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Festival season is here!
This spring, communities around the region will be hosting a variety of fun, family-friendly festivals that seem to be getting bigger and better every year.
Many have historic roots, like the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, which was first held May 3, 1924. The ideal setting of the Reston Town Center continues to be utilized for popular niche gatherings. And some traditional, all-American festivals have helped rapidly expanding communities retain that small-town feel.
Whether you love art, music, animals or food -- or if you are simply looking for some good, clean fun – there's surely a festival or two that you and your family shouldn't miss.
Here's a sampling of what's scheduled in our area now through June.
81st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Now through May 4
Various locations, Winchester
A series of more than 30 events, including band competitions, dances, parades, a circus, a 10K race, the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, firefighters' events and celebrities. Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci and "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino will be at this year's festival.
540-662-3864
23rd Annual Spotlight on the Arts Festival
Now through May 6
Various locations, Old Town Fairfax
A three-week arts festival featuring top-notch music, fine arts, theater and dance from the City of Fairfax. Highlights include the fourth annual Arts in the Park Festival at Old Town Hall (May 3) and the second annual Jazz on the Lawn concert at Veterans Amphitheater (May 4).
703-352-ARTS
8th Annual Pet Fiesta
May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Reston Town Center
"Fun and games for pets and their humans!" A pet adoption, a dog walk, exhibitors, pet rescue groups, pet contests, entertainment and family fun.
703-469-6899
Great Falls Spring Festival
May 4, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Great Falls Village Green
Entertainment for adults and children, games, pony rides, an antique car and new car show, a 5K race, a plant sale, raffles and more.
Flingfest Carnival & Concert
May 15-16, 5-10 p.m.; May 17-18, noon-10 p.m.
Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville
Carnival rides, live music, vendors, a 5K run/walk, international foods, a puppet show, face painting, clowns, fire trucks and antique cars.
703-304-2320 or 703-819-3715
McLean Day
May 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road
Carnival rides, food, onstage entertainment and elections for McLean Community Center governing board.
703-790-0123
17th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
May 17-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Reston Town Center
Juried street festival with work by more than 185 fine artists and fine crafters, plus live music and entertainment, children's activities and delicious food. Attracts a large crowd.
703-471-9242
ViVa! Vienna!
May 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 25, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; May 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Church Street between Lawyers Road and Mill Street, Old Town Vienna
Carnival midway, food court, entertainment stage, health fair, arts & crafts vendors, along with political, business and community booths. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vienna.
703-255-4742
Springfield Days
May 29-June 1
Various locations, Springfield
Kids' rides and games at Springfield Mall, the 19th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Accotink Park, an old-fashioned barbecue at American Legion Post 176, Taste of Springfield at Springfield Plaza and a K9 parade along Commerce Street.
703-569-7120
Herndon Festival
May 29, 6-10 p.m.; May 30, 5-11 p.m.; May 31, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 1, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Historic Downtown Herndon
Live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides and games, fireworks display, arts & crafts show, children's entertainment, hands-on activities, business expo, 5K and 10K races, a model railway exhibit and international foods.
703-787-7300
Celebrate Fairfax! Festival
June 6-8
On the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center
Northern Virginia's largest music and entertainment festival featuring six stages of performances, good food, interactive exhibits and activities, a Crafts Market, a Business Expo, carnival and special attractions.
703-324-3247
15th Potomac Celtic Festival
June 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Morven Park Historic Green and Mansion, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg
Music and dance, Celtic crafters and import vendors, living history re-enactments, storytelling, workshops, children's activities and an authentic pub tent.
703-938-9779
Taste of the Town
June 14, noon-11 p.m.
Reston Town Center
Food samples from more than 40 area restaurants, three stages of live music and entertainment, plus a "Kiddie Korner." Presented by Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.
703-707-9045
42nd Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June 25-June 29 and July 2-6
On the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets
A two-week international exposition of living cultural heritage. Draws more than 1 million visitors for musicians, artists, performers, craftspeople, storytellers and others from a around the world. The 2008 festival will feature programs from Bhutan, NASA and Texas.
202-633-6440
Contact the writer at bboyd@timespapers.com
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