Why settle for getting something to eat at just one restaurant when you can sample bites from a whole festival full of them? Northern Virginia is full of upcoming food and drink festivals, where food trucks, restaurants, wineries, and breweries gather together to offer attendees a truly delicious day. Here are seven we’re excited for.
Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival at Mustang Sally Brewing Company
May 10–11
Yes, there’s a whole festival dedicated to these craveworthy foods. Mustang Sally’s third annual event will feature 16 pickle vendors showcasing different brines, 10 grilled cheese vendors, and multiple pickle beers. Mustang Sally Brewing: 14140 Parke Long Ct., Chantilly, $5 admission Saturday, free admission Sunday
Spring Wine Festival at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
May 16–18
Twenty Virginia wineries will be featured at this weekend-long event at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Bring a blanket and get ready for a day of relaxing on the east lawn and soaking in views of the Potomac. The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Route 29, Centreville, $45
PRCS Food Truck Festival
May 17
More than 20 food trucks will roll up to Segra Field for this fun event, serving up everything from barbecue to cupcakes. Plus, attendees can take part in fun activities including ax throwing, archery, and a rage room, and there will be three musicians performing. Segra Field Parking Lots: 42095 Loudoun United Dr., Leesburg, free admission
Northern Virginia Tea Festival
May 18
Head to this fun festival to spend a day learning about — and drinking — tea. There are three programs you can choose depending on your interests: one about the history of tea and its role in social movements, one about tea-making and tea-time etiquette, and one for kids. Plus, there’s a vendor market with teas and other products for sale. Lake Anne Plaza: 1609 Washington Plz., Reston, $30, $10 for kids
Strawberry Jubilee Fest
May 24, 25, 31, and June 1
It’s all about strawberries at this sweet festival. There will be cider doughnuts for sale in the mornings, a pie eating contest, games, and live music. You can enjoy ice cream, lemonade, and baked goods like strawberry rhubarb pie. Plus, take a trip into the pick-your-own strawberry fields and take home your own berry bounty. Strawberry picking is not included in the cost of admission. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $12–$14
Bull Run Wine Festival
May 31–June 1
The Winery at Bull run will host a two-day wine festival featuring more than a dozen wineries and breweries from around the area. Plus, there will be live music from noon to 4 p.m. both days, as well as an artisan market with gifts and goodies. The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Route 29, Centreville, $45
Taste of Springfield Festival
June 7
Thai food, ice cream, and crepes are just a few of the items on offer at this food festival. And it’s not just food — there will also be live bands, youth entertainment, and businesses present. Springfield Town Center: 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield
Feature image of Spring Wine Festival courtesy Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
