In this week’s update:

🌺 Apple Blossoms and Parades Fill Winchester Through May 4: The 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival continues through May 4 in Winchester, VA, with over 50 events celebrating spring, apple blossoms, and community tradition.

🏈 $3.7B RFK Stadium redevelopment could bring Commanders back to D.C.: D.C. has proposed a $3.7 billion plan to redevelop the RFK site with a new Commanders stadium and surrounding entertainment district. The council will review the deal, with a vote expected this summer.

🎖️ Oakton teen honored by Princeton for rare disease advocacy: Oakton High School junior Hartik Uppalapati was honored with the Princeton Prize for founding RareGen, a global youth-led nonprofit advocating for rare disease equity and policy change.

Driving the news: The 98th annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is well underway in Winchester, drawing crowds and celebrating the season with over 50 events packed into 10 days of springtime fun. The festival runs through Saturday, May 4.

Details:

• Known locally as “The Bloom,” the festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors

• Events include parades, concerts, dances, sports, the Apple Blossom Carnival, and the Bloomin’ WineFest

• Celebrations are spread across Winchester and Frederick County, with dozens of family-friendly and ticketed happenings

• Now nearly a century old, the festival has grown from a one-day gathering into a major regional tradition

• Supported by thousands of volunteers and local partners, the event showcases Virginia’s agricultural roots and spring beauty

Why it matters: This isn’t just a local fair — it’s one of Virginia’s largest and most cherished spring events, bringing community spirit, tourism, and economic activity to the Shenandoah Valley.

The big picture: The Bloom represents a deep-rooted celebration of Virginia’s apple country and the season’s arrival. With everything from wine tastings to fireworks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during its final days.

What’s next: Catch the last weekend of festivities, including major parades and family events, before the festival wraps up on May 4.

The bottom line: If you’re looking for a vibrant way to ring in spring, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is a can’t-miss experience in the heart of Northern Virginia.

Driving the news: D.C. officials, the NFL, and the Washington Commanders unveiled a sweeping $3.7 billion plan to transform the RFK Stadium site into a 170-acre entertainment district featuring a new 65,000-seat stadium, housing, retail, and public recreation.

Details:

• The Commanders would privately fund $2.7 billion for the stadium

• D.C. plans to invest over $1 billion in infrastructure, site development, and a new $89 million indoor SportsPlex

• The plan includes 6,000 new homes, a riverfront trail, and distinct districts for housing, dining, retail, and entertainment

• The existing RFK Stadium would be demolished to make way for the new venue

• The stadium would host 20–30 major events annually in addition to NFL games and year-round programming

Why it matters: This is the largest private investment in D.C. history and a major step toward bringing the Commanders back into city limits for the first time since the 1990s. It also introduces a new neighborhood and recreation destination on the Anacostia River.

The big picture: The project aims to reshape a massive underutilized site into a sports and cultural hub. But the proposal is already facing political headwinds, especially over the use of public funds amid budget pressures.

What’s next: The D.C. Council will hold public hearings and must approve the plan. Seven votes are needed to move forward. If approved, construction could begin by late 2026, with a stadium opening targeted for fall 2030.

The bottom line: D.C. is betting big on a return of NFL football and the creation of a new mixed-use community — but the future of the deal now rests with the City Council.

Let's talk about the future of Northern Virginia's real estate and how President Trump's planned market crash impacts the Northern Virginia housing market!

Driving the news: Hartik Uppalapati, a 16-year-old student at Oakton High School, has been awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations for his work founding RareGen Alliance, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to rare disease advocacy and equity.

Details:

• Uppalapati received a $2,500 award and an all-expenses-paid trip to Princeton’s Symposium on Race

• RareGen, founded in 2021, focuses on youth engagement in rare disease support, political advocacy, and global awareness

• The group now includes 374 members across 20+ countries and has produced 79 reports influencing international policy through the EU and UN

• Hartik’s efforts also led to the launch of the Chanakya Initiative, which offers financial literacy and career training for marginalized women in South Asia

Why it matters: At just 16, Uppalapati is creating real change both locally and globally—shaping health policy, supporting underserved communities, and giving voice to young people with rare diseases.

The big picture: This award highlights how youth-driven leadership can push conversations forward on health equity, global advocacy, and access to resources, especially in spaces often dominated by older voices.

What’s next: RareGen will host a major event in Washington, D.C., this June, featuring youth speakers, networking, and educational sessions focused on rare disease literacy and community engagement.

The bottom line: From his home in Northern Virginia, Uppalapati is making an international impact, proving age is no barrier to leadership or change.

🏳️‍🌈 WorldPride 2025 Festival

The LGBTQ+ celebration, which also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Pride events in Washington, has been years in the making. The city is prepping for crowds with a new parade route, a tap-and-pay Metro card system, and amped-up security.
📍Location: New parade route
🗓️ Date & Time: Kick off May 17th | Parade June 7th
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

🌸 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

The 98th annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is well underway in Winchester, drawing crowds and celebrating the season with over 50 events packed into 10 days of springtime fun.
📍Location: 135 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA
🗓️ Date & Time: April 25 - May 4, 2025 | Times may vary
🎟️ Tickets: Prices may vary
🔗 More Info

🖼️ Old Town Manassas Art Show & Craft Spring Fair

Spring is in the air in Historic Downtown Manassas! Celebrate Mother's Day early at this charming outdoor event with artisans and crafters, independent consultants, and other small businesses showcasing their products, including arts and crafts, jewelry, body and hair care, food, and beverages at this free spring fair.
📍 Location: 9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VA
🗓️ Date & Time: May 3 | 10 am to 3pm
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.

• Free Outdoor Concert Series Are Kicking Off Around NoVA

• Greek ice cream shop Yala to open in Georgetown

• Junior Achievement announces 2025 Washington Business Hall of Fame laureates

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place

Email me anytime: [email protected]

Search homes for sale in Northern Virginia: http://www.colganrealestate.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscolganteam/

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: @ChrisColgan