May Family-Friendly Events Guide

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The DC area offers so many fun things to do with your family in May. Musical performances, nature activities, learning about cultures around the world, Memorial Day events, and many more kinds of family-friendly events are scheduled throughout our area. Your family is bound to make some wonderful memories together as summer draws near. If you are looking for more ideas of things to do this month, check out our guide to the 101 Best Things to Do with Kids in the Washington, DC Area. And while you’re out and about in the warming weather, cool down at one of our Favorite DC Area Ice Cream Shops!

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies

Now through June 11
ARTECHOUSE
Washington, DC
ARTECHOUSE is once again presenting a joyous exhibit to celebrate spring. This family-friendly, immersive experience will wow visitors with its virtual world of cherry blossoms. Interactive installations have also been designed that explore a butterfly’s life cycle and its relationship to the environment. Tickets can be purchased online. Children 3 and under are FREE. Family packs and discounts for military, first responders, students, and locals are also available.

One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection

Now through July 16
Hishhorn Museum
Washington, DC
This stunning exhibition has been extended through July 16th. The prolific work of Yayoi Kusama has been collected by the Hirshorn Museum since 1996. Now, you can see the exhibition of her five works in its permanent collection. Timed passes are required for entry. Passes are FREE, but visitors should reserve prior to visiting.

Centennial Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Festival

May 1 – 14
National Museum of Asian Art, Freer Gallery of Art
Washington, DC
Celebrate the past, present, and future of Asian art and cultures at this two-week long family-friendly event. There are loads of fun experiences planned, including dance demonstrations and classes (including a K-Pop Masterclass), musical performances, Asian and Asian American food vendors, art workshops and market, and more. On May 13th, families can enjoy a book reading and signing by best selling author Eva Chen of her latest children’s book, I Am Golden. Another fun day will be May 14th, when moms will be celebrated with cooking demos, a permanent jewelry pop-up and curator-led family tours.

Jazz in Canal Park

May 3, 10, and 17
Canal Park
Washington, DC
This Spring, head to the middle block of Canal Park for free jazz performances by local artists. This year’s lineup includes a variety of exciting musicians. Check the website for the schedule and description of performers. If your family will be in Canal Park, then you should make a night of it and enjoy dinner from one of the many nearby restaurants including Five Guys, Wiseguy Pizza, Bonchon, and many more.

Flower Mart

May 5 and 6
National Cathedral
Washington, DC
Since 1939, Flower Mart has raised funds to benefit the Cathedral’s Gardens and Grounds. Attendees can purchase spring plants for their gardens, find treasures in the White Elephant Tent, and shop for a wide array of merchandise at a variety of booths. Food vendors will be on site (crepes, lobster rolls, artisan pizza, and more….yum) and free entertainment will be performed throughout the day. There are activities to delight children, including an antique carousel and a Children’s Area with various games and carnival rides. And this year, the Cathedral Tower Climb is back. Tickets for the Climb can be purchased on site.

Bonsai Festival

May 5 – 7
U.S. National Arboretum
Washington, DC
Once again, the Potomac Bonsai Association’s Annual Bonsai Festival will be held at the U.S. National Arboretum. Visitors will be able to enjoy bonsai vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and more. Check out the event website for more information about the schedule of events.

The Drive-In at Union Market

May 5 and 19
Union Market Drive-In
Washington, DC
The Drive-In at Union Market is back for its 11th season! On the first and third Thursday of the month, through July 21st, bring a carload of family and friends to enjoy a variety of family-friendly films. One ticket per car is required and can be purchased online. Attendees can opt to skip the vehicle and instead take their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the movie from Neal Place. Tickets aren’t required for this seating section. Yumminess will be available for purchase from some Union Market vendors. This month, you can enjoy The Karate Kid (May 5th) and Coco (May 19th). Check the website for the season schedule.

Around the World Embassy Tour

May 6
Various Embassies
Washington, DC
Embassies will open their doors to the public to share their cultures with DC visitors and residents. During this very popular event, participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of over 60 different non-EU countries. Admission is FREE and no reservation is required. Parking is very difficult, so public transportation is suggested. Also, be prepared for long wait times as the lines for some embassies can be very long. Check out the website for the list and map of participating embassies.

Running of the Chihuahuas

May 6
District Wharf
Washington, DC
Have you ever seen over 100 chihuahuas racing in groups of eight down a 60 foot racetrack? If not, you can check that off the box when you head to the Wharf for the 11th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas. Cheer on your favorite pup as you enjoy music and family fun. If you have a chihuahua with a champion’s heart, you can register it for the race online.

Beyond the Book Event: Juana Medina, Author of Elena Rides

May 6
Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library
Washington, DC
The DC Public Library and Politics and Prose will host a book reading and talk by Juana Medina. The International Latino Book Award winner will read her latest book, Elena Rides. It is an enchanting picture book that follows the story of a determined elephant who will not give up trying to learn to ride her bike. A limited number of bilingual copies of Elena Rides will be available for purchase and signing at this event. The DC Public Library Foundation will have some free copies available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must register for this event online.

Spring Farm Day

May 6
Frying Pan Farm Park
Herndon, VA
Enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors at Frying Pan Farm Park during this annual family-friendly event. Visitors will enjoy getting up close to baby farm animals and watching demonstrations of sheep shearing, as well as the use of antique farm equipment. Little ones and grown-ups will be able to get their hands dirty performing farm activities such as cow and goat milking. Additionally, there will be one wagon ride (with each admission), crafts, and games.

Revolutionary War Weekend

May 6 – 7
Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
If your kids are Hamilton-crazy or simply all around history buffs, then they may enjoy immersing themselves in the Revolutionary spirit at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Throughout the weekend, visitors can view the estate transformed into a battleground and watch military drills, cavalry demonstrations, and learn about tactical plans from the 1700s. Visitors will also be able to interact with Revolutionary soldiers encamped there and greet General Washington.

Washington Mystics: STEM & Basketball Night

May 10
Entertainment & Sports Arena
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Mystics as they play the Atlanta Dream in this preseason home game. During this day game (it starts at 11:30am), students from Pre-K through high school will learn how STEM principles are involved in the game, on and off the court. Every kid attending the game will also get a STEM Mystics Workbook. Tickets can be purchased online. Also, don’t miss the Mystics’ season home opener on May 19th versus the New York Liberty.

Mother’s Day Sports Date Night

May 13
Fort Stanton Recreation Center
Washington, DC
Celebrate mom with a night of play and fun! There will be lots of energizing activities for kids of all ages and their moms. Have fun jumping rope or playing volleyball. There will also be a self defense clinic. Families can also pile into the photo booth to make a keepsake of this fun night.

EU Open House

May 13
Various Embassies
Washington, DC
The Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of over 20 EU Member States will open their doors to the public during the EU Embassies’ Open House Day. Each embassy will provide a unique opportunity to experience its country’s cultural heritage and national traditions. Take a VR bike ride through Copenhagen at the Embassy of Denmark. Try folk dancing with a live band at the Embassy of Hungary. At the Embassy of Spain, kids can participate in Science 4 Kids activities. Check out the event website for information about what you will be able to experience at each embassy.

Family Day: Curious Careers in Air and Space

May 13
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA
This family-friendly event lets kids explore how skills like art, design, and crafts are very useful in lots of jobs in the air and space industries. Visitors will be invited to design their own moon boots, take part in story time, speak with experts in the field, and more. Admission to the Udvar-Hazy Center is FREE, though parking costs $15.

Community Day: Transform DC

May 18
National Building Museum, West Lawn
Washington, DC
This Community Day event will celebrate Transform DC, a project where DC high school students create murals that examinine the role of their school buildings in their communities. The large scale murals will be installed on the West Lawn of the Museum through September.

DC Dragon Boat Festival

May 20
Thompson’s Boat Center
Washington, DC
This annual festival is celebrating its 20th year! It aims to continue the tradition and sport of dragon boat racing in an effort to promote Taiwanese culture. In addition to dragon boat racing, the festival will also offer eye dotting ceremonies, lion dances, and other cultural demonstrations. Details regarding this year’s Festival schedule have not yet been released. Please check the event website for more information closer to the date.

WB&A Kids Train Show

May 20
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
All aboard for a day of fun at the National Capital Trolley Museum! With the help of the WB&A Train Club, families can explore different train model layouts using materials such as Legos. Visitors will also learn about operating model trains and how to create miniature scenes from the model makers. Part of your visit will include taking a ride on one of the museum’s historic streetcars on a mile-long woodland track. Please take note that from 11am to noon, the train show is reserved for neurodivergent individuals and those who accompany them.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair

May 20
Pennsylvania Ave. NW (between 3rd and 6th Streets)
Washington, DC
For 18 years, the Fiesta Asia Street Fair has celebrated the incredibly diverse cultures found throughout Asia. Performers, artisans, food vendors, and organizations will represent more than 20 cultures at this FREE family-friendly event. Attendees will be delighted by a variety of performances by musicians, dancers, and martial artists. There will also be a shopping bazaar, several kid-friendly interactive activities, an exciting parade, tons of delicious food, and much, much more.

Anacostia River Festival

May 20
Anacostia Park
Washington, DC
Celebrate the outdoors and the river at the 9th Annual Anacostia River Festival. This FREE family-friendly event will have musical acts throughout the day, a vintage car parade, river canoe trips (register with Anacostia Watershed Society onsite), and Fishing with Friends of Anacostia Park (onsite registration required). There will also be an East of the River Artist Market on the 1200 block of Good Hope Road SE that will include food vendors and local businesses. You can RSVP online for this event.

Salute the Sunset Concert Series

May 20 and 27
National Harbor
National Harbor, MD
Summertime means the return of the Salute the Sunset Concert Series at National Harbor. Beginning in May, your family can enjoy musical performances by a variety of military bands every Saturday. Performances are scheduled through September 16th. Take a picnic or pick up food from one of the many area restaurants to enjoy during this FREE family-friendly concert.

Cycle Through Aviation History

May 27
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD
This flat, 10-mile bike ride will teach participants about important points in the 250 year history of aviation. For instance, the first balloon flight in America and 20th century inventions and industry will be highlighted throughout this tour along the Anacostia River trail. This tour is available for people age 13 and older. Advance registration is required. And if you don’t have a bike, you can call a week in advance and reserve one for the event.

National Memorial Day Concert

May 28
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
Be a part of this longstanding salute to our nation’s veterans, service men and women, and military families. Along with United States premier military choirs and ensembles, this year’s performers include Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, and others. The concert, held on the West Lawn of the Capitol, is FREE and open to the public. Gates open at 5pm and guests will have to go through security checkpoints. If you can’t make it to the concert in person, you can watch the broadcast live on PBS.

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 29
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA
Every year, a Memorial Day Ceremony is held at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. Roughly 5,000 visitors are expected to attend this annual tribute. If you wish to pay tribute to the fallen, but would prefer not to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony, flags are placed at each of the Cemetery’s more than 228,000 gravesites just before Memorial Day weekend and they are removed after Memorial Day, before the Cemetery opens to the public. Please check with the Cemetery’s website for up to date information regarding attendance.

National Memorial Day Parade

May 29
Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC
This parade, which is the nation’s largest Memorial Day event, honors those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day. The event is FREE and attendees can watch the parade from anywhere along the route. The route stretches between 7th Street NW and 17th Street NW along Constitution Ave. More details can be found here.