Tadi Abedje | FFXnow

Historic River Farm secures permanent protection after fight over potential sale

Published May 1, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated May 4, 2026 at 4:55PM

River Farm welcome sign (photo by Tadi Abedje)

Once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation, River Farm is now a historic landmark that has been owned by the American Horticulture Society (AHS) for over five decades. Its gardens and scenic views play host to special occasions such as weddings and memorial services.

The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust and American Horticulture Society announced that River Farm has received formal, permanent protection with a conservation easement, a milestone celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon (Friday).

Around Town

Where to find live music in Fairfax County this summer

By Tadi Abedje

Published April 29, 2026 at 11:45AM | Updated April 30, 2026 at 3:08PM

Concertgoers on the lawn at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts' Filene Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Summer is fast approaching, with it will come a full season of musical entertainment.

Fairfax County is home to a number of venues that will host concerts and festivals in the coming months, in many cases for free. Here are some options community members can look forward to, from Wolf Trap to Herndon:

Around Town

Tephra ICA Arts Festival to celebrate 35 years in Reston by honoring past

By Tadi Abedje

Published April 24, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated April 26, 2026 at 8:38PM

The 2025 Tephra ICA Arts Festival at Reston Town Center (photo by Kelci Friend, courtesy Tephra ICA)

For over three decades, the Tephra ICA Arts Festival has engaged the Fairfax County and Northern Virginia community through arts and performances. The festival will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a two-day event on May 16-17 at Reston Town Center for the public.

It will have 200 artists nationwide and from the D.C. region, dance performances, original paintings and a concert.

News

Renovated Mount Vernon Woods Park to celebrate grand opening this weekend

By Tadi Abedje

Published April 14, 2026 at 3:45PM

The renovated Mount Vernon Woods Park includes a new playground (photo by Tadi Abedje)

After months of renovations, Mount Vernon Woods Park is set to officially reopen to the public during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Saturday (April 18).

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it will have activities for people of all ages, including skateboarding demonstrations with Fairfax Surf Shop, soccer and community recreation, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority.