagon where the Ride of the Patriots joins with half a million other motorcyclists to complete the ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
For more events and things to do this spring, visit our other pages SPRING FAIRS AND FESTIVALS and FARMERS MARKETS!