Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
Every Monday and Thursday-Sunday in May. Step into a whimsical, candy-filled world as this interactive, family-friendly experience makes its East Coast debut at Tysons Corner Center. Families can explore hands-on games, multi-sensory activities and playful experiences celebrating favorite Hershey treats. Discover the magic behind Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's Kisses, Twizzlers Twists and Jolly Rancher candies, plus enjoy new features like a Bubble Yum Bubble Gum activation and a grand finale where guests can create a personalized Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar wrapper with a selfie. Designed for all ages, this immersive adventure blends fun, creativity and sweet memories in one unforgettable outing. Tickets start at $19.99 per person.
- Location: Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA
"Aesop's Fables"
May 1-24. "Aesop's Fables" is a lively theatrical adventure that brings classic stories to life through humor and imagination. A troupe of traveling storytellers retells beloved tales including "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and "The Lion and the Mouse." Each story shares lessons about patience, honesty and kindness, creating a fun and meaningful experience for young audiences.
- Location: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
Maryland Show
May 1-31. Celebrate Maryland with original artwork in this featured gallery show, highlighting local artists and themes inspired by Maryland. An opening reception takes place on Sunday, May 3, from 2-5 p.m. Gallery hours are Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Thursday–Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free.
- Location: Artists Gallery, 8197 Main St., Ellicott City, MD
Barracks Row Main Street's Unofficial Star Wars Weekend
May 1-3. The Force is strong on 8th Street SE as Barracks Row Main Street brings back its Unofficial Star Wars Weekend—a lively, family-friendly celebration packed with immersive experiences, themed entertainment and activities for all ages. Enjoy cosplay, live performances, interactive lightsaber training, themed food and drinks, and a dedicated kids' zone with games and crafts. Highlights include appearances by the Galactic Empire Band, costume contests, Jedi training sessions, movie screenings and unique pop-up experiences.
- Location: 8th Street SE, Washington, DC
Strawberry Festival at Messick's Farm Market
May 2-25. Celebrate strawberry season at this annual festival packed with family favorites. Admission includes activities such as hayrides, the barrel train, a candy launch and more. Strawberry picking will also be open for those ready to gather their own fresh berries. The festival runs on weekends from May 2-17, plus May 23-25 (including Memorial Day Monday), with activities throughout the day.
- Location: Messick's Farm Market, 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA
Berwyn Heights Day 2026
May 2. Celebrate community spirit at this annual parade and festival hosted by the town of Berwyn Heights and the Recreation Commission. The day includes a 5K Fun Run, a free pancake breakfast, a senior bake sale, a parade along Pontiac Street and a festival at Sports Park.
- Location: 5700 Berwyn Road, Berwyn Heights, MD
Around the World Embassy Tour
May 2. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion and music of different countries. In the past, visitors have been treated to karate demonstrations, sari wrapping lessons, dance performances and more. This free event invites families to explore cultures from across the globe in one day.
- Location: Various embassies along Embassy Row and Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
May the 4th Family Fun Parade (All ages)
May 4. Celebrate Star Wars Day with a pet-friendly, family-themed parade through downtown Ellicott City. The parade begins at the Log House and ends at the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum. Stop at participating stores along the way to collect raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes. After the parade, enjoy light refreshments at the Admiral Ackbar snack bar and take part in a costume contest. Registration is required.
- Location: Thomas Isaac Log Cabin, 8394 Main St., Ellicott City, MD
Virginia Renaissance Faire
May 9-June 7, Saturdays-Sundays. Step into a world of revelry at the Virginia Renaissance Faire, held over five spring weekends at Lake Anna Winery. Wander through Staffordshire Village's lively marketplace filled with unique goods and services, and enjoy classic festival eats like turkey legs, funnel cakes, gyros and more.
- Location: 5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA
Cirque de Paris by Anouchka Bouglione
May 14-24. Step under the big top for an all-new spectacle featuring 90 minutes of high-energy entertainment from Europe's finest circus artists. Expect BMX trial riders, skilled jugglers, aerialists, acrobats and comedic clowns, all woven into a show rooted in French circus tradition. With multiple showtimes across the weekend, families can pick the experience that fits their schedule. Children 2 and under are free, and special family packages are available online.
- Location: Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling, VA
McLean Day at Lewinsville Park
May 15-16. McLean's biggest annual festival returns with something for everyone—live music, carnival rides, gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden, games, a magician, a petting zoo, and more than 100 exhibitors. The event draws over 10,000 attendees each year. Enjoy rides and games on Friday evening, with full festival activities continuing Saturday. Ride tickets are available for purchase online and onsite. Free admission.
Location: Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
Freedom Flows Festival
May 30. A family-friendly event celebrating the theme "Freedom Flows Through Us." The day highlights the Shenandoah River's role in commerce, movement and independence through children's games, demonstrations, interactive exhibits and local food and artisan vendors. It's about connecting people to place, honoring the stories that shaped Warren County, and inviting the next generation to see themselves as part of the nation's ongoing story.
- Location: Eastham Park, 850 Luray Ave., Front Royal, VA
Sesame Street Live!: "Elmo's Got the Moves"
June 5. Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at "Elmo's Got the Moves," the all-new Sesame Street Live show. This exciting experience brings Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to the stage with singing and dancing to favorite songs like "Sunny Days," "Elmo's Got the Moves," and "Letter of the Day." Families will laugh, learn and play together in a heartwarming celebration that they'll treasure long after the final song.
- Location: Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA
