Outdoor festivities are making like flower buds and popping up everywhere in May. Here are some worthy opportunities for shopping, eating, drinking and merriment in the open air.
Perchfest
May 3, 2-10 p.m.
May 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dust off your stonewash jeans and fasten your charm necklaces: The biannual rooftop festival is going retro, with ’80s and ’90s throwback decor, games and vibes. Enjoy mini golf, live music, fitness classes and Made in Fairfax’s pop-up shop, all 11 stories high at The Perch sky park atop Capital One Center in Tysons. Get the party started on Friday with food and drinks from Starr Hill Biergarten and enter a Wegmans-sponsored pie-eating contest. Kick off your Saturday with a free HIIT & Hops fitness class before the pop-up shop opens at noon. Other events include a second pie-eating contest and Perchfest After Dark at the recently opened street-level Starr Hill Brewpub. Admission to Perchfest is free, although donations are welcome for Miriam’s Kitchen, a nonprofit supporting people experiencing homelessness. // 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons
Virginia Gold Cup
May 4, 10 a.m.
Why go all the way to Kentucky when you can be off to the races practically in your own backyard? This year, the Commonwealth’s 102-year-old horse-racing event returns with a popular side spectacle: the Jack Russell Terrier races. At 11 a.m., the pups will run and jump over obstacles to reach a lure. The tailgate contest kicks off at noon, and the first horses get out of the gate at 1 p.m. The event also includes tailgating and derby hat contests, so don your most dapper spring finery and get those cocktail recipes ready. General admission is $50 per person or $100 per vehicle. // 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains
Taste of Tysons
May 4, 12-4 p.m.
Staged by Northern Virginia’s biggest shopping mall, this annual event features 40-plus food and drink samples from participating Tysons Corner Center eateries. Head to the mall’s outdoor plaza to check in and get a digital “Passport to Delicious: Eatery Guide.” Guests who stop at every sampling table will be entered to win a grand prize. Be sure to catch cooking demos from 2-3 p.m. and bop along to live music from Cazhmiere and Party Foul. The event is free and open to the public (registration required), but access to the VIP lounge will set you back $30. That covers complimentary pairings from full-service restaurants such as Earl’s and Barrel & Bushel. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Food For Others. // 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
Mosaic District Spring Pop-Up Market
May 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
May 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Browse vintage and handmade items from more than 75 vendors at this Mosaic District event hosted by URBNmarket, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. The festivities will include live music plus food and drink. Keep the fiesta going into the night with Urbano’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival, where you can enjoy more live music plus Mexican cuisine, including a taco tent and margarita cart. // District Avenue, Fairfax
Westpost Makers Market
May 5, 12-5 p.m.
Shop wares from more than 20 local artisans while listening to live music and sampling savory and sweet bites from local restaurants at this Westpost at National Landing event. Find the fun on the plaza the first Sunday of each month. Admission is free. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
McLean Day
May 17-18
This beloved annual event kicks off Friday, May 17 with carnival rides from 2-10 p.m., followed by a full day of fun (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) on Saturday, May 18. Enjoy music, games, balloon animals, a petting zoo, food trucks, rides for all ages and more. Admission is free. Ride tickets can be purchased online or on site. // Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Ballston Quarterfest Crawl
May 18, 12-7 p.m.
Head to Ballston Quarter for an all-day event featuring live music and entertainment (here’s the lineup), plus food/drink specials from more than 25 neighborhood bars and restaurants. Maps and schedules will be available on site. Admission is free. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Shirlington Spring Fling
May 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sip and stroll while perusing this street fair and makers market at the Village at Shirlington, which promises live music, local food and drinks, a kids’ zone and other fun activities. Admission is free. // 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
May 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer at this 42nd event, which includes a commemorative ceremony, a free parade and fun run, local food vendors, crafters and children’s rides. Wristbands and tickets for rides and food will be available for purchase. // Falls Church City Hall Grounds, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church