Don’t let spring allergies bring you down. These May events in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, are the best excuse to get outside and soak in the sun. Here are some of the best festivals, performances, and concerts to fill up the month.
May 2
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Sample your way through more than 60 beers and 40 bourbons at this barbecue-filled celebration. The festival features beer and bourbon tastings served in a souvenir glass. VIP ticket holders can enter two hours in advance and enjoy open-flame meat, a specialty lounge area, and more. Limited tickets for a private party experience are also available. Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas, $39+
May 3
Festival of Colors
Celebrate the arrival of spring with music, dancing, food, and bursts of vibrant powder at this lively Holi-inspired festival. Guests gather for scheduled color throws throughout the day while enjoying performances and cultural festivities that highlight joy and renewal. Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, $12
Opening May 7
Bison: Standing Strong
This Smithsonian exhibit pays homage to the history and cultural significance of the American bison. The display examines the animal’s role in Indigenous cultures, its near extinction in the 19th century, and ongoing efforts to restore bison populations across North America. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, free
May 8
Vanessa Carlton
Singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton brings her Veils Tour to Alexandria for an intimate evening of piano-driven music. Watch Carlton, known for hits like “A Thousand Miles,” perform music spanning her career. The Birchmere, Alexandria, $36+
May 9
Carlos Vives
Check out Colombian superstar Carlos Vives’ high-energy Latin pop performance in Fairfax. Expect a night filled with danceable rhythms and fan favorites. EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, $126+
May 11
The Kid Laroi
See Australian rapper The Kid Laroi perform chart-topping hits and new music. The Anthem, Washington, DC, $74+
May 15–17
Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival
The festival includes tastings from regional wineries, live music, and the chance to walk the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon as the sun sets over the Potomac. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, $51+
May 16–17
Tephra ICA Arts Festival
More than 200 contemporary artists showcase original paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media art at this large outdoor festival. Reston Town Center, Reston, free
May 17
Asian Festival on Main
Fairfax City’s downtown streets will come alive with performances, cultural demonstrations, and food vendors celebrating Asian heritage. The festival highlights traditions from across Asia with music, dance, crafts, and community activities. Main Street, Fairfax, free
May 21–23
Sting
Rock icon Sting kicks off Wolf Trap’s summer season with a three-night run. Listen to the legendary singer as he revisits hits from both his solo career and his time with The Police. Wolf Trap, Vienna, $65+
May 23–25
Viva! Vienna!
This longstanding Memorial Day tradition fills downtown Vienna with carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and community performances. Downtown Vienna, free
May 24
Blast Off! “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Families can enjoy this performance of popular musical songs and marching standards from the Armed Forces songbook. The night ends with a colorful fireworks display. Wolf Trap, Vienna, free
May 25
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
Honor fallen service members during Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. The annual observance includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other commemorative events recognizing the nation’s military heroes. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, free
May 27
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen is coming to Nationals Park on his Land of Hope & Dreams tour. Fans can hear hits from his decades-long musical career. Nationals Park, Washington, DC, resale $224+
May 29–31
The Music Man
The classic Broadway musical returns to the stage with its story of traveling salesman Harold Hill and the band he promises to create in small-town Iowa. Featuring songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones,” the production promises lively choreography and nostalgic charm. Capital One Hall, Tysons, $84+
Feature image courtesy Asian Festival on Main
This story originally ran in our May 2026 issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
