Hey gang, Matt here!
Thanks to everyone who came out to “Out on the Town” in Herndon last night! And, a special thanks to our host partners, Hawkley Brewing and Chicken Salad Chick Herndon! It was great to enjoy some good food and good company.


Now, onto the Poll Question!
Last Week’s Poll Question: “When you go "Out & About" to a fun weekend event, how do you get there? (Select all that apply)”
The Results: “Your personal vehicle” was the first place winner, followed by Metro rail/bus and then ride share.
This Week’s Poll Question
Share your thoughts and we’ll reveal the results in next week’s newsletter!
In this week’s newsletter:
Fair Oaks Mall Carnival + New farmers markets open
Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival
Third Day in Fairfax, 80s Dance Party in Falls Church
Hybla Valley Park reopens
Major League Rugby returns to Fairfax
P.S.: Not yet a subscriber? Join 2,500+ neighbors and sign up for the FREE Out & About Fairfax newsletter here and follow along on Instagram.
Things To Do
Classic carnival food, fun, rides for all ages, and more comes to the Fair Oaks Mall from May 7-25. Admission: $5/person.
11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
The 28th annual festival returns to Mason Neck State Park on Saturday, May 9, complete with hands-on activities, up-close wildlife, and all things nature. Parking: $10/vehicle.
7301 High Point Rd., Lorton
Observe the sun and explore the atmosphere through a filtered telescope at the National Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly on Saturday, May 9. Admission: free with parking at $15.
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly
Enjoy Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander events, food, activities, and more at Mason District Park on Saturday, May 9.
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Moms and their loved ones can enjoy a day of shopping, crafting, and much more — including a complimentary mini bouquet for the first 100 guests at The Boro on Saturday, May 9.
8350 Broad St., Tysons
Markets open this weekend in Annandale, Fairfax, Oakton, McLean, and Herndon. (Plus, the new Great Finds Market in Great Falls.) Check out the full guide above for more details!
The first-ever Ideas Festival, a two‑day celebration designed to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning for adults, comes to George Mason University on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. Admission is free.
4210 Roberts Rd., Fairfax
Food & Drink
It’s “a big dill” at Bunnyman Brewing in Chantilly where guests can enjoy pickle vendors, grilled cheese food trucks, cold beer, and live music all weekend long from Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. Tickets start at $45.
14140 Parke Long Ct A-C, Chantilly
The Women’s Crawl, a 5-hour immersive journey featuring interactive, transformational stations and exclusive drink and food specials, comes to Falls Church bars and restaurants on Saturday, May 9. Tickets: $17.
105 W. Broad St. #200, Falls Church
A Mother's Day for the whole family comes to the Fairfax brewpub on Sunday, May 10, featuring flowers, face painting, and a whole lot of fun.
2918 Eskridge Rd., Fairfax
Looking for Mother’s Day brunch ideas?
“18 Northern Virginia Restaurants Serving an Elevated Mother’s Day Brunch” (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Presented by Kids Give Back
Summer Volunteer Camp is where community service meets fun! Children ages 6 to 12 will volunteer, learn about community needs and make friends.
Projects include:
Making meals for individuals in need
Designing artwork for pediatric hospitals
Preparing toys for animal shelters
Assembling backpacks for local students, and more.
They will also enjoy Fun Friday with face painting, crafts, and games.
Only 24 campers per session; register by May 31 and save $20 using code SAVENOW.
The Community Corkboard

Battle of the Decades — In this high-energy musical showdown, Paragon Pops takes on the biggest hits from across the decades. Each era brings a different sound and attitude to the stage. Help shape the setlist and crown the winning era in this interactive celebration of the music you love!
Want to feature your event on the Community Corkboard? Email us!
Music, Arts, & Entertainment
The Christian music group, along with opener Zach Williams, will headline EagleBank Arena on Friday, May 8. Tickets start at $23.
4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
Big hair and big beats come to Falls Church’s State Theatre as “The Legwarmers” headline on Saturday, May 9 Tickets: $25. Ages 21+.
220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
The rising country star comes to the Vienna music venue on Thursday, May 7. Tickets: $27.
227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
The Vienna Jammers, a dynamic youth percussion ensemble known for their explosive beats and infectious enthusiasm, headline Capital One Hall on Saturday, May 9. Tickets start at $16.
7750 Capital One Hall, Tysons

Families & Kids
An F-1-themed experience continues at the LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield through May 25. Tickets: $30-$40.
6563 Springfield Mall, Ste. 12004, Springfield
The upgraded park reopens on Friday, May 8 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Admission to the park is free.
3431 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria
Enjoy live music, food, craft brews, dog-themed vendors and adoptable dogs, plus activities for all ages at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Saturday, May 9.
5040 Walney Rd., Chantilly
A hands-on experience allowing kids —and kids at heart — the chance to climb on and check out the heavy equipment and trucks that keep the Town of Herndon running on Friday, May 8. Admission is free.
1479 Sterling Rd., Herndon
Sports & Recreation
Home Games
MLB: Minnesota Twins at Washington Nationals
Thursday, May 7 at 1:05p.m., Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
UFL: Louisville Kings at D.C. Defenders
Saturday, May 9 at 1:30p.m., Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
WNBA: New York Liberty at Washington Mystics
Sunday, May 10 at 3:00p.m., CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.
MLR: Seattle Seawolves at Old Glory D.C.
Sunday, May 10 at 4:00p.m., George Mason Stadium, Fairfax
News & Notes
The Washington Nationals, Washington Spirit, D.C. United, and Loudoun United FC are away this weekend.
When it all clicks.
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Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week
Did you know: In 1805, what we know today as the City of Fairfax was originally established as the Town of Providence. It wasn’t renamed Fairfax until 1874.
Before We Go, Some Good News!
For this week's Good News, we go to Annandale!
Local Little Leaguers got a surprise when Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli threw out the first pitch during the ceremonial start to their season last weekend. Cavalli also participated in a question-and-answer session with the young players. Read the full story in FFXNow.
Thanks for reading! See you next week.






