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Community Event

Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration

Light the Sky. Celebrate 250.

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Lake Fairfax Park with a first-of-its-kind drone light show — an innovative, environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks. Hundreds of synchronized lights will illuminate the night sky with bold imagery honoring Fairfax County and American independence.

Make a day of it and stay for an evening of live music, food trucks, refreshing drinks and family-friendly entertainment in a festive park setting.

Live Entertainment:

The Reflex
The Sonic Boom
School of Rock - Herndon

Why You’ll Love It:

Environmentally friendly, no debris
Sensory-friendly alternative to fireworks
Pet-friendly and family-friendly

Make It a Day at Lake Fairfax:
Enjoy the Water Mine (opens at 10 a.m.), trails, boating, fishing, picnic areas and more. Camp onsite and walk to the show. Water Mine tickets sold separately.

Get Water Mine Tickets Today

Parking Per Vehicle:

$20 online (through June 26 at 11:59 p.m.)
$25 at the gate
Pedestrians and cyclists do not pay a parking fee

Plan Ahead:
Entry begins at noon. Arrive by 8 p.m. for best access.

This special celebration is brought to you by the Fairfax County 250th Commission.

logos of fairfax county va250 and fairfax county park authority celebrating 75 years!

Learn more about the celebration in the FAQs below

Registration: Get Your Parking Pass Now

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Lake Fairfax Location

1400 Lake Fairfax Drive
Reston, VA, 20190
Link to Google Maps
Map of Lake Fairfax Park

What is a drone light show?

A drone light show uses hundreds of small aircraft equipped with LED lights to create images, animation and patterns in the night sky. The drones fly in a synchronized performance set to music.

Is this replacing fireworks?

Yes. This year’s event features a drone light show instead of traditional fireworks.

The show offers a new way to celebrate with less noise, no smoke or falling debris, and a unique visual experience for guests.

Why is Fairfax County using drones instead of fireworks?

The drone show offers several benefits:

Less noise than traditional fireworks
No smoke or falling debris
More comfortable for many pets, young children and guests with sensory sensitivities
Creates custom storytelling and patriotic images in the sky
Supports wildlife by reducing noise and disturbance compared with traditional fireworks
Supports Fairfax County’s innovation and sustainability goals

What type of drones are used in the show? Are they filming guests?

The vendor uses custom light show drones built specifically for entertainment. The drones are based on technology from Parrot, a French drone company, and are modified with specialized hardware and software for light shows.

For this event, the drones carry LED lights only to create images, patterns and motion in the sky. They do not have cameras or recording equipment and will not film guests.

Is the drone show safe?

Yes. The drone company has performed in more than 25 countries and follows strict aviation safety standards, including Federal Aviation Administration requirements in the United States. The show site is carefully planned in advance, and drones operate within a secure flight zone away from guests.

What happens if there is bad weather?

Drone shows can operate in light rain and moderate wind. Heavy rain, lightning or high winds may delay, modify or cancel the show for safety reasons. If weather impacts the event, updates will be shared onsite, on social media and on the Fairfax County Park Authority website. Rain date: Sunday, June 28

How long is the drone show?

The drone show is expected to last approximately 12-18 minutes. The full event runs from noon-10 p.m.

How high will the drones fly?

The drones may fly up to nearly 400 feet in the air, creating large-scale images visible throughout the park.

Are there fireworks or pyrotechnics?

No. This show does not include fireworks, explosives or pyrotechnics.

What time should guests arrive?

Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. for parking, entry and the best viewing experience.

Traffic may increase later in the evening.

Where should guests watch the show?

Staff will direct guests to designated viewing areas inside Lake Fairfax Park.

For safety reasons, guests may not enter restricted flight zones or operational areas.

Can guests bring chairs or blankets?

Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring:

Lawn chairs
Blankets
Reusable water bottles
Sunscreen
Bug spray

Please follow any posted bag or cooler guidelines. No outside alcohol, weapons or fireworks.

Can pets attend?

Yes. Leashed pets are welcome. Because drone shows are quieter than fireworks, many pets may find the experience less stressful. However, owners know their pets best. Pets must remain leashed and under control at all times.

Is parking included?

No. Parking is:

$20 online through June 26 at 11:59 p.m.
$25 at the gate

Pedestrians and cyclists enter free.

Can guests leave and re-enter?

Yes, with proof of paid parking or event admission.

Can guests buy food and drinks?

Yes. Food trucks, concessions and beverages will be available throughout the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Alcohol must be purchased onsite and consumed only in designated areas.

Are personal fireworks allowed?

No. Personal fireworks, sparklers and other explosives are prohibited.

Will The Water Mine be open?

Yes. Guests may also visit The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole during operating hours, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Separate admission applies.

Who is the Light Show Vendor?

https://www.dronisos.com/

Who is sponsoring this event?

This event is brought to you by the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Absolutely — here’s a clean FAQ section you can add to the light show FAQs. I kept it clear, public-friendly and aligned with the Park Authority’s drone guidance.

Drone Use in Fairfax County Parks

Can guests bring their own drones to the event?

No. Guests may not fly personal drones during the Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration.

This event includes a permitted professional drone light show. For safety, visibility and event operations, personal drones may not be flown in or over the event area during the celebration.

Are drones normally allowed in Fairfax County parks?

Personal drone use is allowed in some Fairfax County parks, but pilots must follow all FAA rules, safety guidance and airspace restrictions. The airspace around Washington, D.C., is highly restricted, and some parks may require FAA authorization or may not allow drone flights. For more information, visit the Model Aircrafts and Drones website.

Park Authority

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