These NoVA May Festivals Offer Pre-Summer Fun
As appeared in Northern Virginia Magazine
End your spring on a high note with a visit to one of these May festivals. This year, there are plenty of carnivals and food-themed festivals across NoVA that are worth marking on your calendar. From pie-eating contests to artisan markets, these festivals offer fun for the whole family.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Through May 5
It’s the 100th anniversary of this jam-packed carnival that draws more than 250,000 people a year. From carnival rides to dance parties to pickleball tournaments, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has it all. Kids will love the rides, games, and concessions. Other activities include live music, antique shows, dance parties, fireworks, and sports competitions. This year’s special guests include Archie Manning, Miss Virginia Katie Rose, Snoopy, and Huntley. There are plenty of festival refreshments to go around, including at the festival’s apple pie baking contest and wine fest. And of course, you can’t leave without indulging in a caramel apple. 135 N. Cameron St., Winchester
Perchfest
May 3–4
Wear your best ‘80s and ‘90s attire at this family-friendly retro music and mini golf festival. Held on the Capital One Center rooftop, Perchfest attracts 15,000 visitors over the weekend. It starts with a Friday mini golf tournament at Perch Putt. On Saturday, stop by for the morning fitness class and artisan market. All weekend, enjoy live music at the Starr Hill Biergarten and Brewpub. Come on an empty stomach and participate in pie-eating contests. You can also purchase food from Capital One Center’s restaurants, such as Stellina Pizzeria, Ometeo, or Wegmans. 1805 Capital One Dr., Tysons, free
Quarterfest Crawl
May 18
Listen to music and take part in family-friendly activities while trying food samples and drink specials from dozens of participating businesses in the Ballston area from noon to 7 p.m. Live music performances include Rook Richards at 1:30 p.m.; Knox Engler at 3:15 p.m.; and the Bobby McKeys Dueling Pianos at 5:15 p.m. Pop-up concerts will also take place at restaurants around Ballston. Ballston Quarter, free
Lincoln Strawberry Festival
May 18–19
For the first time, Wegmeyer Farms will hold a strawberry festival. Money raised will help several nonprofits in Lincoln, including scholarships. You can only buy tickets online because the number of festivalgoers is being capped to ensure everybody gets strawberries. There will be animals, a toddler fashion show, music by Penelope Lyla, a strawberry pie-eating contest, and a dance off with Berry D. Licious. 18451 Taylor Rd., Hamilton, $15 per person
McLean Day
May 17–18
Come one, come all to this all-day carnival. McLean Day offers rides, games, live music, gourmet food trucks, and 100-plus exhibitors. Little ones will love the festival’s petting zoo, magician, and balloon animals. This year, the weekend fun starts early. The carnival rides and games open at 2 p.m. on Friday, so your kids can go from school straight to the festival. Lewinsville Park: 1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour
May 17–19
Head to Mount Vernon for unlimited samples from at least 20 wineries. While you sip some of Virginia’s best wine, relax on the lawn and watch the sunset along the Potomac River. Throughout the evening, enjoy live music and explore the first and second floors of George Washington’s mansion. Concessions will be available for purchase. Or, if you’re with a large group, buy a VIP table, which comes with three bottles of house wine and charcuterie, fruit, and dessert trays. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, starting at $60
Strawberry Jubilee Fest
May 18–19, May 25–26, June 1–2
Sweeten up your spring with a trip to Great Country Farms. This festival is a preview of summer, featuring live music, wagon rides, and concessions, from strawberry lemonade to strawberry rhubarb pie. The event kicks off with a strawberry-themed wagon and stroller parade. There’s also a diaper derby for little crawlers and a pie eating contest for kids and adults. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy live music and refreshments at Henway Hard Cider. For an additional fee, you can also pick your own strawberries or purchase fresh ones at the Farm Market. After a long day of family fun, refuel at the Knead It Bakery or Roosteraunt Concession Stand. 34345 Snickersville Tpk., Bluemont, starting at $12 for ages 3–17 and 55 and above, starting at $14 for ages 18–54, free for ages 2 and under
Northern Virginia Magazine‘s Taste of NoVA
May 19, 1–4 p.m.
This is the don’t-miss event of the month. There will be more than 40 restaurants there (many from our Best Restaurants list), plus more than 25 wineries and breweries. Talk with the region’s preeminent chefs. Sample the food and drinks. Listen to some great music and explore the National Museum of the U.S. Army. This is a 21+ event. National Museum of the U.S. Army: 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir, $165 for general admission, $190 for VIP
ViVa! Vienna!
May 25–27
This lively Memorial Day Weekend festival offers an extensive lineup of family-friendly entertainment, live music, and vendors. Visit the Town Green for live music, including performances by the Vienna Singing Princesses and Virginia Ballet Company. On Sunday and Monday, stroll along Church Street for the craft fair. Adults can grab a cold one at the Brewfest Beer Garden, which features drinks from Caboose Brewing Company and Settle Down Easy Brewing Company. Make sure to get your fill on classic carnival fare, from candied apples to funnel cakes to kettle corn. Church Street, Vienna