A three-day weekend means a variety of events for everyone. Among the events this weekend, you can honor service members through memorial events at Arlington Cemetery or visit the world’s largest bounce house. Use this list as a guide to events in NoVA the weekend of May 25–27.
Strawberry Jubilee Festival at Great Country Farms
May 25
The farm’s 31st festival features live music, wagon rides, food, and the opportunity to pick your own berries. Bring out your competitive side. Enter your little one in the Diaper Derby or chow down in a pie-eating contest. Children can decorate their strollers, wagons, or carts and join the Lil’ Sprout Float Parade. The float with the best strawberry theme and best use of strawberry will win an annual pass. Adults can relax with a glass of Bluemont Vineyard Wine or Henway Hard Cider. Tickets are good for a three-hour visit. Strawberry picking is a separate cost. Great Country Farms: 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, $12 for children 3–17) and seniors, $14 for adults
Memorial Day at Manassas National Battlefield Park
May 25-27
Immerse yourself in history. Learn the history of the battlefield through guided tours including a stop at one of the three remaining structures from the first battle of the Civil War. The weekend will culminate in a wreath-laying ceremony on Memorial Day with a period-accurate music performance by the 8th Green Machine Regiment Band from George Mason University. Manassas National Battlefield Park: 12521 Lee Hwy., Manassas, free
Viva! Vienna!
May 25-27
Vienna celebrates 40 years of its annual festival. Ride carnival rides. Come face-to-face with your favorite princesses. Peruse what artisans are selling. There will be performances by Ocho De Bastas and the Vienna Singing Princesses. Caboose Brewing Co. and Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. will be at the event’s Brewfest, where drink tickets are $7. Church Street, Vienna, free admission
The Big Bounce America
May 25–June 8
Take a jump in the world’s largest bounce house. The event features five inflatable sections including a 24,000-square-foot bounce house. Tickets are available for family sessions and adult sessions. Rosecroft Raceway: 6336 Rosecroft Dr., Fort Washington, Maryland, $22–$48, depending on age
National Memorial Day Concert
May 26, 8 p.m.
This year’s concert, with hosts Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, will include performances by actresses Cynthia Erivo and Mary McCormack, as well as singers and bands from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is strongly advised that you take Metro. West Lawn of U.S Capitol: 210 15th St. NW, Washington, DC, free
Arlington National Cemetery Flowers of Remembrance Day
May 26, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Plaza. Flowers are provided by the Memorial Day Flowers Foundation. Arlington National Cemetery: 1 Memorial Dr., Arlington, free
Bug-Out 87
May 26
The largest and longest-running Volkswagen show on the East Coast provides a day packed with cars, music, and fun for the entire family. Catch a can’t miss performance by reigning winner of The Voice, Huntley, while checking out over 300 show cars. Children can enjoy inflatables and games. Sumerduck Dragway: 14027 Royalls Mill Rd., Sumerduck, $25
Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour
May 26, 7:30 p.m.
With a mix of pop and ’70s Laurel Canyon vibes, the songs from Maggie Rose’s new album, No One Gets Out Alive, celebrate empowerment and living life fully, making for a moving concert experience. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, starting at $29.50
National Memorial Day Concert Festival
May 26, 2 p.m.
The grand concert features 200 singers representing choirs from across the country and a performance by the United States Air Force Band. The program will include traditional patriotic compositions including “America the Beautiful,” “Danny Boy,” and “Salute to the Armed Forces.” The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, free but tickets are required
NoVA MusicFest
May 26, noon–7 p.m.
Rock for a cause. This year’s event will feature performances by the 19th Street Band, Laura Cashman, and The Honeylarks, plus others. The proceeds fund professional music recording sessions for musicians fighting aggressive cancer. 868 Estate Vineyards: 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd. Hillsboro, Purcellville, $35
Rolling to Remember
May 26
Hop on your Harley for the 36th Rolling to Remember event or watch from the sidelines as thousands of motorcyclists ride from the Pentagon to DC. The ride aims to raise awareness about mental health issues facing veterans. Starts at the Pentagon, free
Memorial Day Ceremony in Leesburg
May 27
Leesburg hosts its annual Memorial Day /observance to commemorate those who have lost their lives in battle. The ceremony is hosted by Mayor Kelly Burk and includes a wreath laying ceremony at various war memorials. Loudoun County Courthouse: 18 E. Market St., Leesburg, free
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
May 27, 11 a.m.
Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The ceremony will include performances by the U.S. Coast Guard Band and United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants, along with a wreath-laying ceremony and national observance. The observance hosts a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations. This year’s wreath-laying ceremony will be limited to official participants. Trams to the event start at 8:30 a.m. Memorial Amphitheater: 1 Memorial Dr., Arlington, free
Memorial Day Remembrance
May 27
Explore the history of the U.S. military through hands-on history activities where visitors can interact with historical equipment and uniforms. Create a paper poppy to remember those who died. The weekend concludes with a museum-wide moment of silence. Reserve a free ticket ahead of time. National Museum of the United States Army: 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir, free
City of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
May 27
Enjoy a full day of fun at this 42nd annual event. There will be food and inflatables for the kids, along with live performances by the Coozies and the Falls Church concert band. Maj. David Hacker gives the keynote speech at 11 a.m. The parade happens at 2 p.m. on Park Avenue. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, free
Feature image courtesy of Viva! Vienna
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