When you think of springtime festivals in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area, odds are your first thought is of the Cherry Blossom Festival – and for good reason. The annual celebration of DC’s pink blossoms is a time-honored tradition and an undeniable source of fun. But that’s not the only festival that will bring seasonal celebrations to the area.
Over the next few months, Northern Virginia will host many fun-filled festivals. Expect lots of great food, live outdoor entertainment, and a strong sense of community. Check out these five events to get a taste for what this spring has in store.
Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
April 15 & April 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Expert landscapers will present their intricate landscaping displays at this free two-day festival. Visitors can view the botanical art and vote for their favorites, plus visit over 125 vendors, including landscapers, plant sellers, and more. In the Garden Patch, the designated kids’ space, little ones can try their hand at spring-themed arts and crafts, and watch the lineup of kid-friendly entertainers. For more grown-up fun, a rooftop beer garden will feature brews from local favorites like Lost Barrel Brewing and Loudoun Brewing Company. Downtown Leesburg
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 28—May 7
For the 96th year, Winchester will host an extravagant festival to celebrate the beauty of springtime in the Shenandoah Valley. The main attraction is the Apple Blossom Carnival, which will run over 50 rides and games every day of the festival. The midway will have single tickets for rides, or you can pay $35 per day for all rides, except the Air Ride. Over the course of 10 days, the festival will host over 40 events, including concerts and dance parties, a two-day wine fest, and sporting tournaments. This year’s grand marshal is Brian Sullivan, host of the CNBC show Last Call. 135 N. Cameron St., Winchester
Taste of Annandale
April 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event will celebrate Annandale’s diverse community with a festival full of food and drinks from vendors, including Caboose Brewing Company and Biga Baga Brick Oven Pizza. While food is the focus, there will be a full lineup of live entertainment, a 5K run, and a best-dressed pet contest. This will be the first festival in two years, following a pandemic-era hiatus. Tom Davis Drive, Annandale
McLean Day
May 19, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. & May 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The McLean Community Center brings back its popular annual festival. Take a spin on carnival rides on Friday, then come back the next day for live music and entertainment, food trucks, a petting zoo, and more carnival rides. The festival is free, but the rides require tickets. Tickets will be available on the website closer to the date, as well as at the festival in Lewinsville Park. 1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Strawberry Jubilee Fest at Great Country Farms
May 20—21; May 27—29, starting at 10 a.m.
What’s sweeter than strawberries in the springtime? Great Country Farms will celebrate the harvest of berries with a festival that spans two weekends. There will be family-friendly fun including a diaper derby, a pie-eating contest, a parade, and plenty of good food. Strawberries will be available for purchase (pre-picked or pick-your-own) but are not included in the admission price. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont
Feature image courtesy Taste of Annandale
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
