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Northern Virginia’s spring schedule is packed with garden visits, theater, festivals, community sales, environmental programs and family activities from mid-April through May 18.
Gardens, Softball and Tree Planting
Several notable gardens offer self-guided visits, subject to each property’s operating hours.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a 90-acre retreat with more than 100 cherry trees around a lake, along with native wildflowers, a shade garden, seasonal blooms, gazebos and the Korean Bell Garden.
Green Spring Gardens combines an outdoor classroom, museum and national historic site. Its landscape includes ponds, a wooded stream, a native plant garden, a greenhouse of tropical plants and more than 20 themed demonstration gardens.
River Farm occupies 25 acres beside the Potomac River. Once part of George Washington’s original five farms, it now serves as the American Horticultural Society’s headquarters.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon has four gardens, open landscapes, wooded areas and a quarter-mile forest trail, as well as historical and educational resources.
The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia is seeking women over 40 for its senior softball league. Players of every skill level are welcome. Games are generally held in Vienna on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from May through July and again from September through October.
McLean residents can receive help planting a native tree through the McLean Trees Foundation’s Neighborhood Trees Program. The nonprofit assists with tree selection, delivery, planting and maintenance guidance, then checks on the tree several months later. A $100 fee covers one 6- to 7-foot tree in a 15-gallon container per household. The foundation also runs a Tree Champion program for residents organizing neighborhood planting campaigns.
Exhibitions Continuing This Spring
“Investigating Identity,” featuring George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College student artists, continues through May 3 at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way in Lorton. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the exhibition uses painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media to examine race, gender, belief, belonging and artistic growth.
Sandra Dovberg’s “A Life in Art” remains at Reston Art Gallery, 11400 Washington Plaza W., Suite B, through April 27. The exhibition spans realistic and abstract paintings, sculpture, ceramics, wall hangings, art objects and handmade jewelry. A meet-the-artist event is scheduled for April 27.
“Required Reading: A Visual Poetry Exhibition on Language & Silence” runs through June 9 at the Workhouse Arts Center. Eight artists explore what happens when words and conventional forms of communication are erased, rearranged or transformed. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Appearance” continues through May 3 in the Workhouse Arts Center’s Muse Gallery, Building W-16. The exhibition considers visibility, reflection, presentation and the emergence of objects and ideas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, April 17
“The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!” begins at 1 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. The family-friendly, TV-G production runs 114 minutes and brings Bikini Bottom’s characters, songs, humor and optimistic spirit to the stage.
April 18-May 4
“Decision Height” explores the work and camaraderie of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. Performances begin at 8 p.m. April 18-19, April 25-26 and May 2-3 at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. April 27 and May 4. Tickets are available online through the town or at the community center.
Friday, April 18
“Learning at Lunch: Workhouse to ARC” runs from noon to 1 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. The session examines the institution’s transformation and its relationship with arts and community life in the Washington region.
Saturday, April 19
McLean Community Center’s Spring Community Parking Lot Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 50 sellers will offer household goods, electronics, furniture, clothing, appliances and other new or gently used items. A Kids’ Corner allows children ages 3-15 to sell toys, games and clothing while practicing math and entrepreneurial skills.
An annual Patriot’s Day commemoration begins at noon on the Freeman House grounds, 131 Church St. NE in Vienna. The event will mark the 250th anniversary of the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord with a color guard and accounts from British and colonial perspectives. The Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairfax County Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution are co-hosting.
Easter at The Perch will bring a 3,000-egg hunt to Capital One Center’s three-acre sky park, 11 stories above Tysons. Activities include a petting zoo with alpacas, rabbits and baby goats; an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet; complimentary manicures; festive drinks and gelato; and a pop-up box office offering fee-free Capital One Hall tickets.
Wednesday, April 23
A Senior Safety Summit will run from 10 a.m. to noon at McLean Community Center. Representatives from the McLean Citizens Association, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Fairfax County Police Department will discuss risk reduction, search and rescue, scams and financial crimes targeting older adults, crime prevention, emergency readiness and the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign. Registration is not required.
Patty Hagan, CEO of Lighthouse Coaching, will lead “Ageless Wisdom—Timeless Purpose” from 7 to 8 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. The program focuses on aging, personal purpose and applying life experience.
The George Mason Friends Book Sale begins with a $20-per-adult preview from 5 to 8 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. The free general sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, offering used books, CDs and DVDs.
The Hot Lanes will perform during the Centreville Jazz Ensemble concert at 7 p.m. at Centreville High School.
Reston Association’s Senior Movie Day begins at 10 a.m. at the Reston Town Center movie theater with a showing of “Elvis.” Coffee, doughnuts and orange juice will be served, with door prizes awarded before the film.
Thursday, April 24
Vienna’s Green Expo runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. More than three dozen exhibitors will cover sustainable landscaping, recycling, composting, water conservation, chicken raising, beekeeping and other environmental topics. Outdoor attractions include sheep and lambs from Lamb Mowers and live birds of prey presented by Secret Garden Birds & Bees.
Friday, April 25
Family Fun Bingo is scheduled from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at McLean Community Center, a location change prompted by construction at the Old Firehouse. Popcorn is free, and game winners may choose prizes. Advance registration is recommended.
Saturday, April 26
Clifton will celebrate its 123rd birthday from 4 to 9 p.m. at The Red Barn. The festivities include food, a fire pit, cornhole, wiffle ball, children’s games and acoustic guitar music by Dave Nemetz.
Reston Association’s Community Yard Sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12010 Sunrise Valley Drive, near Wegmans. Vendor spaces are sold out.
A volunteer park cleanup will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. Participants should meet on the porch of the house behind the park, reached by following the main path from the parking lot toward the tennis courts. Presidential Volunteer Service hours will be available.
The Vienna Police Department will accept old, expired, unused and unwanted medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 215 Center St. S. Prescription drugs, controlled and non-controlled substances and over-the-counter medications may be surrendered anonymously at the collection site in front of the department.
Sensory Day runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at McLean Community Center. Held in recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the event offers activities engaging taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch. It was moved from the Old Firehouse because of construction.
Reading Opens the World will distribute about 30,000 free books to families and educators during a book drive and literacy fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Highway. Books will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Lorton Spring Fling runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South County High School, 8501 Silverbrook Road. The outdoor festival includes handcrafted goods, food trucks, children’s games, live entertainment and vehicle displays from police, fire and National Guard units. Trademasters Home Services will offer a complimentary children’s “Fishpond” activity.
Earth Day Fairfax takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly. Programs will cover gardening, invasive plants, beneficial insects, erosion’s effects on archaeology, composting and historical activities such as operating a corn grinder. Live music, outdoor ice skating and a touch-a-truck display are also planned. Admission is free, but parking costs $10 per vehicle.
An HO-scale model train show runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Admission is free for museum members and children 4 and younger; $3 for ages 5-12; $5 for ages 13 and older, or $6 during special events; and $4 for seniors and active or retired military members.
Sunday, April 27
Tutti Frutti Productions presents “Underneath a Magical Moon” at 4 p.m. at McLean Community Center. The play follows Wendy Darling as she camps in the backyard with her brothers and begins telling them a story beneath a full moon.
Vienna’s Walk on the Hill returns from 2 to 5 p.m. along Windover Avenue between Lewis Street and Lawyers Road. The free, self-paced event opens participating yards and gardens in the Windover Heights Historic District, with spring flowers, historic properties, entertainment, exhibits and refreshments. The tradition began in 1974.
Planet Virginia, a plant-based lifestyle expo, runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wilkins Plaza on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. The family festival expects 5,000 attendees and nearly 50 vendors, along with speakers, sustainable products, plant-based food and a Planet Play Zone for children. U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam is scheduled to appear.
Britain on the Green runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10706 Gunston Road in Lorton. The 27th annual show will feature more than 200 British cars and motorcycles, music, food trucks and access to Gunston Hall and its grounds. Participant’s Choice awards will cover at least 25 vehicle classes, and the Nation’s Capital Jaguar Owners Club will hold its Concours d’Elegance.
Tuesday, April 29
The Assistance League of Northern Virginia will hold a golf tournament and luncheon fundraiser at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton. The event includes a continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, a hot lunch buffet, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Proceeds will support food, clothing, books and other necessities for children attending Title I elementary schools.
Wednesday, April 30. Scam Jam 2025 runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus, 8430 Center Drive. The free event focuses on preventing and prosecuting fraud against older adults. It includes lunch, a resource fair and a screening of “HOAP: Heroes of Adult Protection,” a short film about abuse survivors and Adult Protective Services employees. Registration is required.
May 1-2. “The Music Man Jr.” and “Circus Olympus” will be staged at 7 p.m. at Capital Baptist Church, 3504 Gallows Road in Annandale. Meredith Willson’s musical follows a fast-talking salesman, while Lindsay Price’s comedy reimagines Greek myths through a circus troupe known as the Greek Geeks.
May 1-10. George C. Marshall High School presents “Anything Goes” at 7731 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Set aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, the musical follows Reno Sweeney, stowaway Billy Crocker, Hope Harcourt and her wealthy fiancé, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. May 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10. A 2 p.m. matinee is also scheduled for May 10, followed by Senior Night at the evening performance.
May 2-4. The Friends of Centreville Regional Library Spring Book Sale will offer fiction, nonfiction, DVDs, audiobooks and other materials at 14200 St. Germain Drive. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Electronic scanners are prohibited. On Sunday, shoppers can fill a grocery bag with books and DVDs for $10.
Saturday, May 3. A free document-shredding event runs from 9 to 11 a.m., or until the truck fills, at The Fairfax Community Center, 9140 Belvoir Woods Parkway near Telegraph Road and Route 1 in Fort Belvoir. The location is not on the military base. Participants may bring up to five boxes and should remove all plastic.
A guided forest-bathing program will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Highway in Alexandria. The slow, mindful outdoor practice typically covers less than a mile.
The Feed Fairfax 5K will take place at Greenbriar Town Center in Chantilly. Race fees and donations will support weekend student meal programs operated by Western Fairfax Christian Ministries and Food for Others.
A Community Shred celebrating Earth Day runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Antioch Baptist Church, 6525-B Little Ox Road in Fairfax Station. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter is partnering with the church. Participants may also bring eligible plastics, excluding bottles, for NexTrex recycling.
Taste of Tysons Corner begins at 1 p.m. with more than 40 food samples, beer and wine, live music and cooking demonstrations. General admission is free with an RSVP. Paid VIP admission adds reserved tent access, one alcoholic drink and tastings from Earls, Seasons 52, Barrel & Bushel and Nordstrom Cafe.
Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony will present the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia” at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The opera recounts Mildred and Richard Loving’s interracial marriage in 1958 and the Supreme Court case that produced a landmark civil-rights victory.
Great Falls Studios Spring Artfest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at The Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike. Great Falls jeweler and artist Sandy Buffie will display her eclectic jewelry.
Sunday, May 4. The Tiny Music Festival on Main launches from noon to 5 p.m. in The Shoppes at Main parking lot, 10409 Main St. in Fairfax. The free outdoor acoustic concert series will return on the first Sunday of each month through September. Craft beer and pizza will be available, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs because seating is limited.
The Tour de Hunter Mill offers a community bicycle ride through bike-friendly parts of the Hunter Mill District. The event is designed for riders of varied ages and abilities, including families.
Wednesday, May 7. Northern Virginia Community College political science professor John Lechelt will discuss “Guns in America: A Complex National Dilemma” during a Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia forum. The free program runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Registration is not required.
Thursday, May 8. McLean Project for the Arts will hold its Spring Benefit from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the McLean home of Reggie and Dharini Aggarwal. Co-chaired by Cindy Green and Christine Wang, the sunset gathering will feature food from Windows Catering and music. Proceeds support contemporary art exhibitions, education and MPA ArtReach programming for Title I elementary schools and other underserved groups.
Saturday, May 10. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield, will host its Annual Spring Faire from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The craft and vendor show will benefit Bethany House.
The Stuart-Mosby Historical Society’s 44th annual spring bus tour, “Mosby and the End of the War,” will retrace the final Civil War actions of Mosby’s Rangers through their disbandment at Salem. Kevin Pawlak and Rob Orrison will lead the tour. Tickets cost $80 for society members and $90 for nonmembers, with lunch excluded. Refunds will not be available after May 1, 2025.
Monday, May 12. International trade lawyer Steve Creskoff will present “Our Man in Moscow” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Creskoff will share experiences from a World Bank project in Moscow during the early 2000s and offer perspectives on current U.S.-Russia relations.
Thursday, May 15. Bike to Work Day 2025 will offer more than 100 pit stops across Washington, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. The free 24th annual event promotes bicycling as an affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly commuting option. The first 18,000 registered riders who visit a pit stop will receive a commemorative red T-shirt.
Friday, May 16. The Clifton Community Woman’s Club will hold its 48th charity Homes Tour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Four homes and the Cloverleaf Equine Center will open to visitors. Clifton Presbyterian Church, 12748 Richards Lane, will host a vendor fair, silent auction and related activities. Advance tickets cost $35.
Saturday, May 17. A photography exhibition runs from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 6320 Hanover Ave. in Springfield. The show features Veterans Behind the Lens Collective and a juried selection of Fairfax County high school student work. Donations and proceeds from sales will benefit FACETS.
The Spring Civil War & Militaria Show & Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd. in Fairfax. Books, relics and memorabilia from multiple wars will be available. Admission is $5, and vendors are welcome.
Sunday, May 18. The Asian Festival on Main returns from noon to 6 p.m. in Historic Old Town Fairfax. Celebrating the Year of the Snake, the free family event will feature cultural performances, more than 60 Asian food vendors and food trucks, more than 60 additional vendors and exhibits, children’s activities, cosplay, karaoke and a beer garden. The Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe will return for its popular Lion Dance performance.