Looking for something fun to do as a family this May? Beginning this weekend, here are some festivals, markets, sporting events and other spring activities for all ages.
The Capital Rare Book Fair
May 3-5, 5-8:30 p.m. Friday (preview night fundraiser);
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday
University Club | 1135 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
$10-$15; younger than 16 free | finefairs.com/capital-rare-book-fair
Spotlight: Collectors can be born at any age—and kids often start early, whether they’re collecting stickers or Pokémon cards or coins.
To generate your child’s interest in both collecting and reading, you can point out the rare book collections available right in Washington, D.C., and learn about how they came to be.
The Capital Rare Book Fair is a local effort from D.C. residents Eve and Edward Lemon, a millennial couple from the Meridian Hill neighborhood who founded Fine Book Fairs in 2022 to encourage a new generation of collectors.
Among the rare collector’s editions of children’s books at the fair are first printings of “Anne of Green Gables” (1908) by L.M. Montgomery and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885) by Mark Twain and a signed limited edition of “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie.
Families attending the fair can look out for author talks such as that of Christy Cashman, a mother, author and founder of YouthINK, a not-for-profit mentorship program for young artists in the United States and Ireland who has a third children’s book in the works.
The Lemons hope to bridge the gap between old and new collectors with this year’s fair, held at D.C.’s historic University Club from May 3 to May 5.
“We have found that there is a growing number of younger enthusiasts who are discovering the pleasure of collecting,” says Eve Lemon, in a news release. “For many, it is not just about buying a first edition or finding a signed copy of a rare book; it is about enjoying the entire experience.”
For more information about the fair, visit finefairs.com.
Play 2 Bloom Playgroup in Fairfax
Throughout the Month, 10 a.m. – noon Thursday
Watch Me Bloom | 3903 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 222, Fairfax, VA 22033
A weekly playgroup for ages 5 and younger to engage in imaginative and sensory play as their parents meet and discuss strategies with pediatric therapists and early childhood specialists | $10 per family; $5 for kids enrolled in Watch Me Bloom programs
watchmebloom.com
Young Explorers at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Throughout the Month, 10 a.m. – noon Tuesday
Moca Arlington Innovation Studio + Store | 525 14th St. South, Arlington, VA 22202
A drop-in program for young children and their caregivers; experience different art techniques and mediums, develop motor skills and express creativity.
Free | mocaarlington.org
The Wizard of Oz
May 11 & 12, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre at Merchant Hall – Hylton Performing Arts Center | 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
See classic songs from the 1939 film adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” come to life on stage via the munchkins, Dorothy and friends in this Royal Shakespeare Company production.
$20-$30 | hylton.calendar.gmu.edu
Hill Family Biking – Nature Ride
May 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
Stanton Park (south side, near 5th St. intersection)
226 4th St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
A 3-mile family biking adventure from Stanton Park to Kingman Island for a bring-your-own picnic with live music and games
Free | hillfamilybiking.org
The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
200-400 blocks of King Street and 100 blocks of North Royal and North Fairfax streets Alexandria, VA 22314
Spend a day in Old Town Alexandria exploring more than 100 rare and exotic cars in this unique festival that celebrates the spirit of the community through history, architecture, style, energy and more. Enjoy live music, local merchants and food as you go.
Free | festivalofspeedandstyle.com
Hometown Holidays Music Fest
May 25 & 26, noon – 7 p.m.
RedGate Park | 14500 Avery Road, Rockville, MD 20853
A hometown festival on Memorial Day weekend with live music and entertainment, sand dunes, yard games, vendors, kids’ activities and pay-as-you-go amusements
Free | rockvillehth.com
