Lucky you. You just found NOVAtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Northern Virginia each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to this month. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
Festivals
NY Cat Film Festival | Tuesday, May 6 | 7-9 p.m. | Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, Arlington | $38 | This curated collection of short films explores the unique charm, mystery, and companionship of our feline friends, with all proceeds benefitting The Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, June 8 | 12-10 p.m. | Multiple locations, Washington, DC | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in DC with a vibrant slate of events and cultural programs over three weeks.
Festival Argentino 2025 | Saturday, May 31 | 3:30 p.m. | Kenmore Theater, Arlington | $15+ | Celebrate Argentinian culture through a lively day of music, dance, and food — plus, your ticket enters you into a raffle to win two tickets to Buenos Aires.
The Virginia Wine Festival | Saturday, May 31 | 4-9 p.m. | Tysons III, Tysons | $55+ | Featuring over 30 of the state’s finest producers pouring ~200 wines altogether, this outdoor festival is the perfect venue to kick off your summer-fun season in style.
Live entertainment
Crime Junkie Podcast Live | Thursday, May 1 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | EagleBank Arena, Fairfax | $40+ | Hear award-winning podcasters Ashley Flowers + Brit Prawat deep dive into a case live from the audience.
“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” | Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 24 | Times vary | Gunston Arts Center Theatre 2,, Arlington | Come out to see Avant Bard Theatre’s new interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
DEVO: 50 Years of De-Evolution continued! | Saturday, May 3 | 8 p.m. | The Anthem, Washington, DC | $75+ | “Whip It” over to see this American new wave band that got their start in the 1970s.
Napoleon Dynamite Live! | Friday, May 23 | 7 p.m. | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $39 | Experience a wild and hysterical blend of a Q+A, comedy improv, game show, and party, with plenty of audience participation.
Halsey: “For My Last Trick” | Saturday, May 31 | 7 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow | $55+ | See this artist on her “For My Last Trick” tour + hear hits like “Colors” and songs from her latest album “The Great Impersonator.”
“Chicago” | Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $63.50+ | Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, this Broadway musical follows the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who get caught up in a crime.
Active
Feed Fairfax 5K & 1M | Saturday, May 3 | 8 a.m. | Planet Fitness, Greenbriar Town Center, Fairfax | $15+ | Lace up your sneakers to end child hunger in the county with a 5K + 1-Mile Fun Run through the Greenbriar neighborhood.
Running of the Chihuahuas | Saturday, May 3 | 2-5 p.m. | District Pier, Washington, DC | Free | Cheer on these cute small pups during the races + enjoy the Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, adoptable pet parade, and an all-breed dog costume contest.
Old Town Run Club Spring Fling: “May the 4th be With You” |Sunday, May 4 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria | $40 | Celebrate National Star Wars Day with a 10K + Kids 1-Mile Fun Run and Walk — make sure to dress up as your favorite character to enter the costume contest.
Memorial Day Beer Olympics | Saturday, May 24 | 1-6 p.m. | Shipgarten, McLean | Free | Compete in a 3-legged race, cornhole tournament, and water balloon toss + enjoy over 40 different beers, food, and outdoor fun.
Seasonal events
Revolutionary War Weekend | Saturday, May 3 | 9 a.m. | Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon | $33 | Step back in time as this serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground featuring Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians engaged in 18th-century combat.
The Longest Table Vienna | Saturday, May 3 | 12-2 p.m. | Mill Street Next to Vienna Town Green, Vienna | Free | Sit down for a potluck lunch with strangers and leave with new connections in your community.
Rosslyn Cinema | Thursday, May 15 + Thursday, May 22 | 6-10:30 p.m. | Central Place Plaza, Arlington | Free | Arrive early to this beloved neighborhood tradition to snag a seat + a drink from the bar before the movie reel begins at sundown.
Have an event of your own you want to share with us? Follow these easy steps to add your events to our calendar:
- Go to our Events page.
- Click “Add Event” in the top right-hand corner.
- Make sure to include a link and fill out important information like the date, time, location, and price of your event.
- Click “Submit,” and you’ve just added an event to our website calendar.
