Hey gang, Matt here!

First, a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there — including my Mom!

This week, we have details about where Mom can enjoy brunch and other Mother’s Day fun and relaxation. We also have details about a whole bunch of festivals celebrating culture and heritage, everything from the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival in Annandale to the 27th annual Eagle Festival celebrating the outdoors in Lorton. Plus, food festivals and artisan markets are scheduled around the area.

If you’re looking to go Out & About in the outdoors, jump down to the Sports & Recreation section to find out how you can sign up for kayaking lessons.

And for the pet lovers, do we have a “treat” for you with Bark n’ Park in Chantilly this weekend.

In fact, our furry friends had us wondering…

In this week’s newsletter:

• Cultural and heritage festivals, artisan markets across Fairfax County

• Mother’s Day meals and deals, Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival in Chantilly

• Lucas Bohn, “The Big Jam” headline Capital One Hall this weekend

• Sunset Screenings at Reston Town Center

• Learn how to kayak, Capitals continue Stanley Cup chase

P.S.: Not yet a subscriber? Sign up for Out & About Fairfax for FREE here and join us on Instagram.

See you Out & About! 👋

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

Cultural festivals, crafts, and even an event for pets, too! 🚗

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival

  • May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the local festival celebrating AAPI Month in Fairfax is set for Saturday, May 10 from 12:00p.m.-4:00p.m. in Annandale’s Mason District Park. Enjoy a wide range of activities, delicious food, learn about culture and history, and a whole lot more.

    • 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale

• Heritage India Festival

  • 275+ booths with vendors from North America, India, and beyond will line the Dulles Expo Center this weekend for the Heritage India Festival on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11. Some of the DMV’s top Indian restaurants will provide authentic cuisine. Tickets: $5, cash only.

    • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

• Bark n’ Park in Chantilly

  • Not just something to do for you, but for your furry friend, too! “Bark n’ Park: A Tail-Wagging Good Time” brings together local dog owners to shop from area pet-friendly vendors, enjoy live music, and a chance to take your dog to the park for this free event. The fun runs Saturday, May 10 from 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.

    • 5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly

• 27th Annual Eagle Festival

  • Enjoy and learn about the rich natural history of Northern Virginia during the 27th annual Eagle Festival at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton on Saturday, May 10. Check out live animal shows — including the resident bald eagles — hands-on educational opportunities, and outdoor clinics. This event is free and is open to all ages.

    • 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton

• Fairfax Corner Spring Artisan Market

  • Shop from 40+ local artisans and vendors during the Spring Artisan Market in Fairfax Corner on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Create a tote bag, shop for your last-minute Mother’s Day gift, and enjoy live music while you sip and stroll.

    • 4100 Monument Corner Dr., Fairfax

• Italian Heritage Auto Show at Mosaic District

  • A one-of-a-kind auto show spans from Falls Church to Fairfax this weekend as the Italian Heritage Auto Show rolls into the Mosaic District on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. This show is a collaboration between London Auto Services — where the cars will stage — and Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza in Mosaic — where the cars will be on display. Up to 60 cars may participate.

    • 2910 District Ave., Fairfax

• Craft & Vendor Spring Faire in Springfield

  • The Women’s Club of Springfield will host its Craft & Vendor Spring Faire on Saturday, May 10. The event will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Proceeds benefit Bethany House.

    • 8304 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield

Food & Drink

We’re celebrating Moms, thinking spring, and enjoying good food and drink this week! 🍷🍴

• Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival in Chantilly

  • Mustang Sally Brewing is hosting what is billed as “NOVA’s largest pickle & grilled cheese festival” on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 at their Chantilly brewery. The two-day event brings together 16 pickle vendors and 10 grilled cheese food vendors, plus pickle beer collaborations and more. Tickets are $5 on Saturday with free admission on Sunday.

    • 14140 Parke Long Ct., A-C, Chantilly

• Cocktails by Candlelight at George Mason’s Gunston Hall

  • Visit the home of one of America’s Founding Fathers for an evening of cocktails and food from the time George Mason called Gunston Hall home. Enjoy the property by candlelight during this quiet evening on the property. The event runs Friday, May 9 from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Tickets: $55.

    • 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck

• Mother’s Day Meals

  • This week, we highlight some of the local restaurants with Mother’s Day meals and deals! Here are a few that caught our eye. 👀

    • Trummer’s Restaurant — Trummer’s in Clifton offers a three-course upscale brunch complete with an appetizer, entree, and dessert. $86 per person, kids start at $35.

    • The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons — Enjoy an elevated buffet-style brunch complete with a seafood display, caviar, carving stations, meats and cheeses, and more. $165 per adult and $60 per child.

    • Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse — The Reston restaurant is offering classic brunch options including bacon, eggs, and naturally from Davio’s, a steak and eggs option.

    • Founding Farmers locations — Founding Farmers in Tysons, Reston, and Alexandria have buffet brunch and a la carte brunch options.

• Bloomin’ Brews at Port City Brewing Co.

  • Enjoy a brew and make a flower arrangement for Mom or a loved one (or for yourself!) on Saturday, May 10 from 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. Let spring bloom!

    • 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

From the stage to the streets, art is everywhere this weekend! ⬇️

• “Footloose: The Musical” in Herndon

  • NextStop Theatre Company kicks off opening weekend of the 1980s classic “Footloose” this weekend, with previews on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9, with the opening set for Saturday, May 10. Tickets: $55.

    • 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon

• Lucas Bohn, “The Big Jam” Headline Capital One Hall This Weekend

  • Comedian Lucas Bohn takes the stage on Friday, May 9 with his “Lesson Plans to Late Night” tour. Tickets start at $25. On Saturday, May 10, enjoy an evening of rhythm and energy with The Vienna Jammers and world-renowned musician Etienne Charles. Tickets start at $15.

    • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

• Workhouse Arts Center Historic Campus Walking Tour

  • In case you didn’t know, Lorton’s Workhouse Arts Center was formerly a prison. This Saturday, May 10, join museum leaders who will walk you through the history of the museum along with everything they offer today. Tickets: $10.

    • 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton

• Dewberry School of Music Honors Recital at GMU

  • The pinnacle performance of the year for the top performers at George Mason University’s Dewberry School of Music, the Honors Recital is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at 8:00p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

    • 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax

• Spring Art Market in Alexandria

  • Del Ray Artisans will host its Spring Art Market on Saturday, May 10 from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. in Alexandria. Shop a wide range of local art, from pottery, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Admission is free.

    • 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria

Families & Kids

Mother’s Day and family-friendly events across the area this weekend! ⬇️

• Sunset Screenings at Reston Town Center

  • Watch a special screening of Disney’s “Coco” under the stars at the Pavilion in Reston Town Center on Friday, May 9 at 8:15p.m. The first 50 guests will receive an RTC-branded blanket. This event is free and will be held rain or shine.

    • 11900 Market St., Reston

• Campfire Wagon Ride

  • A fun and quiet evening for families to enjoy a wagon ride and campfire at Frying Pan Farm Park on Friday, May 9. Enjoy s’mores at the campfire, as well. Pre-registration is required. Tickets: $10.

    • 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon

• Family Fishing in Springfield

  • Join a naturalist and learn the basics of fishing and enjoy a night on the lake for this family night out. Ages 5+, but participants ages 16+ must have a valid Virginia fishing license. The event runs Sunday, May 11 at 8:00a.m. in Lake Accotink Park. Cost: $12.

    • 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield

• Mom’s Day Out in Tysons

  • Celebrate Mom with fun and surprises at The Boro in Tysons on Saturday, May 10. This family-friendly event includes hands-on activities and a chance to win prizes along the way.

    • 8350 Broad St., Tysons

• Reston Water Safety Day

  • Free swim lessons for kiddos ages 13-under and a free family swim headline Reston Water Safety Day on Saturday, May 10 at the Reston Community Center. This free family event includes an interactive water safety presentation, kids-friendly activities, and much more.

    • 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston

Sports & Recreation

Each weekend, we run down the schedule as our local pro and college sports teams take the field (or court, ice, etc.) if you’re interested in hitting the big game.

News & Notes

• Learn how to kayak at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on Saturday, May 10. This introductory class is for ages 12+. Cost: $43. Learn more here.

• Two golf tournaments are scheduled this weekend — the Jefferson Cup Tournament Series in Falls Church and a two-person best ball match in Oakton.

• 🏈The D.C. Defenders are on the road at San Antonio on Friday.

• ⚽️The Washington Spirit travel to Chicago and D.C. United is at Toronto, both on Saturday.

• 🏒The Washington Capitals continue their quest for the Stanley Cup with two games in the days ahead. (Home game below and a road game on Saturday.)

Home Games

• 🏒NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals

  • Thursday, May 8 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

• ⚾️MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals

  • Friday, May 9 at 6:45p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

• ⚾️MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals

  • Saturday, May 10 at 4:05p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

• ⚾️MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals

  • Sunday, May 11 at 1:35p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: Capital One Hall in Tysons first opened in October 2021 with a performance by singer Josh Groban.

We Want to Hear from You!

Want to get your neighbors Out & About?

If you have an event you would like to feature in the newsletter, or if you’re a business looking to advertise with us, send us an email! —> [email protected].

Did you receive this edition from a friend? Sign up for Out & About Fairfax for FREE here.

Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax