Signature Events

Fairfax County, Virginia is bustling with excitement no matter what time of year you visit. Come discover a variety of fairs, festivals, and events that celebrate the area’s history and mystery, its flavors and beauty, and its outdoors and attractions. 

From blooming garden tours during spring to local craft brewfests and waterfront fun during summer or haunted hayrides and pumpkin picking in the fall to historic candlelight tours and enchanting light shows during the winter, these are some of Fairfax County’s signature events.

Please note dates are subject to change; we advise you to always check with the event venue for complete details.

JANUARY

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration - An inspiring weekend of programming from the Reston Community Center that includes special performances, community service projects, and keynote speakers honoring the work and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: Reston Community Center (Reston)
Info: www.restoncommunitycenter.com

DC Restaurant Week – Support local Fairfax County and DMV restaurants during Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s bi-annual Restaurant Week, highlighting some of the region’s top restaurants with special prix-fixe menus.
Where: Various sites throughout region
Info: www.fxva.com/restaurant-week 

FEBRUARY

Black History Month - The African American experience is intricately entwined in the rich tapestry of Fairfax County’s history and in America’s story. During Black History Month (and all year long), explore museums and historic sites that tell these stories, visit Black-owned restaurants and small businesses in the area, and keep up to date with special events happening throughout the month.
Where: Various sites throughout the region
Info: www.fxva.com/blog/post/african-american-history/ 

George Washington's Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon – Celebrate the birthday of America’s first president, George Washington, at his beloved home in Fairfax County. Admission is free to Mount Vernon for Presidents Day and on George’s birthday. Special events, including wreath-laying ceremonies at his Tomb, musical and tactical demonstrations, cake cuttings, and more take place throughout the weekend.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org 

City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival – An annual three-day festival that celebrates the love of chocolate and takes place the first full weekend of February. Visit with chocolate vendors, witness the Chocolate Challenge, enjoy a Pancake Breakfast, and explore historic sites in the City.
Where: Downtown City of Fairfax (Fairfax)
Info: www.chocolatefestival.net

MARCH

Woodlawn Needlework Show - Woodlawn Estate was the first family home of Eleanor “Nelly” Custis, the granddaughter of George and Martha Washington and one of America’s foremost needleworkers. Today, the site’s annual Needlework Show & Sale honors her legacy as an American crafter by showcasing hundreds of amazing needlework creations from artists across the country and maintaining the long tradition of the needle arts today.
Where: Woodlawn + Pope-Leighey House (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org

National Cherry Blossom Festival Garden Tours & Events – Take self-guided tours of beautifully landscaped gardens and attend Japanese cultural events and activities in Fairfax County as part of one of the world’s greatest celebrations of spring.
Where: Various sites throughout the region and county
Info: www.fxva.com/seasons-holidays/spring/national-cherry-blossom-festival/

APRIL

Virginia Bluebell Festival – Celebrate the first signs of spring’s arrival as the carpet of Virginia Bluebells stretches across the riverside forest at Riverbend Park. The Virginia Bluebell Festival typically includes wildflower walks, family entertainment, crafts, flower sales, and more.
Where: Riverbend Park (Great Falls)
Info:  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend 

National Park Week – Celebrate America’s treasures at Fairfax County’s National Park sites, including Great Falls Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and Wolf Trap. On the first day of this annual week, all National Park sites offer free admission.
Where: Great Falls Park (Great Falls)
Info: www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm 

Historic Virginia Garden Week – Tour inspired private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites during Virginia Garden Week, a statewide event that includes nearly 30 tours showcasing the beauty of the Commonwealth during the peak of spring. Fairfax County tours vary by location and date.
Where: Fairfax County
Info: www.vagardenweek.org/ 

MAY

Wolf Trap Summer Season Blast Off – The summer season at America’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts starts in late May with a free concert featuring The President’s Own U.S. Marine Band and a fireworks display. Throughout the summer, world-renowned recording artists, orchestras, and theatre take the majestic Filene Center stage.
Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna)
Info: www.wolftrap.org 

McLean Day - Spend the day outside with the McLean Community (nonprofit groups, crafters, local businesses) and enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, and delicious food.
Where: Lewinsville Park (McLean)
Info: www.mcleancenter.org

Viva! Vienna! – Join the Town of Vienna in celebrating the unity and strength of the community during a Memorial Day weekend festival featuring craft and food vendors, family entertainment, carnival rides, and more.
Where: Town of Vienna (Vienna)
Info: www.vivavienna.org

Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour - Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with candlelit tours of George Washington’s home, including the rarely-open basement where Washington stored his wine, plus live jazz on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org

Tephra Fine Arts Festival – One of the region’s most anticipated events, this juried outdoor street festival highlights more than 200 artists who are creating unique, handmade works in the fields of fine art and craft. The two-day event provides an interactive experience to view, purchase, and experience art directly from the unique and talented artists who have created it.
Where: Reston Town Center (Reston)
Info: www.tephraica.org/festival

JUNE

Sully Historic Site Antique Car Show - On Father's Day, over 400 vintage cars and trucks converge at Sully Historic Site as the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Model A Ford Club of America host their annual antique car show.
Where: Sully Historic Site (Chantilly)
Info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully

Innovations in Flight Family Day and Aviation Display – Explore the engineering and design innovations in flight and talk with pilots of vintage and modern aircraft that are on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly)
Info: https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/events/innovations-flight 

Mount Vernon Summerfest – Experience Mount Vernon after-hours and taste beers from across the region. Live music, 18th-century beer-making demonstrations, garden talks, and more make up the schedule at George Washington’s home.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org 

Declaration Day – Celebrating the anniversary of the ratification of the Virginia Declaration of Rights at the home of the author of those rights, George Mason.
Where: George Mason’s Gunston Hall
Info: www.gunstonhall.org 

Reston Pride Festival – A community-wide event celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community featuring dance and vocal performances, keynote speakers, an awards ceremony, and more.
Where: Lake Anne Plaza (Reston)
Info: www.restonpride.org 
 

JULY

Independence Day Celebrations – Celebrate America’s independence through a number of area fireworks shows, parades, and special events in the nation’s Capital Region.
Where: Various sites throughout the region
Info: www.fxva.com/seasons-holidays/holidays/independence-day-in-the-capital-region/

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon – Salute the country and our first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks and patriotic events at Mount Vernon’s annual Independence Day event.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org

Lake Anne Roots Music Festival – A full day of bluegrass music, food, arts & crafts, and a beer garden.
Where: Lake Anne Plaza (Reston)
Info: www.lakeanneplaza.com
 

AUGUST

4-H Fair & Festival – Four days of fresh air, farm fun, horse shows, carnival rides, old-fashioned games, goat and cow milking, hayrides, crafts, and much more come to Frying Pan Farm Park. Fairgoers can also enjoy the historic Kidwell Farm and farm shows, plus demos, sheep shearing, and more.
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park (Herndon)
Info: www.fairfaxcounty4h.com/4-h-activities/fairfax-county-4-h-fair 

National Farmers Market Week – Plan a visit to one of the dozens of farmers' markets in Fairfax County during this week, which celebrates farmers and the value that farmers' markets bring to area communities.
Where: Various sites throughout the county
Info: www.fxva.com/explore/entertainment-the-arts/shopping/farmers-markets/ 

DC Restaurant Week – Support local Fairfax County and DMV restaurants during Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s bi-annual Restaurant Week, highlighting some of the region’s top restaurants with special prix-fixe menus.
Where: Various sites throughout the region
Info: www.fxva.com/restaurants/restaurant-week/

SEPTEMBER

Cox Farms Fall Festival and Cox Farms Fields of Fear – Northern Virginia’s largest fall festival is the prime spot to get your pumpkins and apple cider donuts, plus experience hayrides, haunted trails, and kid-friendly fall activities. Fields of Fear features 20+ acres of terror when evening falls.
Where: Cox Farms (Centreville)
Info: www.coxfarmsva.com/fall-festival and fieldsoffear.coxfarmsva.com

Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair – Step back in time at this 18th-century-styled festival featuring dozens of America's finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun! Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares. The event also features lively 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale onsite.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org

Virginia Native American Festival - Experience performances by the Rappahannock Native American Dancers and Drum group, enjoy Virginia tribal vendors offering traditional crafts and learn about present-day events and cultural heritage. Also, enjoy hands-on demonstrations, including bow and arrow use and fire-making. 
Where: Riverbend Park (Great Falls)
Info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend

Reston Multicultural Festival – Celebrate Reston’s diversity and community spirit with live entertainment, crafts, globally-inspired activities, a Naturalization Ceremony, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in attire from their own cultural roots and share stories from their past.
Where: Reston Town Center (Reston)
Info: www.restoncommunitycenter.com

Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival – A day of jazz music, beer & wine garden, family fun, and great food.
Where: Lake Anne Plaza (Reston)
Info: www.lakeanneplaza.com 

OCTOBER

Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour - Enjoy live blues and spectacular views of the Potomac River while sampling wine from dozens of Virginia wineries. Learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father's wine endeavors, enjoy live blues music, and meet "George and Martha Washington" on the Mansion's piazza.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org

Clifton Day – This annual community celebration includes arts and crafts, antiques, demonstrations, the Town Market, live music, children's activities and lots of good food in the charming historic town of Clifton.
Where: Town of Clifton (Clifton)
Info: www.cliftonday.com

Workhouse Haunted Trail – Screams echo across the 55-acre historic Workhouse campus, built on the grounds of the notorious former prison, during the Workhouse Haunted Trail. Chosen as 2018’s #1 Must-See Haunt in Virginia by The ScareFactor.com, each year brings an all-new set design and creepy characters to this popular fall event.
Where: Workhouse Arts Center (Lorton)
Info: www.workhousearts.org 

Air and Scare - Discover the spooky side of air and space at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's annual Air & Scare! Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Your favorite Star Wars characters will also be on hand to pose with you for special once-in-a-lifetime pictures!
Where: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly)
Info: airandspace.si.edu/airandscare

NOVEMBER

Holidays are Here: Reston Parade, Tree Lighting, Sing-A-Long & More – A day of celebration to kick off the holiday season, beginning with the nationally-ranked holiday parade (perennially a USA Today top 10) and ending with the tree lighting and sing-a-long with Reston Chorale. Train and carriage rides, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice skating, shopping, and entertainment flush out the festive day.
Where: Reston Town Center (Reston)
Info: www.restontowncenter.com 

Meadowlark Gardens' Winter Walk of Lights – Named the #1 Botanical Garden with “Wow-Factor Winter Transformations,” this walkable outdoor light show features more than 500,000 LED lights set in a beautiful garden setting. Round out the half-mile trail by roasting marshmallows and sipping on hot beverages by the fire.
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna)
Info: www.winterwalkoflights.com 

Bull Run Festival of Lights – Drive through 2.5 miles of festive light displays at this long-standing Northern Virginia tradition. Follow the magical glow and enjoy the holiday displays from the comfort of your car and then stop by the Holiday Village for camel rides, refreshments, photo ops, and more holiday fun.
Where: Bull Run Regional Park (Centreville)
Info: www.bullrunfestivaloflights.com 

DECEMBER

Christmas at Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon by Candlelight – Named one of the "12 Places to Catch the Holiday Spirit" by AAA, Mount Vernon joyfully decks the halls for the holiday season, offering special daytime programming, evening candlelit tours, and historical demonstrations from November-January, plus a two-night-only special Illuminations event featuring spectacular fireworks shows.
Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon)
Info: www.mountvernon.org

Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long - This free musical celebration at the Filene Center hosts a performance by the U.S. Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs. Bring a candle and jingle bells to join the tradition and keep an eye out for a special guest appearance from Santa himself.
Where: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna)
Info: www.wolftrap.org