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Our Special Harbor Spray Park

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Our Special Harbor Spray Park
‹‹ All-Things-Water

Suit up and head on out to the Chesapeake Bay-themed spray park at Franconia Park! Our Special Harbor Spray Park is a unique and accessible water play destination for families with children of all ages.

Like this? Discover more in our…
Guide to Spraygrounds & Splash Pads

With free general admission for individuals, you’ll discover fun attractions like Chessie the Sea Serpent and a spraying osprey nest alongside a wonderfully relaxing beach area perfect for the littlest swimmers! Interactive water tables, a computerized water maze, and a dumping crab basket make for even more excitement and fun!

  • May 23-June 19, 2026
    Weekends & Holidays
  • June 20-Aug 23, 2026
    Daily
  • Aug 24-Sept 7, 2026
    Weekends & Holidays

For safety, children (15 years and younger) enjoying the spray park must wear aquatic shoes or sandals with a manufactured back strap at all times. Non-standing, non-mobile babies are exempt, and adults may wear flip-flops instead of aquatic shoes or sandals with a manufactured back strap. Street shoes are not permitted in the spray park.

While at Franconia Park, don’t forget to check out Chessie’s BIG Backyard, adjacent to the spray park, Chessie’s Trail, the Tree House, and the carousel!

Details:
Website

Location:
Our Special Harbor ∙ Alexandria, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Big Aircraft Fly-In ∙ Innovations in Flight

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Innovations in Flight is all about our fascination with things that go fast! On June 13, 2026, learn what makes an airplane speedy, why some go faster than others, and what it takes to break the sound barrier at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the National Air & Space Museum).

Boasting 50+ unique aircraft flown in for one day only, Innovations in Flight is a can’t-miss event featuring indoor and outdoor fun.

Outdoor Fly-In
Free tickets required

  • 50+ unique aircraft flown in for one day only
  • Meet the pilots of historic and modern aircraft

Inside the Museum

  • Storytime
  • Discovery stations
  • Musical performances
  • Sun viewing
  • Meet NASA experts and learn about the X-59

This special annual event is one of the museum’s most popular and draws large crowds. While parking is available (fee-based), visitors are encouraged to use public transportation to avoid lines and wait times to enter.

Details:
Website ∙ Tickets

Date:
June 13, 2026

Location:
National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ∙ Chantilly, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Festival of Colors @ Mosaic

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On May 3, 2026, Mosaic will be filled with a riot of rainbows! In collaboration with RASA, you’re invited to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors!

This colorful festival features authentic Indian flavors, great music, dancing, and festivities. (Pro-tip: Wear whites that you don’t mind getting colorful. The colored powder is washable and non-toxic.)

Free to the public, this event will be held on a first-come, first-served basis for guests who wish to participate. Guests will receive a satchel of colored powder and a white T-shirt upon arrival, while supplies last. No tickets are needed to enjoy the festivities. Participating vendors will have food and drinks available for purchase.

Details:
Website

Date:
May 3, 2026

Location:
RASA Mosaic ∙ Fairfax, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Daytime Fireworks & Celebration @ Mount Vernon

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An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
‹‹ More 4th of July Fun

Celebrate Independence Day the way the Founding Fathers intended — at the home of George Washington himself! An American Celebration on July 4, 2026, is packed with history, pageantry, patriotic spirit, plus made-for-daytime fireworks!

Make a night of it!
Stay for an evening 3D fireworks show over the Potomac River (separate tix req’d).

The day’s centerpiece is a moving naturalization ceremony on the historic bowling green, where people from around the world take the oath of citizenship. From there, hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud, followed by a military review and drill led by General George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau — complete with a firing demonstration — all in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Throughout the day, the grounds come alive with living history:

  • Meet Martha Washington, Tobias Lear, and other figures from Washington’s world
  • Watch a hot air balloon demonstration, catch a magic show by 18th-century conjuror Mr. Peter Gardiner, and enjoy a Punch and Judy puppet show
  • Play traditional tavern and lawn games and explore the Revolutionary War encampment
  • Hear live music from the National Concert Band and the fife and drums of the American Revolution

Made-for-daytime fireworks over the Potomac River round out the afternoon.

Hungry? Pick up fresh-baked bread from the Half Crown Bakehouse or grab a bite from the Executive Orders food truck on the 12-acre field.

Details:
Website

Date:
July 4, 2026

Location:
George Washington’s Mount Vernon ∙ Mount Vernon, VA

Looking for George Washington’s Mt, Vernon? You’re in the right place!

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

City of Fairfax Antique Car Show

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Rev your engines for a day filled with chrome, classics, and community — the Antique Car Show is rolling into Old Town Fairfax on May 16, 2026!

Stroll through rows of beautifully preserved cars and trucks (25 years and older), enjoy live music from the Legacy Pops Sextet, and grab a bite from local food vendors. The day wraps up with a trophy presentation honoring the standout vehicles of the show.

Families will love the Kids’ Safety Day activities running throughout the day:

Fire Escape Drills & Safety
Learn how to escape a burning building in a simulation truck and how to react in an emergency — courtesy of the Fairfax City Fire Department.

Lend-a-Hand
Leave your handprint on a Fairfax City Police cruiser and chat with city police officers!

Kidz Corner
Enjoy children’s crafts, balloon art, and more with the City of Fairfax Parks & Recreation Department.

Admission is free — perfect for car lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a sunny day in the heart of Fairfax.

Details:
Website

Date:
May 16, 2026

Location:
Fairfax City Hall ∙ Fairfax, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

First Fridays in Historic Manassas

First Fridays in Historic Manassas has been canceled for the remainder of 2026.

One of Northern Virginia’s favorite monthly traditions is back! First Fridays in Historic Downtown Manassas returns for 2026, bringing live music, family fun, and local flavor to the streets of Old Town every first Friday from February-November.

Stroll through downtown and let the music lead the way — stages are set up on West Street, Battle Street, Main Street, and Center Street.

For families, there’s plenty to love, too! From June-October, kids get their own dedicated zone at the Harris Pavilion with new activities each month. Local shops sprinkle even more family-friendly fun throughout the event, too!

  • June 5, 2026
  • July 10, 2026
    Hosted on the 2nd Friday due to the holiday
  • Aug 7, 2026
  • Sept 4, 2026
  • Oct 9, 2026
    Hosted on the 2nd Friday
  • Nov 6, 2026

Follow Historic Manassas on Facebook the week of each event for the full lineup of bands, businesses, and entertainment.

Details:
Website ∙ Facebook

Dates:
Monthly, Feb 6-Nov 6, 2026

Location:
Historic Downtown Manassas ∙ Manassas, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Summer Movies @ Loudoun Station

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‹‹ More Summer Movie Fun

Lights, laughter, and a whole lot of fun! The outdoor movie series at Loudoun Station is the perfect ending to your weekend. This special opportunity is hosted on Sunday nights, from June 7-August 30, 2026.

JUNE
  • June 7, 2026
    Rudy ∙ PG
    Get a free mini football, too!
  • June 14, 2026
    Back to the Future ∙ PG
    Get free glow sticks, too!
  • June 21, 2026
    Honey, I Shrunk the Kids ∙ PG
    Before the movie, play giant Jenga and more fun games!
  • June 28, 2026
    Big ∙ PG
    Before the movie, jump rope and play hopscotch!
JULY
  • July 5, 2026
    The Sandlot ∙ PG
    Before the movie, practice your swing and hit an inflatable baseball square!
  • July 12, 2026
    Cars ∙ G
  • July 19, 2026
    The Bad Guys ∙ PG
  • July 26, 2026
    The Parent Trap ∙ PG
    Before the movie, enjoy hula-hooping!
AUGUST
  • Aug 2, 2026
    Minions ∙ PG
    Come early to meet some real Minions!
  • Aug 9, 2026
    Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory ∙ G
    Before the movie, unwrap a chocolate bar for a chance to discover the Golden Ticket and win a sweet prize!
  • Aug 16, 2026
    The Secret Life of Pets ∙ PG
    Before the movie, meet some sweet animals looking for their fur-ever home.
  • Aug 23, 2026
    School of Rock ∙ PG-13
    Before the movie, get a blow-up instrument giveaway and get ready to rock!
  • Aug 30, 2026
    Pitch Perfect ∙ PG-13
    Before the movie, hit the high notes with pre-show karaoke!

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Big Top, Bigger Smiles @ Cirque de Paris

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Cirque de Paris
‹‹ More Live Shows for Kids

Back by popular demand, families are invited to experience an all-new, immersive production from one of Europe’s most renowned circus families — Cirque de Paris!

Rooted in the rich circus traditions of France, this one-ring spectacle hosted at Dulles Town Center from May 14-24, 2026, blends thrills, humor, and show-stopping performances from some of Europe’s top circus artists.

Throughout the 90-minute show, audiences can expect everything from BMX trick riders and grand illusionists to high-flying aerialists, nimble acrobats, and laugh-out-loud clowns. Designed for all ages, the experience also includes an interactive pre-show and a lively intermission with hands-on fun and classic circus treats, making it a can’t-miss outing for the whole family.

Details:
Website ∙ Tickets

Dates:
May 14-24, 2026

Location:
Dulles Town Center ∙ Sterling, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Lake Accotink Park

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Lake Accotink Park Carousel
By DullesMoms, June 2026

Spanning almost 500 acres, Lake Accotink Park is one reason Fairfax County was named the 25th-best county to live in nationally and the third-best in Virginia by Niche!

Located in Springfield, VA, the 55-acre lake dates back to the construction of the Accotink Creek Dam in the early 1940s. Today you can launch your own boat in the lake or, even better, rent a pedal boat or kayak seasonally!

The park also has an extensive trail system. The primary trail, which circles Lake Accotink, is about 4 miles long. Portions of the park’s trail network are part of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, which traverses Fairfax County.

Seasonally, you can rent a bike to explore even more! Beyond the main paths, the park boasts an extensive network of unpaved, single-track trails hidden in the woods between the main trail and the railroad tracks — a major draw for local mountain bikers and trail runners seeking steep inclines and a more rugged experience.

Don’t miss the family-friendly park features! Play a round at Lucky Duck mini golf, enjoy a ride on the park’s 26-horse antique carousel, or visit their massive, modern playground. Also, check out their special events throughout the year for families, groups, and more.

Details:
Website

Location:
Lake Accotink Park ∙ Springfield, VA

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair

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Now in its 21st year, the Fiesta Asia Street Fair returns to Pennsylvania Avenue on May 16, 2026 — the longest-running and largest free Pan-Asian festival in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area!

Like this? Discover more…
Asian Festival on Main

With more than 1,000 performers, artisans, and food vendors across multiple stages and pavilions representing more than 20 cultures, this is one of the most vibrant and inclusive celebrations of Asian heritage in the region. You’ll find live performances by musicians, vocalists, dancers, and martial artists, a diverse array of Pan-Asian cuisine, handmade crafts, and kid-friendly interactive activities.

This year’s highlights include the Dragon Lair (adopt a dragon and join a team!), the Umami Challenge cooking contest, a Cosplay Challenge, and Karaoke Duels — open to anyone ready to show off their skills!

Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Details:
Website

Date:
May 16, 2026

Location:
Pennsylvania Ave NW ∙ Washington, DC

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Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.