May is here, and the DC area is delivering one of the most event-packed weekends of the spring season. This weekend, May 1 to 3, families across the DMV can catch a charming stage production of Aesop’s Fables at Glen Echo Park, pick fresh strawberries at a festive farm festival in Virginia, explore dozens of international embassies on foot, join a galactic street celebration on Barracks Row, and much more. Whether you are looking for things to do with kids in Washington, DC, planning a day trip in Maryland, or searching for family events in Northern Virginia, this weekend has something worth getting out for.
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This page is updated every week, so bookmark it for future planning. For a full searchable calendar of upcoming events, visit our DC Kids Events calendar. For longer planning, see our guide to free family activities in the DMV this month.
May 1
Come Out N Play: Children’s Mental Health Matters Resource Fair and Ice Skating
- Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (free skate 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
- Location: Bowie Ice Arena, 3330 Northview Drive, Bowie, Md
The Prince George’s County Children’s Mental Health Matters Work Group, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the City of Bowie Youth and Family Services, and other county service providers are co-hosting this one-stop resource event for families, advocates, and children to come out, learn, be creative and play. The event includes a free skate session and a mental health resource fair connecting families with local organizations and support services. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Hill Family Biking: T(w)een Bridges Ride
- Time: 7:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Location: Maury Elementary Parking Lot, 12th Place Northeast, Washington, DC
Join a guided 7-mile evening bike ride exploring bridges along the Anacostia River, with scenic views and a pizza stop along the way. Designed for middle schoolers and up, the ride includes safety support and a no-drop format to ensure everyone stays together.
Baby in Tune Music Class Series with Sarah King
- Time: 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Location: Pink Moon, 7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, Md
This six-week music class series introduces parents and infants to playful songs and activities that support bonding and early development. Participants learn to use music in daily routines while connecting with other parents in a supportive group setting.
Telling True Stories w/ Northwestern High School
- Time: 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Location: Tawes Hall, Room 0310, 2119 Alumni Drive, College Park, Md
Experience an evening of student-led performances showcasing personal stories and community-focused projects. This event highlights meaningful issues through creative storytelling developed over a semester-long process.
May 1 – 2
Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Location: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Enjoy a lively spring festival featuring local vendors, food, games, and family-friendly activities set on the cathedral grounds. This annual event offers a festive atmosphere with something for all ages to explore and enjoy.
May 1 to 3
Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row
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- Time: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Location: Barracks Row, 8th Street Southeast, Washington, DC
The Force returns to Barracks Row PoPville for a three-day galactic celebration featuring cosplay, lightsaber training sessions for younglings of all ages, a Kids Zone with Star Wars-themed games and crafts, character appearances, and themed food and drinks from local restaurants. Daytime street activities are free and open to all ages. Check the event website for the full schedule and any ticketed evening programming.
Carousel Day
- Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Location: Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Md
Celebrate the season opening of the historic Dentzel carousel at Glen Echo Park with a festive day of rides, live performances, art activities, and open studios. Visitors can enjoy food vendors, sweet treats, and free family-friendly entertainment throughout the park.
Around the World Embassy Tour
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- Time: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: Various embassies along Embassy Row and Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Visitors explore multiple embassies throughout Washington, DC, experiencing international cultures through food, music, dance, art, and live demonstrations. The event offers a free, walkable “world tour” highlighting global traditions and performances.
Leesburg Pet Festival
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- Time: 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: Village at Leesburg, Leesburg, Va
This annual pet festival features a family-friendly afternoon of animal-focused activities including pet exhibitors, rescue adoption opportunities, a lure course, face painting, and live caricature art.
Holi Celebration for Families – Festival of Colors
- Time: 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Location: Hardy Recreation Center, 4500 Q Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Families can gather to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, through music, cultural activities, and community play. The event highlights South Asian traditions and the arrival of spring in a joyful, family-friendly setting.
May 2
Laurel Main Street Festival
- Time: Parade at 9:00 a.m.; festival 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Main Street, Laurel, Md.
The Laurel Board of Trade’s 45th Annual Main Street Festival and Parade kicks off with a parade down Main Street at 9:00 a.m., followed by a full day of food, live music, vendors, and a Kids Zone. Families can shop for unique Mother’s Day gifts, visit local businesses, and enjoy entertainment for all ages. Admission is free.
May 2 – 3
Aesop’s Fables (Additional dates: May 9 & 10)
- Time: 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Location: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD
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This family-friendly stage production brings classic Aesop’s Fables to life through lively storytelling and humor. Audiences follow traveling performers as they retell timeless moral tales that highlight lessons of kindness and honesty.
Strawberry Festival at Messick’s Farm Market (Additional dates: May 4 & 5)
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- Time: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: Messick’s Farm Market, 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA
Celebrate strawberry season with a farm festival featuring hayrides, a barrel train, a candy launch, and fresh strawberry picking. The event offers a full day of outdoor family activities in a festive farm setting.
Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend
- Time: Check mountvernon.org for daily hours
- Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, Va
Live drills, cannon fire, and reenactors bring the American Revolution to life at George Washington’s estate. Families can watch military demonstrations, explore the grounds and connect the experience to the nation’s 250th anniversary year.
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
- Time: 7:00 p.m.–9:01 p.m.
- Location: Miracle Theatre, 535 8th Street Southeast, Washington, DC
Experience the original Star Wars film as young Luke Skywalker joins a mission to rescue Princess Leia and confront the Galactic Empire. This classic sci-fi adventure follows his journey from farm life to an epic battle against Darth Vader.
Outdoor Art Festival at VisArts
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: VisArts, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD
During this event, The Rockville Square transforms into an outdoor art market featuring more than 100 artists showcasing paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and handmade crafts. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, interactive art activities, gallery exhibits, and local food vendors throughout the weekend.
May 3
Autism in the Park Anne Arundel County
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- Time: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Location: Lake Waterford Park, 830 Pasadena Road, Pasadena, MD
This inclusive community event offers interactive play, entertainment, and family-friendly activities designed for all ages. Attendees can also visit an autism resource fair featuring local organizations, agencies, and community support services.
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
