The spotlight will be on the nation’s capital this summer as the D.C. region hosts numerous events to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. But you don’t have to commute into the city to celebrate — or wait until July 4th.
There are plenty of events taking place in Fairfax County, the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax, as well as the Towns of Vienna, Herndon, and Clifton.
While this list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, it will be updated periodically. You can find even more local celebrations at fxva.com/fairfax250/events.
Have an event you’d like to add to the list? Email news@ffxnow.com for consideration.
Ongoing or various dates
- America250 series (1551 Trap Road, Vienna): Performances at Wolf Trap National Park’s Filene Center this summer include the United States Marine Band, the Beach Boys, Harry Connick, Jr., and more. Prices vary.
- Give Me Liberty: America & the Forging of a Nation (10209 Main Street, Fairfax): The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center exhibit offers “context for the coming of the Revolution in Virginia and bring visitors into the core of the action from 1774 through 1776.” Runs through June 8. Free.
- Sample Fairfax County commemorative wines and beer, and Mount Vernon whiskey. Prices vary.
- National Museum of the U.S. Army (1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir): The museum’s commemorative events include America 250 exhibitions, Revolutionary War public programs and the second annual Army Birthday 6.14k race on June 6. Exhibitions, programs, and entrance are free, but there is a registration fee for the race.
- New exhibit, “George Washington: A Revolutionary Life,” inside a fully transformed education center at Mount Vernon.
June
June 12 and 13. Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, at George Mason’s Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck.
Come celebrate with 50 of America’s newest citizens, participate in activities and enjoy a tour of the historic house on Friday. Then return Saturday for birthday cake, a performance from an itinerant band, wreath-laying ceremony and more. Complimentary admission is available from opening to 1 p.m. June 12 for the naturalization ceremony and all day June 13.
June 14, 12-4 p.m. Flag Day: A Colonial Faire and Ice Cream Social, held at the Freeman Store & Museum, 131 Church St NE, Vienna.
From Historic Vienna’s event description:
“Guests of all ages will enjoy colonial-era demonstrations and hands-on activities, including a farm animal petting zoo, children’s military drills, colonial games, crafts, lacemakers, wood carvers, gardening, quill pen writing, and invisible ink demonstrations. A highlight of the day will be the arrival of George and Martha Washington at 1pm, followed by a parade to the Town of Vienna Stage and a special Flag Day history presentation introducing Martha Washington and welcoming General George Washington. The afternoon will conclude with a festive ice cream social beginning at 3 p.m.”
June 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
“Discover how enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon defined their agency and the legacies they left behind.” Live musical performances, special presentations from the League of the Descendants of the Enslaved at Mount Vernon, storytime, archaeological field school, and more.
June 19, 6-9 p.m. City of Fairfax Juneteenth celebration, held at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax.
Fairfax City’s celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. “will feature children’s activities, vendors, an opening ceremony, and a variety of live entertainment throughout the evening.”
June 23, 10-11 a.m. 250 Years of Maps, held at Historic Blenheim, 3610 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax. “Kids will explore 250 years of maps in Virginia and the Fairfax area, learn how to use maps, discuss how maps have changed over the centuries, use a compass and a map, and create their own maps.” Free for ages 7 to 13, registered in advance and accompanied by an adult.
June 26, 7 p.m. Free concert with award-winning rapper Colby Jeffers, highlighting the best of contemporary hip hop at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.
“In this concert theme to build a Better World, he calls for us to rise up together —as one people and one nation — and build a more perfect union. The talented musical duo Xolani Tsela and Katherine Key will start things off with very fine music
that won’t disappoint.” RSVP to news01.vfm@gmail.com with name, organization (if any), and number of people attending. Event includes free pizza and refreshments.
June 27, noon-10 p.m. Independence Day celebration at Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston.
In a change from previous years, Fairfax County’s Fourth of July celebration will feature a patriotic drone lights show instead of fireworks, along with food trucks, family activities and live music. Parking costs $20 per vehicle for an advance pass, or $25 at the gate. Pedestrians and bicyclists are free.
June 27, 5-10 p.m. Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean.
Produced by the McLean Community Center, the celebration will include music, food, fireworks and giveaways. Free admission and parking. The event includes a visit from the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience.
June 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Corsets and Contraband Living History Event, held at Historic Blenheim, 3610 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax.
A free program exploring the contributions of African American women during the Civil War. “Engage with living historians and discover the remarkable stories of three extraordinary women: Lucy Ann Walker (The Clothesline Spy), interpreted by Yvette Blake; Mary Bowser (The Confederate White House Black Dispatcher), interpreted by Denise Benedetto; and Mary Louvestre (The Ironclad Informant), interpreted by Debora Brown.”
June 28, 2-4 p.m. Hometown Celebration at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax.
Fairfax City prepares for Independence Day with a kick-off featuring kids’ crafts, food vendors, and a performance by the City of Fairfax Band.
July
July 2, kickoff at 5:30 p.m. Summerbration, “Bruce in the USA: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen,” hosted by Reston Station at 1800 Reston Row Plaza, Reston.
The Star Spangled Banner played live at 7:20, and showtime at 7:30. “Reston Station is throwing a star-spangled celebration for America’s 250th! Join us for family-friendly fun, a live DJ, a splash pad, games, sip-n-stroll, food, live music, fireworks, photo booth, ice cream, and more!” Additional Summerbration events will be held throughout the next few months.
July 2, 6-10 p.m. Vienna Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks at Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW, Vienna.
The Town of Vienna’s annual Fourth of July fireworks begin at dark. Free, but see the website for full details about parking, street closures, and more.
July 4, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. City of Fairfax 60th annual Independence Day celebration.
The free event begins with a parade downtown, followed by Future Firefighters Day at Fire Station #3 on University Blvd. Fairfax High School (3501 Lion Run) will host a fireworks display at 6:30 p.m. See the website for full details.
July 4, 6:30 p.m. 4th of July Celebration at Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon.
The Town of Herndon celebrates Independence Day with family games and activities, kids’ crafts, music. Admission is free; food will be available for purchase. Visit the website for information on road closures.
July 4, 4-7 p.m. Clifton 4th of July parade and picnic, Harris Park at 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton.
Free. “Join Clifton Town residents and community members for our 4th of July parade followed by a picnic, games, and fun in the town park.”
July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An American Celebration, held at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
“Join us for a full day of patriotic events, including daytime fireworks over the Potomac, historic demonstrations, family activities, and a moving naturalization ceremony.” Tickets are $28 for adults and youth over 12 years old, $14 for ages 6-11, and free for younger children.
Past events
May 30, 4 p.m. America’s 250th Birthday: Let Freedom Ring, a free outdoor concert, presented by the Fairfax Choral Society Symphonic Chorus and City of Fairfax Band, at the Veterans Amphitheater, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax. (Adjacent to the Fairfax City Town Hall)
“This special performance commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary with a vibrant program of patriotic and American-themed music, bringing together voices and instruments in a festive community celebration.”
