February
Chocolate Lovers Festival
Old Town Fairfax
Fairfax 22030
703-591-2450
www.chocolatefestival.net
Held in Fairfax City in early February, this weekend event focuses on all things chocolate. Some events are free; others charge a small fee.
George Washington's Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon 22121
703-780-2000
www.mountvernon.org
Mount Vernon holds several annual events over the Presidents' Day weekend to commemorate Washington's birthday.
March
Kite Festival
Gunston Hall Plantation
10709 Gunston Rd.
Mason Neck 22079
703-550-9220
Fax: 703-550-9480
www.gunstonhall.org
The historic plantation's annual kite festival features open meadows for kite flying, picnics and activities for children. Visitors can bring their own kites or purchase them at the event.
April
Bluebell Walk
Bull Run Regional Park
7700 Bull Run Dr.
Centreville 20121
703-631-0550
This event is the area's oldest established wildflower walk. It is held on a Sunday in mid-April.
Spotlight on the Arts
Green Acres Center, Suite 120
4401 Sideburn Rd.
Fairfax 22030
703-352-2787
spotlight@fairfaxva.gov
www.fairfaxspotlight.org
This visual and performing arts festival
is held annually from mid-April through early May at locations in and near Fairfax City.
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
Various locales
Gunston Hall: 703-550-9220
Woodlawn: 703-780-4000
www.vagardenweek.org
Held in mid-April, Historic Garden Week offers visitors the opportunity to stroll through the gardens of private homes in the area as well as Gunston Hall and Woodlawn plantations. Homes vary each year and are announced about a month before the event. The Fairfax club's 2005 tour is scheduled for tomorrow.
Walk on the Hill
Windover Heights Historic District
Vienna 22180
703-938-5187
Held the last Sunday in April, this event features a garden tour of properties in Vienna's Windover Heights Historic District. The walk begins at Pleasant Street and Windover Avenue, and usually runs from 2 to 5 p.m.
May
Civil War Weekend
Historic Blenheim Estate
3610 Old Lee Hwy.
Fairfax 22030
800-545-7950
www.fairfaxva.gov/SpecialEvents/CWW/CWW.asp
This event, generally held in early May, will not be held this year but will resume in 2006. It centers on Fairfax history and the Civil War and features a reenactment of a Civil War encampment, including music and period dance. There is an admission fee.
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
Reston Town Center
Reston 20190
703-471-9242
www.restonarts.org
Presented by the Greater Reston Arts Center, this annual event features visual arts and music, children's activities, arts demonstrations and food.
Viva! Vienna!
Church Street
Vienna 22180
703-255-4742
www.vivavienna.org/ViVaViennapage.htm
Held annually on Memorial Day weekend, this event includes arts and crafts, vendors, music, food and beverage sales, children's entertainment, and booths showcasing Vienna-area businesses and community service organizations.
June
Celebrate Fairfax!
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy.,
Suite 247
