by Prince William Parks, Recreation & Tourism

The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and the weather is finally warming up as we head into May. With the warmer weather comes pool season, and more outdoor activities. Looking for things to do this month? We’ve got you covered with a little something for everyone.

Attend an Outdoor Concert

Fridays at 5 is back! We’re excited to partner with VA StrEATs, and Luxe, for our outdoor summer concert series beginning May 5, from 5-9 pm at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza. This event will feature food, beer and wine (available for purchase), and live music throughout the summer between May and October. Mark your calendars in May for our two Fridays at 5 concerts, on the 5th and 19th. FREE admission. For all summer concert dates and more information, please visit pwcparks.info/fridaysat5.

Catch a Free Show at Locust Shade Amphitheater

On Sunday, May 7, at 10:30 am, join us to watch a free performance by Nā Pikake Lōhio Wai Kaulel at the Locust Shade Amphitheater. This Hawaiian hula dance group has performed at the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, local international festivals, Workhouse Arts Center events, elder care facilities, weddings, and other specialty events around Northern Virginia. For the full amphitheater schedule, click here.

Celebrate National Love a Tree Day

Join us in celebration of our earth on National Love a Tree Day, May 16, with a free, outdoor yoga practice (8-8:55 am) in nature at the beautiful Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, south deck. *Please note it is about a 30-minute walk from the parking lot pavilion to the south deck of the boardwalk, please arrive early. Register here. (No fee). In case of inclement weather, the class will be held at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Prince William

Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. On May 19, 7-8 pm, visit Buckhall, a small community where visitors can still view a cemetery as well as the exteriors of a one-room schoolhouse and the building that once held the “Buckhall Mall.” Tour will depart from the parking lot at Buckhall United Methodist Church at 10251 Moore Dr., Manassas, VA 20111. Call 703-792-4754 for more information or learn more here.

Enjoy Some Tea in a Garden

Celebrate the arrival of spring by spending a wonderful afternoon in the antique rose garden at Ben Lomond enjoying historic tea and garden-themed treats on Saturday, May 20, 1-3 pm. Admission price ($30.00) includes tea, light refreshments and a special talk about roses and spring flowers in one of the largest antique rose gardens in the Washington D.C. metro area. Advanced registration is required.

Sip Coffee While You Paint

We will provide the refreshing cups of your morning coffee or hot cocoa, and the colors; you bring your creative eye. Weather permitting, we will venture outdoors and be inspired by mother nature all around us. Canvas, paint and brushes will be provided. Come paint with us at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, May 20 from 9 am – 12 noon. Registration required – deadline to register is 3 days before the program date.

Learn to Swim

It’s never too late to learn how to swim, and with National Learn to Swim Day coming up on May 21 – now is the perfect time to get in the water and learn. We offer swim lessons for infants to adults at all levels.

Shoot Some Hoops

The time is HERE! Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center will now have a youth summer basketball league to show off the skills you have learned through the school year. Practice will be held during the week and games will be on Saturdays. This league will consist of six practices and six games. Saturday game times will be between 10 am-4 pm. Schedule will be released week before the first practice. No practice May 24, May 27, May 29, July 24 or July 26th. Learn more and register here.

Celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day – Free Health & Fitness Screenings

On Wednesday, May 31, join Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center’s Certified Personal Trainers at Harbor Drive Wellness Park where we will test various aspects of your flexibility, strength and balance through a series of fitness assessments. You’ll see where you’re doing well and where you can work toward improvement with your take-home health and wellness results. The Kaiser Mobile Health van will be onsite to provide free biometric screenings to include: blood pressure screening, body mass index (BMI), blood draw: A1C, cholesterol, glucose check, health education. The event is free and for seniors ages 60+. Click here to reserve your timeslot.

Hit the Pools

Ready to swim, cool off and have some fun? Prince William County has three outdoor community pools, plus Veterans Park Pool which is an outdoor community pool with a twisting waterslide. (Please check individual sites for scheduled events.) We also have two waterparks—SplashDown Waterpark and Waterworks. Waterworks will open on May 27, while SplashDown will open in mid-June. Click here for the latest hours, pricing and other information on our waterparks and pools.