Expect sunshine today and a high temperature around 35 degrees. In the afternoon, a calm wind will pick up from the south, blowing at 5 to 9 mph. Tonight, there will be mostly cloudy skies and a low temperature near 29 degrees. A south wind will continue at about 10 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
Quan Hang, 78, was found dead after being reported missing on Dec. 1, 2025 (via FCPD)
A Chantilly man who had been missing for the past week was found dead today (Monday) after his vehicle was pulled out of the Occoquan River.
Quang Hang, 78, was reported missing by his family around 8 p.m. on Dec. 1 after he never returned home from a vehicle inspection scheduled to take place in Leesburg at 2:30 p.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
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.
Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)
A Vienna man was convicted today (Monday) of murdering his girlfriend while camping in Burke Lake Park in 2023.
Rami El-Sayed, 36, was convicted on one count each of first-degree murder and concealment of a dead body, the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office announced.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life. Learn about La Catrina and her joyful view of life and mortality. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
Ken Balbuena, Rachna Sizemore Heizer and Carey Chet Campbell (staff photos by Jared Serre)
Fairfax County’s Braddock District will soon have a new representative on the Board of Supervisors.
After six weeks of early voting, residents will officially head to the polls tomorrow (Tuesday) to select the successor to James Walkinshaw, who vacated the seat after winning election to Congress in September.
Fall is in its full glory every first Saturday in October with our Manassas Fall Jubilee and 2026 marks the 43rd one! This community-spirited festival spans all of Center Street and side streets, and includes an assortment of fun for kids and adults with over 100 craft and community booths, live music and entertainment, food, and more. Live music ranges from pop to rock to heavy metal, and dance performances include ballet, clogging, and belly dancing. And, the kids will enjoy a meet & greet with Cinderella, pumpkin painting, games, and more!
A sign for the Woodland Park Crossing development in Herndon (via Google Maps)
A craft brewery or veterinary hospital could be in Woodland Park Crossing’s future, if Fairfax County approves.
The owner of the Harris Teeter-anchored shopping center, located just west of the Herndon Metro station’s south entrance, is seeking amendments to the development plan that would allow more flexibility in terms of the types of businesses it can host.
The entrance at the Hershey Super Sweet Adventure (photo courtesy Kyle Flubacker/OGX Productions)
A pop-up experience bringing guests closer to one of the world’s largest confectionery brands will be unwrapped in Tysons next year.
The Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will “transport guests into a whimsical workshop with games, activities and interactive fun” at Tysons Corner Center beginning “early” next year, according to a press release.
The sun sets over Stafford Drive Park in Fairfax City on Dec. 7, 2025 (photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)
Fairfax City could establish a new urban forestry division in the next one to five years to promote tree preservation.
A draft of the city’s new Urban Forest Master Plan, which will be presented to the planning commission today (Dec. 8), envisions two new technicians, an urban forester, and part-time administrative support dedicated to helping implement stronger conservation practices and expand its tree canopy. There would also be a shared GIS technician/analyst.
Now leasing sign for the Lumen Apartments in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The cost to rent an apartment is increasing in some parts of Fairfax County, but declining in others.
Four of seven corridors of the county posted year-over-year drops in median rental prices in November, while the other three showed increases, according to new data from Apartment List.
Construction cranes tower in front of Scotts Run where the Indigo at McLean Station apartments are being built in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
If Tysons continues to evolve from commercial suburb into Fairfax County’s urban core, as planners hope, it will need more than 10,000 new homes by 2040 to accommodate the influx of residents, a recently released study found.
Commissioned by the Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) and published on Dec. 3, the Future Housing Demand in Tysons report from consultant Jon Stover & Associates (JS&A) predicts Virginia’s population growth over the next two decades will remain concentrated in its metropolitan areas, with Tysons helping the northern region lead the way.
The museum’s annual Native Art Market features award-winning and innovative Indigenous artists from across the Western Hemisphere. This event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about the traditional arts and contemporary Indigenous creativity. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase traditional and contemporary handcrafted artworks, including beadwork, jewelry, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture.
