Festivals and Fun Throughout the Year!

February

Chocolate Lovers Festival

This event features two days of chocolate celebration. Among the events planned are the Taste of Chocolate, where vendors sell their wares to purchase; the Chocolate Challenge, an arts extravaganza where the medium is chocolate; historic re-enactments and historic building open houses; children's activities; a craft show and bake sale; a pancake breakfast and more. Visit www.chocolatefestival.net or call 703.385.1661.For the 4th July Parade, Fall Festival, Holiday Craft Show and Festival of Lights and Carols.

April

Spotlight on the Arts

This event features three weeks of music, dance, theater, art andchoral concerts. Sponsored by the city in cooperation with George MasonUniversity, Northern Virginia Community College and City of Fairfax Schools, Spotlight on the Arts events take place atvenues throughout the city, university and college locations. For information, visit www.fairfaxspotlight.org or call 703.352.ARTS.

May

Historic Homes Tour, Blenheim Civil War Encampment

The Historic Homes Tour and the Blenheim Civil War Encampment are held on alternate years in the city. In 2007, the Historic Homes Tour will be held May 5. The encampment, which will be held May 3-4, 2008, is a Civil War-related event featuring period music, military muster, drill and firing demonstrations throughout the day. For information, call 1.800.545.7950 or download the PDF here.

Antique Car Show & Bluegrass Festival

June

Trails Day

A celebration of the City of Fairfax's trails and open spaces. Starting at Van Dyck Park, take a circular family walk through the trails, returning via Daniels Run Trail. Information on many aspects of city parks, family entertainment, Scouting activities, a Geocache in the Park and refreshments will be at Van Dyck ParkFor information, call 702.352.2787. www.fairfaxtrailsday.org

July

4th July Parade and Evening Show, Old Town Fairfax

City of Fairfax's Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show offers Northern Virginia citizens the largest "hometown" parade and celebration in the entire metropolitan region. Co-sponsored by the City of Fairfax and the Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC) , the day's events begin at 10:00 A.M. with a colorful parade through the historic streets of Old Town Fairfax. Following the Parade the Old Fashioned Fireman’s competition creates a fun atmosphere through University Drive—and involves lots of welcome water to cool off parade watchers!

Concluding the day’s celebrations is an evening program of family entertainment and a magnificent firework display at Fairfax High School.

September Irish Festival

This free day-long festival held at Van Dyck Park celebrates Irish and Celtic, song, dance and music. Performers from around the region present the best of their events—and encourage audience participation. For information, call 703.352.ARTS.

Fall for the Book Festival

Celebrating literature, learning and all types of books and storytelling — fiction, mystery, folk tales, poetry, plays and children's books, and across a diverse range of nonfiction: history, memoir, politics and more. The program includes local and nationally recognized writers and professionals participating in readings, discussions, lectures and exhibits and encompasses "All Fairfax Reads"—a school wide reading event/project. Events take place at venues throughout the university campus and Old Town Fairfax venues. All events are free and open to the public, except where noted. For information, visit www.fallforthebook.org or call 703.993.3986.

October

Fall Festival

Held in Downtown Fairfax on the second Saturday in October. This popular event begins at 10 a.m. and includes arts and crafts, ethnic foods, children's corner, rides and musical entertainment. There are over 500 arts, crafts and food vendors participating in the festival. Also, entertainment and children's activities are provided. Information, call 703.385.7858.

November

Holiday Craft Show, Fairfax High School, Old Lee Highway

This popular Holiday Craft Show fills the bustling halls with nearly 300 crafters for two days. Juried crafters from around the region will sell high quality handcrafted goods, such as quilts, jewelry, glass, woodcrafts, artwork, dolls and toys, needlework and more. Booths and displays will fill the halls of the High School and will have something for everyone – even the most discerning shopper!

December

Festival of Lights & Carols, Old Town Fairfax

Come and visit Old Town Fairfax as it is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights and music. Enjoy a wonderful day full of holiday cheer and festivities in the winter wonderland.Lunch with Santa, s’mores by the yule log, ice sculptures, hot cider, pictures with Santa, lighting of the tree and caroling and much more—fun for all the family. No charge.

For more information visit www.fairfaxva.gov.