Summer may be on the downswing, but you wouldn't know that looking at Fairfax County's event calendar. Before school is back in session and the warm weather turns crisp, check out some of the reasons that August is a prime time for visiting and exploring Fairfax County.

1. Holidays and Month-Long Celebrations

August is a popular month for celebrating different passions, from local foods to craft beer to your golf swing. Here are a few interests you might want to embrace this month.

DC Restaurant Week
August 28 - September 3

Image courtesy Founding Farmers

Attention, foodies! Summer Restaurant Week returns to the metropolitan area this month! Twice a year, the DMV area highlights some of the region's top restaurants, and many fabulous Fairfax County dining spots join in on the celebration to offer brunches, lunches, and dinners at a special rate. DC Restaurant Week returns from Monday, August 28 to Sunday, September 3 and includes both in-house dining and to-go meals with a variety of family-style offerings as well as cocktail and wine pairings. Eat your heart out and support hundreds of restaurants throughout the DMV. Get the list of participating restaurants here. (List will be updated as more restaurants are added.) 

National Golf Month

Image courtesy Golf Fairfax

It's a tee-riffic time to book your spot on the green because August is National Golf Month! Fairfax County offers some of the best golfing in Northern Virginia, by "par!" Check out Fairfax County-operated courses and reserve your tee time here. For a complete list of area golf courses, check out this list. For fun for the whole family, be sure to check out our mini-golf courses as well. 

And to celebrate, Golf Fairfax has shared the Top 10 Ways to Enjoy National Golf Month. 

Virginia Craft Beer Month

Virginia Craft Beer Month is upon us, and our Fairfax County Breweries are the "pitcher" perfect place to get your fix! Make your rounds to discover your favorite locally brewed and locally poured beer! This month only, you can score exclusive discounts and prizes for visiting local breweries in Fairfax County with the free Fairfax County Locally Poured Pass - no download required. 

Plus, keep an eye on our blog for an exclusive look at some Fairfax County-centric beers from our local brewers.

Women's Equality Day 

Image courtesy Mina Habibi/Workhouse Arts Center

This August marks the 103rd anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which secured women's constitutional right to vote. August 26 may be commemorated as Women's Equality Day, but this entire month brings a variety of ways to remember and celebrate the suffragists who fought for change.
 

Visit the Lucy Burns Museum:

In 2018, the Workhouse Arts Center completed a renovation of a 10,000-square-foot barracks building on campus, in what was formerly the Lorton Correctional Facility which operated from 1910-2001. This building now hosts the Lucy Burns Museum, which tells the story of the suffragists who were imprisoned here in 1917 for picketing the White House for women’s right to vote. Watch this video to learn more about this fascinating story.

On Friday, August 18, the Workhouse Arts Center will be hosting Learning at Lunch: The Factory Girls and Women’s Suffrage. Attendees will delve into the remarkable story of young immigrant women known as the "factory girls," who courageously advocated for improved pay and safer working conditions in New York City's garment industry. This event, presented by author Kenena Spalding, sheds light on their union formation, impactful strikes, and significant contributions to the women's suffrage movement. It's an enlightening opportunity to explore the pivotal role played by these "working girls" in the fight for women's enfranchisement.

Visit the New Turning Point Suffragist Memorial:

It took 72 years to pass and ratify the 19th Amendment and more than 100 years to fully honor the millions who fought for women to have a voice in their government.  The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is a new national landmark that pays tribute to ALL women who fought during America's women's suffrage movement. Snap a photo in front of the original White House gates that the women protested in front of in 1917, learn their stories at 19 educational stations, stroll through the reflection garden, and spend some time at this integral site for women's history in #FXVA.  

Get Inspired with Little-Known Local Stories:

Fairfax County is home to a multitude of sites and stories that celebrate the contributions of women to the United States. Explore the many sites in our region that tell their stories, and in doing so, gain a new appreciation for what they achieved. 

2. Grand Opening of LEGO Discovery Center

Photo courtesy LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC

Here's some exciting news for the youngsters and the young-at-heart! The new LEGO Discovery Center at Springfield Town Center officially opens its doors on August 10, promising a day filled with joy and creativity. Stepping into a world of vibrant bricks and boundless imagination, visitors can explore a 32,000-square-foot playground with 12 interactive play zones. Discover MINI World, featuring both fantasy and iconic Washington DC landmarks. Immerse yourself in the incredible 4D cinema experience, where the theater mirrors the film's weather conditions – rain, wind, or snow! Even hop aboard the Imagination Express through a thrilling LEGO world, collecting points with your magic wand! 

Another treat for LEGO enthusiasts: the upcoming BrickFair LEGO Expo at the Dulles Expo Center on August 5-6, 2023. This event offers another exciting opportunity to immerse in the enchanting world of LEGO creations and connect with fellow fans.

3. Waterfront Dining

Photo courtesy Kalypso's Sports Tavern

Food always tastes better when it comes with a spectacular view. Luckily, our region's waterfronts are bustling with scenic dining destinations for every palette. From the flowing waters of the Potomac River to the tranquil edge of Lake Anne, check out our Guide to Waterfront Dining in Fairfax County!

4. Special Events This August

Photo courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority

There are so many unique events happening this month, that it was tough to narrow down. Here is a sampling of some not-to-miss August fun. Check our full event calendar for even more great ideas.
 

5. Summer's Last Hurrah

Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole

Before the weather starts to cool off, squeeze out all the summer fun that you can! Get the thrill-seekers of the bunch excited for splishing, splashing, turning, and twisting at our local waterparks. Strike up some friendly competition at our mini golf courses - with a variety of themes, lengths, and difficulties for everyone. Even get out on the water with kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at our local parks. Or, head to where the wild things are at NOVA Wild - the former Roer's Zoofari in Reston, under new ownership. For music lovers, enjoy summer melodies at the outdoor Filene Center at Wolf Trap before the season ends. 

6. Free Admission at Great Falls National Park
August 4

Photo courtesy Roger Lee Katzenburg

Perhaps one of the most unexpected attractions in Fairfax County is Great Falls Park, packed with trails, historic ruins, scenic overlooks, and a majestic waterfall you don’t even have to hike to see. While admission to the park is usually $20 per vehicle, there's an opportunity to enjoy the natural wonder for free this month on August 4 in celebration of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act passed in 2020. 

This landmark conservation legislation will use revenues from energy development to provide up to $1.9 billion a year for five years to provide needed maintenance for critical facilities and infrastructure in our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and more. Celebrate this monumental achievement for our national parks by experiencing the beauty of the Potomac River.

What are you most looking forward to during these dog days of summer? Tell us in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax. 

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