36th Annual Herndon Festival Begins Thursday

If summer doesn’t really begin until you hit the beer garden, play a carnival game and scarf down some cotton candy, we’ve got you covered.

The Herndon Festival returns to downtown Herndon June 2-5. The 36th annual event features fun for the whole family. Here is what you need to know:

Festival Hours are Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is free, but you will need tickets for food, beer and rides. Check out a festival map to see where you want to go.

Parking is very limited. Park at Herndon High School or Worldgate and take the free shuttle bus to the festival.

Fireworks will light the sky Thursday, June 2 and Saturday, June 4 about 9:30 p.m.There will be music on three stages.

There will be arts and crafts booths, a business expo and a kids area with hands-on art activities.

There will be 10K and 5K races Sunday morning. Find out registration details.

Lots and lots of food will be for sale. Beer trucks will sell Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top, and other craft beers and wine at the Arts Herndon booth.

Carnival fun includes games and rides. Find out how to purchase tickets.

Photo: Herndon Festival 2013/Credit: Mikey Tate