Cook-outs, carnivals, and more outdoor fun are coming at you this holiday weekend!

Happy Memorial Day! For the long weekend ahead, we've gathered the hottest barbecues, carnivals, and summertime fun happening in the DMV, and we don't think you'll be disappointed. Here's your weekend roundup for Friday, May 28 to Sunday, May 30.

*Keep in mind with the shifting circumstances of COVID-19 events may be canceled or rescheduled. Please refer to the event's websites or social media pages for more information regarding safety guidelines.*

Events on Friday, May 28

Live Music at Opaline Bar Brasserie | Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square | Washington, DC | Friday

Wanna relax in luxury? French bistro Opaline Bar Brasserie is hosting a concert on their patio! Diners can experience the talented guitarist Andy Branigan of Driven to Clarity perform while enjoying the restaurant's offerings outdoors. Located at the Sofitel hotel, it's a perfect way to start the long weekend, don't you think? The music begins at 7 p.m. Read about it here.

Rolling to Remember 2021 | Washington, DC | Friday-Sunday

Formerly known as "Rolling Thunder," the annual Memorial Day gathering to honor missing servicemembers is descending onto the nation's capital. There'll be a candlelight vigil, wreath-laying ceremony, and more programming through Memorial Day. The highlight of the event is a massive motorcycle ride down "Thunder Alley" on 22nd St. and Constitution Ave NW—over 150,000 riders will be showing up! Some of the festivities are pending, so be sure to check their website for updates. You can find out more here.

Marley Station Carnival | Marley Station Mall | Glen Burnie, MD | Friday-Sunday

Final call for the Marley Station Carnival! Located at the Marley Station Mall, visitors can experience thrill rides, delicious fair food, and carnival games that bring you back to your childhood. There's nothing better for a relaxing holiday weekend! Fair hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. The carnival ends on May 31 so don't wait! Buy your wristbands here.

Balticon Regional Science Fiction Convention (Virtual) | Baltimore, MD | Friday-Sunday

FREE event! Maryland's annual sci-fi convention is going virtual this year! Fans of anime, science fiction, fantasy, and beyond can explore the genres through a variety of programming. Catch panels, readings, and concerts, as well as Zoom rooms for RPGs! While the digital format isn't the same, the schedule is just as jam-packed, and equally as fun, as years past! Admission is free, they welcome donations to help support year-round activities. Get the details here.

Food Truck & Music Weekends | Linganore Winecellars | Mt. Airy, MD | Friday-Sunday

Linganore Winecellars' summer series continues! Experience delicious local cuisine and live music this weekend, including Moose Pit BBQ, Traditional Authentic Mexican, Paella & Tapas Place, and more. Each day features a rotating lineup of food trucks and artists, so there's always something new to check out. Wanna plan your next happy hour meet-up with friends? You can view the schedule here.

Events on Saturday, May 29

2nd Annual "Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend" Fundraiser | Gary's Ace Hardware | 509 Meadowbrook Dr | Culpeper, VA | Saturday

An all-ages Memorial Day Weekend bash, brought to you by Cruisin for Heroes! Venture out to Gary's Ace Hardware where you'll find barbecue sizzling on the grill and a car display featuring vintage rides like the Bumble Bee Camaro. You'll even get an American flag to take home! The fundraiser is scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and benefits The Fisher House Foundation's mission in helping military families. If you're interested, you can find out more here.

National Landing Market | 220 20th St S | Arlington, VA | Saturday

For local flavor in the form of arts and crafts, you can't beat National Landing Market! Located in the National Landing area containing three Virginia cities (Potomac Yard, Crystal City, and Pentagon City), explore a unique variety of vendors selling furniture, artwork, and vintage goods between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. It's held weekly throughout the summer, so visitors are sure to stumble upon a hidden treasure with each outing! A must for any thrifter! Get the details here.

Sip & Screen Paint at the B&O | B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD | Saturday

Screen painting is a Baltimore tradition that uses window screens as a canvas, and the B&O Railroad Museum is offering classes on it! This adults-only session features instruction by a Painted Screen Society of Baltimore artist and the supplies needed to make your masterpiece. Plus, beer and wine to get the creative juices flowing! Tickets are $50-$55 and come with a complimentary beverage. Buy them here.

Dupont Circle Architectural Photography Tour | Cosmos Club | 2121 Massachusetts Ave NW | Washington, DC | Saturday

Washington Photo Safari is bringing yet another cool tour to its roster! Explore Dupont Circle with E. David Luria, where you'll put your photography skills to the test snapping shots of the neighborhood's historic landmarks and architecture. The trek will begin at the famed Cosmos Club and conclude at Le Pain Quotidien with pastries and coffee—yum! Tickets are $89. Reserve your spot here.

Events on Sunday, May 30

Memorial Day Weekend Cookout | Southside Coffee & Gifts | 211 Southgate Shopping Center | Culpeper, VA | Sunday

This weekend, gather at Southside Coffee & Gifts for a down-home cookout! The afternoon bash will feature games, food, and a set from local songwriter Enya Agerholm on acoustic guitar. With the coffee shop's charming atmosphere and all-ages entertainment, there's entertainment for the whole family to partake in! The fun goes from noon to 4 p.m. You can find out more here.

How will you be spending Memorial Day weekend? We'd love to hear about your plans in the comments.

Brianna Persons
Brianna is an Oregon native who made her home in the DMV over two years ago. She loves scouting out new restaurants and drooling over Van Gogh’s landscapes in the National Gallery’s East Building. When she isn’t writing for Our Community Now, she’s tackling short fiction and working her baking magic in the kitchen. She resides in Maryland with her husband Nick and their black cat Sable.
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