Park Authority

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to an open house at the Ash Grove Historic House on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is part of the Resident Curator Program’s ongoing efforts to provide public access to Fairfax County’s historic properties and highlight the work being done to preserve and restore these important cultural resources.

The resident curator will be on site throughout the event to welcome visitors, share information about the property and discuss ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the site. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the grounds and learn more about the history and continued preservation of Ash Grove.

Due to limited onsite parking, a shuttle bus service will be provided from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of the public should park at Westbriar Elementary School, located at 1741 Pine Valley Drive in Vienna, where a Fastran shuttle will transport visitors to the historic site. The shuttle will run between the school and Ash Grove on the half hour. The last return trip from Ash Grove to Westbriar Elementary will depart at 1 p.m.

Ash Grove is one of the few surviving 18th-century Virginia houses and was built by the Fairfax family. Thomas Fairfax constructed the original portion of the house in 1790, and the family occupied the property until 1847. The house sits on approximately one acre of land between the densely wooded Old Courthouse Spring Branch stream valley and the Westwood Village townhouse subdivision. It is located on the edge of Tysons Corner and approximately two-thirds of a mile from the Spring Hill Metro Station. The property includes several historic structures, including the main house, an 18th-century brick kitchen and a smokehouse.

Ash Grove is a stately Federal-style, 2.5-story center-hall house with approximately 4,200 square feet of finished space. A serious fire in 1960 threatened the survival of the house; however, many original architectural elements had previously been removed, and a set of Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) drawings and photographs from the 1930s proved instrumental in guiding its restoration. Some of the original wood flooring still bears visible charring from the fire, serving as a reminder of the building’s layered history.

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.

Golf Fairfax is excited to announce a major update to its free mobile app, featuring a refreshed design and powerful new tools that help golfers track their game, navigate the course and stay connected throughout every round. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the updated app delivers an even more seamless experience both on and off the course.

The Golf Fairfax App continues to offer all the features golfers already know and love. With just a few taps golfers can still:

• Book tee times quickly and easily.
• Access GPS-enabled course maps and driving range GPS.
• Keep score with an interactive digital scorecard.
• Get instant alerts through Noteefy, our tee time waitlist assistant.
• Stay linked in with Golf Fairfax news, upcoming tournaments, events and exclusive offers.

The latest adds even more ways to enhance your round. Golfers can now:

• View menus and call ahead to order food at Laurel Hill, Twin Lakes, Burke Lake and Pinecrest.
• Choose from multiple scoring formats.
• Measure shot distances directly.
• Track where your shots land.
• Review your performance trends over time with aggregated statistics and round history.
• Post eligible scores directly to Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN).
• Capture detailed round statistics with one tap.

"Our refreshed mobile app combines smart technology with effortless usability, giving golfers a smoother, faster and more engaging way to interact with our courses — anytime, anywhere." said Golf Division Director Ryan Carmen.

With approximately 10,000 downloads since its launch, the Golf Fairfax app has become an essential resource for golfers across the county. This latest update reflects Golf Fairfax's ongoing commitment to providing innovative tools and convenient technology that enhance the customer experience.

Golfers can download the app or update to the latest version today by visiting the Golf Fairfax website.

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:

• Wednesday, July 1, 7 p.m.: Rocksteady Project, Franconia District Park
• Thursday, July 2, 5:30 p.m.: U.S. 257th Army Band, Fairfax County Government Center
• Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.: Gayle Harrod Band, Lake Accotink Park
• Wednesday, July 15, 7:00 p.m.: SoHo Down, Burke Lake Park
• Saturday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.: No BS! Brass Band, Workhouse Arts Center
• Friday, July 24, 7:30 p.m.: City of Falls Church Concert Band, Mason District Park
• Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.: Lover: The Unofficial Eras Tour, Arrowbrook Centre Park
• Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Roberta Lea and the First Take Band, Arrowbrook Centre Park
• Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m.: Junkyard Band, Franconia District Park
• Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m.: Brookhouse, Frying Pan Farm Park
• Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Pat McGee, Mason District Park
• Thursday, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Alexandria A Cappella Collective, Nottoway Park

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 Foundation

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.

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

• Tuesday, June 23, 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 21, 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 18, 10-11 a.m.

Our Special Harbor Spray Park

• Wednesdays, June 24-Aug. 19, 10-11 a.m.

Cub Run Rec Center Indoor Water Park

• Friday, July 17, 9-10 a.m.
• Friday, July 31, 9-10 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 14, 9-10 a.m.

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:

• 123 Andrés
• Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
• Dan and Claudia Zanes
• Fyütch
• Groovy Nate
• La Musica – A World of Encanto with JChris
• Marsha and the Positrons
• Milkshake Trio
• Mr. Lilo
• Munit & Z Love Bugs
• One Mic Many Voices with Uncle Ty-Rone
• Rocknoceros
• Shake It Up Jam
• the grandsons, jr.
• The Great Zucchini
• Rocksteady Project
• The Vibe Check
• Uncle Devin Show

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.

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.

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

• Laurel Hill – 25% off any size range bucket Monday thru Friday (limit one per day)
• 10% off any single golf lesson taken in June at Greendale Golf Course

Dress the Part

• Laurel Hill, Oakmont, Jefferson, Pinecrest and Burke Lake – 20% off all women’s apparel
• Twin Lakes – 20% off all women’s apparel (with purchase of a full-priced round)

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.

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!

• Juneteenth and Father's Day: Saturday, June 20, 6-9 p.m.
• Christmas in July: Saturday, July 18, 6-9 p.m.
• Michael Jackson Skate and Dance Party: Saturday, Aug. 15, 6-9 p.m.
• Hispanic Heritage Night: Saturday, Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m.

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.

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:

• Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton
• The Rooftop Park Space at Springfield Garage, 7039 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield
• Spring Hill Rec Center, 1239 Spring Hill Road, McLean
• Strawberry Park at Mosaic District, 2911 District Ave., Fairfax

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:

• Search for performances: Filter by performance type, series, venue, performer or keyword.
• Explore the Summer Entertainment Series website: Find all the details you need to know!
• Subscribe to the E-News: Select "Summer Concert Series" and share your email to get weekly updates about upcoming performances.
• See the Full Series List: See all the events with descriptions listed in chronological order. 

Check out the rest of the 2026 Summer Entertainment Series and mark your calendars for must-see performances:

• Arts in the Parks (9 Locations)
• Braddock Nights (Lake Accotink Park, Royal Lake Park)
• Evenings on the Ellipse (Fairfax County Government Center)
• Franconia Nights (Franconia District Park Amphitheater)
• Hunter Mill Melodies (Frying Pan Farm Park)
• Mount Vernon Nights (Grist Mill Park, Workhouse Arts Center)
• Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park (Arrowbrook Centre Park)
• Providence Presents (Nottoway Park)
• Spotlight by Starlight (Mason District Park Amphitheater)
• Springfield Nights (Burke Lake Park)
• Starlight Cinema (Sully Historic Site)

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.

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 Details

Visitors 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 Go

Permits are issued per person for visitors ages 18 and older.

• Visitors younger than 18 must be accompanied by a permit holder.
• Proof of permit must be available upon request.
• All Park Authority rules and policies apply.
• Permit does not include access to the observatory.

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.