With the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial just a stone’s throw away, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed landmark reproductive freedom and contraception access legislation Wednesday during a ceremony at Occoquan Regional Park.
The new law, the governor said, protects the right of Virginia women to access and use birth control and reduces the cost of contraception across the commonwealth.
Whether you’re looking to get in some quick practice swings or buckle down for a full 18 holes, Fairfax County’s golf courses can feel like oases of green amid the surrounding suburban development.
Here are the nominees for “Best Golf Course in Fairfax County” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite venue below? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 3.
Voting for Best Wedding Venue in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, June 26 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Mortgage Lender in Fairfax County. The results are now official:
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.
Four pedestrians have been killed in crashes on Fairfax County roads within the past two days, bringing the total death toll for 2026 up to 10.
Fairfax County police officers responded at around 3:38 a.m. today (Friday) to Little River Turnpike at Southland Avenue in Lincolnia after an adult man was struck by the driver of an eastbound 2018 Honda Civic.
Tysons Corner Center is poised for a busy summer with new retail options and family-friendly programs.
Following the recent openings of an expanded Zara and relocated Maggiano’s, the mall anticipates welcoming Sloomoo Institute — self-described as “the world’s #1 slime experience” — sometime in July, though a precise date hasn’t been announced yet.
The SLHS PTSA Food Pantry will be hosting its 9th Annual “Do It Your Way 0.5K” on September 27th from 2-4pm at Lake Anne Plaza. Join others in our community for music provided by DJ Randy Platts, pre-race warm-ups led by Kurt Rose, Celebrity Starters, cookies based by SLHS culinary students, a live raffle, and the most rewarding 650 steps you’ll take all year. Register online now or in-person the day of the event. All proceeds will directly support over 500 local students and families in the SLHS Pyramid each week.
A Woodlawn man was arrested on Wednesday (June 17) after allegedly inappropriately touching a boy in a bathroom stall, police say.
Officers were called to the 8100 block of Fernlake Court on Tuesday (June 16) at around 7:10 p.m. for a report of a sexual assault, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Pedestrian Killed in Seven Corners Crash — “Officers are on scene of a pedestrian crash at Leesburg Pike and Munson Hill Rd near Seven Corners. An adult male pedestrian was struck and transported to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased. A second adult male pedestrian was struck and not injured.” [FCPD/X]
Motorcyclist Dies After Route 1 Crash — A motorcyclist who was seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash on Richmond Highway and Mims Street in Lorton on Wednesday (June 17) has died, police announced last night. “Preliminary, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. Speed remains under investigation.” [FCPD]
Transit Schedules Modified for Juneteenth — “Fairfax Connector will operate Holiday Weekday Service on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth.” Meanwhile, Metro announced that rail and bus service will be more limited today before increasing frequency on the weekend for Pride events in D.C. [FCDOT]
Va. Joins Reproductive Freedom Alliance — “From support for legislation and ballot referendums to helping states stockpile abortion and miscarriage management drug mifepristone, a growing cohort of governors are banding together as the Reproductive Freedom Alliance. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Wednesday that she has joined the coalition.” [Virginia Mercury]
Quad God Visits Former School — “On June 15, Westbriar Elementary School students were paid a visit from a very special alumnus, none other than Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion figure skater Ilia Malinin. The Olympian has also become known as the ‘Quad God’ because of his ability to land some of the most difficult quadruple jumps in figure skating, including the first quadruple axel in competition.” [FCPS]
Update on RTC North Plan — “Fairfax County and Inova officials told Reston residents Tuesday night that a proposed rezoning for Reston Town Center North is meant to establish the framework for future redevelopment, not approve the final design of individual buildings.” [Patch]
Reston Residents Approve Speed Humps — “A Fairfax County traffic-calming plan to install three speed humps on Fairway Drive has been approved by residents in the ballot area, according to the RTAP Fairway Drive Task Force. The task force said it was notified June 15 by Supervisor Walter Alcorn’s (D-Hunter Mill) office that the plan had passed.” [Patch]
Falls Church Could Expand Car Tax Exemption — “Vehicles assessed at $1,500 or less are currently exempt from the city’s car tax of $4.80 per $100 assessed valuation. Under a proposal brought to Council members by Commissioner of Revenue Tom Clinton and city staff, the exemption level would double to $3,000.” [ARLnow]
It’s Friday — Cloudy, then gradual clearing during the afternoon, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 64. West wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. [NWS]
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 — Jun 18, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Friday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
There was an error with the forecast and it should be added manually. 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.
Emotions ran high at the Herndon Town Council’s May 26 meeting, as children and parents urged their local elected leaders to prevent the impending closure of a critical child care program.
Families were notified on May 19 that the Kids and Parents Engage (KAPE) program run by the nonprofit Cornerstones at its Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center will be shut down at the end of June, because funding will no longer be available.
Two office buildings on the Fair Oaks Mall campus have changed hands in a $12.5 million deal that their new owners hope will jumpstart a revitalization.
The commercial real estate firm Silverline Equities announced Tuesday (June 16) that it has acquired Greenwood Plaza and Oakwood Center buildings at 12015 and 11781 Route 50.
