Summer may be on the downswing, but looking at Fairfax County's event calendar, you wouldn't know that. Before school is back in session and the warm weather turns crisp, check out why August is a prime time to visit and explore Fairfax County.
1. Holidays and Month-Long Celebrations
August is a popular month for celebrating different passions, from local foods to craft beer to your golf swing. Here are a few interests you might want to embrace this month.
America 250
Even though the Fourth of July is behind us, we're still celebrating America's 250th Anniversary all year long! Here are a few more 250th events and promotions you won't want to miss this August:
July 30-Aug 2: Fairfax County Carnival & Fair at Frying Pan Farm Park.
August 8: Purple Heart Commemoration at George Washington's Mount Vernon.
August 9: Lecture - Reviving America's Past at Green Springs Garden and Horticultural Center.
August 22-23: Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC
August 30: American History Day 2026 at The Winery at Bull Run.
DC Restaurant Week
August 24 - August 30
Attention, foodies! Summer Restaurant Week returns to the metropolitan area this month! Twice a year, the DMV area highlights some of the region's top restaurants, and many fabulous Fairfax County dining spots join the celebration, offering brunches, lunches, and dinners at a special rate. DC Restaurant Week returns from Monday, August 24 to Sunday, August 30, featuring both in-house dining and to-go meals, with a variety of family-style offerings and cocktail and wine pairings. Eat your heart out and support hundreds of restaurants throughout the DMV.
Get the list of participating restaurants here. (List will be updated as more restaurants are added.)
National Farmers Market Week
August 2 - August 8
National Farmers Market Week runs from Sunday, August 2, through Saturday, August 8, 2026. What could be a better way to celebrate than to stock up on fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, and baked goods? Buying local produce supports sustainable agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and provides you with the freshest foods you can buy. Find a complete list of all Fairfax County farmers' markets in the area here.
National Golf Month
It's a tee-riffic time to book your spot on the green because August is National Golf Month! Fairfax County offers some of the best golfing in Northern Virginia, by "par!" Check out Fairfax County-operated courses and reserve your tee time here. For a complete list of area golf courses, check out this list. For fun for the whole family, be sure to check out our mini-golf courses as well.
Once you've tee'd off at all the traditional courses in the county, try these golf experiences that extend beyond 18 holes.
Virginia Craft Beer Month
Virginia Craft Beer Month is upon us, and our Fairfax County Breweries are the "pitcher" perfect place to get your fix! Visit some of the most innovative and dedicated brewmasters to find your new favorite beer. Explore award-winning breweries in the area, such as Caboose Commons and Caboose Tavern, which recently medaled gold at the 2026 World Beer Cup for its Boxcar Brown Ale in the American-Style Brown Ale category. Additionally, at last year's Virginia Craft Beer Cup, Fair Winds Brewing received first place for its Howling Gale IPA. Venture through all the locally brewed and locally poured beer Fairfax County has to offer!
Hot tip: Fairfax County’s craft beer scene joined the Fairfax 250 celebration with the release of “FAIRFAX 250.” This limited-edition Hazy IPA is designed to be approachable and reflective of the County’s diversity, featuring hops sourced from around the world. A true collaboration beer, the beverage was jointly created by the brewmasters at Bunnyman Brewing, Fair Winds Brewing Co., G34.3 Brewing Co., Hawkley Brewing, Lake Anne Brew House, Ono Brewing Co., and Settle Down Easy Brewing. The can art features four unique designs that capture the people, places, and pints that shape Fairfax County’s tourism experiences.
Women's Equality Day
August 26
This August marks the 106th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which secured women's constitutional right to vote. This year, celebrate Women’s Equality Day with NOVA Parks, the American Association of University Women-VA Branch and the National Organization for Women-VA Chapter with guided tours led by docents in period attire and artifact displays.
The event will feature a keynote address by Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, the first Asian American and Muslim elected to statewide office, followed by suffragist stories shared by historian Shirley M. Marshall, author of A Radical Suffragist in Washington, DC.
August 26 may be the official date of Women's Equality Day, but the whole month offers plenty of ways to remember and celebrate the suffragists who fought for change.
Visit the Lorton Prison Museum & Lucy Burns Gallery:
In 2018, the Workhouse Arts Center completed a renovation of a 10,000-square-foot barracks building on campus, in what was formerly the Lorton Correctional Facility, which operated from 1910-2001. This building now hosts the Lorton Prison Museum & Lucy Burns Gallery, which tells the story of the suffragists who were imprisoned here in 1917 for picketing the White House for women’s right to vote. Watch this video to learn more about this fascinating story.
Visit the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial:
It took 72 years to pass and ratify the 19th Amendment and more than 100 years to fully honor the millions who fought for women to have a voice in their government. The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is a national landmark that pays tribute to ALL women who fought during America's women's suffrage movement. Snap a photo in front of the original White House gates that the women protested in front of in 1917, learn their stories at 19 educational stations, stroll through the reflection garden, and spend some time at this integral site for women's history in #FXVA.
Get Inspired with Little-Known Local Stories:
Fairfax County is home to a multitude of sites and stories that celebrate the contributions of women to the United States. Explore the many sites in our region that tell their stories, and in doing so, gain a new appreciation for what they achieved.
2. Waterfront Dining
Image by Charlotte Geary, courtesy Lake Anne Brew House
Food always tastes better when it comes with a spectacular view. Luckily, our region's waterfronts are bustling with scenic dining destinations for every palate. From the flowing waters of the Potomac River to the tranquil edge of Lake Anne, check out our Guide to Waterfront Dining in Fairfax County!
3. Special Events This August
There are so many unique events happening this month that it was tough to narrow down. Here is a sampling of some not-to-miss August fun. Check our full event calendar for even more great ideas.
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Fairfax County Carnival & Fair |
Chance the Rapper August 1, 2026 Wolf Trap |
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Stargazing |
Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta |
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Purple Heart Commemoration |
Wright at Twilight |
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Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC |
Women's Equality Day |
4. Fairfax County Carnival & Fair
One of summer’s most beloved traditions is back! Head to Frying Pan Farm Park July 30-August 2 for the annual Fairfax County Carnival & Fair, an end-of-summer celebration filled with rides, games, food trucks, 4-H exhibits, and classic fair fun. Hosted by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park, Fairfax County 4-H, and more. This family-friendly event brings the charm of the countryside to the heart of Fairfax County.
Hot Tip: The Big Truck Night Friday will take place July 31, 5-7 p.m.
5. Summer's Last Hurrah
Before the weather starts to cool off, squeeze out all the summer fun that you can! Get the thrill-seekers of the bunch excited for splishing, splashing, turning, and twisting at our local waterparks. Strike up some friendly competition at our mini golf courses - with a variety of themes, lengths, and difficulties for everyone. Even get out on the water with kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at our local parks. Or, head to where the wild things are at NOVA Wild. For music lovers, enjoy summer melodies at the outdoor Filene Center at Wolf Trap before the season ends.
6. Free Admission at Great Falls National Park
August 25
Perhaps one of the most unexpected attractions in Fairfax County is Great Falls Park, packed with trails, historic ruins, scenic overlooks, and a majestic waterfall you don’t even have to hike to see. While admission to the park is usually $20 per vehicle, there's an opportunity to enjoy the natural wonder for free this month on August 25 in celebration of the National Park Service's 110th birthday.
Hot tip: Mark your calendar! These additional 2026 Free Entrance Days are coming up:
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
What are you most looking forward to during these dog days of summer? Tell us in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
