Park Authority

Looking for an opportunity to get the whole family out of the house this summer? The Fairfax County Park Authority has your solution—Arts in the Parks! Experience free, fun, family-oriented alternatives to cartoons and video games with performances in parks this summer. Part of the Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series, Arts in the Parks entertains children, teaches the importance of protecting our natural resources, introduces them to live entertainment in an informal, kid-friendly atmosphere, and forges a connection between kids and parks.

Don’t miss memorable shows starring The Great Zucchini, Marsha and the Positrons, Mr. Lilo Gonzalez, 123 Andres, Groovy Nate, Uncle Devin and Geoff Marsh! Free performances featuring comedy, children’s songs, magic, puppets and juggling are hosted at the following locations:

• Burke Lake Park Amphitheater (7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station), Saturdays at 10 a.m.
• Frying Pan Park Visitor Center Pavilion (2739 West Ox Road, Herndon), Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
• E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater (5040 Walney Road, Chantilly), Saturdays at 10 a.m.
• Mason District Park Amphitheater (6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale), Saturdays at 10 a.m.
• Trinity Centre (5860 Trinity Parkway, Centreville), Saturdays in August at 7 p.m. (followed by outdoor movies)
• Wakefield Park, in front of the Rec Center, (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale), Saturdays at 10 a.m.

For a complete calendar of summer performances for Arts in the Parks, visit the Summer Entertainment Series Arts in the Parks webpage.

The Summer Entertainment Series free performances and movies are possible thanks to a strong partnership between Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Park Authority volunteers, business sponsors, individual donors and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Concerts are held outdoors and are canceled in case of inclement weather. Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for weather updates. Cancellations are recorded an hour before showtime. Search for all performances at the Summer Entertainment Series website.
 
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 (FCPA) has issued a Request for Interest (RFI) from interested entities to explore the development and operation of a new multi-sport tournament complex in Fairfax County. The FCPA is seeking information that could potentially lead to a future Request for Proposal or partnership solicitation under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act for a new facility to be developed as early as spring 2028.

“Fairfax County is well-positioned geographically to be a prime destination for major athletic tournaments and events across the mid-Atlantic region,” said FCPA Executive Director Jai Cole. “Earlier this year, we officially opened Patriot Park North – our first diamond field sportsplex – with 26 committed tournaments, which are anticipated to net between $162,000 and $1 million in revenues to Fairfax County and local businesses – even before it opened. We are very keen to continue the conversation to not only continue to provide phenomenal athletic facilities for our local teams and leagues, but also to tap into that capacity for further economic growth.”

Complete details of the RFI, as well as a submission package overview and requirements, are available at the Design and Construction webpage. Submissions are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19. This RFI represents the first step in information-gathering and no contract will be awarded as a result.

A virtual Pre-Submission Meeting has been scheduled for 3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3. Attendance is highly recommended but not required. This meeting will include a briefing from Park Authority staff on the RFI parameters and an opportunity to ask questions. A meeting link will be provided to registered participants. To register, please contact Heather.Lynch@fairfaxcounty.gov.

For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin construction work on the Lake Fairfax Inline Skate Rink. The project, constructed through a partnership with the Washington Capitals, will deliver an outdoor inline skate rink adjacent to the existing skate park. Work is expected to begin in late June and is not anticipated to impact park operations or accessibility.

Through the partnership, the Park Authority will be responsible for the site preparation and supporting infrastructure. The Capitals will donate the inline skating rink via turnkey installation on the prepared site. Site work will include clearing and grading, paved rink surface, a new gravel parking area, LED rink lighting, and supporting infrastructure to include stormwater management facilities.

The total estimated cost of the project to the county will be $1.9 million and is funded through 2020 Park Bond funds. Completion is anticipated for spring 2024.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, in Reston. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Get ready for an explosive lineup of golf tournaments hosted by Golf Fairfax at Fairfax County Park Authority golf courses throughout the month of July.

Light up the greens and celebrate Independence Day at two Red, White and Blue Tournaments.

First up at Burke Lake Golf Center on July 1 at 9 a.m., teams of two ages 7 and up compete in an 18-hole scramble format. There will also be a closest to the pin contest. Shotgun start. Cost $85 per team, includes lunch. Prizes for first, second and third place teams. No rain date.

Burke Lake Golf Center is located at 6915 Ox Road in Fairfax Station. For more information, visit the Burke Lake Golf Center website or call 703-323-1641. 

On July 2 at 8 a.m. at Pinecrest Golf Course, teams of two ages 7 and up compete in a 9-hole scramble format. There will also be a closest to the pin contest. Shotgun start. Cost $90 per team, includes lunch. Prizes for first, second and third place teams in three age divisions: Adult/Junior 7-12, Adult/Junior 13-17, Adult/Adult. No rain date.

Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Pinecrest Golf Course website or call 703-941-1061. 

Junior golfers can ignite the fairways at our Junior Club Championship at Oak Marr Golf Center on July 15. Junior golfers age 17 and under compete in a 9-hole stroke play tournament. Players will be divided into two age divisions, 12 and under, and 13-17. Cost $35. Prizes for first, second and third place teams, as well as closest to the pin in each division. The golfer with the lowest overall score will be crowned the Junior Club Champion. Tee times will be assigned two days before the event. Rain date July 22.

Oak Marr Golf Center is located at 3136 Jermantown Road in Oakton. For more information, visit the Oak Marr Golf Center website or call 703-255-5390. 

On July 15, set off your skills at the Modified Stableford Tournament at Jefferson Golf Course. Open to golfers age 18 and up, this event features a 9-hole stroke play competition using the Modified Stableford scoring system. Golfers earn points for achieving scores better than par, such as double eagles, eagles and birdies; and they will get deductions for scores worse than par, bogeys and double bogeys. The golfer with the most points at the end of the tournament wins. Cost $35. Rain date July 22.

Jefferson Golf Course is located at 7900 Lee Highway in Falls Church. For more information, visit the Jefferson Golf Course website or call 703-573-0444. 

To register for upcoming golf events, visit Park Authority Golf’s tournament webpage. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority is looking to take composting at the Farmers Market to a whole new level by recycling 4 tons – 8,000 pounds – of compost during the month of June.

Expanding from a successful pilot program in 2022, all 10 farmers market locations now include food scrap drop-off sites where customers can dispose of food waste to be composted. During the month of May, customers brought 7,400 pounds of food waste – 3.7 tons – to the market drop-off sites for composting. The Park Authority is utilizing Veteran Compost and Future Acres Urban Farming to assist with food scrap collection.

Compostable food waste may be brought to the farmers markets in any type of container, but if you use a regular plastic bag, you will need to empty the bag into the collection container and throw the bag away separately. A complete list of items available for collection can be found at the Composting webpage.

From June 18 to July 1, customers who drop off their food scraps at any of the 10 market locations will have the opportunity to receive a free bag of compost. The Park Authority will be providing free compost bins to customers who bring food scraps to the farmers markets between June 25 and July 1, while supplies last.

Help us reach our goal and learn about the benefits of composting your food waste. A complete list of farmers market times dates and locations, visit the Farmers Market website.

For more information about composting in the markets, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

As summertime shows return to Fairfax County, don’t miss the international music and dance series at Ossian Hall Park! On Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., enjoy the Cultural Heritage Nights that are part of the Summer Entertainment Series – Spotlight by Starlight.

This series celebrates Fairfax County’s cultural diversity, promoting awareness and appreciation of county residents’ heritage. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the free, outdoor performances, which include the following highlights:

• Taiwan Cultural Heritage Night with Hai Hua Community Center on June 17
• Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night with Santi Budaya on June 24
• Irish Cultural Heritage Night with Irish Breakfast Band on July 1
• Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Night with Prelude Chamber Ensemble on July 8
• Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night with Centro Cultural Peru on July 29
• Bavaria Cultural Heritage Night with Alt Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein on Aug. 19

Concerts are held outdoors and are canceled in case of inclement weather. Call 703-324-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for weather updates. Cancellations are recorded an hour before showtime. For additional information, please visit the Spotlight by Starlight webpage.

Ossian Hall Park is located at 7900 Heritage Drive in Annandale.

These free performances and movies are possible thanks to a strong partnership between Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Park Authority volunteers, business sponsors, individual donors and the 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.

Green Spring Gardens is set to come alive with a fusion of nature and music as the Concert in the Garden takes center stage on Wednesday, June 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is free for everyone!

The evening garden concert promises to captivate both music enthusiasts and garden lovers alike, offering an enchanting experience that harmonizes the beauty of gardens with the power of live music. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, pack a picnic dinner and kick back to hear the lively music. Come early and enjoy fun activities and a special guest appearance with Ribbit the Frog.

The Green Spring Concert in the Garden is made possible by a partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS).

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road, in Alexandria. For more information about this event and other programs and activities at the gardens, visit Green Spring Gardens.

Celebrate Independence Day, July 1 at Lake Fairfax Park! Arrive early, stake out the perfect spot and enjoy a day of fun family activities.

Ticketed entry to Lake Fairfax Park begins at noon on July 1, and the park will close to new arrivals at approximately 8:45 p.m. Parking fees are $15 per vehicle in advance or $20 per vehicle at the gate. Bicyclists and pedestrians are free.

Register for Lake Fairfax Fireworks

Lake Fairfax is a destination location providing 476 acres of parkland. You’ll find a wide range of family friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole water park, skate park, pump track, several hiking and biking trails, and athletic fields. All picnic areas will be offered on a first-come-first serve basis.

Food trucks will open for business from noon until 9 p.m. Enjoy beverages by Bike Lane and food from Cindy’s Burger Shack, Spinner’s Deli, Northern VA Mo-Mo’s and more. Live music will begin at 4 p.m., featuring Ted Garber, Frying Pan Farm Bluegrass Jam and Sonic Boom.

Cap off an eventful holiday with a patriotic fireworks display beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, in Reston. For additional information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fourth of July fireworks show 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.

Looking for your next fun night out? Head to Franconia Rec Center for an upcoming Family Skate and Dance Night. These family-friendly events promise an all-around good time for anyone who wants to roller skate or dance to music by a live DJ.

Bring your own roller skates/quad skates, or your dancing shoes, to the next Family Skate and Dance Night on Saturday, June 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance online or $15 the day of the event. 

Register for Family Skate Night

Snacks and drinks, such as chips, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, soda and water, will be available for purchase. Please note that inline skates/rollerblades are not permitted.

Future Family Skate and Dance Nights on the calendar include:

• Saturday, July 15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 28, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Halloween-themed costumes encouraged)

Franconia Rec Center is located at 6601 Telegraph Road in Alexandria. Stay tuned for future Family Skate and Dance Night information and tickets by visiting the Franconia Rec Center website. For more information, call 703-922-9841.

View the Family Skate Night Flyer

The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon be undertaking repair and maintenance work at the tennis courts located at Roundtree Park and courts 9 and 10 at Wakefield Park. To complete the work, these courts are expected to remain closed from June 20 to 23, weather permitting.

The project will include pressure washing the tennis courts, cleaning and filling the existing divots, and color coating the patchwork. The project will cost approximately $9,000 and is funded with monies allocated within the FY 2023 maintenance budget.

The Fairfax County Park Authority maintains more than 200 tennis courts at locations across the county. To find an alternative park facility with tennis courts near you during the construction period, please use the online Park Locator Tool.

Roundtree Park is located at 3320 Annandale Road in Falls Church. Wakefield Park is located at 8100 Braddock Road in Annandale. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.