Arts & Entertainment

McLean Community Center’s Calendar Of Events For May 2025

McLean Day, the community's biggest annual festival, is celebrating its 110th Birthday on Saturday, May 16 at Lewinsville Park.

McLean Day Friday Night Carnival Rides are open from 2-10 p.m. on May 16, at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road.
McLean Day Friday Night Carnival Rides are open from 2-10 p.m. on May 16, at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. (Alexis Tarrazi/Patch)

MCLEAN, VA — The McLean Community Center (MCC) offers the following activities in May 2025. Please check the center’s website, mcleancenter.org, for up-to-date information. Residents of the center’s tax district, Small District 1A-Dranesville, are eligible for discounts on fees. All activities are held at the center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 22101, unless otherwise noted.

Presented by The Alden – Foreign Film Series - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Selection

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“The King of Masks” (China; directed by Wu Tianming) in Mandarin with English subtitles

Thursday, May 1, 1 p.m.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Free admission. Program subject to change.

In 1930s China, Wang is an aged street performer who practices the change-mask opera art of bian lian. He laments that he has no male heirs to carry on his mysterious and complicated art and trade. At an illegal child market, Wang buys what he believes to be an orphan boy to become his adopted grandson and apprentice. Not rated; runtime 101 minutes. These movies are programmed for adult audiences unless otherwise noted.

Presented by The Alden – Chamber Music Series: Borisevich Duo, Piano and Violin

Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m.

$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents

For all ages. The husband-wife Borisevich Duo boasts Peabody Conservatory pedigrees and international acclaim. Program will include works by Beethoven, Grieg and Brahms. With their impeccable technique and artistry, illuminating commentary from Peabody Conservatory professor Nikita Borisevich (violin) and the chemistry that only a husband-wife duo can have, it’s no surprise that this duo is an Alden fan favorite!

Presented by The Alden – Professional Artist Series - 360 ALLSTARS

Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m.

$30/$25 students and seniors/$20 MCC district residents

Spinning circles around the competition, 360 ALLSTARS showcases a dream team of sensational champs in a supercharged physical performance celebrating street culture—BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more. Boasting a stellar international cast of world champions and world record-holding athletes and artists, the show has had sold out runs on Broadway and at Sydney Opera House and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Photo: Matt Loncar.

Presented by The Alden: Terrapin Puppet Theatre: “The Paper Escaper”

Saturday, May 10, 4 p.m.

$20/$17 students and seniors/$15 MCC district residents

For all ages. At first, the world of the Paper Escaper exists only in white, blacks and greys——but then, the Illustrator reveals a vividly colored pop-up book and the book’s newest character, Benny. The plucky puppet protagonist has aspirations that take him off of the page and he is eager to explore the world beyond the book. This nonverbal work uses striking visuals and puppetry, as well as dynamic original music and cartoon-like sound effects, to tell a story of determination, friendship and the power of following your own path.

Presented by The Alden – Foreign Film Series - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Selection

“The King of Masks” (China; directed by Wu Tianming) in Mandarin with English subtitles

Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.

Free admission. Program subject to change.

In 1930s China, Wang is an aged street performer who practices the change-mask opera art of bian lian. He laments that he has no male heirs to carry on his mysterious and complicated art and trade. At an illegal child market, Wang buys what he believes to be an orphan boy to become his adopted grandson and apprentice. Not rated; runtime 101 minutes. These movies are programmed for adult audiences unless otherwise noted.

Presented by The Alden - Performing Arts Movies - Double Bill: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Selection

Thursday, May 15, 1 p.m.

Free Film Screening. Program subject to change.

“Ki Ho’alu: That's Slack Key Guitar”

For all ages. This compelling look at Hawaiian slack-key guitar unveils a cultural richness that is uniquely Hawaiian. The story is told not by a narrator but by the artists telling their stories in their own words so that the spirit and feeling of the Hawaiian people emerge.

“The Hobart Shakespeareans”

For all ages. Teaching in Los Angeles at one of the nation's largest inner-city grade schools, Hobart Elementary, Rafe Esquith leads his class of fifth graders through uncompromising curriculum and inspires them with cross-country trips to learn history firsthand. And at the end of the semester, every student performs in a full-length Shakespeare play with advice from actors Ian McKellen and Michael York.

Not Rated, runtime 52 minutes. These movies are programmed for adult audiences unless otherwise noted.

Presented by the Safe Community Coalition in partnership with the McLean Community Center -Military Mental Health and Transitions

Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m.

A free discussion series for parents

With Facilitators: Robyne Davis, MA, LPC; Mimi Miller, Military Wife, mother and daughter; Katie Altman, M.Ed., FCPS School Counselor.

We will discuss common stressors faced by service members and their families during times of transition. Strategies will be provided to help relieve stress while navigating these transitions. Primary topics will include support for children who move schools, support for families to connect with new communities and support for families regarding stages of development. Military and civilian resources will be shared, including Blue Star Families, Military OneSource and other relevant organizations.

McLean Day Friday Night Carnival Rides - Friday, May 16, 2-10 p.m.

Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd.

Come enjoy carnival rides and games the afternoon and evening before the McLean Day festival! Ride wristbands and tickets are sold onsite and online. Advance purchase is available at qrco.de/McLeanDay25. Patrons can also vote for their favorite candidates running for seats on the MCC Governing Board from 4-8 p.m. in the voting tent.

Produced by the McLean Community Center - McLean Day 2025

Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd.

Free admission

McLean’s biggest annual festival is celebrating its 110th Birthday! Enjoy rockin’ music, beer and wine garden, gourmet food trucks, exhibitors and sponsors, giveaways, balloon animals, games, a magician, petting zoo, amusements, large and small carnival rides, and much more! This event draws approximately 10,000+ patrons throughout the day. Ride tickets sold onsite and online. Advance purchase is available at qrco.de/McLeanDay25. Patrons can also vote for their favorite candidates running for seats on the MCC Governing Board from 11 a.m-5 p.m. in the voting tent.

Closing Notice: Memorial Day

Monday, May 26, 2025

The McLean Community Center will be closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day. The center will reopen on Tuesday, May 27, at regular business hours.

For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit mcleancenter.org. For Old Firehouse activities, call 703-448-8336. For The Alden Box Office, call 703-790-9223.

The McLean Community Center, an agency of Fairfax County Government, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services and activities. We will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. To request special accommodations, call the Center 14 working days in advance of the event. To request this information in an alternate format, call 711.

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