Snow has arrived in Fairfax County, creating slick, dangerous roads during this morning’s rush hour.
Richmond Highway has been closed in both directions in the Lorton area after “several vehicles … spun out” on the snow-covered road, the Fairfax County Police Department said shortly after 8 a.m.
A developer that has been angling to build on a sliver of mostly vacant land north of the Innovation Center Metro station for two decades took a step closer to realizing its goal last month.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive plan amendment at its Nov. 18 meeting that will allow residential development on three parcels at 2140 Rock Hill Road in Herndon, paving the way for a project proposed by commercial real estate firm Stout & Teague.
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 County has reduced greenhouse gas emissions nearly 30% since 2005, with officials optimistic the downward trend will continue toward the county’s goals for 2030.
County staff provided a draft report of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) greenhouse gas inventory to the Board of Supervisors’ environmental committee last week (Nov. 25).
A Bison Celebration is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The Bison Celebration will be a full day event that brings together organizations, scholars, scientists and filmmakers to celebrate the past, present, and future of North America’s largest land mammal. Through captivating films and thought-provoking panel discussions, the museum will explore the bison’s vital role in restoring grassland ecosystems and its deep spiritual connection to Tribal nations.
Va. Man Charged in Pipe Bomb Investigation — “A man suspected of planting pipe bombs outside Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, siege, on the U.S. Capitol was arrested Thursday, authorities say. Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials, according to charging documents.” [NBC4]
D.C. Congestion Worsened in 2025 — “Drivers in the D.C. area spent more time stuck in traffic in 2025 than the year before, according to data from the analytics firm INRIX. The average driver in D.C. lost 70 hours to traffic in 2025, which the company calculates by looking at the difference between peak and off-peak congestion. That’s a 13 percent increase from last year’s 62 hours, according to the report.” [Washington Post]
County Considers Easing Accessory Unit Rules — “The Fairfax County Planning Commission is considering changes to make it easier for residents to establish accessory living units (ALUs) … The board authorized ALUs in 2021 as part of a major overhaul of the zoning code. At that time, there was opposition from residents who raised concerns that ALUs would destabilize neighborhoods and turn single-family homes into ‘boarding houses.'” [Annandale Today]
Federal Officers Seen at Vienna Park — “A group of about 10 to 15 federal law enforcement officers dressed in khakis and carrying firearms gathered at Nottoway Park outside the Town of Vienna around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. ‘We are not ICE. This is not immigration,’ an officer with ‘DEA’ on his uniform told a Patch reporter.” [Patch]
Startup Tackles Prescription Drug Costs — “Founded in McLean last year, Crux works with global pharmaceutical companies and employers to bring quality-of-life medications such as those for weight loss, addiction and sleep to U.S. consumers at discounted rates.” Funded with $6.5 million from the venture capital firm Red Cell Partners, the company will first provide access to a “name-branded” diabetes/weight loss drug “through employee-benefit programs in early 2026.” [Washington Business Journal]
Holiday Events Coming to Local Parks — “Join family, friends and neighbors at the parks this holiday season. With more than 50 holiday-themed activities and events to choose from, Fairfax County Park Authority has something for everyone — from wagon and train rides to candlelit tours and, of course, Santa himself!” [FCPA]
Woodburn Students Visit Sen. Warner — “Wonderful to welcome kids from Woodburn Elementary School to see my office and decorate my Christmas tree today. At the end of the day, everything I do in the Senate is about building a better and stronger country for them to grow up in. Happy holidays, Virginia!” [Mark Warner/Bluesky]
Annual Pancake Breakfast at Historic House — “The Turner Farmhouse Foundation invites the community to its annual Pancake Breakfast and Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the historic Turner Farmhouse in Great Falls. The event is free, open to the public and includes onsite parking. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online; tickets are provided at no cost.” [FCPA]
It’s Friday — Snow is expected before 11am, with temperatures reaching a high around 33°F. There is an 80% chance of precipitation. Ice accumulation is not anticipated, and new snow will likely be less than half an inch. Friday night will see patchy fog and mostly cloudy conditions, with a low temperature of approximately 26°F. [NWS]
SPEAKERS
Pat Herrity, Springfield District Supervisor
Arthur Purves – FCTA President
Meal: $50, including tip, taxes and salad.
Good Thursday 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 — Dec 4, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Friday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Snow is expected in the morning, followed by a possibility of snow and freezing rain, with a high temperature near 32°F and southeast winds at 3 to 5 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation, but minimal ice accumulation and less than half an inch of new snow are anticipated. For Friday night, watch for patchy fog and mostly cloudy conditions, with a low temperature around 26°F and calm winds. 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 winter storm that could potentially hit the D.C. area tomorrow morning (Friday) has convinced Fairfax County Public Schools to give students a late start to the day.
All schools and central offices will open two hours late compared to their regularly scheduled start times tomorrow, FCPS announced, adding that a full closure is still possible depending on the actual weather conditions in the morning.
Workers at Fairfax County’s first unionized Starbucks are officially on strike as part of a nationwide campaign to secure a contract from the coffee chain.
The Starbucks at 3046 Gatehouse Plaza in Merrifield was one of 26 stores around the U.S. to join the picket line today (Thursday), bringing the total number of participants in the nearly month-long strike up to approximately 3,000 baristas at over 145 cafes in more than 105 cities, Starbucks Workers United says.
The Washington metro area is the only part of the Mid-Atlantic region where home sales prices are projected to decline next year.
In a forecast issued Wednesday (Dec. 3), multiple-listing service Bright MLS predicts the median sales price of homes sold in the D.C. region in 2026 will drop 1% to $616,700, following a projected 3% increase in 2025.
After more than two years in business, Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics can finally live up to the first half of its name.
The bar and restaurant in Old Town Fairfax (3950 University Drive, Suite 210) can now host live music, a new chapter that it will commemorate with a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. today (Thursday) and a weekend of “special events.”
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.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
