Winter Storm Fern has arrived in Fairfax County, bringing a mix of snow and sleet as anticipated.
Fairfax County is urging residents to avoid traveling today (Sunday) as snowplows work to clear major roads, noting that the storm is expected to continue for “several more hours.”
Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred last night (Saturday) on the Capital Beltway (I-495) in Springfield prior to the ongoing winter storm.
Troopers responded around 8:24 p.m. after a sedan exiting from southbound I-395 to northbound I-495 “lost control” when approaching Backlick Road.
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.
Fairfax Connector will not provide any bus service during the upcoming Winter Storm Fern.
With heavy precipitation and ice accumulation expected, the county bus system announced this afternoon (Saturday) that it will suspend service starting at 9 p.m., continuing through Sunday (Jan. 25).
Fairfax County has issued a local emergency declaration for Winter Storm Fern, enabling it to mobilize additional resources and seek outside assistance.
Expected to hit the D.C. region tonight (Saturday) and linger into early Monday morning (Jan. 26), the storm could bring “catastrophic” ice accumulation and “heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain,” totaling between seven and 14 inches, according to the National Weather Service. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued, starting at 11 p.m.
Event location
Bluemont Park
601 N Manchester St
Arlington, Virginia 22205
Join Comunidad for its Annual 5Dollar5K—a fun, family-friendly race that brings neighbors together in support of local children, teens, and families in Falls Church and Arlington. Run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, and bring the little ones for a special Kids’ Dash! Registration is just $5, and children ages 12 and under participate for free. Comunidad is a community development organization based in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church. We hope you'll join us and together help us build comunidad!
Activities on Fairfax County government and school grounds will largely grind to a halt starting tonight (Saturday), as the region hunkers down for a potentially crippling snowstorm.
Fairfax County will close all of its facilities at 8 p.m. today through Sunday (Jan. 25) in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice that could snarl roads and power lines for days.
Good Friday 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 — Jan 23, 2026.
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
Clouds will increase, bringing a high near 21 and wind chill values as low as -4, accompanied by a north wind at 6 to 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. Saturday night, heavy snow is expected mainly after 9pm, with temperatures dropping to around 17. An east wind will blow at 3 to 6 mph, and there is a 100% chance of precipitation. New snow accumulation could range between 3 to 7 inches. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
We hope you have a great weekend! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋
Reston Association CEO Mac Cummins has stepped down, requiring the homeowners’ association to conduct its third search for a top executive in less than a decade.
Cummins resigned effective immediately to “pursue new professional opportunities,” RA President Travis Johnson announced at a board of directors meeting last night (Thursday).
A Virginia Senate subcommittee has advanced the Tysons casino bill, setting it up for further consideration after its 2025 defeat in a House of Delegates committee.
The Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology voted 5-3 today (Friday) in favor of the legislation from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34) to add Fairfax County as an eligible host for a casino.
The man accused of shooting and killing a nonprofit CEO as he slept in his Fairfax City home will likely not face trial due to mental health reasons.
Joshua Danehower, now 36, is instead expected to be committed indefinitely to a state behavioral health facility under an apparent decision between his attorney and prosecutors that will allow him to plead not guilty for reasons of insanity.
