When you’re planning a trip to Fairfax, Virginia, or even if you are already a resident, it’s important to know what annual events are scheduled so that you can be sure to include them in your plans. Because of Fairfax County’s historical significance, there are often several events going on, so be sure to look up an events calendar before you plan to visit!

In the heart of Old Town Fairfax, the Chocolate Lover’s Festival is held each year around Valentine’s Day. Visitors and festival-goers can enjoy the chocolate sculpture contests, the children’s activities, open houses on the historic buildings, craft shows, and, of course, chocolate!

For Civil War buffs, it’s probably important to see a reenactment at some point. The Blenheim Civil War Encampment and Historic Homes Tour is presented every other year in the spring. Guests can enjoy the reenactment camp, the military muster, and the drill and firing demonstrations. On alternating years, visitors can take a tour of the historic homes in the city of Fairfax.

Of course, with a county so steeped in Revolutionary War history, the Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show is in the perfect place! The parade is enormous and the fireworks display is without match. The parade takes place in downtown Fairfax, as well as tours of historic buildings and local museums. The Company 3 fire station sponsors an Old Fashioned Fireman’s Day, and the evening is completed by a live concert and a fireworks display at the Fairfax High School.

The Fall Festival is held in historic Fairfax on the second Saturday in October. The autumn is quite a sight in Virginia, and this festival makes the very best of it! There are over five hundred vendors, with arts, crafts, and food. It always draws a crowd of up to 40,000 people.

Christmas brings the Holiday Craft Show on the third Saturday and Sunday of November, with hundreds of craft and gift vendors. The Parks Department also holds a Festival of Lights and Carols in December, with Santa Claus, caroling, a Yule log, hot mulled cider and other holiday treats, and the lighting of the tree.

In addition to these yearly events, there is always something going on in Fairfax County. The arts and music scene is alive, and shows and concerts are presented on a regular basis. The Parks Department is constantly hosting events at the nature centers. Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for all the exciting happenings in Fairfax County!