Hey gang, Matt here!

First, thanks to everyone who answered last week’s poll question! 74.47% of you think we should consider a featured pet/adopt a pet section of the newsletter. That is great feedback as we explore some potentially new, fun ideas for future editions!

If you’re heading Out & About this weekend, we have details about the highly popular McLean Day and Asian Festival on Main events in McLean and the City of Fairfax, respectively. Plus, for the wine and beer lovers, we have details about two big festivals that are sure to draw crowds to the Alexandria and Mount Vernon areas.

Heading outdoors? Fish & Float on the Potomac is a perfect chance for anglers to catch the big one. And, enjoy some tunes with live music across the region, including the season opener for Reston Concerts on the Town.

Let’s see what else is on tap this weekend!

In this week’s newsletter:

• McLean Day, Asian Festival on Main in Fairfax

• Spring Wine Festival at Mount Vernon, Aslin hosts Frühlingsfest

• Reston Concerts on the Town opens for the season

• Touch-a-Truck in Vienna, new park opens in Falls Church

• Capitals home Thursday, Spirit and Defenders are home this weekend

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See you Out & About! 👋

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

McLean Day turns 110, and cultural festivals continue across the area! 🚗

• Asian Festival on Main

  • The 5th annual Asian Festival on Main in Fairfax brings together 70+ food vendors and food trucks, 70+ non-food vendors and exhibitions, and live entertainment to celebrate Asian heritage through food, arts, and more. This event is free and open to the public on Sunday, May 18 from 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

    • 3999 University Drive, Fairfax

• McLean Day is Saturday

  • The 110th annual McLean Day is set for Saturday, May 17 from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m. in Lewinsville Park. Check out McLean’s biggest annual festival with music, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, rides and amusements for the kids, and a whole lot more. Admission is free with ride tickets and more available for purchase.

    • 1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean

• Northern Virginia Tea Festival

  • The 3rd annual Northern Virginia Tea Festival is set for Sunday, May 18 from 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Hosted by Elden Street Tea Shop, visitors can taste various types of tea, try to make kombucha, learn the history of tea, and more. Tickets: $30.

    • 1633A Washington Plaza, Reston

• Antique Car Show in Old Town Fairfax

  • A blast from the past hits the streets of Old Town Fairfax on Saturday, May 17 with an antique car show! Check out classic American-made cars, imports, sports cars, and a whole lot more. Plus, live music and kids’ safety events as well. The event runs 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

    • 10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax

• Yoga & Bonfire Evening at Lake Accotink Park

  • Take yoga to the outdoors for an evening sunset and bonfire on Saturday, May 17 at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. The event is ages 13+ and good for both beginners and advanced participants. You are encouraged to bring your own mat, towel, and water. Cost: $25. Starts at 7:30p.m.

    • 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield

• KORUS Festival in Annandale

  • Enjoy live entertainment, food, and much more at KORUS Festival 2025 in Annandale on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. This free event celebrates AAPI Heritage Month and features K-Pop Night, cultural performances, taekwondo, and more.

    • 4251 John Marr Dr., Annandale

Food & Drink

Enjoy Virginia wine, beer, and spirits this weekend! 🍻🍷🥃

• Spring Wine Festival at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

  • Enjoy samples from nearly 20 of Virginia’s best wineries at the Spring Wine Festival, one of George Washington’s Mount Vernon’s biggest events of the year. The three-day festival runs Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18. Also get a chance to explore the mansion after hours. Event tickets start at $50.

    • 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon

• Frühlingsfest 2025 at Aslin Beer Co.

  • Aslin’s Alexandria brewpub is hosting its 4th annual Frühlingsfest 2025, its annual spring lager festival, on Saturday, May 17 from 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Ten breweries from the DMV and nationwide will be on-hand pouring some springtime favorites. Plus, enjoy food, activities, and more. Tickets: $30 per person.

    • 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria

• Spirited Grains Whiskey Tasting

  • Taste whiskey and learn history in this “spirited” event at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls on Saturday, May 17. This event is ages 21+. Follow whiskey’s journey from grain to glass at this 19th century mill while enjoying samples from Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery. Choose from three session times. Tickets: $45 per person.

    • 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls

• Fair Winds Brewing’s 3rd Annual “King of the Wing”

  • If you’re like us, you love good chicken wings. The team at Lorton’s Fair Wind Brewing Co. is putting that to the test on Thursday, May 15 with their 3rd Annual King of the Wing contest. Enjoy wings, craft beer, and help crown a winning chef. Tickets: $49.87.

    • 7000 Newington Rd., Suites K-L, Lorton

• Spring Pierogi Festival in Falls Church

  • Settle Down Easy Brewing in Falls Church is hosting its annual Spring Pierogi Festival on Saturday, May 17 from 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Enjoy locally sourced pierogies, beer, and a good old-fashioned polka party. Tickets: $10.

    • 2822 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

Laughs, live music, and “legwarmers” are on stage this weekend! 🎤

• Asian Comedy Showcase at Capital One Hall

  • Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by enjoying some laughs with some of the funniest Asian comedians in the country this Saturday, May 17 at Capital One Hall in Tysons. The setlist includes D.C. native Christian Escoto, Justin Um, Shelley Kim, and more. Tickets start at $33.25.

    • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

• Tephra ICA Arts Festival at Reston Town Center

  • The two-day event features 200+ contemporary artists and artisans and features handmade artwork, live performances, and a whole lot more. The fun runs Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Plus, enjoy a Saturday night sip and stroll starting at 7:30p.m.

    • 11900 Market St., Reston

• Reston Concerts on the Town Opens for the Season

  • Reston Concerts on the Town returns for its 32nd season with a performance from Dancing Dream on Saturday, May 17. The weekly event features free live music every Saturday. Enjoy a Sip & Stroll from participating restaurants. The series runs through August 23.

    • 1818 Discovery St., Reston

• Herndon Rocks! Features “Gonzo’s Nose”

  • This week’s Friday Night Live show features a reunion performance from the band “Gonzo’s Nose.” The show is Friday, May 16 starting at 6:30p.m. on the Herndon Town Green.

    • 777 Lynn St., Herndon

• The Legwarmers: 80s Retro Dance Party

  • The DMV’s premier 1980s tribute band comes to The State Theatre in Falls Church on Saturday, May 17. Showtime is at 9:30p.m., tickets start at $25. A great night for big hair, big music, and digging out those, yes, legwarmers.

    • 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church

Families & Kids

Petting zoos, big rigs, and new greenspace! 🌳🌲

• Petting Zoo and Kids & Family Festival at Shipgarten

  • This family-friendly event in Tysons on Sunday, May 18 brings the zoo to you! Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, moonbounces, face painting, arts and crafts, and more. Admission is free, and the event runs from 12:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

    • 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean

• Family Skate and Dance Night Second Anniversary Night

  • One of the most popular events at the Franconia Rec Center — the Family Skate and Dance Night — marks its second anniversary on Saturday, May 17 from 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. This month’s theme is “superhero style.” Tickets: $7 per person.

    • 6601 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria

• Touch-a-Truck at Vienna’s “Public Works Day”

  • A fun, hands-on event for kiddos in the Town of Vienna on Thursday, May 15 from 2:00p.m.-6:00p.m. They can check out the town’s big trucks, heavy machinery, and emergency vehicles. This event is free and will be held at the town’s Northside Property Yard.

    • 600 Mill St., NE, Vienna

• Ruckstuhl Park Grand Opening in Falls Church

  • Celebrate the grand opening of Ruckstuhl Park on Saturday, May 17 fro 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. with free outdoor fun for all ages. The Fairfax County Park Authority will bring its mobile nature center, the Wonder Wagon, as well.

    • 2445 Idylwood Rd., Falls Church

• 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 16. Toast marshmallows at the campfire, as well. Pre-registration is required. Tickets: $10.

    • 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon

Sports & Recreation

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

News & Notes

• Calling all anglers — Fish & Float in Great Falls on Sunday, May 18. Join an experienced instructor on the Potomac River as you reel in a trophy smallmouth bass. Starts in Riverbend Park and runs 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Ages 16+. Tickets: $75.

• ⚾️ The Washington Nationals wrap up a series at Atlanta on Thursday before beginning three in a row at Baltimore in a Beltway Series against the Orioles.

• ⚽️ D.C. United travels to Nashville on Saturday.

• ⚽️ Loudoun United FC travels to Miami FC in USL Championship play on Saturday.

Home Games

•  🏒NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals

  • Thursday, May 15 at 7:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

    • (CAR leads 3-1)

• ⚽️NWSL: Utah Royals FC at Washington Spirit

  • Saturday, May 17 at 7:30p.m., Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

• 🏈UFL: Arlington Renegades at D.C. Defenders

  • Sunday, May 18 at 12:00p.m., Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: The annual “McLean Day” draws an estimated 10,000+ patrons throughout the one-day event.

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].

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax