Live Fairfax: Top 7 Memorial Day weekend activities in Fairfax County (and surrounding areas)

Sponsor May 12, 2023 at 1:03pm

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also the perfect kickoff to summer!

And in Fairfax County, you’re in for a treat. Here are seven exciting and enjoyable activities to check out in Fairfax County this Memorial Day weekend:

Relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, a picturesque waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and a farmer’s market.
Attend the Tephra ICA Arts Festival (formerly known as the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival), a three-day outdoor event at Reston Town Center showcasing the works of more than 200 artists.
Attend the annual National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., which features marching bands, floats, and patriotic performances.
Rolling to Remember is a multi-day event featuring the world’s largest police-escorted motorcycle ride to Rolling Thunder®, the biggest single-day motorcycle event globally. In 2023, the ride’s staging will return to the Pentagon.
ViVa! Vienna! is a family-focused celebration of Memorial Day and the vibrant Vienna community spirit. The festival runs all weekend and offers thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, unique crafts, lively vendors, and sensational live entertainment.
Join the City of Falls Church’s 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival! Enjoy a moving ceremony hosted by the Veteran’s Council, a 3K Fun Run, food and craft vendors, live music, kids’ entertainment, and a parade.
Flags In! Get ready to be moved by a powerful Memorial Day tradition that honors America’s fallen heroes. Just before the holiday weekend, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (the “Old Guard”) pays tribute by placing small American flags at gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. This time-honored ceremony, known as “Flags In,” has been held annually since 1948, with every available soldier participating. Watch in awe as they place flags at more than 228,000 headstones and 7,000 niche rows, each one inserted precisely one boot length from the base.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Fairfax County over Memorial Day weekend. Whether you choose to attend a parade, visit a museum, or simply enjoy the outdoors, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of Northern Virginia.