Fairfax County is set to host a diverse array of community events and activities from Friday, July 31, to Sunday, August 2, 2026, offering entertainment, educational opportunities, and essential services for residents. Highlights include a summer carnival, expanded early voting options, and a back-to-school community day.
The Summer Carnival and Fair at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon will run from Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, featuring carnival games, rides, live entertainment, food, and farm animals. A special Big Truck Night on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. will allow attendees to explore heavy equipment and watch Park Authority Mobile Crew demonstrations. Additionally, early voting for the August 4 Primary Election will be available at 16 locations across the county on Friday and Saturday, with varying hours, culminating on August 1.
The weekend also features the Summer Entertainment Series, showcasing performances by groups such as the NOVA Symphony Orchestra, Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, and Taiwan Cultural Heritage Night. Friday's specific events include a sensory-friendly time at Cub Run Rec Center Indoor Water Park, LEGO Club at City of Fairfax Regional Library, a "Jurassic World" movie screening at Pohick Regional Library, and an after-hours Library Laser Tag event at Richard Byrd Library.
Saturday, August 1, will see the Back to School Community Day at Lorton Community Center, providing free school supplies, health screenings, food, and games for families. Other Saturday activities include fishing lessons at Lake Accotink Park, a Summer Garden Tour at Green Spring Gardens Park, and an "Intro to Kayaking" class at Lake Fairfax Park. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services will also hold an open hire event in Alexandria.
Sunday, August 2, offers "Nature Charms" at Burke Lake Park, where participants can create resin pendants with natural specimens, and "Mill in Motion" at Colvin Run Mill, demonstrating grain grinding with a waterwheel. Hidden Pond Nature Center will host "Hidden Pond Highlights," and Hidden Oaks Nature Center will present a "Summer Engineering Challenge." Local author P. O'Connell Pearson will discuss her book "No Ordinary Women" at City of Fairfax Regional Library, and Chantilly Regional Library will host a "Reptiles and Amphibians from the Park" event.