Fairfax (Virginia)

During the first full weekend of March, the Chocolate Lover's Festival is held in the heart of Old Town Fairfax. Events include historic building open houses, children's activities, vendors selling various edible chocolate products, and even chocolate sculpture contests.

Every other year in the Spring, a Civil War re-enactment camp is held at the Blenheim estate, a city-owned historical property. The encampment features military muster, drill, and firing demonstrations. Alternating with the Civil War encampment is an Historic Homes Tour of homes in the city.

Each April, Fairfax, in cooperation with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and City of Fairfax schools, sponsors the Spotlight on the Arts Festival. The Festival runs for three weeks and features music, dance, theater, art, and choral concerts. Events take place at venues throughout the city and the colleges.

In June, a National Trails Day is held to celebrate the trails, open spaces and parks Fairfax

The largest hometown parade and fireworks celebration in the Washington metropolitan region is held in Fairfax. The day's events include a parade through downtown Fairfax, tours of historic buildings and local museums, an Old Fashioned Fireman's Day at the Company 3 fire station, and a live concert and fireworks display at Fairfax High School.

In September, a festival of Irish and Celtic song, dance, and music is held.

Fairfax has a new regional public library building that was completed in 2008. Each fall, the Fall for the Book Festival features readings, discussions, lectures, and exhibits from nationally-recognized writers and professionals. The program is coordinated with a school-wide reading project, "All Fairfax Reads".

A Fall Festival is held in historic Old Town Fairfax on the second Saturday in October. This event includes more than 500 arts, crafts, and food vendors, and is usually held outdoors on the streets of the city. Attendance is about 35,000 to 45,000.