Expect frost in some areas before 9 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 62°F. Winds will be calm, shifting to the south at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 42°F, and a southeast wind at about 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
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.
Four Days, Something for Everyone
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.
New This Year: Contests, a Sensory Area and a Fresh Setting
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.
Plan Your Visit
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.
Woodson High School sign advertises first day of the 2025-2026 school year (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
As the current school year enters its final stretch, the Fairfax County School Board is considering tweaking the calendar for the next year in response to mounting complaints about disruptions to class schedules.
At the board’s meeting tomorrow (Thursday), members led by governance committee chair Melanie Meren will propose nixing Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Veterans Day as official student holidays and limiting the number of scheduled early release days to four per year.
Fairfax County Department of Transportation director Gregg Steverson (screenshot via Fairfax County)
Fairfax County transportation officials think they have found a better way to prioritize and manage sidewalk, trail and crosswalk improvements after several rocky years.
Yesterday (Tuesday), the Board of Supervisors informally ratified a proposal for Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) staff to develop a three-year cycle for listing all potential projects, then prioritizing them based on cost and community impact considerations.
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure is coming soon to Tysons Corner Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
After a month-long delay, Hershey is finally ready to unwrap its new interactive experience at Tysons Corner Center.
Perhaps to reward families for their patience, Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will let guests sample its goods starting this Friday (April 10) ahead of an official grand opening on April 24.
A Virginia State Police vehicle (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
A Virginia State Police officer was hospitalized after being struck by a driver last night (Tuesday) on the Capital Beltway (I-495) in the Huntington area.
The trooper, who has not been publicly identified, was struck near Telegraph Road by a passing motorist during a foot pursuit, according to a VSP spokesperson. The trooper was transported to an area hospital shortly thereafter.
What investigators believe the man behind the skeletal remains looked like (photos via NamUS)
Local and state investigators continue to hunt for the identity behind skeletal remains found in Fair Lakes two decades ago.
It’s been 20 years and two days since the remains were discovered in a wooded area near the I-66 East ramp to the northbound lanes of Fairfax County Parkway on April 6, 2006.
Pulte Group's concept plan for Lofts II at Reston Station (via Land Design Consultants/Fairfax County)
Fairfax County staff are prepared to allow housing on an aging office property near the Wiehle Metro station in Reston with the expectation that the future developer will also deliver some transportation improvements.
The county’s planning commission will hold a public hearing tonight (Wednesday) on a proposed comprehensive plan amendment that would pave the way for Lofts at Reston Station builder Pulte Group to redevelop three low-lying office buildings at 1810, 1825 and 1850 Samuel Morse Drive with stacked townhouses and condominiums.
Proposed sidewalk route on Peace Valley Lane (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)
Fairfax County leadership is sticking with plans for a sidewalk project near Justice High School that critics say is duplicative and would be destructive to the environment.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) expects to begin work in June on 825 linear feet of 5-foot-wide sidewalk between Mansfield Road near Justice Park and the cul-de-sac at Peace Valley Lane in the Lake Barcroft area south of Seven Corners.
