By Emily Cook
Spend your long weekend feasting on crawfish, unwinding to the sound of smooth jazz and honoring our armed forces at distinguished monuments. You won’t even have to cross the 14th Street bridge.
Memorial Day Weekend Wine & Rocklands BBQ Sandwiches
May 22-25 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Join Paradise Springs Winery all weekend long for barbecue and live music from Fran Scuderi, Steve Smith Blues and Acoustic Ayre. Visitors are also encouraged to buy a bottle of wine, lay down a blanket and stay late for the Saturday night film screening of “A Walk in the Clouds” at 8 p.m. / Paradise Springs Winery, 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton; 703-830-9463.
Crawfish Boil in Courthouse
May 23 5-7 p.m. Kick off Memorial Day weekend at Bayou Bakery. Louisiana Crawfish and jumbo Gulf shrimp will be served by the pound, in addition to New Orleans-style sides and beer specials. / Bayou Bakery, 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington; 703-243-2410; $12-30.
Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 23-24 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There’s something for everyone at this family friendly festival. Attendees will enjoy live music, dancing, antique cars, a raffle and baked goods. Don’t forget to bring the kids—hayrides, a petting zoo and crafts will be offered. In the mood for some peace and quiet? Take a scenic hike on the adjacent Appalachian Trail and treat yourself to some fresh strawberries. / Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane; 540-364-2772; $20-25 per car. Advance purchase discounts available.
Viva! Vienna! Festival
May 23 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | May 24 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | May 25 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where do classic rock, soul funk, clowns and magicians intermix? Attendees of this year’s Viva! Vienna! festival can expect an eclectic array of live music, food, rides and more than 300 vendors. All proceeds go to local charities. / 245 Maple Ave. W., Vienna; Free.
Wolf Trap Summer Blast Off!
May 24 8 p.m. Let the Memorial Day festivities commence with a performance by the United States Marine Band and fireworks. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. / Filene Center at Wolf Trap; 703-255-1900; Free.
National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery
May 25 10:30 a.m. The United States Navy Band will perform at 10:30 a.m. in the amphitheater, and a wreath-laying ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seating is first come, first served, and visitors are encouraged to arrive before 9:30 a.m. Free parking and free shuttles will be available all day. / Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington; Free.
Air Force Association’s Memorial Day Ceremony
May 25 9-10 a.m. Pay tribute to the Air Force at the Memorial’s annual wreath-laying ceremony. Free trolley provided. / Air Force Memorial, Arlington; Free.
38th Annual Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
May 25 1-6 p.m. Swing into this Memorial Day with live jazz entertainment kicked off by the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. / Waterfront Park, Alexandria; 703-746-5592; Free.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
May 25 9 a.m.-5 p.m. // Dash into this Memorial Day with a 3K fun run, live music, tours of the Cherry Hill Farmhouse, a veterans ceremony and a parade. / City Hall, Falls Church; 703-248-5077; Free.
George Mason Mansion Tours
May 25 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feeling extra patriotic this Memorial Day? Celebrate at the home of American patriot and Founding Father George Mason. / George Mason’s Gunston Hall, Mason Neck; 703-550-9220; $5-10, Active military personnel, veterans and their families, and children under 6 free.
Town of Herndon Memorial Day Observance
May 25 10 a.m. American Legion Post 184 is sponsoring a commemorative Avenue of Flags at Chestnut Grove Cemetery. / 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon; 703-481-1200; Free.
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