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| Sounds of Summer: Local Concerts in Fairfax County | ![]() Create your own summer soundtrack with the Summer Entertainment Series. Attend free, live concerts taking place at locations all around Fairfax through August. Award-winning entertainers take the stage in this series that is set to enrich the community and promote togetherness in Fairfax County. "Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Park Foundation, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and our other partners and supporters are excited to bring the Summer Entertainment Series back to the Fairfax County community," says Shera White, Fairfax County Park Authority events and volunteer manager. "Our free concerts create a sense of belonging and community pride. We can’t wait to see you out in our parks to connect, relax and enjoy the sounds of summer." This season consists of 124 performances at 20 venues. Mark your calendar for some incredible performances including:
Whatever your favorite genre — R&B, classic rock, classical and jazz, blues, choral, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, ska/soul, Latin Rock, country and best hits — find it in the parks this summer. Performances take place outdoors, so be sure to pack a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for an unforgettable night. Find the full list of performances and the full list of locations by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. All performances are held outdoors. Lawn chairs are welcome. 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 hour prior to the showtime. 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. Fairfax County Park FoundationThe 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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| Refresh, Relax, Repeat at Outdoor Water Parks and Splash Pads: Hours and Sensory Friendly Times | ![]() As the summer weather heats up, cool off at Fairfax County Park Authority’s water parks and splash pads. Spend the day cooling off and enjoy water play features sure to add enjoyment to the season: The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston): Twist and splash your way through slides, sprays and the lazy river. Open weekends; daily hours begin June 20. Enjoy an extra hour on weekends with the park opening at 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, June 20 to Aug. 23. Bonus: Choose from a variety of spaces to rent — from "Funbrellas" to cabanas to bungalows — at this popular destination. Secure your spot in the shade and a place for your group to enjoy the park this summer. Get your rental early. Please note that rental fees do not include admission, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. Our Special Harbor Spray Park (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria): An inclusive splash zone perfect for kids of all abilities. Open weekends; open daily June 20 through Aug. 23. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool (8115 Fordson Road, Alexandria): A community pool featuring a brand-new splashpad for all ages. Come out to swim and play all summer at this community gem. Open weekends; open daily (except Tuesdays) June 20-Aug. 23. Find park hours, seasonal openings and operating schedules by visiting the Operational Hours website. The Park Authority also welcomes individuals and families who need spaces with reduced sensory input to attend a sensory friendly time at our water parks. Experience limited capacity, reduced sounds with louder water features turned off, and staff trained to respond to children with special needs. Come out to enjoy the following sensory friendly hours this summer. Regular entry fees apply. The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
Cub Run Rec Center Indoor Water Park
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| Enjoy a Summer of Wonder with Arts in the Parks | ![]() Prepare to be enchanted by performances that spark the imagination of children across Fairfax County at Arts in the Parks. Turn off the screens and head into the parks this summer to enjoy this series of free, family-friendly shows that start on June 24. As part of the Summer Entertainment Series, Arts in the Parks introduces children to live entertainment in a relaxed, kid-friendly setting and builds their connection to the parks. Talented Arts in the Parks entertainers use song, dance, storytelling, comedy, magic, science and puppetry to captivate young audiences and capture the hearts of all ages. Performers often make the shows interactive in ways that children will never forget — inviting the audience to dance, sing or even join them on stage. Fairfax County Park Authority is offering these free shows throughout the summer at nine different locations, including four new locations for 2026 at Lorton Community Center, The Rooftop Park Space at Springfield Garage, Spring Hill Rec Center and Strawberry Park at Mosaic District. Check out the full suite by visiting the of Arts in the Parks webpage. In addition to the Cultural Arts in the Parks -- featuring rhythms from around the globe at Ossian Hall Park. The 2026 Arts in the Parks lineup includes:
All performances are held outdoors. Lawn chairs are welcome. 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 hour prior to showtime. 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. |
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| Step Up to the Plate and Celebrate Wakefield Park Softball Field Improvements | ![]() The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to a ribbon-cutting celebration recognizing recent upgrades to the softball fields at Wakefield Park on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. The event will be held on field eight at Wakefield Park, located at 8100 Braddock Road in Annandale. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests are invited to stay for a friendly girls softball game. Families, friends, players and fans are encouraged to bring their team spirit and help celebrate this exciting investment in the community’s athletic facilities. The celebration will highlight improvements to Wakefield’s diamond fields, including renovated playing surfaces and amenities, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts, new fencing, added batting cages, and new picnic tables and bleachers. As part of the project, field eight has been converted into a state-of-the-art synthetic turf surface. With these upgrades, Wakefield Park now offers expanded opportunities for play in a variety of weather conditions and extending the usable season for local teams. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. |
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| More Women, More Golf - June Is Women’s Golf Month | ![]() Ladies, it’s your time on the tee. June is Women’s Golf Month, and Golf Fairfax is rolling out the fairway for you. Swap the to‑do list for a tee time and gather your favorite golf gals — whether you’re just learning the game or already living on the leaderboard. All month long, enjoy: Practice Perks
Dress the Part
Join Women on Course events hosted by Golf Fairfax designed to help women learn, play and connect. These events offer welcoming opportunities for golfers of all experience levels. June's lineup includes Learn to Golf clinics, on-course instruction, social outings, league play and Play with a Pro events. Build skills, meet new playing partners and enjoy the game in a fun and supportive environment. View the complete schedule of events at the Women and Golf Fairfax webpage. National Golf Foundation data shows that more than 8.1 million women and girls played golf on a course in 2025, the highest participation level on record. As interest in the game continues to grow, Golf Fairfax is helping fuel that momentum through a variety of opportunities for women to learn, connect, practice and play. "Women's Golf Month is a chance for ladies to get together on the course, enjoy the game and try something new," said Emme Porter, marketing brand manager for Golf Fairfax. "It’s exciting to see programs that help women build confidence, meet other golfers and spend time doing what they love." Golf Fairfax is committed to providing exceptional golf experiences for women golfers of all levels and offers a range of programs and events designed to foster a love for the game and build a strong golfing community. For more information on activities and discounts for Women’s Golf Month, visit the Women and Golf webpage. |
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| Roll Into Summer with Family Skate and Dance Night | ![]() Glide and groove into the summer season in style at Franconia Rec Center’s Family Skate and Dance Night. With exciting themes and cool treats, these events have everything needed to entertain the entire family. Take a turn around the gym floor on skates (or your dancing shoes) to themed tunes played by a DJ. All ages and abilities are invited to enjoy this safe space, where children can build confidence on wheels and have fun with friends. Don’t forget to bring your own skates!
Tickets cost $10 per person, including skaters, chaperones and spectators. Purchase online or in person at the event. Food, ice cream, snacks and drinks are available for purchase (outside food is prohibited). Scooters are only allowed for ages 5 years and younger. Visit the Franconia Rec Center’s website for more information and to stay up to date on future skate nights and other events at the Rec Center. Interested in skate night? Host your very own private skate night to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions in the Franconia Rec Center gym. Call 703-922-9841 to inquire. Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Franconia Rec Center website. |
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| Groovy New Locations for Summer Entertainment Series | ![]() Soak up summer sounds as the Summer Entertainment Series returns to Fairfax County. Kick off these performances — brought to you by Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fairfax County Park Foundation — on June 24. Experience FREE live performances with family, friends, neighbors and community at 20 venues across the county. The 2026 concert series features an expanded Arts in the Parks series with four new locations:
Arts in the Parks also now incorporates cultural heritage nights held at Ossian Hall Park, located at 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Experience the sights, sounds and traditions from around the world. Discover the cultural heritage of Korea, Peru, Boliva, Bulgaria, Taiwan and West Africa during these performances. All ages are invited to come out to enjoy a picnic, connect with community, and be entertained all summer long. Use the following resources to stay plugged into the series:
Check out the rest of the 2026 Summer Entertainment Series and mark your calendars for must-see performances:
All performances are held outdoors. Lawn chairs are welcome. 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 hour prior to the showtime. 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 Offers After-Hours Night Sky Viewing at Turner Farm Park | ![]() The Fairfax County Park Authority is inviting residents and visitors to experience the stars in a whole new way with the launch of a Night Viewing Permit at Turner Farm Park. Designed for stargazers, night photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, the permit provides after-hours access to Turner Farm Park for nighttime sky viewing, while supporting the park’s commitment to reducing light pollution. Home to Observatory Park, Turner Farm Park earned international recognition in 2025 as an International Dark Sky Urban Night Sky Place, making it one of the few locations in the region where visitors can experience night-sky viewing close to a major metropolitan area. The park’s wide, low horizons offer many options for astrophotography and are perfect for near-horizon targets, such as comets and northern lights. The Night Viewing Permit builds on Turner Farm Park’s long-standing role as a community destination for astronomy, environmental education and dark-sky conservation. Night Viewing Permit DetailsVisitors ages 18 and older may purchase a permit, valid through Dec. 31 of the purchase year. Visitors younger than 18 must be accompanied by a permit holder. The permit provides after-dark access to the parking lot only. Access to the observatory is not included, and scheduled programs or special events may occasionally limit access. Check out program offerings by visiting the Turner Farm Park website. Before You GoPermits are issued per person for visitors ages 18 and older.
By balancing public access with conservation, the Night Viewing Permit helps ensure future generations can continue to experience the wonders of dark skies. Turner Farm Park is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. For more information or to purchase a permit, visit the Turner Farm Park website or call 703-324-8700. |
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| New Splash Pad Opens at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool | ![]() Fairfax County Park Authority welcomes the local community to beat the heat this summer at Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool — with an inclusive splash pad! All ages and abilities can enjoy this exciting new space located right next to the pool. The new, all-access splash pad opens for the 2026 summer season, replacing the tot pool that once stood in its place. When the existing tot pool needed renovation, Fairfax County Park Authority asked local residents to vote between installing a new one-foot- deep tot pool or a splash pad. The local community overwhelmingly voted in favor of installing a new splash pad. Featuring sprays and bucket dumps the splash pad is ready to keep the community cool as the summer heats up. Admission to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool and its new splash pad is free for all Fairfax County residents with proof of residency. Out of county residents may purchase a $50 annual pass online or at any of our Park Authority Rec Centers. The pool will be open noon to 7 p.m., weather permitting, on weekends through June 14 and from August 24 to September 7, and open daily (closed Tuesdays), June 20 to Aug. 23. The Park Authority is planning a celebration for the opening of the splash pad on Saturday, June 13, noon to 3 p.m. The local community is invited to come out to enjoy the space with music, ice cream, a water exercise demonstration and water safety demonstration. Learn more about this celebration and the space online at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool website. |
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| Uncover the Story of Fairfax250 with the 250th Discovery Map | ![]() Fairfax County Park Authority is joining in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States this year and helping the community to experience local history and sites throughout the county with a special Discovery Trail Map. The free map highlights Fairfax County parks, historic sites, nature centers and recreation facilities that connect to American history, local heritage and community life. From now through Labor Day — get outside, learn cool facts and win awesome prizes. The map includes new stops, including Fort Willard and Oakton School House, along with favorites, such as Cub Run Rec Center, Riverbend Park and Hidden Oaks Nature Center. How it works:
Take time this summer to spend time with friends and family and experience Fairfax250 by exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Fairfax County. The 2025 Discovery Map is sponsored by the Fairfax County 250th Commission and 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. |
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