5 Northern Virginia Spring Food Festivals to Add to Your Calendar

Spring is one of the best times to get outside in Northern Virginia, and food festivals make the season even better. Whether you are in the mood for barbecue, wine, Thai street food, or a little bit of everything, these spring events offer plenty of ways to eat well and enjoy the warmer weather.

Foodees Fest

April 17 to 19

Hours: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield

Cost: Free

Foodees Fest is a great option for anyone who wants variety. The event features more than 40 food vendors, so it is easy to try different bites and drinks in one place. Beyond the food, there will also be artisans and crafters set up throughout Springfield Town Center, which gives the festival a mix of food-market energy and casual weekend shopping.

Pickle & International Food Festival

April 18 and 19

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (VIP); 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Dr., Ste. 120, Sterling

Cost: $5 general admission; $9 drink tickets; $40 for 5 drink tickets; $25 VIP entry

If you like food festivals with a fun theme, this one stands out. The Pickle & International Food Festival brings together pickle-inspired food, international fare, craft beer, and live entertainment. It is a more playful take on the usual food event, with enough variety to appeal to both pickle fans and people just looking for something different to do for the weekend.

Thai Street Food & Culture Center

April 26

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas

Cost: Free

Hosted by the Thai Town Association of the DMV, this event offers authentic Thai street food along with traditional performances, crafts, and a market-style atmosphere. It is not just about grabbing a meal. The mix of food, entertainment, and cultural activities gives the day a fuller experience. It is also free to attend, includes free parking, and is pet friendly.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

May 2

Hours: Noon to 6 p.m.

Where: 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas

Cost: $43.29 general admission; $94.35 VIP

For bigger flavors and a more high-energy atmosphere, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival delivers a lot in one afternoon. Guests can enjoy more than 60 beers, 40 types of bourbons, and a lineup of barbecue that includes whole hog, brisket, chicken, and sausage. Each guest also receives a souvenir glass for tastings. Add in carnival games like cornhole, Connect Four, and Giant Jenga, plus live rock and blues music, and this becomes more than a food event.

Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival

May 15 to 17

Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon

Cost: $40.80 to $66

Mount Vernon’s annual Spring Wine Festival offers a slightly different pace, with Virginia wine tastings and after-hours access to the mansion. This year’s event also gives guests a chance to toast America’s 250th. For food, the Alexandria Pastry Shop will have desserts for sale inside the tasting tent, and the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant will offer concessions. It is a spring event that combines local wine with a memorable setting.

Looking for more Northern Virginia spring food festivals and outdoor events? These five festivals are a great place to start, whether you want street food, barbecue, wine tastings, or a family-friendly day out. From Springfield to Manassas to Mount Vernon, spring brings plenty of ways to enjoy local food and seasonal events across the region