Northern Virginia Spring Festivals 2013: Our Top Picks

by Micaela

Spring is here, and the months of April, May, and June are packed with family-friendly festivals in the Northern Virginia area.  Here is our official "Kid Trips Top Picks"  list of our favorites for 2013.  Bookmark this page, share it with your friends, and mark your calendar.  You won't want to miss these epic local events! 

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Earth Day Alexandria
April 20, Ben Brenman Park

 Ben Brenman Park hosts this fun event including green building learning sessions, educational exhibits, demonstrations,  hands-on activities for children, a tree sale, and more.  Plus, there will be an Upcycling Showcase, where students students will showcase their creative interpretation of the event theme through literature, fashion, visual arts and performing arts. Schools will be judged on artistic and creative merit, and the winner will receive funds to put toward an environmental project at the school!


Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
April 20-21st, Historic Downtown Leesburg

Historic Leesburg will once again be in full bloom as lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens fill the streets. Over 150 vendors will be on display featuring landscape designs, gardening supplies, outdoor living items, plants, flowers, herbs and so much more! Stroll through the streets and take in the sights and sounds of spring-time. Whether its gathering ideas for your new outdoor patio, stocking up on gardening supplies, or searching for a perfect gift for the avid gardener in your life- this event will have something for everyone!  A Children's Stage features hourly entertainment, crafts, face painting, and other fun activities.


Springfest Fairfax
April 27th, Workhouse Arts Center


A giant celebration of Earth Day, Arbor Day, and a Greener, Cleaner Fairfax.  This free event includes pony rides, a petting zoo, performances by Reptiles Alive, live music, a farmers' market, hands on activities, environmental education, artisans, art center tours, and more.  Plus, boating and nature events will be going on at a second site at Occoquan Regional Park. A free shuttle service will run between both sites all day.  



Fairfax Fine Arts Festival: 
April 27-28th, Fairfax Corner

An amazing display of master artisans of photography, jewelry, glass, pottery, mixed media, and more.  Shop for unique gifts and dine at one of the local restaurants.  Kids activities and live entertainment will be on hand.  .


Earth Day Loudoun
April 28, Ashburn

Learn about local foods, hop in an electric car, start a compost, recycle and more at this huge festival that keeps getting bigger and better each year.  The kids' zone will feature hands-on fun, activities, and entertainment for families. There will be games, demonstrations and over a hundred community groups, businesses, and schools offering booths and giveaways.  Plus, shop for one-of-a-kind earth-friendly gifts in the festival's very own marketplace


Pet Fiesta
May 4th, Reston Town Center

This local festival brings together animal lovers big and small! Meet with animal rescue groups, visit booths by local businesses, enjoy children's entertainment, live entertainment, and more.  Bring your pets to participate in some of the activities and contests.  More details available on the official website.  


Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 25th and 26th, Sky Meadows

It's worth the trip to head out to this seasonal favorite featuring two days of music, crafts, field games, hayrides, old-fashioned fun, and yes, plenty of ripe strawberries! Families can enjoy entertainment for all tastes and plenty of delicious fare. Pony rides, a petting zoo, and games are available too.  Check the website for the latest updates. 
 

Herndon Festival
May 30th-June 2nd, Downtown Herndon

Food, fun and lots activities can be expected at this FREE event in downtown Herndon. For those not familiar with the four-day festival, you will be delighted to see an all star line up of entertainment on three stages. Kids will love the carnival, fireworks, model railway exhibit, children's entertainment, art and crafts. The event also features a 10K/5K race and fitness expo.  


Manassas Heritage Railway Festival
June 1st, Old Town Manassas

The 19th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival is a family celebration of the rich railway history that Manassas has to offer.  Manassas Junction was the site of both the 1st and 2nd Battles of Manassas during the Civil War and of the nation’s first military railroad. Attracting over 30,000 individuals from the MD, DC, and Northern Virginia areas, Festival attendees can enjoy a day of train fun for the whole family including model train displays, live music, inflatables, train memorabilia vendors, and excursion rides on the VRE.


Celebrate Fairfax
June 7-9th, Fairfax County Government Center

We love, love this event.  Great music, food, entertainment, beer garden, and an awesome carnival await you.  This is great fun for young and old.  Fairfax County pack 25-acres full with kids' activities, a children's avenue, exhibitors, and carnival rides.  Great live music all weekend long by performers including The Legends of Hip Hop, Pat Benatar, The Legwarmers, and more.  Discounted advance ticket sales available online.