May in Arlington

Arts and Culture

Music by the Metro in Clarendon | Thursdays

The Clarendon Alliance proudly presents the Music by the Metro - Clarendon Concert Series. Enjoy free live music every Thursday in May starting at 6:00 p.m. in Clarendon Metro Park.

Water Park Concert Series | Fridays

Head to the National Landing Water Park every Friday from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for their Friday Night Concert Series. Get ready for live music from talented local bands, food vendors, lawn games, and an array of beverage options to keep the good times flowing.

Rosslyn Reads Book Sale & Spring Market | May 3

Spring into reading with great books and even better deals at the Rosslyn Reads Book Sale & Spring Market! Join the Rosslyn BID for its annual book sale in partnership with Turning the Page on Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Central Place Plaza. Browse through thousands of low-priced books across all genres while enjoying seasonal vendors offering unique finds.

Arlington Historical Museum Re-Opening | May 3

Come rediscover our local history at the Arlington Historical Museum! After closing last summer for preservation and renovation work, the museum reopens on May 3 at 10:00 a.m. with the debut of all-new exhibits and the opportunity to meet Barbara Noe Kennedy, author of “100 Things to Do in Arlington Before You Die."

LAC Studios Spring Show and Sale | May 3

Looking for something truly unique ahead of Mother's Day? Shop Local! The LAC studios are not usually open to the public, so this is a rare opportunity to see these studios and meet the artists. Their members will have ceramics, pottery and hand pulled prints for sale on May 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Flourish: A Spring Market | May 3

Join The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington for a vibrant and fun-filled afternoon on May 3 from noon to 3:00p.m. Enjoy the day and pick up a gift for your mom before Mother’s Day!

Freedom Concert at Netherlands Carillon | May 5

Join the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on May 5 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for an unforgettable Freedom Concert at the Netherlands Carillon overlooking Washington, D.C. This fourth edition of the concert marks a significant milestone, 80 years of freedom, and promises an inspiring blend of music, history, and celebration.

Rosslyn Cinema | May 15 and 22

A beloved Rosslyn neighborhood tradition is back! Rosslyn Cinema returns for two special nights of outdoor movies, now in a new location at Central Place Plaza on May 15 and 22 from 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. More information here.

"Hand Lettering a Family Tree" by Felecia Brice McFail | May 17

With Native Arlingtonian and hand lettering artist Felecia Brice McFail, choose one of the template family trees drawn by Arlington artists Melanie Kehoss and Christiann MacAuley and fill in the names in your own writing style or use our basic introduction guide to calligraphy on May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lubber Run Community Center. As the finishing touch, watch Felecia Brice McFail title your tree with your family name and transform it into a piece of art. Get a library card so you can later use the free genealogical resources at the library.

Arlington Palooza | May 17

It’s back and better than ever! Put on your dancing shoes for the fifth Arlington Palooza on May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lubber Run Community Center.

The Tragedy of Hamlet - Avant Bard Theatre | May 1 - 24

Avant Bard Theatre is thrilled to close its 35th season with a bold new interpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, directed by the visionary Kathleen Akerley, an Avant Bard artistic associate. Known for her cerebral and innovative approach to classical texts, Akerley reimagines the iconic tragedy by delving deep into Hamlet’s grief-fueled disorientation and examines every character not in the context of how they fail the titular hero but are failed by him. The show runs from May 1 to 24 at Gunston Arts Center, showtimes vary. Get tickets here.

Festival Argentino USA | May 31

Come out to the 38th Annual Festival Argentino 2025, a large festival celebrating the culture of Argentina & Latin-America through music, food, exhibitors, culture, and more on May 31 from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School. Full event lineup and more information here.

Fitness and Wellness

Yoga in the Galleries | Saturdays

Make your way to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Arlington for a unique 60-minute yoga session in their serene Tiffany Gallery every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Take in the colors of the stained glass as you relax into yoga poses and enjoy a creative doodling and writing session following the class.

Wind Down Wednesdays in Ballston | May 7 and 21

Join the Ballston BID and a variety of neighborhood fitness partners for Wind Down Wednesdays on May 7 and 21 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Learn more about the FREE fitness classes being offered, their locations, and more here.

Boot Camp with Coach Vic | May 5, 12, 19

This high-energy HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) class is designed for all ages and fitness levels, with modifications available to meet your needs. Expect full-body exercises, great music, and plenty of motivation to power you through each session! More information and registration here.

Fit @ Met | Wednesdays

Join DC Fray + the National Landing BID on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. for FREE, instructor-led classes in Met Park that are sure to help you break a sweat. No experience required! More information about class offerings and registration here.

The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Class | May 31 and June 1

The 2025 Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic will take place on May 31 and June 1 in the National Landing and Clarendon neighborhoods and Washington, D.C. The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is the region’s premier cycling event, open to spectators and cycling enthusiasts of all abilities. More information about race times, etc. here.

Weekly Farmers Markets

Columbia Pike Farmers Market | Sundays

The Columbia Pike Farmers Market is one of the oldest in Arlington County. The market is open each Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pike Park. Find local, fresh and organic products!

Ballston Farmers Market | Thursdays

Located in shady, tree-filled Welburn Square, the Ballston Farmers Market features organic fruits and vegetables, sweet and savory baked goods, Virginia-made wines, cold-pressed juices, and more. The market is open Thursdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Rosslyn Farmers Market | Wednesdays

Stop by Rosslyn's Central Place Plaza, stroll through the market, and delight your senses with a wide selection of conventional and certified organic produce, baked goods and bread, popsicles, fresh flowers, and more. The market is open Wednesdays from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

For a full list of Arlington's farmers markets and additional information, click here.

Mother's Day Festivities

Mother's Day Magic at the Ritz-Carlton | May 10 and 11

Head over to The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City for "The Magic Duel"—where D.C.'s most talented sleight-of-hand artists battle it out for your entertainment and the coveted Golden Wand on May 10 and 11 at 5:00 p.m. Think "Wizard Battle" meets "Comedy Central Roast" with cocktails!