Park Authority

By Chase Brown

The cold fall weather is finally starting to move in, and you know what that means. The Striped Bass are here. Striped Bass, or Stripers as most people call them, are a migratory fish that move up and down the East Coast of the United States. During the fall, massive schools of these fish travel up the Potomac River and into the creeks. Stripers can vary in size, the smaller ones which are generally referred to as “schoolies” are usually around 12 to 24 inches.  However, in recent years anglers have pulled out some trophy size Striped Bass from the Potomac with some reaching over 40 inches.

The typical ways to catch these fish are soft plastics, crankbaits, or live minnows. Make sure that you use a jig head that is not too heavy or light, I recommend between a ¼ or ½ oz. depending on the current.  In my experience, Striper seemed to be really drawn to white or silver colors and especially love the movement that a long grub trail lure makes. The color of your jig head isn’t as important to Striper, but I typically go for red, white, or standard lead color. Live baitfish are an excellent choice as well for catching Stripers so if you can get hold of some bullhead minnows or shiners you should have success. I find that a 3/0 size circle hook with a ¼ oz. weight attached a foot above the hook is the best choice for fishing your live bait.

Areas such as creek mouths and deep channels are excellent places to find Stripers holding up. You can find a lot of success in areas where the Potomac meets up with a creek as the Striper are typically moving in and out of these areas on a regular basis. The best time to target these fish are on an incoming tide so make sure you go online and find a tide chart for your area. Striper tend to travel in schools so if you can catch one then you can usually catch a handful. Remember the technique you used to catch the first one and there should be more to follow. Deep channels along shallow riverbanks are another area that Striper tend to frequent since the deep water gives them some cover and allows them to pick off baitfish as they move out of the shallows. Fairfax County provides some excellent fishing spots to target Stripers around the Alexandria and Mount Vernon area. Any of the local creeks around you that feed into the Potomac are great places for you to try to target Stripers. Take a drive along the George Washington Parkway and you will be sure to find some great areas to try and land one of these amazing fish.

By Chase Brown

Dust off your tackle box and take the tags off that brand-new fishing pole you got during the holidays because warmer weather is on the horizon and with it comes the early spring fishing season!

Here’s what you need to know on what to do before your first fishing trip this year, as well as tips and information on the fish you can expect to catch. If you have any specific questions about fishing in the area or fishing in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to our FCPA Fishing Coordinator Dan Grulke at dan.grulke@fairfaxcounty.gov. Also, be sure to go online and check out some of the fishing classes we will be offering this year at some of your favorite local parks!

Maintaining your equipment is incredibly important when it comes to fishing, and it can save you a lot of money if done properly and in a timely manner.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

1. Gather all your gear together including all rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and any miscellaneous lures you may have lying around.
2. Grab your rods and make sure each eye on each rod is properly secured and lines up properly.
3. Take your fishing reels and ensure that each one is cranking smoothly and that you have taken off any fishing line from last year. If your fishing reel is tough to crank and feels sort of locked up, then you may have to spray some lubricant inside the grooves to eliminate some of the rust or any gunk that may have built up inside over time. Be sure to change out your line before your first fishing trip this year if it has been on your reel for over a few months, as fishing line tends to lose its strength and become brittle after it sits on the reel for a while.
4. Make sure that you check for any bait or food in your tackle box that may have been left in it over the winter. For parents, I recommend you check your child’s tackle box for leftover food or bait every time they come home from fishing. I cannot tell you how many times I have found month-old hot dogs and bread that have led to entire tackle boxes needing to be thrown away.
5. Examine all your lures and hooks for signs of rust or wear. Use a sharpening stone on any of them that you think may need to be sharpened. If you find out that a lot of your lures or hooks have started to rust, then you most likely have an issue with water or moisture getting into your tackle box. I would try to locate any holes or breaks in your tackle box, and then think about moving it to a different, dryer location.
6. Check your fishing nets for gashes that may have been made from the previous year and examine them for rust if they are made of metal. Depending on what fish you are targeting, you may be able to get by with a few small gashes in your net, but you can make a quick fix with some thick sewing string and a needle, if you think it is necessary.

Now that you have some steps to get yourself prepared for the season, let us talk about some of the fish you may be targeting out there!

Spring is the time of year when largemouth bass begin their spawning rituals and tend to become highly aggressive. It is also a great time of the year for finding a trophy fish, since a lot of the females are pretty fattened up to prepare for spawning. Typically, you can find pairs of fish along grass beds guarding their nests from intruders and attacking anything that gets too close. In my opinion, this makes for an easy and enjoyable day of fishing, since you do not have to put too much effort into choosing the right lure. If it can fit in their mouth and you cast it close to their nesting site, you should have no problem hooking up with a bass this time of year.

Another reason that spring is a favorite time of year among anglers is the migratory species you can find in the Potomac River, such as striped bass and yellow perch. I had an article that previously talked about striped bass and their fall migration up the river , but they will also make a smaller migration down the river in the early springtime. Typically, there are not as many as there are in the fall, but these fish always seem to come back when the weather starts to warm up. The warmer waters also signal the beginning of the yellow perch migration. These fish spawn in rivers and creeks during this time of year, just like the largemouth bass. The yellow perch, not to be confused with the white perch that inhabits this area year-round, has some distinguishable features that separate it from its counterparts, including its color, which is typically greenish yellow with black bands along its sides.  

I have my best luck with yellow perch when fishing small soft plastics along areas with lots of rocks. Just like the largemouth bass, these fish are very aggressive during their spawning season and will strike at just about anything that crosses their path.

For those of you looking to experience fishing for the first time or looking to catch anything that will take your bait, panfish is the way to go.

Virginia has numerous species of panfish but the most popular three are bluegill, sunfish and crappie. They can be found in just about any body of water around the area and are a fun and easy species to catch that will be sure to brighten anyone’s fishing day.

All you need for these fish are some fishing line, a hook and bait, such as worms or crickets. Panfish typically travel in schools too, so where you find one you should be able to find a dozen.

Fishing for panfish is perfect for beginners or any angler looking for a relaxing day on the water. Although they are not the biggest fish by any means, they have some beautiful colors and patterns and a decent-sized one will put up a good fight on a lightweight fishing rod.

Good luck to all of you this fishing season, and I hope that this article helps you land that trophy catch this spring!

Get moving, improve wellness and connect with community at Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers.

Visit any of the Park Authority’s nine Rec Centers for an Open House event on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Sign up for a free, 7-day trial or purchase a 30 days for $30 pass to receive admission and try out all the amenities these facilities have to offer.

Bring your friends and family to see what membership can offer. Come out from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 to learn more about membership, try fitness demonstrations/sample classes and enjoy other exciting activities depending on the location. In addition to a membership table, fitness orientations and various sample classes (get full schedules online), you will find the following:

• Audrey Moore Rec Center: Ice cream, snacks/drinks, table tennis open play and esports demo until 7 p.m.
• Cub Run Rec Center: Popcorn, face painting, snow cones, free InBody assessments, inflatable axe throwing and bubbles.
• Franconia Rec Center: Popcorn, free carousel rides, raffle, arts and crafts and ask a personal trainer 5:30-7 p.m.
• George Washington Rec Center: Cornhole, mini golf, splash pad, festive floats and esports.
• Mount Vernon Rec Center: Fishing for rubber duckies, Pokémon demo, ice skating demo and skating level evaluations, open rock wall climbing and photo with the ice resurfacer.
• Oakmont Rec Center: Face stickers, bobbing for donuts, pumpkin craft and campfires with s’mores.
• Providence Rec Center: Swim with a mermaid, photo booth and bring gently used sneaker donations.
• South Run Rec Center: Popcorn and giveaways.
• Spring Hill Rec Center: Popcorn, community gardening starter kit giveaway and esports tournament.

In addition to the fun activities happening at the Mount Vernon Rec Center Open House, FCPA will hold a special lifeguard open-hire event. Candidates can complete an application, take a swim test and interview with Park Authority staff, all in one location. This is a great opportunity to learn more about lifeguard positions at Mount Vernon Rec Center and take the next step toward joining the team.

Level up your commitment to wellness this fall by purchasing Rec Center annual membership — at a 15% discount — throughout September. Members gain access to a variety of tools to help meet personal goals:

• Access all nine Rec Centers.
• Enjoy pools, spas and saunas.
• Workout in Fitness Centers (with free orientations).
• Join drop-in group exercise classes.
• Get moving on sports courts, in gyms and on tracks.
• Take advantage of discounts for drop-in childcare (where available).

Purchase membership online or in person at any of the Rec Centers. Check out how to join, connect and get active by visiting the Rec Centers website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards, recognizing exceptional service and contributions to the county’s parks, natural and cultural resources and recreational opportunities.

The awardees will be honored during a recognition ceremony this October sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Established in 1988, the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards honor the legacy of Ellamae "Elly" Doyle, whose leadership as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board helped expand the park system, preserve open space and enhance recreational facilities across Fairfax County.

This year’s honorees were selected for their dedication, volunteerism and commitment to protecting the county’s natural, cultural and historic resources. Awards are presented in five Fairfax County Park Authority categories, along with three Eakin Awards from the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

The Elly Doyle Park Service Awards will go to:

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends Core Volunteers: Volunteers created popular community events and evolved them into community institutions, such as Park and Bark and Parktoberfest. They have awarded and sponsored field trips to The Woodlands and sponsored summer campers as well, increasing awareness and access to environmental education as part of the site’s mission.

Susan Voss: Voss has been actively involved with FCPA and Green Spring Gardens for more than 30 years in multiple active roles. She is an engaged and proactive leader, who continually works to sustain, enrich, and ensure the gardens remain vibrant, attractive and welcoming to all visitors.

Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards

Ed Robichaud: Robichaud serves as a docent for the historic Kidwell House, providing tours with historical and interpretive information. He also drives guided wagon rides for visitors of all ages, including field trips and special events.

Lassine Doumbia Fakoli: Since 2007, Lassine has served as the lead volunteer and host for the Ossian Hall Park Spotlight by Starlight Summer Concert Series in Annandale. With a passion for education, nature and the park system, he has played an integral role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for performers and guests alike.

Youth Award

Ariana Blake: Ariana is the President of Fairfax County 4-H and helped plan and lead various activities at the 4-H Fair held at Frying Pan Farm Park last August, including setting up the fair exhibit barn, training fair superintendents, assisting the judges as a fair superintendent and emceeing the Fair opening ceremony. Through her involvement in 4-H, Ariana has been volunteering at the Fair held at Frying Pan Farm Park since 2017 and has supported numerous other events, including Harvest Days, Halloween on the Farm, Holidays on the Farm and Spring Farm Day.

Juliet Phillips: Juliet has demonstrated leadership in participating in a number of site stewardship projects around Hidden Oaks Nature Center to help protect natural and cultural resources. For example, she helped repair and restore our model of a Woodland Indian Scarecrow hut and designed and built a snake exercise board, which is used in programs to show how our snake ambassador animals can move and climb.

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award

Maureen Doherty: Doherty has been an Adapted Aquatics volunteer at South Run Rec Center since 2019 and has given a total of nearly 600 hours of volunteer time to this program. She promotes diversity, equity and inclusion through her longstanding commitment to helping children, teens and adults with intellectual, developmental, learning, physical, or other disabilities learn how to swim.

Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award

Rob Hahne (posthumously): Former Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Travel Baseball League, Hahne, known throughout the community as “Mr. Baseball,” served on the Fairfax County Athletic Council for 16 years, the Sports Tourism Task Force, and the Visit Fairfax Board, among other organizations. His contributions to Fairfax County spanned decades and left a lasting imprint on parks, athletics and the broader community. His advocacy was instrumental in the creation of Patriot Park North baseball complex and driving tournament activity to the facility. He provided experienced, consistent guidance to the Park Authority on how the agency could best serve athletic programs countywide.

Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award

Lauren Crum and Shelley Deutch: Co-Chairs of the Greater Oakton Community Association, Crum and Deutch have contributed to preservation and stewardship in Fairfax County by assisting with the management and stewardship of Oakton Schoolhouse to establish a meeting place -- seeking and collecting historical furnishings to create a “living history” museum at the schoolhouse. They delivered historical presentations and created educational programming.

Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award

Margaret Fisher: An environmental steward, Fisher has educated and inspired others across Fairfax County to restore vital habitats across public and private lands. Her work promoting native plants, removing invasives and rescuing trees have made a lasting impact over her 30 years of volunteerism and leadership. Fisher’s contributions and many roles include serving as a stream monitor at Popes Head Creek, an IMA site leader, and a founder of Plant NOVA Natives, Plant NOVA Trees and the Tree Rescuers program, which has led to the rescue of at least 22,000 trees.

Chairman’s Choice Awards

Kiel Stone: Former Chairman of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, Stone served on the Park Authority Board (2017-2025) as the Braddock District Representative and as the youngest board chairman in Park Authority history. He championed recreation and environmental projects and policies that advance the quality of life for Fairfax County residents.

Chris Leonard: Former Deputy County Executive for Health, Housing and Human Services, Leonard served Fairfax County for more than two decades and recently retired as Deputy Director for Health, Housing and Human Services. He began his career with the county as a budget analyst in 1999 and was appointed deputy director and later appointed acting director of the former Department of Community and Recreation Services (CRS). Prior to being appointed deputy county executive, he led the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.

Harry Glasgow (posthumously): Environmental steward and parks advocate, Glasgow was a devoted environmental steward and advocate for protecting our natural world. He served as a member of the Fairfax County Park Authority Board (2005-2012), Fairfax County Park Foundation Board (2013-2026), the Fairfax Chesapeake Bay Exceptions Committee (2003-2012), and the Fairfax County Tree Commission (chair since 2008). He was a member of Friends of Huntley Meadows Park (since 1990), multiple Fairfax County "Friends" groups and the Prince William Conservation Alliance (since 2009), and he chaired the Alliance Conservation Committee.

Eakin Philanthropy Awards (Presented by the Fairfax County Park Foundation)

Judith (Judy) Ann Bailey (posthumously): Bailey’s Legacy Circle gift supported the Animal Attraction and Observation Area at the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. During her lifetime, she enjoyed bird and nature walks and photography at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly.

Giant Food: Giant Food has provided long-standing support via FCPF for Golf Fairfax, Healthy Strides, and other FCPA programs. Its impactful contributions include an annual donation of gift cards to the Park Foundation and providing food and drinks for hundreds of participants of FCPA’s Healthy Strides 5K/10K race.

Gilbert McCutcheon Park Volunteer Team: For the past 23 years, neighbors participated in the FCPA Adopt-a-Park program and are now an official FCPA Park Volunteer Team to help Gilbert McCutcheon Park continue as a treasured focal point for community activities and events. The team raised funds for a playground, swings, beautification and other enhancements at McCutcheon Park.

Olmi Family Foundation: The Olmi Foundation donated land and supported significant improvements at Fort Willard Historic Site. Their generous gift will fund an archeological study to confirm location and condition of Fort structures and to enhance access to educational opportunities at the site. The family also designated a portion of the Family’s funding for Essential Operations to help where needed most to sustain the FCPF’s mission of enriching Fairfax County parks.

About Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Park Authority enriches the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles. 

About the Fairfax County Park Foundation

The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, securing grants, and building partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet the community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the foundation’s website or call 703-324-8582 for more information.

Golf Fairfax is excited to once again partner with the Virginia State Golf Association to bring adaptive golf programming to Burke Lake Golf Center this fall. Adaptive Golf Clinics begin at Burke Lake this week and run through early October, giving golfers with disabilities the opportunity to build skills and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. Golfers can then take what they’ve learned from the clinics onto the course during the Adaptive Golf Play Day in October.

VSGA Adaptive Golf programs provide golfers with disabilities opportunities to learn, develop their skills and connect with other golfers in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Programs are designed for players of all abilities and may incorporate both standard and adaptive equipment to support each golfer’s individual needs.

Join us for the Adaptive Golf Play Day on Friday, Oct. 16 at Burke Lake Golf Center, for an on-course experience designed for golfers with disabilities. The Adaptive Golf Play Day offers a supportive environment, where players can transition their skills from the clinics to the course, enjoy camaraderie with fellow golfers and continue developing their game.

The Play Day is open to golfers of all abilities and costs $20 per player. Golfers can register by visiting the Golf tournaments webpage.

All course ready golfers with disabilities are welcome, including those with physical, cognitive or other disabilities.

Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Golf Center website or call 703-323-1641.

Golf Fairfax is committed to creating enriching experiences for all golfers, including those with disabilities. For questions about accessibility, please visit the Recreation Services for Customers with Disabilities website.

This fall, select bunkers at Greendale Golf Course and Burke Lake Golf Center will be rebuilt using the Better Billy Bunker construction system. These improvements will enhance playing conditions, improve drainage, reduce washouts after heavy rain and create a cleaner, more consistent appearance across both courses. Golfers can also expect longer lasting sand and an overall improved experience on the course.

Construction started on Sept. 9 at Greendale and will start Oct. 19 at Burke Lake. Both courses will still be open and playable with special discounts, but golfers can expect minor changes to the golf routes and some construction noise and equipment around the work areas.

Project Timelines and Impacts

Greendale Golf Course

• Project Dates: Sept. 9 – Oct. 27, 2026
• Course Impacts: Two holes will be closed: Hole #6 and one additional rolling hole closure where bunker work is being performed
• Golfer Discount: Receive 20% off 18-hole green fees only during the bunker project (includes the existing 10% Creek Restoration discount plus an additional 10% bunker project discount).

Burke Lake Golf Center

• Project Dates: Oct. 19 – Nov. 16, 2026
• Course Impacts: Rolling one-hole work zones Monday–Saturday
• Golfer Discount: Receive 10% off regular greens fees through the completion of the bunker project.

Both courses will remain open and playable throughout construction, with some minor route adjustments and occasional construction noise and equipment present.

For the most current project updates and course status, visit the Golf Course Operating Status webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to provide input on proposed improvements to Alabama Drive Park in Herndon. Public comments will be accepted from Thursday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m.

Located at 1100 Alabama Drive, the park is approximately 11-acres and offers a variety of recreational amenities, including two diamond fields, a rectangular field, playgrounds, two basketball courts, trails and a parking lot.

The Park Authority plans to begin revitalization work at the park in spring 2027. The proposed project includes several improvements designed to enhance the park’s recreational opportunities and address existing site needs, including:

• Converting the rectangular field (Field #3) to synthetic turf.
• Replacing the playground equipment.
• Making drainage improvements.

Additional improvements may be incorporated into the project as funding allows, including:

• Parking lot and trail repairs.
• Basketball court repairs and restriping to add a futsal court.
• A new picnic shelter.
• New site furnishings.

The Park Authority is committed to meeting the diverse recreational needs of the community and is seeking feedback to help inform the proposed improvements. In addition to providing general comments on the project, community members are invited to answer two brief questions about potential court configurations and other improvements that could be considered for the park.

Community members are encouraged to review the proposed plans and provide feedback at the Alabama Drive Park Renovation Project webpage.

For questions about this project, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Take the first step to a healthier and happier you by becoming an annual member of Fairfax County Park Authority’s Rec Centers. These community wellness hubs provide all the ingredients needed to make your fitness dreams a reality. Lock in during September and get a 15% discount when you purchase annual membership online or in person.

View the Membership flyer

Members receive access to all nine of the Park Authority’s Rec Centers across Fairfax County, so explore classes and fitness opportunities at any location. Develop a workout routine that works for you using cardio and weight training equipment in the Fitness Centers.

Try drop-in group exercise classes, such as cycle, yoga, Pilates, BODYPUMP and Zumba. Take a lap in the pool for a full body workout that goes easy on the joints. Make strides toward better health with every rep, step or stroke.

Signing up for annual membership also provides access to special amenities where available, such as:

• Indoor tracks at Franconia, Mount Vernon and Spring Hill rec centers.
• Ice skating and indoor rock climbing at Mount Vernon Rec Center.
• Indoor water park at Cub Run Rec Center.
• Racquetball/Wallyball courts at Audrey Moore, Franconia, Oakmont, Providence, South Run and Spring Hill rec centers.
• Gyms (drop-in basketball and pickleball, schedule depending) at Audrey Moore, Franconia and Spring Hill rec centers.
• Discounts on Drop-In Childcare at Cub Run, Oakmont and Mount Vernon rec centers.

Everyone can see what Rec Centers have to offer and celebrate their amenities during the Rec Center Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Bring friends and neighbors out to your local Rec Center to try out the Fitness Centers, pools/spas/saunas, sample drop-in exercise classes, and explore the special amenities each location has to offer. Admission all day is free with sign up for a 7-day pass. Level up the time you have to explore by signing up for the 30 days for $30 pass instead. Go all in by purchasing membership at a 15% discount!

On Sept. 22, stop by between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. for special programming. Get in on some exciting activities -- from ping pong at Audrey Moore, to inflatable axe throwing at Cub Run, to roasting s’mores at Oakmont, to cornhole at George Washington, to a carousel ride at Franconia, to meeting a mermaid at Providence, to line dancing at Spring Hill, to kickboxing at South Run. Visit the Rec Center website for details on the open house. 

View the Open House flyer

Mark your calendars for Sept. 22 and commit to your health.

Purchase a Rec Center membership

Step into the fascinating world of bugs at Bug Fest, Lake Accotink Park’s annual celebration of all things that crawl, fly and buzz. Join the Fairfax County Park Authority on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a day of hands-on discovery, outdoor exploration and creepy-crawly fun.

Designed for ages 4 and older, Bug Fest invites families to explore the important role insects play in healthy ecosystems, while getting an up-close look at some of the tiny creatures that share our world.

Here’s what’s buzzing at this year’s event:

• Insect Safari Hikes — Head outdoors to search for insects in their natural habitats.
• Live Insect Encounters — Meet fascinating insects up close.
• Bug Crafts and Games — Get creative with hands-on activities inspired by the insect world.
• Bug-Themed Stories — Enjoy stories celebrating some of nature’s smallest creatures.
• Buggy Maze — Navigate your way through a bug-inspired challenge.
• Spiderweb Slackline Course — Test your balance on a web-worthy adventure.

Admission is $10 per person in advance and $12 at the door. All children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Register for Bug Fest

Lake Accotink Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. Parking for Bug Fest is located at 5660 Heming Ave. 

For more information, visit the Lake Accotink Park website or call 703-569-3464.

Dancing and drumming, Native American food and craft vendors, archery, dugout canoe demonstrations and hands-on cultural experiences will bring Riverbend Park to life during the Virginia Native American Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s festival welcomes members of the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi and Chickahominy tribes for a day, celebrating Virginia Native culture, heritage and community.

Festival programming includes Upper Mattaponi dancing and drumming, traditional storytelling and a flute performance by Patrick “Littlewolf” Brooks of Five Feathers Productions, shinny demonstrations with the Powhatan Shinny League and a presentation by Mattaponi cultural keeper Samuel McGowan, featuring recreated tools and artifacts that highlight Mattaponi culture past and present.

Throughout the day, visitors can try archery, join guided walks exploring traditional uses of local plants, watch fire-building and dugout canoe demonstrations, meet live animals, and participate in hands-on activities.

Inside the Riverbend Park Visitor Center, exhibits will highlight Indigenous people and history. The traveling Loudoun’s First Farmers exhibit from the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum will feature pottery sherds, stone tools and projectile points used by generations of Indigenous people.

Advance registration is $12 per person and closes Friday, Sept. 11, at 9 p.m. Admission at the door is $15 per person.

Register for the Virginia Native American Festival

The festival takes place at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Visit the Riverbend Park website or visit the Virginia Native American Festival webpage for the full festival schedule, program details and registration information.