City of Fairfax officials will take six more weeks to gather input and consider options before enacting changes to the city’s noise regulations.
A final vote was delayed until May 12 after council members heard public testimony and discussed the matter among themselves on Tuesday (March 24).
A regional grocery store specializing in organic goods is planning a new supermarket in Springfield.
Mom’s Organic Market is preparing to open a new, 12,000-square-foot grocery store in the Loisdale Center, CEO Scott Nash told FFXnow. The grocer is expected to open at 6640 Loisdale Road in a space left vacant by Party City after the company went out of business in 2024.
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.
Spring break is around the corner, and so is the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck.
The beloved mobile pop-up will pull into Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) this Saturday (March 28), selling exclusive Hello Kitty-themed treats and memorabilia at PenFed Plaza near Shake Shack from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Members of labor groups rallied Wednesday (March 25) in support of plans by Comstock Companies to develop an entertainment complex anchored by a casino in Tysons.
“Fairfax residents deserve to have good jobs,” said Emebet Samuel Kassa of UNITE HERE Local 25, which represents unionized hotel, restaurant and casino workers across the area.
Event location
Valo Park
7950 Jones Branch Dr
McLean, Virginia 22102
$200 Off with Promo Code "Fairfax"
Singular experts, critical innovators and industry leaders come together in Tysons to impart wisdom that attendees can absorb, returning to work refreshed, energized and motivated to apply what they have learned. Keynotes and interactive sessions will offer valuable insights to representatives from fast-growing innovative companies, industry, tech, government and agile smaller businesses.
More than $2 million in narcotics were seized by law enforcement earlier this month after a “regional drug trafficking organization” was found to be operating 13 vape stores in Fairfax County.
Hundreds of pounds of marijuana, as well as approximately 40 pounds of suspected mushroom-infused gummies, unknown pills and more were among the items recovered, the Fairfax County Police Department announced yesterday (Wednesday).
ICE Officers Spotted at Dulles Airport — “About a dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were gathered late Tuesday morning in the main terminal at Dulles. Nearby were about two dozen Department of Homeland Security police officers, several armed with long guns.” While some airports are seeing hours-long security lines as TSA staffers work without pay, operations have been mostly normal at Dulles and Reagan National. [WTOP]
More Charges in Fairfax HS Assault Case — Fairfax City police obtained four additional charges of assault yesterday (Wednesday) against an 18-year-old Fairfax High School student after more victims came forward with allegations following his arrest on March 7. The student is now facing 13 charges total related to accusations that he “assaulted numerous female juvenile victims” at the school. [City of Fairfax Police]
FCPS Nixes Upcoming Early Releases — With Fairfax County Public Schools canceling classes on April 21 to accommodate the redistricting referendum special election, that day will now serve as a teacher and staff development day, while April 22 and April 29 — previously designated as early-release days for elementary students — will be full days, Superintendent Michelle Reid says. [FCPS]
Bill Would Require Statewide AI Rules for Schools — As FCPS works on its own policy, “the Virginia General Assembly overwhelmingly approved legislation to require the state Department of Education to provide local school districts with guidelines for ‘the safe, ethical, and equitable use’ of AI systems.” The bills now await Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signature or veto. [VPM News]
McKay on Proposed Casino Revenue Split — “Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay says one big change might make him reconsider the Tysons casino measure: a different revenue-sharing agreement with the state.” At least 70% of the gaming tax revenue would need to go to the local government to make the community impacts worthwhile, McKay said, but he suspects “there’s not really any appetite” in the General Assembly for changing a split that currently favors the state. [Washington Business Journal]
Aging Facilities Among County Budget Challenges — “Fairfax County officials met with residents Monday evening to outline a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget marked by significant capital needs, multi-million dollar shortfalls for public schools, and a concerted effort to maintain aging infrastructure.” [Patch]
Fairfax County Surveys Business Owners — “The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives has just launched our Spring 2026 Business Survey to get a real-time look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities affecting your company right now.” The confidential survey will remain open until April 17. [Fairfax County DEI]
It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny weather with temperatures reaching a high of around 75°F. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 13 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph. Night will bring increasing clouds and a low of about 57°F, with a 50% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
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Good Wednesday 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 — Mar 25, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect mostly sunny weather with a high near 75°F and southwest winds of 10 to 13 mph, gusting up to 24 mph. There is a 20% chance of rain late morning between 11 am and noon. Thursday night will become cloudier, with a low of around 56°F and similar wind conditions. There’s a slight chance of rain before 7 pm, increasing to a 50% chance after 2 am. 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.
A small new nonprofit organization hopes to help the tens of thousands of Afghans who live in Virginia find employment, build stronger connections with one another, and celebrate their culture.
Volunteers gathered at the United Christian Parish in Reston on Saturday (March 21) to celebrate the opening of the Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization’s new U.S. branch there.
McLean’s housing supply will expand in the coming years as a result of two very different development proposals approved last week by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
The board voted unanimously on March 17 to rezone the McLean Office Center at 1368 Beverly Road from a commercial district to a planned residential mixed-use district, paving the way for a 56-unit apartment building to replace the existing pair of two-story office buildings.
