Skip the airport lines and highway traffic by sticking around town this Memorial Day weekend and taking advantage of all the fun to be had locally. Here are some of the festivals, concerts, and events that you won’t want to miss.
Napoleon Dynamite 20th Anniversary Celebration
May 23, 6 p.m.
Two decades after its release, relive the adored indie comedy with members of the original cast. A full screening of the cult classic will begin the evening, followed by an immersive discussion with actors Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $34
John Holiday
May 23, 6 p.m.
Countertenor John Holiday has been heralded as one of the great opera stars of his generation. Join him at The Barns at Wolf Trap for a delightful concert featuring the works of Price, Bonds, Gershwin, and more. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, tickets start at $62.50
Twist It: Barspoon Making & Mixology Workshop
May 23, 6–8 p.m.
Learn how to make a delicious cocktail and the spoon to mix it with in this metalsmithing and cocktail-making workshop. This event will teach you to craft your own personalized barspoon. All materials are provided, and participants can choose to make wine-based or alcohol-free drinks. Wear Ever Jewelry: 1112 King St., Alexandria, $80
Silent Disco Night
May 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Prepare to be your own personal DJ at Lark Brewing Co.’s silent disco, where you can switch between three music channels on your own pair of wireless headphones. Grab a craft beer and break out your best dance moves. Lark Brewing Co.: 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie, $15
Hamlet
May 23–May 26
If you haven’t yet had a chance to see the new production of Hamlet as conceived by Kathleen Akerley at Avant Bard Theater, carve out some time to spend with the bard during the show’s closing weekend. Akerley creates a newly imagined rendition of the well-known tragedy, exploring the role of grief in the story. 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, $40, students and seniors $20, Saturday matinee pay what you can, free for Arlington students
Fair Oaks Carnival
May 23–May 26
Let the summer fun begin with a day of rides, treats, and games at the Fair Oaks Carnival. If you haven’t yet had a chance to check it out, catch it before it heads out next week. Fair Oaks Mall: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, $5 admission, ride tickets sold separately
Reston Concerts on the Town
May 24, 7:30 p.m.
This weekend’s Reston Concerts on the Town performer is Lez Zeppelin, the first all-female quartet to pay tribute to Led Zeppelin. Grab a drink from a participating restaurant to bring to the show and kick back to some classic rock anthems. Plus, check out other free outdoor concert series this summer. 1818 Discovery Pl., Reston, free
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration
May 24, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate and appreciate the diverse cultures of Asia at this festival filled with food, music, and games. Enjoy tasty Asian foods from a selection of vendors, live music and dance performances, and demonstrations of origami and mahjong. 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, free
ViVa! Vienna!
May 24–26
Vienna will be flooded with people for this annual Memorial Day Weekend festival, a tradition of more than 40 years. Head to the BrewFest Beer Garden on Mill Street for a drink, then peruse the vendors and food offerings. Proceeds from the event benefit more than 70 Vienna businesses. Church Street, Vienna, free
Fourth Annual Art in Nature Festival
May 24–May 26
Discover local art and wine while you stroll through the National Botanic Garden. Combine the great outdoors and arts appreciation at this festival where art, wine, and food are enjoyed in a beautiful garden setting. 26320 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly, $35
Asian Summer Festival
May 24–May 26
Continue the celebration of AAPI Month with a visit to this festival at Tysons Corner. The program is bursting with exciting events like learning K-pop dances, discovering martial arts, creating Japanese kimono hair accessories, and various panel discussions. Tysons Corner Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, free
Blast Off! “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
May 25, 8 p.m.
Ready to kick off Wolf Trap’s summer concert series? The U.S. Marine Band will play a dazzling free show with tunes from the armed forces’ songbook. It all culminates with a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early; gates open at 6:30. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, free
National Memorial Day Concert
May 25, 8 p.m.
Free and open to the public on the West Lawn of the Capitol, The National Memorial Day Concert is an American tradition celebrating veterans, servicemembers, and military families. The award-winning event is a collaboration between celebrities, performers, and the U.S. military that unites the country in remembrance. Experience musical performances, dramatic readings, and real-life stories about our nation’s storied military history. West Lawn, U.S. Capitol: 101 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, DC, free
Friends Trivia Night
May 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Calling everyone who actually knows what Chandler Bing’s job is — show off your Friends knowledge at a themed trivia night. Fans of the beloved ’90s sitcom will find that the outdoor venue Shipgarten is the perfect place to have a drink and argue over whether Ross and Rachel really were on a break. 7581 Colshire Dr., Tysons, free
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival
May 26
Honor fallen U.S. military personnel by celebrating their memory with a community festival. Start the day with a 3K Fun Run, followed by a Memorial Day ceremony and a community parade. There will also be live entertainment, inflatables, and food vendors. Falls Church City Hall: 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, free
Feature image courtesy Wolf Trap
