We’re just as eager to get out as you are. Here are 19 best activities to add to your planner for May.
As of press time, these events were scheduled to take place. As always, it’s important to check online for the latest updates and safety precautions before heading out to any venue.
Time-travel back to the 18th century for a glimpse of George Washington and the Continental Army during Revolutionary War Weekend. The historic Mount Vernon estate transforms into a battleground as the Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians perform reenactments and military drills. // May 1-2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; included with admission
Sermons from the Vine takes your church service and moves it to the beautiful setting of a vineyard. As you take in the Bible-based ministry, enjoy the expansive views of the vines during the growing season. // May 2, 11-11:30 a.m.; Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville; free
Let your kids get in some early summer fun at the Luau Party. Your fifth- and sixth-graders will love rocking grass skirts and leis for a night of dancing and activities. // May 7, 7-9 p.m.; The Old Firehouse: 1440 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean; $25-$30
Fill your home garden with selections from the Mount Vernon Historic Plant and Garden Sale. From heirloom roses to native hibiscus, the sale will also include certain selections from The General’s Choice Plant Line, which are grown from seeds or cuttings at the estate’s own greenhouse. // May 7-8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; free
Open up your laptop for a digital performance of A Song of Freedom: Musical Reflections Featuring Black Composers. The virtual concert features works by William Grant Still and George Walker, along with a commissioned piece by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton and Michael Nickens. // May 8, 8 p.m.; free
Immerse yourself in South Asian culture at the Heritage India Festival. Enjoy authentic delicacies, music, and dancing throughout the Expo Center. Count on endless aisles of vendors for browsing home decor, jewelry, and garments at bazaar-inspired booths. // May 8-9; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly; $5
After one crazy year, treat Mom to a special outing with a Mother’s Day brunch. As you share the holiday with your loved ones, children can munch on French toast and parfait, while adults can choose among short-rib hash, crab-cake Benedict, and more. // May 9, 8-11 a.m.; Brickmakers Cafe at Occoquan: 9751 Ox Rd., Lorton; $15-$30
Go out on the patio for some Mom time at the Virtual Mother’s Day Tea: Bringing Up Baby. Enjoy a cup or two of tea and scrumptious finger foods as you learn about parenting and child-rearing advice from the past. // May 9, 2-3 p.m.; Green Springs Garden: 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria; $12-$24
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is hitting the road to perform its new release, Dance Songs for Hard Times. Written by candlelight and recorded using classic ’50s technology, the blues album lives up to its name with singles “Too Cool to Dance” and “Ways and Means.” So put on your dancing shoes and shake off 2020 with these upbeat tunes. // May 14, doors open at 7 p.m.; Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St. SW, Leesburg; $25-$35
If you’re looking to positively drip in pearls, or maybe just pop in a bright pair of ruby studs, look no further than the International Gem & Jewelry Show. Wholesalers, manufacturers, and designers come together for one amazing weekend of shopping. // May 14-16, times vary; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly; $6-$8
The Manassas Ballet Theatre’s Giselle brings a classic story of true love and romance to the stage. When a peasant girl dies of a broken heart upon learning her beloved is betrothed to another, the queen of the spirits tries to take revenge on the boy. But Giselle’s love and forgiveness save him from a dark fate. // May 14-16 & 29, times vary; Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas; $25-$65
Feel the roar at The Jurassic Encounter, a drive-through adventure with more than 50 life-size creatures, many of them animatronic. As you pass by the dinos, enjoy an educational audio tour from the comfort of your car. // May 14-31, times vary; Bull Run Events Center: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville; $49-$59
Explore the history of a beloved NoVA locale through the Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour. From a small 18th-century town to the bustling city we know today, look at the growth of the city through the various architectural styles scattered through the streets. // May 15, 10-11:30 a.m.; Carlyle House Historic Park: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria; $20
Transport yourself back to the 19th century with a performance of The Belle of Amherst. In small-town Massachusetts, poet Emily Dickinson tells her own story, revealing the moments that shaped her life through letters, biographical information, and poems. // Through May 15, times vary; The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria; $21-$24
Award-winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter Ana Popovic is headlining the Birchmere stage. Last year, the Serbian-born blues musician released her latest album, Live for Live, a production of 20 years of touring. // May 20, 7:30 p.m.; The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $35
Immerse yourself in The Flavors of Maryland at the Smithsonian Associates’ next Zoom program. While everyone knows about our neighbors’ love of crabs and Old Bay, professor Christine Rai will explore other signature flavors and their historical and cultural roots. // May 21, 10-11:15 a.m.; $25-$30
Bring your love of everything vintage—and your sharp eye—to The D.C. Big Flea Antiques Market. As the largest indoor flea market in the region, it continues to draw great vendors from around the mid-Atlantic and beyond, selling a variety of clothing and home finds. // May 22-23, times vary; Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly; $10
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at the 2021 Woodbridge Beer Fest. The town’s streets will be closed off, all the better for browsing vendors’ wares and enjoying music and other entertainment for this fourth annual celebration. Beer not your drink of choice? Wine and housemade root beer will also be available. // May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; 15201 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge; $5-$69
With baseball season in full swing, dive into the local history of the sport at the Play Ball! America’s Pastime exhibit in Fredericksburg. For more than 160 years, we’ve played, watched, and listened to baseball, and that history is now showcased through pictures, jerseys, and other local memorabilia. // Fredericksburg Area Museum: 907 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg; free
This story originally ran in our May issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
