The Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC This May
- Gunther and Holly Hemmer
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- May 10
- 3 min read
Spring is finally settling in across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, and May brings the perfect excuse to spend more time outdoors. From food festivals and live concerts to cultural celebrations and Broadway performances, the month is packed with events worth adding to your calendar.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, big-name music acts, or weekend activities around the DMV, these standout May events offer something for every kind of crowd.
Cultural Celebrations
Asian Festival on Main — May 17
Downtown Fairfax celebrates Asian heritage with a full day of cultural performances, demonstrations, food vendors, music, and community activities.
The festival highlights traditions from across Asia through dance, crafts, and live entertainment, turning Main Street into one of the region’s liveliest cultural gatherings of the season.
Location: Main Street, Fairfax
Admission: Free
Major Concerts Coming to the DMV
Carlos Vives — May 9
Latin music star Carlos Vives takes the stage at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax with an energetic show featuring fan favorites and dance-heavy rhythms.
Location: EagleBank Arena, Fairfax
Tickets: Starting at $126
The Kid Laroi — May 11
Australian rapper and singer The Kid Laroi heads to The Anthem in Washington, DC, performing chart-topping tracks alongside newer material.
Location: The Anthem, Washington, DC
Tickets: Starting at $74
Sting — May 21–23
Wolf Trap launches its summer concert season with a three-night run from Sting. The legendary artist is expected to revisit music from both his solo catalog and his years with The Police.
Location: Wolf Trap, Vienna
Tickets: Starting at $65
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band — May 27
Bruce Springsteen brings his Land of Hope & Dreams tour to Nationals Park for one of the month’s biggest live music events. Fans can expect a setlist filled with songs from his decades-long career.
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Tickets: Resale prices starting around $224
Wine, Art, and Memorial Day Weekend Events
Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival — May 15–17
George Washington’s Mount Vernon hosts a weekend wine festival featuring tastings from regional wineries, live music, and evening access to the estate grounds overlooking the Potomac River.
The combination of wine tastings and historic scenery makes this one of the region’s signature spring events.
Location: Mount Vernon
Tickets: Starting at $51
Tephra ICA Arts Festival — May 16–17
Reston Town Center becomes an outdoor art gallery during the Tephra ICA Arts Festival. More than 200 artists will display paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed-media works across the weekend.
Location: Reston Town Center, Reston
Admission: Free
Viva! Vienna! — May 23–25
This longtime Memorial Day weekend tradition returns to downtown Vienna with carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and performances spread throughout the area.
The family-friendly festival remains one of Northern Virginia’s largest community celebrations each year.
Location: Downtown Vienna
Admission: Free
Family Entertainment and Memorial Day Events
Blast Off! “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band — May 24
Wolf Trap hosts a patriotic evening featuring music from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Families can enjoy performances of classic military songs and popular music before the night concludes with fireworks.
Location: Wolf Trap, Vienna
Admission: Free
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony — May 25
Arlington National Cemetery will hold its annual Memorial Day observance honoring fallen service members. Events include the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and additional commemorations recognizing military sacrifice.
Location: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington
Admission: Free
Broadway Returns to Tysons
The Music Man — May 29–31
The classic Broadway musical arrives at Capital One Hall in Tysons at the end of the month. The Music Man follows traveling salesman Harold Hill as he promises to create a marching band in small-town Iowa.
The production features beloved songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones” along with energetic choreography and classic musical theater charm.
Location: Capital One Hall, Tysons
Tickets: Starting at $84
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