Springtime tends to get us outdoors more. Here are a few spring events and ideas for family fun.
Celebrate Reston’s Founder’s Day
Visit Lake Anne Plaza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 for a family-friendly event with food, music, dance performances, and games. A volunteer spring cleanup event will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Performances from Reston Chorale, the South Lakes High School’s Original Jazz Trio, the South Lakes High School Theater, and the Reston Community Players. Lake Anne Plaza: 1639 Washington Plz. N, Reston, free
Run the Vineyards
Running and wine? Count us in. This is the sixth year for Ingleside Vineyards’ “Run the Vineyards” 5K and 10K races on April 15. The event, which starts at 9 a.m., includes a chip-timed run, followed by wine, live music, and awards. Both runners and walkers are welcome. 5872 Leedstown Rd., Oak Grove, $44 for 5K, $48 for 10K
Take in Historic Garden Week in Old Town
The 90th Historic Garden Week takes place April 15–22, with tours offered statewide. Proceeds from the event will fund the restoration of Virginia’s historic public gardens and a research fellowship program. Old Town’s April 15 tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. lets you visit private homes and secluded gardens. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Rectory: 411 Duke St., Alexandria, $55
Watch the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Races
The 56th annual event originally began as an intimate gathering of horsemen and women and is now run at Morven Park Equestrian Center. Gates open at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 23. 17339 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg, $35 presale, $40 at the gate
Check out the Arlington Festival of the Arts
The ninth annual Arlington Festival of the Arts runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29 and 30 in Clarendon. Here’s your chance to see and buy sculpture, pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, and more. The outdoor event covers several blocks. 1210 N. Highland St., Arlington, free
Take Your Pup to the ALX Dog Walk
Join hundreds of dogs and people on April 29 for a day of adorable pups and a 2-mile walk. Learn about the environment and sustainable living. There will be several dog contests, including funniest personality, best groomed, fluffiest tail, biggest ears, coolest upcycled costume, and twinsie (who looks most like the dog). TV personality Monte Durham and NBC4’s Chuck Bell host the awards. Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria, $35 per walker, free for children under 12
Visit Farmers Markets
The area is home to many farmers markets that sell a wonderful variety of local produce and goods. Shopping locally is a great way to support small businesses and get some of the freshest food available. Hours and days vary
Explore Mason Neck State Park
Head to Mason Neck State Park for a day of fun. The park has hiking trails and a big picnic area. Rentals of canoes and kayaks start in May. Avid bird watchers love the park. Watch for bald eagles. The park is open 8 a.m. to dusk. 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, $10 parking fee
Catch The Avett Brothers
The Grammy-winning Americana band plays a three-day stint at Wolf Trap May 25–27. Each night is a slightly different show, with different opening acts. The Avett Brothers’ folksy, bluegrass-tinged music includes hits like “I and Love and You” and “The Traveling Song.” 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna, $51–$98
Dance to Janet Jackson
The queen of dance pop comes to Jiffy Lube Live on May 6. The tour marks her first in four years and includes rapper Ludacris. Jackson is known for like “That’s the Way Love Goes” and “Together Again.” 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, starting at $31
Enjoy at a Day at the Virginia Gold Cup
Horse enthusiasts and lovers of head-turning fashion flock to the Virginia Gold Cup every spring. The steeplechase race will be May 6 at Great Meadow in The Plains. Note: The horses take second fiddle to the high-society fashion. 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, starting at $75
Immerse Yourself in Dr. Seuss
Immersive experiences are all the rage these days, and it’s fun to see what will get the treatment next. Dr. Seuss is the latest iteration, with an exhibit at Tysons Corner Center. Kids and kids at heart will enjoy swinging among the Truffula Trees from The Lorax, walking through tall clovers listening for Whos from Horton Hears a Who! and more. 7852U Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, $34–$37 for general admission (13+), $32 for children 12 and under
Find Treasures in Lucketts
The Lucketts Vintage Market features fun vintage furniture, garden finds, antiques, and more. The annual spring market typically draws large crowds and is now in its 23rd year. The three-day event begins May 19 at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds and will feature live music, beer gardens, food trucks, and lots of eclectic treasures. 890 West Main St., Berryville, $15
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