ART EXHIBITS
May is for Moms
Through May 27
Brush Strokes Gallery dedicates the entire month of May to moms with artists of all mediums—painters, photographers, ceramists and jewelers—showing their pieces. // Brush Strokes Gallery: 824 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
ART EXHIBITS
Lost Stories, Found Images
Through June 28
An exhibit of German-born Dutch photographer Annemie Wolff is on display through June 28 and features never-before-seen portraits of Jewish people living in South Amsterdam in 1943, three years into the five-year occupation of the Netherlands. // University of Mary Washington, College Ave., Fredericksburg
MUSIC
Wolf Trap @ Rosslyn
Tuesday, noon-2 p.m.
Wolf Trap is taking over Central Place Plaza for a music-filled lunch hour. Wolf Trap musicians will play outside on the new public square for residents and office workers to hear. Information on Wolf Trap’s 2018 summer events will be available and you can buy tickets to shows with no service fees. // Central Place Plaza: 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington
FOOD & DRINK
A Garden Party with Chef Patrick O’Connell
Thursday, 6-8 p.m.
Chef Patrick O’Connell celebrates the 40th anniversary of his restaurant, the Inn at Little Washington, with a discussion on his rise to culinary success and a signing of his book, A Magnificent Obsession. Signature cocktails and food inspired by O’Connell’s recipes will be served following the conversation. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
FOOD & DRINKS
Summer Sparkle Program
Thursday & Friday, 6-9 p.m.
BRABO Tasting Room is kicking off its Summer Sparkle Program, which looks to celebrate its curated bubbles menu featuring new and obscure sparkling wines, classic cocktails and mocktails that will be enjoyed on the restaurant’s courtyard. Guests are encouraged to do repeat visits, as they are given a “sparkle card” during their first visit that earns a punch for every sparkling beverage enjoyed over the summer months; 10 punches earns a complimentary ticket to BRABO Tasting Room’s end-of-summer patio party. // BRABO Tasting Room: 1600 King St., Alexandria
MUSIC
We Shall Be Free
May 11-19
Supporting Operation Underground Railroad’s efforts to end child trafficking, this benefit concert by Loudoun Center Theatre will include songs from the musicals Hairspray, Footloose, High School Musical and more. // Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville
MUSIC
All ‘80s All Night
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
The Carlyle Club takes you back to the ‘80s with a dinner filled with your favorite throwback videos and a best dressed contest. Following the dinner, Darin of Belt it Out Productions will DJ and play all of your favorite ‘80s jams. // The Carlyle Club: 2050 Ballenger Ave., Alexandria
FAMILY
Virginia Renaissance Faire
Opening day May 12, runs weekends through June 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Journey to medieval times as the Virginia Renaissance Faire is back. Lake Anna Winery turns back time becoming an English country village with nobles, merchants filling the streets marketing their wares and Medieval games and performances happening throughout the day. // Lake Anna Winery: 5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania
OUTDOORS
Fields of Flowers opening
Saturday
If you’re not very interested in flowers, this pick-your-own venue’s opening day may still be of interest, especially for those that need to get their mom a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, as pottery will be for sale as well. // Fields of Flowers: 37879 Allder School Road, Purcellville
FAMILY
2018 Neighborhood Day
Saturday
All of Arlington will be buzzing on Saturday as events pop up throughout the day to celebrate its annual Neighborhood Day. Starting at 9 a.m. and going until 9:30 p.m., Arlingtonians will have the chance to partake in events like Civil War Camp Day, the 31st Argentine Festival, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s Walk for the Animals, trail mapping and the Turtle Trot 5K Race. Some events require registration or tickets. // Arlington
SPECIAL EVENT
Mid-Atlantic Tiny House Expo
Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The trend of tiny house living is strong. If you want to get in on the action, or see what the craze is about, head to this expo where you can check out the houses and talk with tiny house enthusiasts. // Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
OUTDOORS
Butterfly Walk at Merrimac Farm
Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Spring has sprung and with the abundance of flowers also comes one of the world’s favorite winged creatures: the butterfly. While surrounding yourself in nature, learn which butterfly is which through this educational experience. // Merrimac Farm’s Stone House: 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville
FESTIVAL
Springfest 2018
Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Mix and mingle with the Fair Lakes community at this year’s Springfest. Enjoy family-friendly activities, inflatable slides, food trucks and entertainment at this fun-filled event. The festival is free and open to the public. // Fair Lakes League: 12450 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax
PETS
Fur Ball 2018
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Fredericksburg SPCA hosts their third annual Fur Ball at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Support the organization that has, for 70 years, been promoting animal welfare. Drink, dance to tunes from DJ-Roo and dine on dishes from Legume Kitchen & Bar. An auction will also take place. // A. Smith Bowman Distillery: 1 Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg
MUSIC
WWII Swing Dance featuring Silver Tones
Saturday, 7-9:30 p.m.
Don your best 1940s attire and let the Silver Tones take you back in time. The band will play music from the likes of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James and the Andrews Sisters. Free refreshments will be served. // Marshall Community Center: 4133 Rectortown Road, Marshall
MUSIC
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: 60th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, 8 p.m.
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 60th anniversary with soprano Danielle Talamantes and tenor Carl Tanner performing duets from Verdi, Puccini and Bernstein. Conductor Christopher Zimmerman will lead a pre-performance discussion with special guests. // GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall: 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax
