Edited by Victoria Gaffney
1Space Day at National Air and Space Museum
This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first space walk, and visitors get to experience hands-on activities, learn from experts and talk with astronauts and members of NASA. Also, Richard Paul and Steven Moss, authors of “We Could Not Fall: The First African American in the Space Program,” will be present and have a book signing. / May 2
2
A Call to Arms: Revolutionary War Encampment
The sounds of muskets firing and cannons booming will fill the air at Mount Vernon as men reenact battle scenes from our war for independence with Gen. Washington supervising his soldiers on-site. Re-enactors will invite children into the camp, showing them various 18th-century wartime tasks including making stews and saluting. / May 2-3
3Arts Alive!
This lively art event, presented by Prince William County Arts Council and The Hylton Performing Arts Center, will feature local artists’ works and live performances. With an emphasis on interactivity, Arts Alive! will also have hands-on activities and workshops for children and demonstrations including writers and storytellers sharing their works. / May 2
4Dog Days Bloom Festival
Take your family and canine on a wagon ride through the orchards at Great Country Farms. In addition to a 5-acre play area and a pond for an early summer swim, this dog-friendly festival will feature Doggie Olympics and an agility course. Children will have their share of fun on the 80-foot Triple Threat Barrel Slide, rope swings, mazes and more. / May 2-3
524th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
Artists from across the nation will exhibit their crafts and fine art at this outdoor festival by the Greater Reston Arts Center. Over 200 booths of artwork including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures will be on display, and there will be performances and interactive children’s art activities. / May 16-17
6Dog Loves Books at the Alden
ArtsPower is bringing “Dog Loves Books,” the New York Times best-seller by Louise Yates, to the stage. This endearing tale about a dog that positively loves books and opens a bookstore is sure to delight children and parents alike. The musical celebrates the power of books and sharing knowledge. / May 9
7Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department Annual Carnival and Fireman’s Parade
Come see the fire trucks of Culpeper ride through historic downtown with floats designed by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as floats featuring beauty queens and clowns. After the parade, the annual historic carnival will have all the classic fair rides and treats. / May 21
8Attics and Alleys
May is National Preservation Month, and four historical sites in Alexandria will be offering tours of their mysterious interiors to celebrate. The Lee-Fendall House, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and Carlyle House Historic Park will join forces to offer engaging inside looks. / Every Saturday in May
9Family Fun Night
Come splash with friends and family at the Family Fun Night at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility in Alexandria. Search for prizes on the floating obstacle course, the Aqua Challenge, participate in beach ball relay races and shoot some hoops with basketball in the water. There will be snacks, a raffle, music and more. Children can also have their swimming assessed, and there will be opportunities for learning about safety in the pool. / May 22
10Herndon Festival
Celebrate Herndon at this annual four-day festival where entertainment on three stages elevates the mood, fireworks color the sky and carnival rides ensure a good time. Kid’s Alley will host an interactive art area for children, and there will be an arts and crafts show and delicious food vendors. / May 28-31
(May 2015)
