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Park Authority

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  4. Fairfax County To Light the Sky With First-Ever Drone Light Show for America’s 250th at Lake Fairfax

Alert:

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
fairfaxparks
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Department Resources

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    • Camping Reservations
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    • Water Mine
    • Our Special Harbor
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Fairfax County To Light the Sky With First-Ever Drone Light Show for America’s 250th at Lake Fairfax

May 12, 2026
250the independence day celebration

This summer, the sky above Lake Fairfax Park will come alive in a way Fairfax County has never seen before.

As part of Experience Fairfax 250, the Fairfax County Park Authority, in partnership with the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation, will debut its first-ever drone light show during the Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27.

Instead of traditional fireworks, hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky with music, motion and patriotic images that celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Fairfax County’s role in our nation’s story.

Guests can spend the day enjoying everything Lake Fairfax has to offer, from trails, boating and camping to live music, food trucks, family activities and an unforgettable nighttime show.

This celebration brings together the best of Fairfax County — our history, our parks and our community," said Laura Grape, division director, resource management and interpretation division, Fairfax County Park Authority. "Thanks to our partnership with the Fairfax County 250th Commission and the Fairfax County Park Foundation families will experience a one-of-a-kind celebration as we honor America’s 250th anniversary."

"The 250th anniversary is a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are and inspire the next generation," said Liz Maurer, chair of Fairfax250. "We’re proud to partner with the Park Authority and Park Foundation to bring this special celebration to Fairfax County."

Event highlights include:

  • Fairfax County Park Authority’s first-ever drone light show.
  • Live music from Reflex, Sonic Boom and School of Rock.
  • Food trucks, drinks and family activities.
  • Access to park amenities, including trails, fishing, picnicking and camping.
  • Guests can also visit The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole. Admission is sold separately.

Event Details

Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration

  • When: Saturday, June 27, from noon to 10 p.m.
  • Where: Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston
  • Rain date: Sunday, June 28

Parking (per vehicle):

  • $20 online through June 26 at 11:59 p.m. Get your parking pass in advance.
  • $25 at the gate
  • Pedestrians and cyclists enter free

Guests are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. for the best access.

For more information, visit the Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration webpage.

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

About the Fairfax County 250th Commission

Established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2021, the Fairfax County 250th Commission leads countywide efforts to honor and commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Through partnerships, public programs and community events, the Commission celebrates the people, places and stories that shaped Fairfax County and our nation. Learn more by visiting the Fairfax County 250th Commission webpage.

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.

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