Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series

Fairfax Summer Entertainment Series

Fairfax County runs a free Summer Entertainment Series all season, with 124 performances spread across 20 parks and venues. It kicked off June 24 and keeps going through the summer. The lineup is a real mix: children's puppet shows, big band and jazz, bluegrass, rock, and outdoor movies. Because there are so many locations, odds are good there's something happening at a park near you on a given week.

These are bring-your-own-everything evenings, pack a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs, and settle in. The kids' shows are the obvious draw for younger families, but the concerts work fine too when you've got a wide age range and just want somewhere to be outside after dinner. New for 2026, there's an expanded Arts in the Parks series with added locations and Cultural Heritage Nights celebrating Korean, Peruvian, Bolivian, Bulgarian, Taiwanese, and West African cultures.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Pick a venue close to home: With 20 locations, you don't need to travel far. Find the park nearest you and make it an easy weeknight outing.
• ✓Match the show to your kids' ages: Puppet shows suit toddlers; concerts work better for mixed ages. The schedule lists what type each performance is.
• ✓Pack the full picnic kit: These are bring-your-own evenings. Blanket, chairs, dinner, and water make the difference between a great night and a cranky one.
• ✓Call the hotline if weather looks iffy: Cancellations post to 571-202-SHOW about an hour before showtime, so you can check before loading the car.
• ✓Arrive early for a good lawn spot: Popular shows draw a crowd. Getting there 20–30 minutes ahead gets you a flat spot with a clear view.
• ✓Try a Cultural Heritage Night: The new 2026 nights at Ossian Hall are a low-key way to introduce kids to music and food from around the world.