Fairfax County will get an early taste of summer over the next couple of days, with temperatures expected to climb into the low to mid-90s.
While the D.C. region is no stranger to those temperatures, it would set records for this time of the year, the county government said on its emergency blog, urging residents to “take heat safety seriously” today and tomorrow (Thursday).
Fairfax County supervisors opposed to a bill that would’ve allowed a casino in Tysons said this week they hope Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s veto of the legislation puts an end to the matter once and for all.
“This has been a distraction — our residents have been traumatized,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn said at the Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday (Tuesday).
For nearly three decades, one event has united Fort Belvoir’s sprawling community of soldiers, families, retirees and civilian employees like no other: Oktoberfest. This September, the tradition continues — and grows — with the 28th Annual Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, running September 24–27 at a brand-new location, Pullen Field, 9625 Middleton Road, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Hosted by Fort Belvoir Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), the four-day festival is the installation’s largest annual event and one of the most beloved in the Northern Virginia military community. Best of all? General admission is free — no tickets required to walk through the gates and enjoy four days of German tradition.
Whether you’re a polka devotee, a carnival enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good bratwurst, the schedule has you covered. The fest kicks off Thursday, September 24 (6–10 p.m.) with live performances from the Fritz Polka Band and the Sepp Walzer Fest Band. Friday (4–11 p.m.) brings an expanded lineup, including a captivating performance by the Alt-Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein, a traditional German folk dance group, alongside more live music and DJ sets.
Saturday (noon–11 p.m.) is the festival’s longest day, featuring a full rotation of performers including Johnny Koenig and Leroy Burks, plus special contests (more on those below). The celebration wraps up on Sunday, September 27 — Military Appreciation Day (noon–8 p.m.) — with a fitting send-off honoring the men and women who make this community what it is. All Active Duty Military and their dependents can purchase a carnival wristband for $27. Must present valid Active Duty Military ID Card for discounted wristband.
Longtime attendees will notice a few exciting additions in 2026. The festival is making its debut at Pullen Field, adjacent to the Bowling Center — a new venue that opens up even more options for a full day out, including bowling and American cuisine for anyone looking for a break from the German revelry.
The crowd-favorite Stein Holding Contest (ages 18+) and Costume Contest (all ages, with Dirndl & Lederhosen and Kinder categories) return on both Saturday and Sunday inside the fest tent. And in a thoughtful new addition, the event will feature a dedicated sensory area for families who need a quieter moment away from the excitement — a small but meaningful touch that reflects MWR’s commitment to serving the whole community.
Authentic German cuisine, specialty food trucks, beer on tap, and Oktoberfest merchandise — including Bavarian mugs, glass boots and traditional hats — round out the experience. Carnival rides are available for a separate ticket fee, purchased on-site.
The event is open to active duty personnel, retirees, civilian federal employees and their guests. Parking is free and in lots surrounding the event. Members of the general public may attend as sponsored guests. Because the festival is held on the installation, all visitors must plan for gate access in advance. Non-DoD ID holders aged 18 and older need a sponsored visitor pass and should submit their applications at least 72 hours before arriving. The Visitor Control Center at Tulley Gate can assist with questions. For access details, visit https://home.army.mil/belvoir/about/installation-access
For the latest updates on food vendors, entertainment and access details, visit belvoir.armymwr.com.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest is presented by USAA, with support from Wegmans, Potomac Music, First Command, Brain Treatment Center and Embassy Suites by Hilton, Springfield. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army or Fort Belvoir.
A life-size Lego Star Wars experience will bring an immersive world to a Seven Corners business this weekend.
Starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday (April 19), the neighborhood’s Target store, located at 6100 Arlington Blvd, will host the installation to commemorate the brand’s new SMART Play initiative.
A French-inspired bakery and cafe chain is opening for business this week at the Reston Town Center.
The new Paris Baguette at 2004 Opportunity Way is holding a “soft opening” today (Wednesday), owner Farooq Siddiqui told FFXnow. The franchise offers dozens of sweet and savory pastries in addition to cakes, breads, sandwiches, coffee and seasonal drinks.
Join us for the Saint Ann Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26! Start the day with our Fun Run at 9:30 AM, followed by the Fall Festival beginning at 10:00 AM.
This family friendly celebration is open to the entire Arlington community and offers something for everyone! Enjoy rides and inflatables, live entertainment, family friendly Bingo, raffles, a Beer Garden, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with the community.
The festival is also a celebration of Saint Ann’s diverse Catholic community, featuring food and entertainment representing our Filipino, Latino, and Peruvian communities, along with some local favorites.
This year’s entertainment includes a live band in the Beer Garden, and exciting Bolivian and Peruvian dance performances. Admission is free, and tickets for food, rides, and activities can be purchased at the festival.
Come celebrate with us and experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Saint Ann! We look forward to welcoming the greater Arlington community for a fun-filled day together.
The Fall Festival will take place rain or shine! Come join the fun!
License Plate Readers Added on Toll Road — “New cameras along the Dulles Toll Road are not for catching toll cheats, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. The Flock cameras, as they are known, are being installed across Virginia to track license plates for things like stolen vehicles and in response to Amber Alerts, MWAA said.” [NBC4]
Two Dogs Die in House Fire — A person was hospitalized in life-threatening condition, and two dogs were found deceased after a house fire in Fort Hunt. Fairfax County firefighters were dispatched around 2:40 a.m. yesterday (Tuesday) to the 2100 block of Basset Street after receiving a report of smoke in the area. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. [FCFRD/Facebook]
Virginia Decriminalizes Suicide — “Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger approved a bill Monday night that decriminalizes suicide, abolishing the centuries-old common law crime status. The timing couldn’t be better for the sister and husband of Fairfax County firefighter Nicole Mittendorff, who took her own life a decade ago.” [WTOP]
Spanberger Amends Dozens of Bills — “In a glut of actions Monday night, Gov. Abigail Spanberger will have the General Assembly reconsider a more moderate posture on many of the Democratic majority’s priorities — setting up one of the first marked public breaks between Virginia’s Legislature and its executive.” [VPM News]
Potomac Tops Ranking of Endangered Rivers — “The Potomac River is the most endangered river in the country, according to a new ranking done by the nonprofit American Rivers. The organization cited two factors in its decision: January’s historic sewage spill that sent hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage flowing into the river, and the expanding footprint of data centers in the D.C. area.” [WTOP]
Reston Association Election Results Revealed — RA announced the winners of this year’s board of directors election at the annual members meeting last night. At-Large Director John Farrell and Apartment Owners’ Representative Margaret Perry were both reelected for three-year terms, while Georgina Cannan defeated two other candidates for her first two-year term as the Lake Anne/Tall Oaks director. [Reston Association]
Free Health Care Clinic Coming to Chantilly — Remote Area Medical, a nonprofit that runs pop-up health clinics around the U.S., is bringing one to the Mubarak Mosque (4555 Ahmadiyya Drive) in Chantilly this weekend (April 18-19). “This clinic will provide vision and medical care to those who might otherwise go without these essential services.” [Press release]
Where Homes are Most Expensive in McLean — “Long a home base for politicians, diplomats, business moguls and pro athletes, this northeast corner of Fairfax County is one of the more well-heeled suburbs outside of Washington, D.C. These are the McLean neighborhoods that commanded top dollar in 2025.” [Arlington Magazine]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunny weather with a high near 93°F and southwest winds ranging from 3 to 8 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to about 71°F and southwest winds between 5 to 7 mph. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Good Tuesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 14, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect sunny weather with a high of around 92°F and a southwest wind blowing at 3 to 8 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 18 mph. Wednesday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to about 71°F and a southwest wind at 5 to 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Even before Virginia voters decide on a new congressional map, Democrats are piling in to run for districts proposed under a redistricting plan that is designed to give their party a near sweep of the state’s U.S. House seats.
The latest entrant is Olivia Troye, who was an aide to former Republican Vice President Mike Pence and has become a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. She announced today (Tuesday) that she’ll run in Virginia’s newly created 7th Congressional District — one of five that would include Fairfax County — joining an already crowded field.
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.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has recommended changes to bills on immigration enforcement from a Fairfax County state senator.
State Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) had introduced Senate versions of the bills to restrict federal immigration enforcement in certain places, prevent law enforcement from wearing masks and ban state and local law enforcement agreements with federal immigration enforcement.
