Burke Connection

Juneteenth Events Across the County

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to honor Juneteenth through a series of engaging events at multiple park locations, highlighting African American history, resilience and cultural contributions.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated remembrance of the end of slavery in the United States. Observed each year on June 19, it commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

In Fairfax County, the Park Authority recognizes Juneteenth by sharing stories of the African American men, women and children who shaped the region’s history through their labor, leadership, creativity and community.

Featured Events

• Juneteenth Celebration at Sully Historic Site

Sully Historic Site, Thursday, June 19

Celebrate African American history through guided interpretive tours of original outbuildings and the first floor of the main house. Experience storytelling, music, children’s activities, quilt exhibits, touchable artifacts, interpretive displays, and a free health clinic. Food trucks will be available and picnic tables provided. Free admission.

• Juneteenth Smudge Stick Floral Workshop

Green Spring Gardens, Thursday, June 19

Join BLK FLWR MRKT, a Black woman-owned business, in creating a floral smudge stick—a botanical bundle used in cultural and spiritual practices. Learn about the historical significance of these plants for Black Americans and engage in reflective activities, such as writing affirmations and sensory play. $60 per person. Registration required

• Exploring Our Historic Meeting House and Grounds

Frying Pan Farm Park, Saturday, June 21

Explore the rich history of Frying Pan’s Meeting House, one of the oldest religious structures in Fairfax County. Staff and volunteers will offer informal tours of the building and grounds, highlighting the history of African Americans in the area. Free admission.

Free Guided Walk at Meadowlark

Enjoy free garden admission and a refreshing one-hour walk through Meadowlark’s beautiful 95 acres located at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna. Each walk will cover hilly terrain, feature a positive focus, and include a silent, meditative portion — plus a few fun facts from the docent along the way.

Garden Tours

Visitors can plan self-guided tours of the region’s most splendid gardens, including these not-to-miss sites (check with the individual gardens for hours of operation):

• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a 90-acre oasis featuring more than 100 cherry trees surrounding a lovely lake, plus an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and the very unique Korean Bell Garden.

• Green Spring Gardens, an outdoor classroom, national historic site, and museum featuring a wooded stream, a valley with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens, and a greenhouse filled with tropical plants.

• River Farm, a historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River that was once part of George Washington’s original five farms and is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the home to America’s first president, features four bountiful gardens to explore and enjoy. In addition, experience wide-open spaces, wooded landscapes, and a quarter-mile-long forest trail – not to mention the vast educational resources available on site.

Plant a Tree

The McLean Trees Foundation, Neighborhood Trees Program, wants to help you plant a native tree in your yard. Don’t know how to plant a tree but want to support the environmental health of your community? Want your family to have the experience of planting a tree? If you live in McLean, Virginia, the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF) (a local nonprofit) will help you select an appropriate native tree for your property, deliver the tree to your yard, help you plant it, provide information on maintenance, and even check back with you a few months after planting to see how your tree is doing. If you are interested in participating in this terrific program to boost our native tree canopy in McLean, please visit our website at https://www.mcleantreesfoundation.org/neighborhood-tree-program and submit your application! A modest fee of $100 is assessed to cover the costs of the program (limit one 6-7 foot tree in 15 gallon container per household). We have a separate program for those who are interested in spearheading a community tree planting campaign in their neighborhood. MTF’s Tree Champion program makes it easy to help your neighbors plant more trees! For more information, visit the website at https://www.mcleantreesfoundation.org/tree-champions-program .

Through June 29

Illuminations: A Retrospective by Rosemarie Forsythe. At Reston Art Gallery. Forsythe’s artworks celebrate nature and science, using acrylic, flashe paint, and 23k gold leaf to evoke a sense of magic and mystery. 

Kids on the Green Returns 

This summer, families are invited to the Freeman Store and Museum patio in Vienna every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in June, July and August for the 8th annual “Kids on the Green” series. This popular family event features free entertainment designed for children of all ages, such as performances by magicians, musicians and storytellers. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on and enjoy the show. Visit www.viennava.gov/kidsonthegreen.

Senior Movie Day

Reston Association presents Senior Movie Day. Join them on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Coffee, donuts and OJ are provided, and door prizes are distributed prior to the movie.

Doors: 9:00 a.m., Movie at 10 a.m.

Location: Movie theater at Reston Town Center

June 25: Featuring: Summer Camp

Dive-In Movies

June 26, featuring, Kung Fu Panda 4

July 10, featuring, The Wild Robot

Aug. 6 featuring, Moana 2

June 5-29

August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. At 1st Stage in Tysons Corner. Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, Berniece and her brother, Boy Willie, navigate the complexities of their past and the weight of their future, all centered around an heirloom piano with a story of its own. Show times: Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 (limited availability), $40 (limited availability), and $55. Student, educator, and military tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.1ststage.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856. 

LEGO Summer of Play. At LEGO Springfield Mall. This summer, families can get ready for a celebration of play like no other at LEGO Discovery Center with an all-new event. From June 5 – August 3, the LEGO Summer of Play event will have new activities to help kids discover their unique Play Mode – whether they love to create, discover, build, dance or simply play their own way. 

Event Activities:

• Imagine and design a more playful city in our Creative Workshop with a Master Model Builder
• Spot the summer surprises hidden in MINIWORLD
• Join a FESTIVAL dance party with an awesome LEGO character
• Build a LEGO bee and display it on our LEGO flower cart
• Capture your Play Mode pose in a photo with a LEGO character and share the moment

June 16 to Aug. 15

2025 Summer Art Camps. At Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. 2025 Summer Art Camps at Workhouse Arts Center for ages 6-16. Spots are filling fast—secure your child's summer adventure today! Get ready for 9 unforgettable weeks of creativity and fun! Workhouse Arts Center’s 2025 Art Camp kicks off June 16, offering dynamic, hands-on experiences for young artists, performers, and musicians. Whether your child joins us for one week or all nine, they’ll explore new passions and build lasting friendships.

Choose Your Track:

• Visual Arts – From clay to canvas, campers dive into a world of color

and creativity.

• Theater – Lights, camera, action! Budding performers learn acting,

directing, and playwriting.

• Music & Dance – Let the rhythm move you with vocals, instruments, and

high-energy dance.

Visit the website: https://www.workhousearts.org/camps

Thursday/June 19

The Pack Drumline. 7 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. This electrifying performance will have you on the edge of your seat or blanket! The Pack Drumline’s renowned blend of southern show style drumming with intense upbeat choreography creates a production that is both powerful and awe-inspiring. Together, dynamic percussionists and dancers create explosive rhythms, intricate patterns and stunning visuals.

June 19 and 20

Indigo Girls Perform. At Capital One Hall. Grammy-winning duo Indigo Girls will be performing two evenings in Tysons with the Fairfax Symphony at the Capital One Hall on Thursday and Friday, June 19 and 20. For these special symphony shows, the iconic folk duo brought in musical arrangers Sean O'Loughlin  (Chris Isaak, Feist, The Decemberists, Josh Ritter) and Stephen Barber (Rosanne Cash, Alejandro Escovedo, John Legend) to write orchestral charts for a selection of songs spanning their career, from the 1980s on. 

Saturday/June 21

Juneteenth at Frying Pan Park. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Frying Pan Park, Herndon.  Uncover stories of free and enslaved African Americans. Learn how Black congregations fought for greater freedoms. Explore how they built a thriving community. Join tours through the church, grounds, and former Lee House site. (All ages) Free but registration recommended.

Saturday/June 21

COPA Tysons Soccer Fest. 1 to 7 p.m. at Ken Lawrence Park, 8008 Jones Branch Drive, Tysons. The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) is pleased to announce the 2025 COPA Tysons Soccer Fest, a free, all ages soccer festival featuring an exciting array of fun soccer activities such as bubble soccer, inflatables, soccer skills stations, photo opportunity with Washington Spirit mascot PK, vendors, a DJ, face painting, food trucks and more.  All area soccer fans are invited to attend this family-friendly festival. This year, COPA Tysons Soccer Fest has added its inaugural co-ed small-sided, 4-v-4 adult tournament open to male and female players 18 years and older, featuring two divisions – the Open Division (18+ adults) and a Senior Division (35+ adults). Registration is $200 (plus fees), which includes four guaranteed small-sided games, a COPA Tysons t-shirt, and an award for the winning team.

Saturday/June 21

Rocknoceros. 10-10:45 a.m. At the rooftop of the Springfield CBC Commuter Garage, 7039 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield.  Part of the Kids' Concerts on the Green Series at Springfield Overlook.

Saturday/June 21

Vienna’s Naturalization Ceremony. 5 p.m. At Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna.  Fifteen people will become a part of our nation’s fabric during this year’s naturalization ceremony. Community members are invited to witness this inspiring event as their fellow foreign-born neighbors take the oath. This year’s ceremony will feature live music and entertainment beginning at 3:30 p.m. 

Saturday/June 21

Play Palooza – The Ultimate Pop-up Kids Festival. Noon to 4 p.m. At Vienna Shopping Center, 180 Maple Ave., W, Vienna. Includes rock wall climbing, a giant bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, truck touch zone, foam and confetti parties, face painting, toddler play zone, virtual gaming experiences and kid vs. parent challenges. In addition, there will be cotton candy and popcorn.

Sunday/June 22

Burke Historical Society Meeting. 3-4:30 p.m. At Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Shemika Curvey, a Graduate Research Assistant at GMU, will present What’s in a Name? Bethia Fairfax & Sarah Ambrose, Free Women of Color in 19th Century Fairfax County, Virginia.

Sunday/June 22

Craft Fun. 1-4 p.m. At Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Join craft experts at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum for Whirling Wonders.  Create a DIY Pinwheel Craft. This fun and easy project is perfect for some summer fun. Just like the wheels on the train, the pinwheels you can create will spin gracefully in the breeze. Or make a 'flower' pinwheel stake for a garden pot, even a pinwheel wreath. Not all will spin, but the beauty of what your family will create is sure to fill all with joyful memories. All supplies are included, one craft per person while supplies last. Admission:  Museum Members and children 4 and under, free.  Ages 5-12, $3; ages 13 and older $5, $6 for special events.  Seniors, $4.  Military, active and retired, $4.  www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, 703-425-9225.

Thursday/June 26

Bennie and the Jets: Tribute to Elton John. 7 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Do you remember when rock was young? Even if you don’t, you will want to rock with this Elton John tribute. Greg Ransom is every bit as flamboyant, outrageous and entertaining as the Pinball Wizard himself.

Saturday/June 28

Free Talk. 2 p.m. At Historic Blenheim, Fairfax. Explore "The Creation of Black Mistrust in Police: An Exploration of the White Policing of Black Bodies in Fairfax County"; "A slave caught without a pass." George Mason University graduate Andrew Snowman’s ongoing scholarship explores the Black experience with white policing through the study of Fairfax County’s Antebellum policing and its evolution through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement. New scholarship from African American studies have provided tools that help revisit older examples of historical scholarship to help understand reasons for the current Black perspective toward police.

Saturday/June 28

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. 6:30-10 p.m. At Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Come celebrate Independence Day with MCC! The whole family will enjoy music, food trucks, giveaways, and at dusk, a huge fireworks display. There is a limited amount of free onsite parking and additional free satellite parking with shuttle bus service (accessibility equipped). For details and information regarding directions, shuttle buses, weather alerts, satellite parking and site location, visit mcleancenter.org.

Saturday/June 28

Workhouse Fireworks Festival. 4-10 p.m. At Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. The Workhouse Arts Center is thrilled to announce the return of Northern Virginia’s largest and most anticipated summer celebration—the Workhouse Fireworks Festival. This free, family-friendly festival draws thousands annually for its high-energy live music, carnival games, interactive art zones, food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks finale that lights up the Northern Virginia sky. Headlining this year is local favorite The Outer Loop, bringing danceable hits across the decades, along with DJs, a new art-themed mini golf course, and even a dunk tank featuring the CEO!

Sunday/June 29

Oakton-Vienna Veterinary Hospital Celebrates 50 Years. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 320 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Oakton-Vienna Veterinary Hospital is thrilled to announce its 50th Business Anniversary celebration, a community event filled with fun, food, and festivities! This milestone event is their way of thanking the community for their unwavering support and trust throughout the years. Highlights of the celebration include raffle prizes generously donated by our partners, fun crafts and activities for the whole family, music, delicious food, as well as the support from other fantastic businesses in our community. 

Tysons Corner Center Summer 2025 Programming 

May– August on PenFed Plaza

Fridays: Live music offers two distinct experiences:

6/27, 7/4, 7,11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/29

4-6 p.m.

Close out the work week with the laid-back vibes of live acoustic music—perfect for unwinding or singing along with friends. Grab dinner at a PenFed Plaza restaurant patio like Earl’s, Shake Shack, or Barrel & Bushel and soak in the sounds of summer.

June 20, July 18, Aug 22 (rain dates: June 26th, July 24th, Aug 28th)

5-8 p.m.

Check out PenFed Plaza for an exciting new concept music series featuring The Flying Ivories, Dueling Pianos, a live, fun, interactive duo performance. From Billy Joel to Aretha Franklin, from Sinatra to Metallica, from Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift, we've got it covered. You control the set list, so no two shows are ever the same.

Thursdays: Family Game Night

June 19, July 3, July 17, Aug 7, Aug 21

4-7 p.m.

Tap into your competitive side with a friendly game of cornhole or ping pong, all set to an upbeat soundtrack curated by a live deejay. Between matches, savor happy hour specials from Barrel & Bushel’s summer menu just steps away. Game equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursday/July 3

A Tribute to The Man in Black – Johnny Folsom 4: Johnny Cash Tribute. 7 p.m. At McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. Called “a peerless tribute band to the late, great Johnny Cash,” the Johnny Folsom 4 approaches their tribute to Cash with reverence rather than imitation. We can’t think of a better way to spend Independence Day eve than a picnic with friends and neighbors and hits by the Man in Black.

Thursday/July 10

Everything Old is New – Good Co. 7 p.m. At McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. Bringing the roaring ‘20s into the modern era! Good Co.’s “new-old” sound of electro swing combines the era of jitterbugging flappers and underground speakeasies with the funky beats and the electric sounds of today's dance music.

Thursday/July 10

The Hot Lanes Perform.  7-8:15 p.m. At Nottoway Park, Vienna. Free. Outdoors. Part of the Fairfax County Park Authority Concert Series. After a seven-year hiatus, they are back with the FCPA Concert Series and will perform one long set of originals and standards. Bring a chair and some hors d'oeuvres while you enjoy some solid music.

Wednesday/July 16

Pathway’s Artists Reception. 5:30-7:30 p.m. At Fairfax County Government Center, South Atrium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.  Pathway Homes is hosting an Artist Reception as part of its 12th Annual Summer of the Arts Exhibit, where Pathway Homes’ residents who have mental health challenges showcase and sell their own art, poetry, and crafts. Original art and artists will be on hand at this free reception that gives an opportunity to meet these talented people and celebrate their artistry. Pathway Homes is a nonprofit providing mental health services—starting with safe, stable housing—to individuals marginalized by poverty and inequity.  

Saturday/July 26

Live Summer Concert.  7- 9 p.m. At Tysons Corner Mall, McLean. Live on PenFed Plaza is DC’s White Ford Bronco, a 90s cover band. This free outdoor concert, sponsored by Lava Technology Services is for all music lovers filled with throwback hits from the '90s. Attendees can expect high-energy, interactive fun at the LAVA section and have the opportunity to snap photos with LAVA’s mascot, grab cool swag, and connect with their team.  

Saturday/Aug. 16

Play Palooza – The Ultimate Pop-up Kids Festival. Noon to 4 p.m. At Springfield Plaza, 7206 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Includes rock wall climbing, a iant bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, truck touch zone, foam and confetti parties, face painting, toddler play zone, virtual gaming experiences and kid vs. parent challenges. In addition, there will be cotton candy and popcorn.

Aug. 23-24

Experience Your Korea. At Tysons Corner Mall, McLean. Experience Your Korea is a vibrant cultural roadshow coming to PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center with the best trend driven Korean content from food and fashion to beauty and live cultural experiences. Attendees can immerse themselves in curated K-culture zones, discover Korea’s hidden travel gems and iconic festivals, and enjoy a range of interactive programs.