April showers are almost over, and May’s flowers are soon to bloom. Start off the new month right at one of these fun weekend events suitable for the entire family, ranging from rock and gospel performances to springtime fairs and festivals.
Michael W. Smith’s Beyond the Horizon Tour
May 2, 7:30 p.m.
Start your weekend with the uplifting music of this three-time Grammy winner and Gospel Hall of Fame inductee. Be there live to listen to hear hits such as “Place in this World” and “I Will Be Here for You”. The Birchmere Music Hall: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $79.50
David Cook’s Race for Hope Benefit Concert
May 2, 8 p.m.
Get ready for a high energy performance from American Idol‘s season seven winner and his band, featuring multiple rock and pop Hot 100 hits including “The Time of My Life” and “Light On”. All proceeds from this weekend event benefit Race for Hope DC and the National Brain Tumor Society. Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave., Vienna, $50–$80
The DC Big Flea Antiques Event
May 3–4, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Come shop from various vendors at the mid-Atlantic’s largest indoor antiques and collectibles flea market. Merchandise includes vintage clothing and handbags, artwork, fine antiques, and jewelry from all eras are available at this weekend event. Dulles Expo Center: 4368 Chantilly Ctr., Chantilly, $10
Old Town Manassas Art Show and Craft Spring Fair
May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Head to downtown Manassas for this charming outdoor event and celebrate Mother’s Day early this year. Showcasing a variety of products from artisans, crafters, independent consultants, and other small businesses, give Mom the gift she deserves. Manassas Museum Lawn: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, free
4th Annual Alexandria Springtime Art Festival
May 3–4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Add this weekend event to your calendar, featuring a juried selection of artworks from local and national artists. Rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine, see thousands of pieces across all mediums, including pottery, textiles, and life-sized sculptures. 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, free
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
May 3, 12–6 p.m.
Stroll table to table and enjoy all-you-can-eat beer and bourbon tastings. Each guest will receive a souvenir glass. You can also play games and activities at the Cochon Carnival, indulge in whole hogs at the Shrine of Swine, and listen to live rock and blues on the main stage. Prince William County Fairgrounds: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas, $45 general admission, $89 VIP
Running of the Chihuahuas
May 3, 2–5 p.m.
Head to the Wharf for the 13th installation of this fun race, with over 150 Chihuahuas racing for the chance to take home pet-friendly gifts and prizes. More fun-filled events include a DJ, a giant inflatable Chihuahua, a Pacifico beer garden, and a dog costume contest. The Wharf: 760 Maine Ave., Washington DC, free
Fantasies
May 3, 7:30 p.m.
Pianist Cahterine Lan is set to perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Manassas Symphony Orchestra. The performance will also include works from French composer George Bizet’s opera Carmen, rounding out an enchanting night of music. Merchant Hall at Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $25–$30
“May the 4th Be with You” Run
May 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Celebrate National Star Wars Day with a 10K and a kids’ 1-miler through Cameron Run Regional Park with Old Town Run Club. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character for the chance to win prizes, then head to Atlas Brew Works afterwards for Star Wars trivia and karaoke. The price of admission includes a drink and a slice of pizza. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, $40
Oyster Fest
May 4, 12–6 p.m.
Calling all oyster lovers! This all-you-can-eat seafood event features tasty bites like oysters on the half shell, mussels, mini crab cake crostini with remoulade, and broiled oysters. There will also be smash burger sliders and jambalaya. You can wash it all down with draft beers and mimosas. Kelly’s Oyster House: 4069 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, $75
Attack on Titan Beyond the Walls World Tour
May 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In celebration of music and anime, the anime series Attack on Titan is giving its fans a thrilling live performance. Promising a fusion of rock and orchestral music, this “epic saga” is brought to life through music, featuring a soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamaoto. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, tickets start at $93
Official F1 Arcade Miami Gardens Watch Party
May 4, 3–6 p.m.
Party Miami-style at an exhilarating Formula 1 watch party. You can catch all the action of the Grand Prix in Miami right from DC at an event filled with high-speed thrills, F1-themed cocktails, food, and music from a DJ. F1 Arcade: 420 Penn St., Washington, DC, tickets start at $49
Featured image of Running of the Chihuahuas courtesy The Wharf, Washington, DC
