The DC area offers so many fun things for families to do in May. Musical performances, learning about cultures around the world, Memorial Day events, and many more kinds of family-friendly events are scheduled throughout our area. Your family is bound to make some wonderful memories together as summer draws near. If you are looking for more ideas of things to do this month, check out our guide to the 101 Best Things to Do with Kids in the Washington, DC Area. And while you’re out and about in the warming weather, cool down at one of our Favorite DC Area Ice Cream Shops!
Flower Mart
May 1 and 2
National Cathedral
Washington, DC
Since 1939, Flower Mart has raised funds to benefit the Cathedral’s Gardens and Grounds. Attendees can purchase spring plants for their gardens, find something special in the White Elephant Tent, and shop at a variety of booths. Food vendors will be on site (crepes, lobster rolls, artisan pizza, and more….yum) and free entertainment will be performed throughout the day. Children’s activities abound, including an antique carousel and a Children’s Area with various games and carnival rides. Tickets are required for the carousel, games, and rides. Visitors can also purchase tickets to climb the hundreds of steps up into the Cathedral Tower. Tickets for the Climb can be purchased on site.
DC Truck Touch
May 2
RFK Stadium Lot 8
Washington, DC
If you have a child who loves all things that go, this FREE event is sure to be a highlight of their year! Kids will get to sit behind the wheel of over 30 DC government agency vehicles, including dump trucks, police cars, snowplows, and much more. After guests explore the many vehicles on site, they can test their skills at interactive games and activities such as basketball and a fitness challenge. And kids under 18 can get a free packed lunch!
Adams Morgan PorchFest
May 2
Adams Morgan Neighborhood
Washington, DC
Head to Adams Morgan from 2pm to 6pm to groove to the sounds of over 100 bands representing a variety of genres, including pop, go-go, classical, rap, bluegrass, funk, and more. Wander the neighborhood to enjoy music on 25 porches, business patios, and parks. Check out the website for more information including a map, list of performers, and map of retailers offering discounts.
Around the World Embassy Tour
May 2
Various Embassies
Washington, DC
Embassies will open their doors to the public from 9:30am until 5pm to share their cultures with DC visitors and residents. During this very popular event, participants will experience the cultures of over 60 different non-EU countries through delicious food, mind-opening art, entertaining music and more. Admission is FREE and no reservation is required. Parking is very difficult, so public transportation is suggested. Also, be prepared for long wait times as the lines for some embassies can be very long. Check out the website for the list and map of participating embassies.
Running of the Chihuahuas
May 2
District Wharf
Washington, DC
Have you ever seen over 150 chihuahuas racing in groups of eight down a 60 foot racetrack? If not, you can check that box off your bucket list when you head to the Wharf for the 14th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas. Cheer on your favorite pup as you enjoy music and family fun. If you have a chihuahua with a champion’s heart, you can register it for the race online. There will also be an all-breed dog costume contest and a parade of adoptable pets. This event is FREE to attend.
Carousel Day
May 2
Glen Echo Park
Glen Echo, MD
Celebrate the seasonal opening of Glen Echo Park’s 105-year old Dentzel carousel at this FREE family-friendly event. Performances and hands-on craft activities will be available. And while you are there, explore the many galleries and studios of the Park. Food will be available for purchase. Please note that guests will need to purchase tickets to ride the carousel.
Spring Farm Day
May 2
Frying Pan Farm Park
Herndon, VA
Enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors at Frying Pan Farm Park during this annual family-friendly event. Visitors will enjoy getting up close to baby farm animals and watching demonstrations of sheep shearing, as well as the use of antique farm equipment. Little ones and grown-ups will be able to get their hands dirty performing hands-on farm activities. Additionally, guest will enjoy one wagon ride (with each admission), crafts, and games. Tickets available online or onsite.
Revolutionary War Weekend
May 2 – 3
Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
This year, our nation celebrates its 250th birthday. Immerse yourself in the Revolutionary spirit at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Throughout the weekend, visitors can view the estate transformed into a battleground and watch military drills, cavalry demonstrations, and learn about tactical plans from the 1700s. Visitors will also be able to interact with Revolutionary soldiers encamped there and greet General Washington. Tickets available online.
Celebrating Spring Family Fun Series
May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
Metropolitan Park at National Landing
Arlington, VA
Celebrate Spring each Sunday this month at National Landing. From 10am until 1pm, family-friendly craft activities, lawn games, and bubbles will be enjoyed by attendees. A variety of musical acts will entertain during this seasonal celebration. This family-friendly event is FREE!
Drive-In at Union Market presents: Mulan
May 8
Union Market
Washington, DC
The summer Drive-In at Union Market is returning this month for its 14th season! Movie goers can enjoy films projected on the side of the Market from their car. Purchase tickets for each car online. If you want to watch the movie for FREE, you can take chairs and blankets to watch from the ground in front of the Market. A wide variety of delicious food and drinks are available for purchase from Market vendors.
Spring Music Series
May 8, 15, 22, and 29
Yards Park Boardwalk
Washington, DC
This Spring, head to the Yards Park Boardwalk for FREE family-friendly concerts by local artists from 6:30pm until 7:30pm. Take a picnic or grab a yummy to-go dinner from one of the many nearby restaurants including Potbelly, Nando’s, Agua 301, Bammy’s Modern Caribbean, Emmy Squared Pizza, and more.
Potomac Bonsai Festival
May 8 – 10
U.S. National Arboretum
Washington, DC
Once again, the Potomac Bonsai Association and the Friends of the National Arboretum will host their Annual Bonsai Festival at the U.S. National Arboretum. Visitors will be able to enjoy bonsai vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and children’s activities. On Saturday and Sunday, food trucks will be on location. Check out the event website for more information about the schedule of events. this event is FREE, but guests must preregister online for workshops.
World Migratory Bird Day
May 9
National Zoo
Washington, DC
Millions of birds will soon complete their seasonal migrations. Celebrate this natural wonder at the National Zoo during this family-friendly event. Visitors will receive guided tours of the aviaries and watch special keeper demonstrations. Caffeine connoisseurs will enjoy Bird Friendly coffee tastings. Additional games and activities will educate and entertain bird lovers of all ages. This event is FREE, but you must reserve a timed-entry pass ahead of time.
EU Open House
May 9
Various Embassies
Washington, DC
The Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of over 25 EU Member States will open their doors to the public during the EU Embassies’ Open House Day. Each embassy will provide a unique opportunity to experience its country’s cultural heritage and national traditions. Feel like you are in Hungary while learning folk dancing and meeting the Vizsla and Puli Hungarian dogs. Enjoy Belgian waffles and a visit from the Smurfs at the Belgium Embassy. Or, visit the Residence of Ireland to take part in an Irish language workshop and to be entertained by traditional Irish dance.
STEAM Saturday
May 9
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
Spark your child’s creativity and interest in design and engineering at this two-hour session related to protecting the planet. The Museum has partnered with the National Geographic Museum of Exploration to offer hands-on learning about how important it is that we reduce, reuse, and recycle. This event is geared for kids in 2nd through 6th grade and their caregivers. Participation is free with museum admission, but you should register online.
Salute the Sunset Concert Series
May 9, 16, 23, and 30
National Harbor
National Harbor, MD
Summertime means the return of the Salute the Sunset Concert Series at National Harbor. Beginning in May, your family can enjoy musical performances by a variety of military bands on Saturday evenings at 7pm. Performances are scheduled through September 12th. Take a picnic or pick up food from one of the many area restaurants to enjoy during this FREE family-friendly concert.
Washington Mystics Home Opener
May 10
CareFirst Arena
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Mystics as they take on the New York Liberty in the first home game of their 30th season! The Mystics will be giving away a Mystics hat to the first 1,997 attendees. Tickets can be purchased online.
Anacostia River Festival
May 16
Anacostia Park
Washington, DC
Celebrate the outdoors and the river at the 12th Annual Anacostia River Festival from 2pm to 6pm. This FREE family-friendly event will fishing workshops, pickleball, arts and crafts, nature exploration activities, and more. There will also be live musical entertainment throughout the day.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
May 16
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Washington, DC
This annual festival is celebrating its 23rd year! It aims to continue the tradition and sport of dragon boat racing. In addition to dragon boat racing, the festival will also offer eye dotting ceremonies, a lion dance, and other cultural demonstrations. There will also be crafts and hands-on activities. Attending this event is FREE.
Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 16
Pennsylvania Ave. NW (between 3rd and 6th Streets)
Washington, DC
For 20 years, the Fiesta Asia Street Fair has celebrated the incredibly diverse cultures found throughout Asia. Performers, artisans, food vendors, and organizations will represent more than 20 cultures at this FREE family-friendly event. Attendees will be delighted by a variety of performances by musicians, dancers, and martial artists. There will also be a shopping bazaar, several kid-friendly interactive activities, an exciting parade, tons of delicious food, and much, much more.
Arlington Palooza
May 16
Lubber Run Community Center and Park
Arlington, VA
Arlington Palooza is a live music street fair. Families will enjoy exploring the wares of local artists and businesses in the Street Vendor Market. Yummy food will be offered in Food Truck Alley. Kids will have loads of fun in moon bounces and getting creative at Make and Take Craft stations. And the entertainment lineup includes a Zumba lesson, line dancing, a magician, and exciting musicians including East Coast yacht rock tribute band, Got Yacht?. This event is FREE to attend.
Jazz in the Garden
May 22 through August 14
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Washington, DC
This beloved DC summer concert series is back! Spend a warm, summer Friday evening enjoying live music in the peaceful setting of the sculpture garden. This year, American musical traditions from Appalachia, Creole Jazz, the blues, and more will part of Jazz in the Garden to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner. This very popular event is FREE, but you must register online. Registration is available through a lottery. Check out the event website for more information.
Children’s Book Fair
May 23
National Museum of Asian Art
Washington, DC
This book fair is one of the Museum’s events that will celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. A stellar lineup of children’s book authors will be on site leading book readings and can even sign visitors’ books (see website for a list of participating authors). Other family-friendly activities will be offered including crafts and giveaways. Attendance is FREE, but space is limited and you must reserve your spot online.
Mt. Pleasant Block Fest
May 23
Lamont Plaza
Washington, DC
Yeison Landero, the celebrated cumbia musician, will headline this FREE event which is co-hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Library Friends. In addition to exciting musical performance, there will also be a neighborhood market featuring vendors selling food, vinyl, screen printing, and other wares. Check out the event website for the entertainment lineup.
Service and Sacrifice: Honoring Native American Veterans
May 23
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Throughout the day, indigenous service members who sacrificed their lives in service to the U.S. Armed Forces will be honored. There will be a panel discussion about the legacies of this year’s special honorees, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Harvey Phillip Pratt. Visitors will also have the opportunity to make their own prayer tie and take part in a curator tour. The day will culminate in a wreath laying ceremony at the National Native American Veterans Memorial. Please see website for schedule of events.
National Memorial Day Concert
May 24
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
Be a part of this longstanding salute to our nation’s veterans, service men and women, and military families. Celebrity hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host this tribute and audiences will be entertained by United States premier military choirs and ensembles. The concert, held on the West Lawn of the Capitol, is FREE and open to the public. Gates open at 5pm and guests will have to go through security checkpoints. If you can’t make it to the concert in person, you can watch the broadcast live on PBS.
Memorial Day Ceremony
May 25
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA
Every year, a Memorial Day Ceremony is held at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. Roughly 5,000 visitors are expected to attend this annual tribute. If you wish to pay tribute to the fallen, but would prefer not to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony, flags are placed at each of the Cemetery’s more than 228,000 gravesites just before Memorial Day weekend and they are removed after Memorial Day, before the Cemetery opens to the public. And on May 24th, the public is welcome to place a flower on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during Flowers of Remembrance Day. Please check with the Cemetery’s website for up to date information regarding attendance.
National Memorial Day Parade
May 25
Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC
This parade, which is the nation’s largest Memorial Day event, honors those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day. The event is FREE and attendees can watch the parade from anywhere along the route. The route stretches between 7th Street NW and 17th Street NW along Constitution Ave. Please check the event website for an updated list of participating celebrities and performers.
Men, Mines, and Mortars: A Bike Tour of Fort Washington’s Endicott Batteries
May 25
Fort Washington Park
Fort Washington, MD
During this FREE, 2-hour guided tour, participants will be led by a NPS Park Ranger on a ride around the Endicott Batteries at Fort Washington. During the 4.5 mile ride, you will learn about how the concrete structures were important defenses in the late 1880s until WWI. Make sure you bring your helmet, water, and, of course, your bike!
Washington Ballet Performances
May 29 & 30
CityCenter DC
Washington, DC
The immensely talented dancers of The Washington Ballet will once again offer FREE performances at CityCenter DC. There will be a performance at 6:30pm on Friday and two performances on Saturday, one at 2:30pm and on at 6:30pm. Seating is first-come, first-served, so make sure you arrive early.
Petworth PorchFest
May 30
Petworth Neighborhood
Washington, DC
Head to Petworth from 2pm to 7pm to enjoy performances of over 427 acts representing a variety of genres, including pop, go-go, children’s music, classical, rap, bluegrass, funk, and more. Wander the neighborhood to enjoy music on 176 porches, business patios, and the main stage at the Petworth Recreation Center. Check out the website for more information including a map, list of performers, and map of retailers offering discounts.
Family Workshop: The Missing Piece
May 30
Smithsonian Asian Art Museum
Washington, DC
This FREE workshop gives kids the chance to learn skills of a real art conservator. They will get to use kid-friendly tools to fix damaged pottery while learning about artworks in the exhibit, Engaging the Senses: Arts of the Islamic World. This activity is designed for kids from age 6 to 11. Advance registration is recommended.
Washington Spirit Youth Night
May 30
Audi Field
Washington, DC
The Washington Spirit will celebrate the players of the future throughout its Youth Night as they take on Seattle Reign FC. Youth soccer clubs are invited to join the team’s Junior Spirit program. See website for preferred pricing and access to exclusive experiences for groups of 10 or more people.
Opening Day at ACM: We Make History
May 30 & 31
Smithsonian Anacostia Museum
Washington, DC
This museum is reopening after months of being closed to create its newest exhibition, We Make History. This exhibit explores how communities in our area preserve their stories, personal records, and cultural traditions and how those recorded histories impact the story of our nation. This weekend, FREE family-friendly activities are planned including guided tours of the exhibition, story times, art activities for kids under 5, and more. See event website for a schedule of events.
Washington Nationals Youth Baseball & Softball Day
May 31
Nationals Park
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Nationals during the 18th annual Youth Baseball & Softball Days. The Nats will take on the San Diego Padres. Attendees that purchase special tickets will be able to enjoy a parade around the warning track before the game.
Be sure to check out MORE events on our Community Events Calendar and submit events here too!
