Park Authority

Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration Earth Day Fairfax is almost here and at a new location. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. In addition to live music, food trucks, a craft beer garden and Earth-friendly vendors, choose from an awesome lineup of things to do during the event!

Things To Do

• The Earth Day Passport is back! Visit select booths and activities to earn a custom Earth Day Fairfax T-shirt.
• Play with farm animals from Frying Pan Farm Park.
• Visit exhibits and experiments featuring the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center that will broaden your understanding of local wildlife, plant life and our ecosystem.
• Physical challenges:
  • Giant rock-climbing wall
  • Flag football throw
  • Golf putting game
  • Fitness demonstrations
• Learn to connect with nature through "land" kayaking and camping.
• Experience animal encounters during the Hidden Pond Nature Center Animal Talk.
• Connect nature and science: Create “Dry Ice Bubble Chemistry” with the Stemtree Education Center.
• Learn paper quilling, wildflower seed ball-making or learn to make sustainable play dough from grain milled at our own Colvin Run Mill.
• Explore with naturalists: From sighting birds in the treetops with binoculars to geocaching for treasures, have fun investigating the natural world with the experts.
• Touch-A-Truck: Check out some of the amazing vehicles and machines that help serve our community every day.
• Sensory Tent: For those who may need to find a calmer and more relaxed way of celebrating the day, or who may just need to take a break from the excitement, our sensory tent is filled with toys, fidgets and crafts.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day website.

View the Earth Day Fairfax Flyer

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.

Spring is here — and so are fresh, local flavors. Fairfax County Farmers Markets return for the 2026 season, bringing farm-fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods to communities across the county. Don’t miss markets at Burke, Mount Vernon and Reston that open in April!

Operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority, these popular markets connect residents with local farmers and food producers at 10 convenient locations. Shop seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods and artisanal products, while enjoying a vibrant, open-air market experience.

SNAP, Sustainability and Fresh Food for All

Fairfax County Farmers Markets do more than provide fresh food — they support healthy communities and a healthier environment.

• SNAP-friendly markets: SNAP EBT is accepted at select markets. Visit the information tent to exchange benefits for tokens and receive up to $40 in additional fruits and vegetables each market day.
• Plastic-free markets: Fairfax County Farmers Markets have been plastic-free since 2025, eliminating single-use plastic bags across all locations. Vendors use reusable or compostable alternatives. Shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags or use on-site bag-share programs.
• Food scrap composting: All 10 markets offer food scrap drop-off. Bring accepted food scraps from home and help turn waste into nutrient-rich compost. (Yard waste is not accepted.)

Market Schedule

WEDNESDAYS

• McCutcheon/Mount Vernon: April 22-Nov. 25, 8 a.m. - noon. Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane
• Oakmont: May 6-Oct. 28, 8 a.m.-noon. Oakmont Recreation Center, 3200 Jermantown Road
• Wakefield: May 6-Oct. 28, 2-6 p.m. Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Road

THURSDAYS

• Annandale: May 7-Oct. 29, 8 a.m. - noon. Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike
• Herndon: May 7-Oct. 29, 8 a.m. - noon. Old Town Herndon, 700 Block of Lynn Street by the Red Caboose

FRIDAYS

• McLean: May 1-Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-noon. Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road
• Kingstowne: May 1-Oct. 23, 3-7 p.m. In the Giant parking lot, 5870 Kingstowne Towne Center

SATURDAYS

• Burke: Apr. 18-Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-noon. VRE parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway
• Reston: Apr. 25-Nov. 21, 8 a.m.-noon. Lake Anne Village Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza

SUNDAYS

• Lorton: May 3-Nov. 22, 8 a.m.-noon. VRE parking lot, 8990 Lorton Station Blvd.

For a complete list of market details, vendors and seasonal programs, visit the Farmers Markets website. For more information, contact the Community Horticulture Office at 571-340-3322.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate recent improvements at Hybla Valley Park, located at 3431 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria, on Friday, May 8, at 4:30 p.m.

Tucked between neighborhoods and just steps from Hybla Valley Elementary School, Hybla Valley Park is emerging as a hidden gem in Fairfax County’s Franconia District. The modest 2.3-acre park recently received thoughtful upgrades that make it an inviting destination for families and neighbors alike, especially when paired with nearby attractions like Mount Vernon Woods Park, Mount Vernon Rec Center and Huntley Meadows Park.

Recent improvements transformed underused areas into vibrant community spaces. The former tennis courts are now home to a dedicated futsal court and a basketball court, while the practice tennis court has been reimagined as a colorful playground designed for all ages and abilities. Additional upgrades include renovated parking, new site furnishings and more places to sit and relax throughout the park.

“These enhancements reflect our commitment to creating welcoming, accessible neighborhood parks where everyone can play, relax and connect,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “Hybla Valley Park is proof that great community spaces don’t have to be big to make a big impact.”

For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority, visit the Park Authority’s website. For questions, contact the Public Information Office at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

See life on the farm in full swing — including the spring baby boom — at Spring Farm Day on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Experience hands-on activities, live demonstrations and family-friendly fun throughout the day.

Event highlights include:

• Sheep shearing
• Antique farm equipment demonstrations
• Milking demonstrations
• Hands-on farm activities
• Spring baby animals across the farm
• Crafts, games and wagon rides
• Pony rides (10 a.m.–1 p.m., $15 per child; limited availability)

Admission is $12 per person online through May 1 (ages 2 and up) and $15 at the door. One wagon ride is included with each paid admission.

Register for Spring Farm Day

This event is supported by the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park, a nonprofit organization that funds programs, provides farm animals, preserves agricultural heritage and enhances visitor experiences through community partnerships and fundraising.

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website or call 703-437-9101. 

Horse lovers of all ages are invited to Frying Pan Farm Park for the Annual Horse Expo, a day dedicated to celebrating the equestrian world through demonstrations, hands-on experiences and family-friendly fun.

The event takes place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frying Pan Farm Park Equestrian Center. Admission is free, and parking is $10 per vehicle (on-site payment only).

This year’s Horse Expo features a special appearance by Freedom and Liberty, the Bureau of Land Management’s 250th Wild Horse and Burro ambassador team. Freedom is an 8-year-old sorrel gelding from the Salt Wells Creek Herd Management Area near Rock Springs, Wyoming, and Liberty is a 17-year-old gray gelding from the Cibola-Trigo Herd Management Area near Yuma, Arizona.

As part of BLM’s Freedom250 campaign, “Bringing Freedom and Liberty Across America,” these mustangs travel the country as living symbols of America’s public lands, helping share how wild horses and burros have shaped our nation’s history — from exploration and travel to building industries such as mining and agriculture — and why BLM manages and protects these animals for future generations.

At the Horse Expo, visitors can watch Freedom and Liberty in the Parade of Breeds at 11:30 a.m. and see a training and handling demonstration at 1 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.

Then, guests can take part in a Q&A session to learn more about the horses and BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program. Freedom and Liberty will also be stabled in barn one for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities.

With more than 50 years of equestrian history, Frying Pan Farm Park offers a unique setting to explore horseback riding and learn from experienced professionals. Visitors can watch additional live demonstrations, hear from expert speakers and connect with local businesses offering horse-related products and services.

Families can enjoy food trucks, interactive activities and the popular Friends of Frying Pan Pony Ride Experience, with rides available for $10 per rider. Step into the equestrian world and enjoy demonstrations, activities and experiences designed for riders of all levels.

Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon. For additional information, call 703-437-9101 or visit the Frying Pan Farm Park website. 

Step outside, look up and rediscover the night. During International Dark Sky Week, April 13–20, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to experience the beauty of dark skies and take simple steps to protect them.

Excessive artificial light washes out the stars, disrupts wildlife and impacts human health. Fairfax County’s parks play a critical role in preserving natural darkness across urban and suburban landscapes, offering opportunities for stargazing, education and conservation.

Take action this week and help protect the night:

• Use responsible outdoor lighting practices at home.
• Dim lights at night to support migrating birds.
• Reduce glare and light trespass in your neighborhood.
• Report your dark sky lighting on the Watch the Green Grow website.
• Explore astronomy programs and night-sky experiences at county parks.
• Borrow a Dark Skies Kit through Fairfax County Public Library to measure light levels in your community.

Small changes make a lasting impact. Protect wildlife, improve energy efficiency and help bring the stars back to Fairfax County skies.

Learn more by visiting the Dark Skies webpage.

This spring, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to roll up their sleeves and support native plants and habitats during hands-on volunteer events across the county.

As part of the 20th anniversary of the Invasive Management Area IMA Volunteer Program, volunteers can help remove invasive plants, restore native habitats and protect Fairfax County’s forests — no experience required. Participants will receive a free “Take Back the Forest” T-shirt while supplies last.

Since its launch in 2006, the IMA program has grown into one of the region’s most impactful volunteer conservation efforts, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year working alongside trained site leaders to restore parklands, improve water quality and protect wildlife habitats.

"The Park Authority is grateful to have the support of volunteers to care for the natural areas,” said Patricia Greenberg, invasive plant management program manager at Fairfax County Park Authority. “It’s incredible to see how enthusiastic volunteers get when they remove invasive plants and see how quickly they give native plants a chance to thrive.”

Volunteer events will take place throughout April and May at parks across Fairfax County, with flexible opportunities ranging from 90 minutes to three hours.

Be part of the next chapter. Join the movement, make a difference and help shape the future of Fairfax County’s natural spaces.

To learn more and sign up, visit the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program website.

The Invasive Management Area 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.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that we have been recognized for the second year in a row as a 2026 Top Employer for Interns by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. This recognition highlights FCPA’s dedication to providing meaningful work-based learning experiences that empower the next generation of leaders.

FCPA internships provide students and emerging professionals with hands-on experience that supports both their career goals and the Park Authority’s mission to serve the Fairfax County community. Interns contribute to real projects and initiatives across areas, such as park operations, recreation programs, environmental stewardship, communications, business operations, engineering and golf enterprises, gaining practical experience while making a meaningful impact.

"We are incredibly proud to be recognized again this year," said Jeff Rosenblum, FCPA’s human resources manager. "Interns are an important part of our workforce and our future talent pipeline. We take great pride in creating an environment for interns to feel supported, challenged and valued, while providing them the opportunities to build the skills they need for their careers."

FCPA encourages students, emerging professionals, career changers and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in one of our operational areas, to explore upcoming internship opportunities by visiting the Internship Opportunities website.

View the certificate of recognition

For more information on the 2026 Top Employers for Interns, please read the official news release on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s website.

Bring the whole family to Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Fairfax County’s largest Earth Day celebration. Since 1970, Earth Day has highlighted the importance of protecting natural resources, and this festival offers fun, hands-on ways to learn simple things you can do at home to help the environment.

Here are a few things you can learn at this year’s event:

• Summer camp opportunities with the Fairfax County Park Authority.
• Golf options for kids and adults.
• Strategies to grow bigger, better plants.
• Tree and shrub planting Guidelines.
• Information for identifying and getting rid of invasive plants.
• Ways insects help the environment.
• Effects of erosion on archaeology.
• History through activities.
• Composting.
• Water recreation spots in Fairfax County.

With live music, food and beverage, the popular touch-a-truck exhibit and more, this is a learning experience you don’t want to miss. Admission to the event is free, but there is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle. 

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. For more information about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Earth Day Festival, visit the Earth Day website.

Spring comes alive along the Potomac River as Bluebells at the Bend returns to Riverbend Park on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate one of Northern Virginia’s most anticipated traditions with a day of nature, discovery and family-friendly fun.

Stroll through vibrant fields of blooming bluebells and experience the beauty of the season with guided wildflower walks offered throughout the day. Visitors can also enjoy live music, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and opportunities to connect with local environmental organizations.

Event highlights include:

• Guided wildflower walks offered every 30 minutes.
• Live music by Andrew McKnight.
• Meet live animals, including reptiles and birds of prey.
• Puppet shows and family activities throughout the day.
• Bald eagle mascot meet-and-greet.
• Exhibitors and nature-focused organizations.
• Food trucks and vendor tents.

Guests can visit the Nature Center to see live owls presented by the Maryland Raptor Conservancy and explore hands-on discovery stations, such as the fur and bones touch table. A free shuttle runs throughout the event between the Visitor Center and Nature Center to make getting around easy.

Bluebells are a fragile natural resource. Visitors are reminded to stay on marked trails and help preserve the beauty of Riverbend Park.

Register for Bluebells at the Bend

Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills St. in Great Falls. For more information, visit the Riverbend Park website or call 703-324-8563.