CAROUSEL DAY
May 3. Celebrate the opening day of the season for Glen Echo Park's iconic 104-year-old Dentzel Carousel. In addition to riding the carousel – which includes 40 horses, 4 rabbits, 4 ostriches, 1 giraffe, 1 deer, 1 lion and 1 tiger, in case the kids ask – families are welcome to enjoy many other free activities throughout the park. Enjoy live music and dance performances from groups like Step Afrika! and Furia Flamenca, a spring parade and maypole celebration with Washington Revels, kids' arts and crafts, open artist studios and galleries, food trucks and lots more. Glen Echo, Md.
FAMILY FESTIVALS
Sligo Creek Fest
May 3. An annual event which transforms the Sligo Creek Open Parkway into a one-mile street festival featuring multiple stages of music and entertainment, kids' activities including touch-a-truck and tree climbing, roving entertainment, food and drink vendors and hands-on activities and demonstrations from over 15 different Montgomery Parks groups. Silver Spring, Md.
Berwyn Heights Day
May 3. The town of Berwyn Heights is celebrating its local pride with a daylong festival event that includes a free pancake breakfast, a parade, a senior bake sale and live music. Berwyn Heights, Md.
Encanto and Darth Vader at Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 4. Darth Vader and characters from Encanto will host this Cinco De Mayo Kids and Family Festival. Free activities on offer include face painting, arts and crafts, live music, moon bounces, and a full outdoor playground to ensure everyone has a blast. McLean, Va.
World Migratory Bird Day Festival
May 10. For families. Tiny hummingbirds and fierce osprey are some of the many birds migrating northward in spring. Come learn about these and other fabulous flyers with hands-on activities, games, crafts, bird walks and more at this bilingual event. Registration required. Arlington, Va.
MEMORIAL DAY*
National Memorial Day Parade
May 26. The National Memorial Day Parade will again be hosted in DC this year, running down Constitution Avenue from 17th Street all the way to the steps of the Supreme Court. The parade is free to watch, on TV at home or in person, and will feature representatives from every branch of service. Washington, D.C.
43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade
May 26. The 43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival will take place rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather. Enjoy a day full of fun, food, festivities and honoring those who have served. The all-day festival features vendors, food, inflatables and live entertainment. Falls Church, Va.
*Check WashingtonParent.com in early May for our annual extensive roundup of Memorial Day events in the DC area!
CROSS-CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
Teens Create: K-Pop Cards
May 7. Teens are invited to get creative and come have fun by designing their own K-pop card holder. Part of the library's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming. Hyattsville, Md.
Gujarati Storytime
May 12. Come enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes from the Gujarat culture of India and in the Gujarati language. Ages 0-5. No registration. Space is limited. Please arrive early to receive a ticket. Centreville, Va.
Kofi's African Village
May 13. Drummer Kofi Dennis shares the vibrant life of a West African village through music, storytelling and dance. Playing authentic instruments, the Ghanaian native leads lively call-and-response songs and games to get audiences up on their feet in a vibrant exploration of African cultural traditions. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age. Hyattsville, Md.
Japanese Koto Recital
May 28. Experience the serene beauty and harmonious melodies of traditional Japanese koto music. The koto, a 13-string instrument made of paulownia wood, is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, mirroring the tranquility of Japanese nature. All ages are welcome. Glenarden, Md.
2025 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 10-11. Over 100 artists from across the country will gather in Bethesda to showcase and sell their original paintings, drawing, photography, furniture, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics and more. Admission to the festival is free, and there will be live entertainment throughout the day. Bethesda, Md.
McLean Day 2025
May 17. Enjoy music, gourmet food trucks, 100+ exhibitors and sponsors, giveaways, balloon animals, games, a magician, petting zoo, amusements, large and small carnival rides and much more at McLean's 110th annual town festival. This event draws approximately 10,000+ patrons throughout the day. Ride tickets sold onsite and online. Advance purchase available. McLean, Va.
Petting Zoo Kids and Family Festival
May 18. This festival features arts and crafts, a magic show, moon bounces and, of course, a petting zoo. Dogs are welcome as well, whether on-leash or at the location's off-leash dog park. McLean, Va.
Asian Summer Festival
May 24-26. A festival stretching from Saturday to Monday celebrating Asian cultures from across the continent through performances, talks, cuisine and activities. Main exhibits highlight Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Filipino culture, but other Asian cultures will be featured in smaller showcases. Tysons, Va.
Saving the Past, Building the Future Festival
May 31. Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by meeting local construction workers, tradespeople, preservationists and other artisans who work to save historic places. Practice some of their skills like wiring a light or hewing a log. Learn the secrets behind how they keep centuries-old buildings standing for decades to come. All ages and free, but registration is recommended.
