McLean Day

McLean Day is celebrating it’s 110^th birthday this year, along with the 50^th anniversary of its producer, the McLean Community Center. Over the years, it has provided a community connection to thousands of residents while also evolving to meet their ever-changing needs. McLean Day 2025 will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. The event is free and open to the public.

McLean Day was created in 1915 as a fundraiser for Franklin Sherman School by the McLean School and Civic League and the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. Originally, it was a week-long festival, and for years it was held on the Saturday preceding the Democratic Primary in August. In ensuing years, the festival took on a variety of forms and acquired several sponsoring organizations. In 1973, MCC cosponsored McLean Day with SHARE of McLean and eventually became its sole producer.

In the early years, McLean Day included such far-fetched activities as a baby contest and jousting on horseback. Newer attractions include the Friday Night Carnival Rides that open the festival on Friday, May 16, from 2-10 p.m. This year, there will be a new beer and wine garden, onstage performances by The Sounds of Soul, games, roaming costumed characters, a petting zoo, exhibitors, gourmet food trucks, large and small carnival rides and much more.

For more information, visit: mcleancenter.org or call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711. The center’s telephone will be answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the festival.