Government Shutdown

updated as of October 2025

There are many exciting things to do in Fairfax County during the federal government shutdown. The majority of our attractions remain open for business, including George Washington's Mount Vernon, Sully Historic Site, and the Workhouse Arts Center, plus many more. For more information on what you can still see and do on your vacation, read below!
 

Federal Government Shutdown Information

• Despite a shutdown happening, we have over 80 attractions in Fairfax County that typically stay open for business.
• Metro remains open.
• The airports are open, the trains are still running and other transportation options remain unchanged.
• There are hundreds of dining options in Fairfax County awaiting your reservation. Find one here.
• For family-friendly activities, check out some of the things you can do with your children in Fairfax County. Read more here. 

! What You Need to Know During a Government Shutdown !

Most National Park Service-affiliated sites that require staffing and/or have gate access will be affected, but parks and sites with open spaces, including the National Mall and many of its monuments and memorials, may remain physically accessible. Expect access and amenities to be limited, including some restrooms, visitor centers, and other offerings. Wolf Trap shows remain unaffected, but please note that National Park Service ranger tours and other park-related amenities may not be available. Arlington National Cemetery is open, but the Arlington House, which is part of the National Park Service, is closed.

The U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress are both closed. The National Gallery of Art will remain open through at least Saturday, October 4.

Per an updated email on 10/14/25 from the Smithsonian Institution, all Smithsonian Institution sites and museums (including Chantilly's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center) as well as the National Zoo, are now currently closed due to the government shutdown. For the latest updates from the Smithsonian, click here. 

The National Museum of the U.S. Army's campus and building are temporarily closed, and virtual and in-person activities are canceled during the federal government closure. Updates on reopening status can be found at https://www.thenmusa.org.

Want more information on what's open in Washington, DC? Visit our friends over at Washington.org for a rundown.

Discounts & Deals for Federal Employees:

• George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts is offering free tickets to select performances across Mason Arts venues for federal employees and/or contractors impacted by the U.S. government shutdown. Find details and shows here.
   
• Compass Coffee is offering a free drink and free food item daily for Federal Workers showing a valid ID. Find details here.
   
• AKB, Archer’s Kitchen and Bar, at Archer Hotel Tysons is offering a Furlough Dough Special. Show your valid federal ID and enjoy half-price pizzas during happy hour — daily 4 PM - 6 PM
   
• Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House is offering half-price general admission for all federal workers and their families. The discount can only be applied in person and cannot be used for online ticket purchases.
   
• Taco Bamba locations will be offering Buy One, Get One Free Tacos during the federal government shutdown when you show a valid federal ID. Orders must be placed in person for dine-in or carryout. Free taco must be of equal or lesser value. Limit one free taco per guest per visit.
   
• Compass Coffee locations are offering a free pastry along with any drink order with a federal ID. 
   
• Audi Field, in nearby Washington, DC, invites groups to join them on Sunday, October 5 for Fan Appreciation Match at 1pm. With this link, the first 200 federal employees can claim a voucher for a free ticket on a first-come, first-served basis. After that, a limited number of $10 tickets for federal employees will be available. More info here.
   
• Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. (Falls Church) & Settle Down Easy: The Oakton Tasting Room will be offering $12 flights from now until the government reopens for all federal employees. Must show federal ID.
   
• Thompson Restaurants is offering support to federal workers during the shutdown. From pizza to burgers, pasta to steak, and just about everything in-between, Thompson brands have you covered. Show your government ID to redeem 20% off your check, in-store only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes alcohol. Offer in effect until shutdown comes to a close. Cannot be combined with other offers and applicable to entire check and table. Redeem 20% at the following restaurants in Fairfax County:
  • Big Buns Damn Good Burgers - Fairfax - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Big Buns Damn Good Burgers - Herndon - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Big Buns Damn Good Burgers - McLean - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Big Buns Damn Good Burgers - Reston - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Big Buns Damn Good Burgers - Vienna - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Locals Tacos and Tequila - Springfield - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Makers Union - Reston - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • matchbox - Reston - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • matchbox - Merrifield - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • matchbox - McLean - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Milk & Honey - Belle Haven - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Milk & Honey - Fairfax - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Velocity Wings - Fairfax - 20% off your entire check, in-store
  • Wiseguy Pizza - Herndon - 20% off your entire check, in-store
     
• Cycle Bar in Falls Church is giving all federal employees free cycle rides until further notice. Email fallschurchgm@cyclebar.com to get booked into classes and bring your federal ID when you head to the studio.
   
• &pizza is offering 30% off for all federal workers. Valid in-person only with a valid federal or military ID shown at the register. Expires Sunday, October 12. 
   
• The Winery at Bull Run is offering 20% off bottles, as well as a Buy One Get One wine glass, for all federal workers with a valid ID. Plus, they will waive the signup fee for the King Carter Red and White Wine Club.
   
• RASA at Mosaic District is offering a special $10 Shutdown Chicken or Veggie Bowl for workers who show their federal ID.
   
• Paisano's Pizza locations are offering 30% off all pizzas for federal employees with a valid ID. To redeem, use the code TOGETHER when ordering. It will be available until the government reopens.
   
• Foster's Grille in Vienna (and all other locations) is offering 25% off entire order when showing government ID.
   
• Bagel Joy, in Fair Lakes, has a Joy Fund, which is made up of contributions by patrons who leave funds at checkout. This fund will cover the cost of a coffee and bagel with spread, no questions asked. Government workers are encouraged to use it.
   
• George Washington's Mount Vernon, which remains open to the public as a privately-owned nonprofit organization, has an ongoing deal this year that federal workers are encouraged to take advantage of. Buy admission to Mount Vernon once, and return for free the rest of the year (2025). To redeem, purchase a ticket for your initial visit at full price and provide your contact information. On second visit, show proof of purchase from your first visit and you will receive an admission pass that is valid for the rest of 2025. More info here.
   
• Glory Days Grill (all locations) offer daily specials as well as all-day happy hour throughout the shutdown and throughout Fall sports season. See great specials here.