Park Authority

Ready for a summer adventure close to home? The Fairfax County Park Authority invites families and explorers of all ages to hit the trail and celebrate 75 years of parks and recreation with the 2025 Discovery Trail Map. This free, self-guided adventure is the perfect staycation activity, combining outdoor fun, learning and chances to win great prizes!

From now through Labor Day, visit eight featured park locations across the county and discover the stories, sights and wildlife that make Fairfax County parks special. This year’s trail celebrates the Park Authority’s 75th anniversary and includes new stops, such as the award-winning Woodlands Stewardship Education Center and family favorites, such as Frying Pan Farm Park, Burke Lake Park and Sully Historic Site.

How it works:

• Pick up a free Discovery Trail Map at one of the featured locations or download it at by Visiting the Discovery Trail Map website.
• Visit eight featured parks, answer a fun question at each site and fill in the answer on the map.
• Complete the trail and turn in your map by the deadline to earn an amusement prize pack — and be entered to win one of 25 grand prizes.

Whether you're meeting farm animals, exploring nature centers, hiking through woodlands or watching waterwheels turn, every stop on the Discovery Trail is packed with adventure. This year’s trail is a celebration of the Park Authority’s mission to connect our community through nature, history and play — 75 years strong.

Get outside, explore your parks and celebrate the legacy of recreation and conservation in Fairfax County!

The 2025 Fairfax County Park Authority Discover Trail 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.

This July, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites residents and visitors to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a nationwide recognition of the vital role parks play in building strong, healthy communities. This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” encourages everyone to explore parks, enjoy family time and discover the wide range of activities available across Fairfax County.

Connect with Nature and Explore the Outdoors

Fairfax County is home to more than 22,000 acres of parkland and over 334 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Stroll along the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, bike through wooded routes with the Trail Buddy map or visit one of the county’s nature centers to discover wildlife and stewardship opportunities. Plan a picnic in your favorite park or volunteer with the Invasive Management Area Program to help protect our natural spaces.

Splash, Swim and Ride

Beat the summer heat with outdoor water fun. Splash at Our Special Harbor, an accessible sprayground, or enjoy slides and lazy rivers at The Water Mine. Paddle across Burke Lake, Lake Fairfax or Lake Accotink with a boat rental, or take a dip in one of the county’s indoor pools, such as Cub Run Rec Center. Families can also enjoy carousels, a miniature train at Burke Lake Park and mini golf at four locations, including Jefferson Falls and Lake Accotink. With 229 playgrounds across the county, there are plenty of ways for kids to play.

Inclusive Fun for All Ages and Abilities

Fairfax County’s parks offer accessible recreation for all. Clemyjontri Park features a trackless train and playground, where children of all abilities can play together. Chessie’s Big Backyard includes sensory gardens, accessible pathways and a treehouse. Specialized programs in dance, aquatics, fitness and nature provide inclusive activities year-round.

Play, Sports and Adventure

Try your hand at pickleball at one of the many courts across the county or head to the new climbing wall and bouldering area at the recently renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center. Public skating, figure skating and hockey are also available at two NHL-sized rinks.

Build Together, Play Together

Parks bring people together. Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to offer safe, inclusive spaces that build stronger communities and create lifelong memories. Join us in celebrating Park and Recreation
Month.

Find a park, plan an activity and discover what makes Fairfax parks great.

Visit the Park and Recreation Month webpage to learn more.

Nothing says summer like live music outdoors in the open air. Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series presents free concerts all summer long from award-winning entertainers set at parks across the county. With everything from throwback tunes to modern pop, jazz and soul hits, to children’s songs, this year’s lineup spans genres and generations. Bluegrass enthusiasts and diehard rock fans alike can discover talented musicians that are sure to become new favorites.

Bring the entire family and connect with neighbors, friends and local artists at the Summer Entertainment Series. Performances take place outdoors, so be sure to pack a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for an unforgettable night.

In the event of inclement weather, cancellations are posted online and via hotline one hour before showtime. Please call 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for inclement weather updates.

Mark your calendar for these incredible performances — a selection of the 176 performances that include these highlights are taking place at 7:30 p.m.:

• Friday, July 11, Mason District Park Amphitheater: Good Shot Judy (Jazz)
• Wednesday, July 16, Franconia District Park: Bela Dona Band (Funk/Jazz)
• Thursday, July 17, Nottoway Park: Melissa Quinn Fox (Country)
• Friday, July 25, Lake Accotink Park: Anthony Swamp Dog Clark (Blues/Funk)
• Thursday, July 31, Frying Pan Farm Park: Steven Bundick (R&B)
• Friday, Aug. 8, Royal Lake Park: Kadencia Orchestra (Bomba, Plena, Salsa)
• Saturday, Aug. 16, Workhouse Arts Center: QuinTango (Classical Argentinian Tango Music)
• Saturday, Aug. 23, Arrowbrook Centre Park: Sticktime and The Who’s Your Daddy Horns (Party Band)
• Friday, Aug. 29, Grist Mill Park: The 19th Street Band (Country Rock)

Explore the full schedule by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Sign up for our Summer Concert Series e-news list to receive updates about the upcoming schedule.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the invaluable support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who 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.

Take your summer sipping to the next level at Jailbreak Johnny’s Private Stock Tasting Series – an exclusive, guided bourbon tasting event at Laurel Hill Golf Club. On Saturday, July 26 from 4 to 6 p.m., discover the bold and distinctive flavors of the Penelope Project X Collection, in an elegant, scenic setting.

Dive into the unique blends of the Project X Series, featuring Oloroso Sherry, Cognac, Double Cask and PX Sherry Bourbons. The tasting lineup includes a 1-ounce tasting of each featured bottle, along with light snack pairings designed to perfectly complement each sip.

Event Details

• Cost: $40 per person
• Guests must be 21+ with valid ID
• Limited to the first 24 registrants

Register for Bourbon on the Hill before July 19

Golf Fairfax is proud to offer curated experiences, such as this bourbon tasting, that showcase the versatility of our spaces and bring the community together in new and exciting ways. “At Laurel Hill, we strive to create events that go beyond the game,” said Matt Lowenstein, general manager. “This is a great opportunity for guests to unwind, try something unique and enjoy the exceptional setting our clubhouse provides.”

The event will be held at Laurel Hill Golf Club located at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton. For more information and to register, visit the Golf Fairfax website.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications from prospective resident curators for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of Dranesville Tavern and Fairfax Arms. Applications will remain open until staff receive a submission, at which point a deadline for additional applications for the property will be set following 30 calendar days.

The Dranesville Tavern is one of the few remaining examples of a rural Virginia inn or ordinary. Built at the intersection of two major roads (Georgetown Pike and Alexandria Leesburg Pike), it served travelers moving through the region. Built in 1823 by Stanford Cockerille, it originally consisted of two two-story log structures connected by a dogtrot. The inn changed hands over the years with various owners adding onto the original structure. The tavern remained open to the public until 1946, and to boarders until 1968. In the 1970s, the tavern was threatened by the expansion of Route 7 until the Park Authority purchased it and moved it 135 feet away from its original location.

The Fairfax Arms tavern was constructed in the 1750s and is the only surviving original building from the town of Old Colchester. Its owner Benjamin Grayson bought the lot and converted the dwelling into an operating tavern. It is believed that one of the upper rooms would have served as a living space for the innkeeper’s family, as well as female guests, while the men slept in a communal space. Fairfax Arms served Colchester and its residents until the early 1800s, when it became a residential dwelling. Improvements were made to the house over the years with much of the integrity of the original 18th century building preserved. In the 1980s, the current owners added a large addition to the northeast side of the building that included, among other things, a modern kitchen. The building is listed under both the National Register of Historic Places and the Fairfax Inventory of Historic sites.

The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases are without charge in exchange for a financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties.

Complete application forms and additional information about the properties are available by visiting the Resident Curator Program website.

For more information, contact Stephanie Langton, Resident Curator Program manager, at 703-324-8791 or by email at stephanie.langton@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Travel the world without leaving your own neighborhood this summer by coming out to Spotlight by Starlight, part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. Audiences can witness awe-inspiring music and dance performances by talented artists from across the globe at Ossian Hall Park, located at 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale.

Immerse yourself in spectacular performances that include:

• Saturday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.: West African Cultural Heritage Night 'Soul In Motion'
• Saturday, July 12, 7:30 p.m.: Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night 'Ballet Folklorico Boliviano Nuestras Raices'
• Saturday, July 19, 7:30 p.m.: Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night 'Centro Cultural Peru'
• Saturday, July 26, 7:30 p.m.: Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night 'Santi Budaya'
• Saturday, Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.: Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Night 'Prelude Chamber Ensemble'
• Saturday, Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m.: China Cultural Heritage Night 'Hai Hua Community Center'

Spotlight by Starlight also features additional concerts and children’s shows Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Mason District Park, located at 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Search all these performances and more by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. Get updates about the upcoming schedule by joining our Summer Concert Series e-news list.

Performances are held outdoors, so pack your lawn chairs or blankets and come out to enjoy entertainment with an international flair. Check online or call 571-202-SHOW (7469) one hour before showtime for weather cancellations.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the invaluable support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who 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.

Gather the entire family and head out to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series. Make it a summer to remember with Arts in the Parks.

The Arts in the Parks series features children’s performances on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and Saturday evenings through August. Award-winning entertainers present interactive performances designed to both educate and entertain young minds. With science shows, puppet theater, storytelling, comedy, magic and music from across the world, there’s something every child will love. Join in the family friendly fun:

Saturdays, 10-10:45 a.m. at:

• Burke Lake Park Amphitheater, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
• E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
• Mason District Park Amphitheater, 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale
• Wakefield Park in front of Audrey Moore Rec Center, 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale

Saturdays, 6-6:45 p.m. at:

• Mosaic Live! At Mosaic District, Strawberry Lane, Fairfax

Saturdays, 7-7:45 p.m. (followed by Starlight Cinema movie) at:

• Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly

Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. at:

• Frying Pan Park Visitor Center Pavilion, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon

Here’s just a sampling of some of the Arts in the Parks performances you won’t want to miss:

• June 28 at 10 a.m., E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater: Mad Science of Washington. This spellbinding show gets children excited about chemistry! Watch kids’ faces light up as they experience the magic of science.
• July 5 at 10 a.m., E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater: Groovy Nate. Dance along to this Grammy-nominated artist’s funky beats. Featuring exotic musical instruments and comedy, it’s sure to be a high energy and educational show.
• July 12 at 10 a.m., Mason District Park Amphitheater: Marsha and the Positrons. Sing along to songs that inspire curiosity about science and bring smiles to all ages. This band’s positive energy is infectious!
• July 19 at 10 a.m., Burke Lake Park Amphitheater: Munit & Z Love Bugs. Experience music from around the world with this Ethiopian-Haitian-American family band that loves to spread joy through song.
• July 26 at 6 p.m., Mosaic District: Alex & the Kaleidoscope. Go on a musical journey that captivates young minds, stirring the imagination and embodying the spirit of adventure!
• Aug. 2 at 7 p.m., Sully Historic Site: Rocknoceros. Watch this award-winning act play fun pop-rock style tunes that get kids energized and entertain parents, too.
• Aug. 6 at 10 a.m., Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center: Mr. Jon & Friends. This energetic family music show is all about fun, movement and laughter. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
• Aug. 9 at 10 a.m., Burke Lake Park Amphitheater: La Musica – A World of Encanto with JChris. In this exciting interactive workshop, kids will learn about Latin rhythms by singing and playing along to music from Disney films like Coco, Saludos Amigos and Encanto.

Find more Arts in the Parks performances and view the entire schedule by visiting the 2025 Summer Entertainment Series website. Get updates about the upcoming schedule by joining our Summer Concert Series e-news list.

Performances are held outdoors, bring your lawn chairs and settle in for the show. In the event of inclement weather, cancellations are posted online and shared via hotline one hour prior to the show time. Please call 571-202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for inclement weather updates.

The Summer Entertainment Series performances are presented in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the invaluable support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who 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.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin reconstruction work on the tennis courts at Justice Park early next week. This project includes crack filling, birdbath levelling, new fencing, and a complete level construction repair to improve the playing surface and user experience. The project is expected to take approximately five to six weeks to complete, weather permitting.

During construction, the adjacent basketball court and nearby trails may also be affected by equipment staging and access needs. Park visitors are encouraged to use caution in the area and follow posted signage for their safety.

Community members are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative tennis courts during construction. Justice Park is located at 3312 Peace Valley Lane in Falls Church.

For questions about this project, contact project manager Marcos Suarez at marcos.suarez@fairfaxcounty.gov.

We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to improve Justice Park amenities.

Get ready to turn up the heat with exciting golf tournaments happening across Golf Fairfax this July!

Celebrate the season and light up the greens at two Red, White and Blue Tournaments:

• Burke Lake Golf Center (Saturday, July 5 at 8 a.m.): Teams of two, ages 7 and up, will take on 18 holes in a fun scramble format—switching between red, white and blue tees throughout the round. Come decked out in your most festive red, white and blue for a chance to win Best Dressed Golfer (team)! Awards for first, second and third place teams, plus closest to the pin. Entry is $90 per team and includes lunch, complimentary range balls and a pushcart.
• Pinecrest Golf Course (Sunday, July 13, at 8 a.m.): Grab a partner and join the 9-hole scramble, playing from different tees every hole. Three divisions available: adults 18+, adult/junior 7–12, and adult/junior 13–17. Prizes for all divisions and closest to the pin. Celebrate after the round with lunch and the awards ceremony. Entry is $110 per team and includes lunch and carts. Rain date: July 20.

The Junior Club Championship tees off Saturday, July 12 at 8 a.m. at Oakmont Golf Center. Golfers 17 and under will play a 9-hole stroke play tournament in age-based divisions (12 and under and 13–17). Winners receive awards for first, second and closest to the pin, with the lowest overall score taking home the Junior Club Champion title. Entry is $30. Rain date: July 19.

Also, on July 12 at 9 a.m., test your strategy at the Modified Stableford tournament at Jefferson Golf Course. Open to golfers 18 and older, this 9-hole stroke play event uses a points-based system, rewarding players for under-par scores (birdies, eagles, etc.) and deducting for over-par scores (bogeys and worse). The golfer with the highest point total wins! Entry is $40. Rain date: July 19.

For more information about all upcoming golf events and to register for these summer tournaments, visit the Golf website.

At its meeting on May 28, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a resolution honoring 20 individuals as 2025 Outstanding Volunteers. These peer-nominated individuals were recognized for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system:

• Tina Barber, South Run Rec Center, Landscaper
• Margaret Bauman, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Park Educator
• Steve Bezirganian, Providence Rec Center, General Support
• Tengfei (Elio) Cui, Cub Run Rec Center, Front Desk
• Eric DeTurk, Kings Park, Park Volunteer Team (PVT) Lead
• Dan Dyke, Colvin Run Mill, Maintenance Support/Docent
• David Eckhardt, Laurel Hill Golf Club, Course Starter
• Mary Gerrity, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Course Starter
• Nancy Herrman, George Washington Rec Center, Landscaper
• Dana Lee, Cultural Resources, Archaeological Collections
• George Lee, Franconia Rec Center, Front Desk/Special Events
• Frank Lewis, Audrey Moore Rec Center, Pottery Monitor
• Jean Lockhart, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Front Desk
• Lisa Marcantonio, Riverbend Park, Front Desk
• Steve Olson, Oakmont Rec Center, Maintenance/Landscaping Support
• Ashwin Patel, Spring Hill Rec Center, Front Desk
• Lewis Roth, Spring Hill Rec Center, Adapted Aquatics
• Elizabeth Train, Huntley Meadows Park, Roving Naturalist/General Support
• Carol Wolter, McLean Parks (Multiple Locations), Invasive Management Area Site Lead
• Emily Yi, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Youth Program Support

More than 10,000 volunteers contributed to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in Fiscal Year 2025. They contributed 116,005 hours of volunteer service and their work is valued at over $3.88 million. The Park Authority could not function without the support and commitment of our volunteer force.

“Our parks meet the highest standard of beauty, safety, and accessibility in large part due to our volunteers. Their skill and passion, whether repairing trails, planting trees, or educating visitors, elevate every acre, every day,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole.

The Park Authority, joined by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, will honor all of its amazing volunteers with a special evening of music and celebration at the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Night taking place on Thursday, July 10, as part of the Government Center’s Evenings on the Ellipse Summer Concert Series. The evening will kick off at 5:15 p.m. with a welcome and words of appreciation for our Outstanding Volunteers from Chairman McKay and Jai Cole. Following the opening remarks, enjoy a memorable performance by Pablo Perez El Alcalde de La Salsa.

The Evenings on the Ellipse series takes place on the lawn in the ellipse area directly behind the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax). The venue is outdoors on a grassy area, so attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs to comfortably enjoy the performance.

If there is any concern regarding weather on the night of the concert, please call the Park Authority’s hotline at 571-202-SHOW (7469) one hour before the start of the concert for a status update. Visit the Summer Entertainment Series webpage for more information on performances.