There’s never a dull moment here in Northern Virginia. The region’s concert venues and event spaces are constantly filling up with a rotation of diverse, thrilling performances, so every weekend is an opportunity to find great entertainment. Here are some of the events you won’t want to miss this month.
May 6
Dessert Wars
Kick off the month with an indulgent evening. Local vendors offer samples of their most delectable cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, doughnuts, and more. Stick around to see which confectionary merchant takes home the Dessert Champion title. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $45–$65, free for children 2 and under
May 6
Janet Jackson
The iconic performer and style inspiration is making her way to NoVA, accompanied by the rapper Ludacris. Janet Jackson’s first tour in four years, “Together Again,” celebrates her 50th anniversary as an entertainer. Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $39.95
May 9
Amy Grant
A gospel singer turned pop star, Amy Grant has been wowing listeners for more than 40 years. Dubbed “The Queen of Christian Pop,” Grant has six Grammy Awards, and was the first contemporary Christian artist to achieve a multi-platinum record. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $79.50
May 10
Leah Marlene
This young singer-songwriter is hitting the road and sharing her music. After placing third on Season 20 of American Idol, Leah Marlene brings her songs, which draw inspiration from folk, jazz, and everything in between, to NoVA for what’s sure to be a delightful show. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, $15–$50
May 10
Wine at Wolf Trap
Are you looking to add a little elegance to your life? Sit down for a multicourse dinner prepared by chef Matt Baker of Michelin-star Gravitas in DC. You’ll enjoy world-class bites paired perfectly with exquisite wine chosen by Lindsey Fern, wine director at the revered Inn at Little Washington. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $600
Opens May 12
In the Heights
This musical is based on the book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, and features music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. With musical styles including hip-hop, salsa, and merengue, it depicts Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, a Latino community full of vibrant characters and complex stories. NextStop Theatre Company: 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, $55
May 12–21
School of Rock
Whether it’s your favorite show of all time or you’ve never seen it before, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock always offers a fun, comedic, and musical time. Now’s your chance to watch that iconic Battle of the Bands scene play out in all its guitar-shredding glory. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $16 –$20
May 13–27
La bohème
Get ready for a trip back in time to bohemian Paris, a place full of poetry, art, love, and heartache. This production features an acclaimed international cast and stays true to the story’s core value of making every day a party. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$299
May 14
Sabrina Carpenter: ‘emails I can’t send’ Tour
Sabrina Carpenter is breaking free from Disney Channel nostalgia. Her recent music releases have propelled her career to new heights, with singles like “Skin” and “Nonsense” topping charts. Her shows regularly sell out, so don’t wait too long to grab your tickets. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $45–$235
Opens May 16
Sweeney Todd
Hold on to your heads: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is coming to NoVA. The world-famous, award-winning musical promises a horrifyingly hilarious experience for anyone in need of some bloody-good fun. The Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, $40–$109
May 16–28
Beetlejuice
With zany ghosts, an iconic striped suit, and a wonderfully unusual plot, there’s no stranger way to spend a spring evening than watching this cult classic on stage. Who knows? It might just warm your weird little heart. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $60
May 23
The National
If rocking out is on your spring to-do list, this could be the concert for you. DC is the second stop on the iconic sad-boy band’s world tour, which follows its April 28 album release of First Two Pages of Frankenstein. Indie group Soccer Mommy is the opener. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $56–$96
May 24–25
Chrisette Michele
This Grammy Award-winning R&B singer brings her soulful tunes on tour this spring. Her career has been diverse and fruitful, with over 100 released songs and collaborations with artists that include Nas, John Legend, and Drake. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $69.50
May 26
Elizabeth Lane
The Alexandria native continues to make a splash in the music world, collecting more of a following with every single she releases. The singer-songwriter creates dreamy, nostalgic tunes perfect for a low-key night. If you’re in the market for a laid-back live show, this might be just the thing. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, $15–$25
Through May 28
Flor-abundance
All month long, stop by to browse handmade vases from the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Kiln Club. These handcrafted pieces come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, and make the perfect vessels for Mother’s Day bouquets. Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, free
Feature image by Christopher Mueller, courtesy Signature Theatre
This story originally ran in our May issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
