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| Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Juneteenth with Events Across the County |  Celebrate Juneteenth through engaging programs and community events across Fairfax County parks that honor African American history, resilience, culture and freedom. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Observed annually on June 19, it marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In Fairfax County, the Park Authority recognizes Juneteenth by sharing stories of the African American men, women and children, who shaped the region’s history through their labor, leadership, creativity and community. Featured EventsGrit and Grain – African American Millers Colvin Run Mill, Saturday, June 13 | 11 a.m. to noon African Americans’ labor, experience and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax 250 commemoration. $10 per person Juneteenth Celebration at Sully Historic Site Sully Historic Site, Friday, June 19 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Free Admission Honor emancipation through storytelling, guided tours and interactive family activities. Explore the history of Sully Historic Site and reflect on the stories, resilience and contributions of African Americans in Fairfax County. Enjoy food and community celebration. Exploring Our Historic Meeting House and Grounds Frying Pan Farm Park, Saturday, June 20 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Free Admission Explore the rich history of the park's Meeting House, one of the oldest religious structures in Fairfax County. Staff and volunteers will offer informal tours of the building and grounds, highlighting the history of African Americans in the area. Family Skate and Dance Night: Juneteenth Celebration Franconia Rec Center, Saturday, June 20 | 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate at this Juneteenth Celebration Family Skate and Dance Night. Wear red, black and green (yellow too) and enjoy a night skating and dancing with your friends, family and community. This event celebrates the resilience, community and possibilities of things to come. Take this opportunity to come out to this event as an early Father's Day celebration too! $10 per person Learn more and register for programs at the Juneteenth webpage. |
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| Let the Music Move You at the Summer Entertainment Series |  Enjoy free family entertainment this summer as the Summer Entertainment Series returns to Fairfax County parks. Bring the entire family, as well as friends and neighbors, to locations across Fairfax County to listen to everything from rock and R&B to bluegrass and blues, experience global traditions during special showcases at Ossian Hall Park, delight in engaging children’s entertainment throughout the entire Arts in the Parks series, and watch movies under the stars during Starlight Cinema at Sully Historic Site. The Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fairfax County Park Foundation partner to bring this community-building, summer staple back for 2026. All ages are invited to come out to enjoy a picnic, connect with community and experience enriching entertainment all summer long. The 2026 Summer Entertainment Series features the following series: Arts in the Parks children’s entertainment now including Cultural Heritage Nights at Ossian Hall Park, as well as these expanded NEW locations:
Braddock Nights (Fairfax, Springfield, Annandale) Evenings on the Ellipse (Fairfax County Government Center) Franconia Nights (Alexandria) Hunter Mill Melodies (Herndon) Mount Vernon Nights (Alexandria, Lorton) Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park (Herndon) Providence Presents (Vienna) Spotlight by Starlight (Annandale) Springfield Nights (Fairfax Station) Starlight Cinema (Chantilly) Find series details by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. View the Summer Entertainment Series flyer Get updates about the upcoming schedule by joining the Summer Concert Series e-news list. All events are held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home. Cancellations are updated online and via hotline one before show time. The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers that contribute to the success of these entertainment series. The Summer Entertainment Series is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582. |
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| Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Service Members with Free Activities on Memorial Day |  In recognition of Memorial Day, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families to enjoy complimentary access to select park amenities and activities on Monday, May 25. This special day of recognition is a small way to say thank you for the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Complimentary admission includes:
Guests must present valid military identification to receive complimentary access. For more information, visit the Park Authority website, or call 703-324-8700. For ADA or inclusion accommodations, call 703-324-8563 or TTY Virginia Relay at 711. The Memorial Day program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582. |
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| Stay Local: Your 2026 Summer Starts at Fairfax County Parks |  Summer fun starts right here in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Park Authority invites families, friends and visitors of all ages to enjoy a summer filled with mini golf, carousel rides, train rides, boating and outdoor adventure. Kick off the summer season on Memorial Day weekend with fun in Fairfax County parks. Spend the day getting out on the water, enjoying classic rides or discovering a new favorite park. Find park hours, seasonal openings and operating schedules by visiting the Operational Hours website. Mini Golf, Maximum Fun Tee off at four mini golf locations for a fun outing the entire family will enjoy:
Classic Carousel Rides Whirl around with joy at our charming carousels at one of the Park Authority’s enchanting carousels at several park locations (weather permitting):
All Aboard the Mini Trains Take a scenic ride through these parks, mini-train style (weekends, conditions permitting):
Paddle, Pedal or Cruise on the Water Get out on the water by renting a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, pedal boat or other vessel at one of our marinas. Many locations also allow for personal boat launches. Please check each site’s rules and regulations online before your visit:
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| National Trails Day Is Your Invitation To Explore the Outdoors |  In June, the Park Authority is inviting residents and visitors to get outside and explore the more than 300 miles of trails located throughout the county’s parks and natural areas. In celebration of National Trails Day—established by the National Hiking Society in 1993—on Saturday, June 6, the Park Authority will host trail-related programs and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the month designed to encourage the community to connect with nature and experience the many benefits of local trails. From hiking and biking to wildlife viewing and scenic walks, the Park Authority’s trail system offers opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration for all ages and experience levels. Throughout the month of June, community members are encouraged to discover a new favorite trail using the Park Authority’s Trail Buddy app, participate in outdoor programs and events, and experience the county’s diverse park system. More information can be found on the National Trails Day webpage. As part of the celebration, the Park Authority will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a trail improvement project at Brookfield Park, located at 7417 Floyd Ave. in Springfield, on Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. The project created approximately 1,400 linear feet of new natural surface trail, enhancing accessibility, recreational opportunities, and connectivity for the surrounding community to the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail and Accotink Stream Valley Park. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to take part in a guided trail bike ride led by Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to experience the new trail firsthand and learn more about local biking opportunities. National Trails Day serves as a reminder of the important role trails play in supporting recreation, wellness, environmental stewardship and community connection. Whether residents are looking for a peaceful nature walk, a family-friendly outing or an active outdoor adventure, the Park Authority’s extensive trail network provides countless ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Residents who are unable to attend the June 6 event are still encouraged to celebrate by exploring a local trail or participating in another trails-related event throughout the month. Additional information about National Trails Day activities, programs and events is available on the Park Authority’s National Trails Day webpage. |
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| Fairfax County Park Authority Honored with US Department of Energy Better Project Award |  The Fairfax County Park Authority has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy as a winner of the Better Project Award, which honors partners for outstanding accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and/or waste reduction projects at individual facilities. FCPA accepted the award on Tuesday, May 12 at the Better Buildings and Better Plants Summit. The award recognizes FCPA’s innovative energy savings performance contract, or ESPC, at the Franconia Recreation Center, a comprehensive modernization project that has improved building performance, reduced operating costs and enhanced the visitor experience. Through the ESPC, FCPA partnered with an energy service company to replace outdated systems and integrate advanced building controls into a single, coordinated solution. The project included upgrades to:
These upgrades are delivering guaranteed annual energy savings of more than 360,000 kilowatt-hours, resulting in approximately 20% annual cost savings under a 20‑year ESPC. The project has also reduced maintenance needs, improved indoor air quality and increased the overall reliability of facility operations. “This recognition from the Department of Energy underscores our commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and delivering high‑quality facilities for our community,” said FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “The Franconia Recreation Center project shows how thoughtful investment in energy efficiency can benefit both the environment and our taxpayers.” By leveraging the ESPC model, FCPA was able to implement a major capital improvement project without upfront capital costs, paying for upgrades over time through the guaranteed energy savings. This approach aligns with Fairfax County’s broader goals for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction and long-term operational resilience. The DOE Better Project Award is part of the Better Buildings Initiative, through which DOE recognizes public and private sector partners that are demonstrating leadership in energy efficiency and sustainability at their facilities. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s sustainability initiatives, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. |
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| Summer Starts at Rec Centers: Save on Annual Membership in May |  From workouts to wellness, Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers provide everything you need to get in shape and ready to take on everything summer has to offer. Don’t miss the chance to get a 15% discount on annual membership when you purchase by May 31. Annual membership provides access to all nine of the Park Authority’s Rec Centers located across Fairfax County. Enjoy their Fitness Centers, featuring cardio and weight training equipment, as well as drop-in group exercise classes such as cycle, yoga, Pilates, BODYPUMP and Zumba. Jump into a full body workout in the pool — get swimming or start water walking in lap lanes — available at all locations. Members also can access the following amenities where available, including:
Make a commitment to your health today. |
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| Fairfax County To Light the Sky With First-Ever Drone Light Show for America’s 250th at Lake Fairfax |  This summer, the sky above Lake Fairfax Park will come alive in a way Fairfax County has never seen before. As part of Experience Fairfax 250, the Fairfax County Park Authority, in partnership with the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation, will debut its first-ever drone light show during the Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27. Instead of traditional fireworks, hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky with music, motion and patriotic images that celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Fairfax County’s role in our nation’s story. Guests can spend the day enjoying everything Lake Fairfax has to offer, from trails, boating and camping to live music, food trucks, family activities and an unforgettable nighttime show. This celebration brings together the best of Fairfax County — our history, our parks and our community," said Laura Grape, division director, resource management and interpretation division, Fairfax County Park Authority. "Thanks to our partnership with the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation families will experience a one-of-a-kind celebration as we honor America’s 250th anniversary." "The 250th anniversary is a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are and inspire the next generation," said Liz Maurer, chair of Fairfax250. "We’re proud to partner with the Park Authority and Park Foundation to bring this special celebration to Fairfax County." Event highlights include:
Event DetailsLake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration
Parking (per vehicle):
Guests are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. for the best access. For more information, visit the Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration webpage. This event is brought to you by the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation. About the Fairfax County 250th Commission Established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2021, the Fairfax County 250th Commission leads countywide efforts to honor and commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Through partnerships, public programs and community events, the Commission celebrates the people, places and stories that shaped Fairfax County and our nation. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County 250th Commission webpage. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Park Foundation website or call 703-324-8582. |
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| Resident Curators To Share Local History and Preservation Progress at Open House in Lorton |  In recognition of Historic Preservation Month, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to attend an open house event at the Hannah P. Clark/Enyedi House on Saturday, May 30. Resident curators will be on site to share about the history of the house and the rehabilitation and preservation work they have done. The event will take place at the property at 10605 Furnace Road in Lorton from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limited on-site parking will be available. The Clark/Enyedi house is part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resident Curator Program. It was constructed by Hannah Potter Clark circa 1876 during Virginia’s Reconstruction Period after the Civil War and held by her family until 1931. During that time, Clark constructed and expanded the two-story, cross-gable vernacular farmhouse and even moved it across the street to accommodate realignment of the local railroad tracks. In 1986, artist Janos Enyedi and his wife purchased the property and built an art studio that still exists today. The Resident Curator Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals, nonprofit and for-profit organizations to secure long-term lease agreements to live rent-free in historic properties located in beautiful public park settings. In return, curators agree to invest in the rehabilitation of these properties to ensure that the history of Fairfax County is preserved for future generations to experience. For additional information visit the Resident Curator Program website. You may also contact Resident Curator Program manager Stephanie Langton at 703-324-8791 or stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov. |
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| Celebrate a New Era of Play at Reston North Park with the Park Authority on June 3 |  The Fairfax County Park Authority invites community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the newly renovated Reston North Park Playground on Wednesday, June 3 at 5 p.m. The playground is located at 11760 Stevenage Road in Reston. As part of the celebration, the Wonder Wagon, the Park Authority’s mobile nature center, will be on site offering guided, nature-based hands-on activities for families. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, explore the new playground and participate in the activities. Beginning in October 2025, Reston North Park Playground underwent a full renovation to replace aging equipment and improve accessibility for all visitors. Originally installed in the 1980s and 1990s, the playground’s retaining walls, steps and equipment had reached the end of their lifecycle and no longer met current accessibility and safety standards. The renovation has transformed the site into a safer, more modern and inclusive play space designed for children, families and caregivers. Key features of the renovated playground include:
For more information about Reston North Park Playground or the ribbon-cutting event, please contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. |
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