Fairfax County, VA – January 2026 – Visit Fairfax, the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia, today announces the release of its What’s New for 2026 guide. This annual guide, curated by Fairfax County’s destination marketing organization, shares high level updates on new attractions, restaurants, hotels, and special events and activities that will be significant for Fairfax County and the National Capital Region in the upcoming year.

This year’s guide also includes significant highlights related to America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations taking place in the National Capital Region. To read the full What’s New in 2026 guide, please visit: https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/whats-new-in-fairfax-county/.

Here are some noteworthy items included in the guide to consider for 2026:

 

America’s 250th Highlights
 

  • Following a multi-year preservation project, George Washington’s Mount Vernon will unveil newly reimagined mansion tours, state-of-the-art new exhibitions, and major events throughout the year.
  • Visitors can explore the Commonwealth of Virginia with the free Virginia 250 Passport, collecting stamps at iconic sites including Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, and the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
  • Fairfax 250 Commission has launched a local Fairfax County History Trail pass to commemorate America’s 250th, which allows users to visit area historic and cultural attractions for monthly prize drawings.
  • The National Museum of the U.S. Army’s special 250th exhibit, “CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War,” will welcome new artifacts; the museum will also host several special events this year.
  • Signature anniversary events will take place at Gunston Hall, the Workhouse Arts Center, Reston Community Center, and more throughout the year.
  • Limited-edition 250th Fairfax County wines, beers, chocolate bars, and specialty menu items will be available throughout the year.

Find the latest on America’s 250th event programming at https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/your-guide-to-americas-250th-events-activities-in-fairfax-county-va/.  

 

New in Things to Do
 

  • Hershey Super Sweet Adventure makes its East Coast debut at Tysons Corner Center beginning March 6, bringing interactive games, challenges, and family play to the region, plus exclusive Hershey’s merchandise!
  • Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House will debut a new exhibit this summer, exploring the Quaker and Free Black community that reshaped the estate in the 19th century; the site will also continue its new monthly Slavery and Freedom tours to dive deeper into the lives of the families who shaped Woodlawn’s history.
  • ComicWorx, the Workhouse Arts Center’s first-ever Comic Con-style event, debuts March 7 with celebrity guests, workshops, and fandom-inspired fun.
  • Professional sports fans will have opportunities to attend the Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series at The St. James in late February, as well as take in major league rugby when Old Glory DC opens its season at George Mason Stadium in April.

 

New in Food & Drink
 

  • Bunnyman Brewing Co. will establish a second restaurant space at the Workhouse Arts Center after success with its on-site taproom/café at the historic arts campus. Bunnyman also recently acquired the Mustang Sally Brewing brand in Chantilly.
  • River Sea Chocolates recently opened a second location in Reston, expanding production while offering retail sales and behind-the-scenes glimpses into its chocolate-making process.
  • Elden Street Tea Shop is expanding its local offerings into wholesale manufacturing of its 130 loose-leaf tea offerings, bring Fairfax County’s tea scene nationwide.
  • Key new restaurant openings in 2026 include:
    • Ebbitt House – the first ever expansion of Washington, DC’s world-famous Old Ebbitt Grill
    • Electric Bull Steakhouse – a boutique South American steakhouse from Taco Bamba mastermind Victor Albisu
    • Ruthie’s All Day – a second location from a James Beard-nominated chef serving Southern comfort classics
    • Clarity – a second location for one of Northern Virginia’s most acclaimed modern American restaurants
    • The Salty; Pure Vida – two iconic Miami-based concepts, serving donuts and wellness-focused menu items, respectively, will make Mid-Atlantic debuts
    • Mount Vernon Food Court – tour groups and visitors will have access to a fully renovated food court experience at Washington’s home


Find a growing list of new and upcoming restaurants for 2026 here:

https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/26-new-restaurants-to-try-in-2026-in-fairfax-county/

 

New in Hotels

 

  • JW Marriott Reston Station, Virginia’s first-ever JW property, is now open at Reston Station and brings luxury accommodations, chef-driven dining, public art, and first-to-market Mindful Guest Rooms to Reston.
  • The AC Marriott Reston & Residence Inn Reston dual property also recently opened near Reston Town Center and the Silver Line and features a European-inspired restaurant and rooftop cocktail bar.

 

Openings, events, and other details found in this list are subject to change. Find more details and even more events, activities, and openings for 2026 at https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/whats-new-in-fairfax-county/.

For photography, interviews, or further details about any of the items listed here, please contact Ali Morris at Visit Fairfax.

 

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Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com) is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County's top tourism and hospitality leaders. Find travel inspiration at www.FXVA.com or join the conversation on social media at Facebook and Instagram (@VisitFairfax.) Hashtag: #FXVA