Summer in Fairfax County, Virginia is heating up with celebrations surrounding several major events in America’s history. From Independence Day fireworks, community celebrations, and access to Washington, D.C.’s biggest and brightest 4th of July events to the milestone anniversaries of the Apollo 11 moon landing and one of the most iconic tourism slogans in the world, this July in the capital region is not-to-be-missed.
Located just across the river from America’s capital city, Washington, D.C., Fairfax County makes an affordable and convenient base camp for total exploration of the capital region and all of its events, activities, and attractions. Here is a sampling of what’s to come in July.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
There’s no better place to celebrate the country’s birthday than in the nation’s capital region. Kick off the celebrations early with fireworks displays at George Washington’s Mount Vernon (June 28-29) or the Workhouse Arts Center (June 29). Make it a family affair at Lake Fairfax Park’s Fireworks, Food, and Family Fun celebration on June 29. On July 4, return to Mount Vernon for a special day of programming, including daytime fireworks, military re-enactments, wreath-laying ceremonies, and free birthday cake (while supplies last). Other July 4 events include the Hometown Celebration & Parade at Great Falls Village Center, a special reading of the Declaration of Independence at Historic Pohick Church, and community celebrations in Herndon, Vienna, Fairfax, McLean, and Falls Church. See the full list of events at FXVA.com/july4.
APOLLO 11: 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
50 years ago, on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to step foot on the moon. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will help lead a national celebration of the Apollo missions this summer with film screenings, special exhibits (including Armstrong’s spacesuit!), hands-on science activities, lectures, and an outdoor celebration in Washington, D.C. At the museum’s sister site in Fairfax County, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, visitors can complete their Apollo education by getting up close and personal with several artifacts that are on display year-round, including the Flotation Collar and Boiler Plate Command Module, as well as the Mobile Quarantine Facility where the astronauts were kept for 65 hours after landing back on Earth.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will also be celebrating the anniversary of man’s giant leap from Earth to the moon this summer with its new Discovery Trail Map, which explores area parks and historic sites and their connection to transportation throughout history. Visit eight sites, collect stickers at each, and be entered to win a new bicycle. Pick up a map at county park sites and county libraries, or download a copy online. Several county parks will hold special moon-related programming in July and August, including a “Walking on the Moon” event at E.C. Lawrence Park and a “Moon Landing Campfire” at Lake Accotink Park on July 20.
SNAP PHOTOS WITH THE “LOVE” SIGN
2019 also marks the 50th Anniversary of the iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan. Fairfax County is celebrating all summer long with its touring “LOVEwork” sign. Visitors and residents are encouraged to snap their photo with these famous “L-O-V-E” letters at various sites and attractions around the county. Stops left on the tour include Caboose Brewing Company’s Caboose Commons at Mosaic District, George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, Wolf Trap, Frying Pan Farm Park, and the Workhouse Arts Center, where the sign will be permanently installed in August. Get the full schedule at FXVA.com/love.
Visit Fairfax 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. Download the free app at http://www.FXVA.com/mobile. Join the conversation online at Facebook.com/VisitFairfaxVA or on Twitter and Instagram at @VisitFairfax. Hashtag: #FXVA
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