Things to Do in May
From outdoor movies to historical tours, a one-man band, and so much more, May is filled with tons of programs, events and activities the whole family can enjoy. Join us for some recreation, fitness and fun this month and discover all that Prince William County Parks has to offer!
Touch-a-Truck
Our free Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, May 3 (10 am - 1 pm) is an interactive, hands-on event where kids of all ages can explore and discover a variety of vehicles up close. From fire trucks and police cars to construction vehicles and more, children will have the chance to climb inside, honk the horns, and meet the heroes who operate these amazing machines. Perfect for families, this event offers a unique opportunity for kids to learn about the vehicles that keep their community running while having a day of fun and excitement. Food and ice cream will be available for purchase. Event will be held at Veterans Memorial Park and Community Center and is free for all ages.
Go on a Historical Tour
Learn a little local history from behind-the-scenes. You can take a hard hat tour of Rippon Lodge Historic Site on Saturday, May 3 (11 am - 12:30 pm). The tour takes visitors into spaces and buildings not available during the standard tour. Space is limited. For ages 18+. Advance ticket purchase is required. $5/ticket. Click here to purchase tickets.
Free tours are also available at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park on May 10, May 11 and May 25. Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers provide guided tours of this hallowed ground that was a Civil War camp, cemetery and battlefield. Learn about Camp Jones and the battles fought in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and depart from the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged.
This month, on Friday, May 16 come join a local historian for a free historic walking tour of Dumfries, a bustling and diverse community founded on tobacco and witness to the American Revolution. This tour will focus on Dumfries' Main Street, and will depart from Williams Ordinary, located at 17674 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026. Tour will be from 6-7 pm. Other dates/locations available throughout the summer.
On Saturday, May 17 you can take a hard hat tour of Brentsville’s newest acquisition: the Williams-Dawe House. The Williams-Dawe House is the oldest residential structure preserved in the town of Brentsville and was home to many Prince William County Clerks. Explore the history of the building and the people who lived there. Also, learn the modern story of the building’s ongoing restoration work. This is a rare opportunity to see preservation in action! *Space is limited, and advanced purchase is suggested. Purchase tickets here.
Take a Walk with a Doc
Walk with a Doc brings people together for a common purpose—taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Walking truly is the best medicine and we want to make it safe, accessible and fun for people. Each Walk with a Doc event is led by a healthcare provider who spends a few minutes talking about a relevant health topic. The walks are also an incredible opportunity for community members to connect, learn from each other, and celebrate both similarities and differences. Walk meet at the front desk. No rain dates are available. Program is free but registration is required. The May walk takes place on Thursday, May 8, 12-1pm. Other dates throughout the summer are also available.
Do Yoga at the Boardwalk
Serenity Yoga
If you’ve never practiced yoga at the Neabsco Boardwalk now is your chance. Join us as we calm our souls in nature for our annual spring outdoor yoga practice on the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. During your practice, take some extra time to soak in the warm sunshine along with all the natural beauty, tranquility and sounds of nature at the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. Free for passholders of Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center and/or Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center. $12 drop-in for non-members. Registration is required. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and water. Wear appropriate clothing. This event may be canceled in the case of inclement weather. 15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191. Dates in May are 5/9, 5/16 and 5/23; other dates also available in June.
Flower Full Moon Yoga
The Flower Moon is seen as a sacred time of blossoming and awakening and gives thanks to the abundant blooming and beauty that occurs as spring starts. The Flower Moon is the largest, brightest full moon of the year. On Monday, May 12 (8-9:30 pm) join us as we embrace this rare astronomical site and explore the powerful energy of the Flower Full Moon through a flow yoga practice. We will begin the session with live acoustic guitar upon your arrival and end your practice with live sound bowl meditation! Please bring a flashlight, Yoga mat, water and a small blanket. Wear appropriate clothing for working out, outside at night. This event may be canceled in the case of inclement weather. Register today.
For the above yoga events please arrive early as it’s about a 30-minute walk from the parking lot pavilion to the south deck of the boardwalk.
Watch a Movie in the Park
On Friday, May 9 come join us for a free drive-in movie at Ben Lomond Regional Park to watch Moana 2! A family movie night in the park is the perfect chance to relax and enjoy a safe and special night under the stars. You can park and watch the movie from your car or come early and get a good seat on the lawn. If you will be sitting on the lawn, please bring your lawn chair or blankets for seating.
On Friday, May 30, spend a night under the stars at Veterans Memorial Park for a free showing of Mufasa – The Lion King. Please bring your lawn chair or blankets for seating (not a drive-in movie).
For both movies the movie will begin at sunset (approximately 8 pm). All ages are welcome. A parent or guardian must attend with children under the age of 16. *Alcohol is not permitted at either event.
Watch or Be the One-Man Band at our Amphitheater
Come join us for some jazz on Saturday, May 17! Held from 10:30 - 11:30 am, this free event features the Manassas Jazz Society (MJS), a small ensemble format providing an opportunity to read, transcribe, arrange, rehearse and perform different “sub genres” of Jazz in a “hands on” workshop format. Open to musicians reading /performing at the intermediate music level and experience. Instrumentation is limited to Drums (acoustic; electronic), Percussion (LP), Bass (electric; upright), Guitar (acoustic, electric) Keyboards (synth), Trumpet, Flugal Horn, Saxophone, EWI (electronic wind instrument).
For information and reservations, call 703-792-8780.
Attend a Free Lecture
People from all over the United States and the world move to northern Virginia to be close to the nation's capital, and many people of national importance make their home in the area. There are as many more, born and raised here, who are well known to locals. Become acquainted with a selection of iconic Virginians, with varying personalities and a variety of fulfilling lives. Hear about Geraldine Brooks, Roger Mudd and General George C. Marshall, as well as local heroes. Journalist Joe Motheral tells the stories of prominent locals he met and interviewed over the course of his long career. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William. Lecture will be held at Occoquan Town Hall on Thursday, May 22, 7-8:30 pm.
Cool Off at the Pool
Pool season is almost here! Prince William County Parks’ community pools and water parks will open Saturday, May 24. We have three outdoor community pools, plus Veterans Park pool which is an outdoor pool with a twisting waterslide, and two water parks—Waterworks Waterpark and SplashDown Waterpark. Please check individual sites for scheduled events, hours of operation, pricing and more. Click here for more information.
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