Ages 0 to 10, always
Everything we list is for kids ages 0 to 10.
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We highlight free and budget friendly picks.
Curated by real NoVA parents
Local notes on drive time, bathrooms, parking, and age fit.
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Fairfax fall festivals and seasonal events with kids
Fairfax has several large annual events, but they are not all the same kind of family day. The county fair has rides and farm animals, the fall festival fills downtown streets, and some annual dates are still waiting for their next update.
Quick answer
For the next big Fairfax family event, the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair runs July 30 through August 2, 2026, at Frying Pan Farm Park. The Fairfax Fall Festival follows on October 10, 2026, in downtown Fairfax. Check parking, ride costs, crowd size, and the official event page before promising the outing.
- Reston Farmers Market, Reston, VA. A Saturday food shopping stop at Lake Anne Plaza. Musicians and community groups can appear, but a child activity is not guaranteed. Free Official source
- Burke Farmers Market, Burke, VA. A practical Saturday grocery stop with rotating food vendors. The official page does not promise a weekly child activity. Free Official source
- Lorton Farmers Market, Lorton, VA. A Sunday food shopping stop with rotating vendors. The official page does not promise a weekly child activity. Free Official source
- Baby Storytime, Centreville, VA. Join us for Baby Storytime! We will share songs, rhymes, giggles and favorite books while building an early literacy foundation. Diverse representa... Free Official source
- Backpack Puppets: Dinosaur's Five Senses, Springfield, VA. Learn about the five senses - and dinosaurs! - in this interactive puppet show! This family program is ideal for young audiences. No registration i... Free Official source
- Pop-Up Baby Storytime, Burke, VA. Discover Pop-Up Storytime at the Library! When the weather is nice, we’ll head outside for a storytime filled with stories, songs, and fun in... Free Official source
- Pop-up Storytime, Falls Church, VA. Enjoy a good book and read together in the children's section! Read books, sing songs, and build early literacy skills in this fun and engaging pop... Free Official source
- Preschool Storytime, Annandale, VA. Make sure your child is ready for the classroom by building literacy and social skills. Our fun-filled preschool storytime has books, songs, rhymes... Free Official source
- Preschool Storytime, Burke, VA. Join us for stories, songs, movement and activities to build early literacy skills for preschoolers. This program is designed to give children tool... Free Official source
- Storytime for 3 to 5s, Chantilly, VA. Early literacy program with stories and activities. Age 3-5 years with adult. In person with limited attendance, so please register in advance. **P... Free Official source
- Tales for Twos, Burke, VA. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with an early literacy foundation geared towards two-year olds. Participation is limited to 15 two-year olds with a... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime & Playdate, Oakton, VA. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, & playtime and make new friends! After storytime, stick around for a toddler playdate where your little ones ca... Free Official source
- Baby Rhyme Time, Reston, VA. Come join Reston Youth Services staff for an afternoon of stories, rhymes, songs, and fun! Ages 0-18 months with an adult. Free Official source
- Fairy Tale STEAM, Alexandria, VA. Fairy Tale characters always have problems to solve or challenges to meet to reach their goals. You'll use your STEAM skills to come up with ideas... Free Official source
- Baby Storytime, Alexandria, VA. Welcome to our afternoon Baby Storytime for babies with parents! Build community through stories, music, and playtime. For ages 0-18 months with... Free Official source
- STEAM Explorers, Burke, VA. STEM Explorers is a hands-on club where kids solve fun science and engineering challenges using simple materials. Participants will experiment, des... Free Official source
- Baby & Me Storytime, Springfield, VA. Join us for songs, stories, rhymes, and activities for you and your baby ages birth to 17 months. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying... Free Official source
- Baby Rhyme Time, Alexandria, VA. This lapsit story and song time is for the youngest patrons and their parents. Age birth - 17 months with adult. Please register children only.... Free Official source
- Baby and Me Storytime, Lorton, VA. Storytime for Ages Birth-18 months Join us for rhymes, songs, stories and activities for you and your baby. Build a early literacy foundation while... Free Official source
- Bilingual (Spanish-English) Storytime, Fairfax, VA. Hola amigos! Hi Friends! Do you enjoy singing and dancing to silly songs and listening to stories in Spanish and English? Ages 0 to 5 ¿Te en... Free Official source
- Bouncin' Babies Storytime, Annandale, VA. Bond with your baby while you enjoy short stories, songs and lapsit activities in this interactive storytime. Ages For children birth - 18 months w... Free Official source
- Builders Play, Reston, VA. Drop in to build with DUPLO, Fubaoda Blocks, Bricks Towers and puzzles. Ages 2-5 with adult. Free Official source
- Pop-Up Preschool Storytime, Burke, VA. Discover Pop-Up Storytime at the Library! When the weather is nice, we’ll head outside for a storytime filled with stories, songs, and fun in... Free Official source
- Pop-up Storytime, Falls Church, VA. Enjoy a good book and read together in the children's section! Read books, sing songs, and build early literacy skills in this fun and engaging pop... Free Official source
Quick seasonal planner
| Event | Next confirmed date | Parent cost note |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County Carnival and Fair | July 30 through August 2, 2026 | Rides cost extra. Parking is $10 Friday through Sunday. |
| Fairfax Fall Festival | October 10, 2026, 10 AM to 5 PM | Admission is free. Some children's rides and activities cost extra. |
| Asian Festival on Main | May 16, 2027, 11 AM to 6 PM | Admission is free. Food and purchases cost extra. |
| Chocolate Lovers Festival | 2027 details are not posted yet | Wait for the official schedule before planning. |
| Independence Day Celebration | 2027 details are not posted yet | Wait for the official parade and evening show update. |
The county fair is the next big family event
The official Fairfax County Carnival and Fair page lists July 30 through August 2, 2026, at Frying Pan Farm Park. It includes carnival rides and games, tractor demonstrations, fair food, farm animals, and 4 H activities. Parking costs $10 from Friday through Sunday, and rides require tickets or a wristband. Big Truck Night is Friday, July 31, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
The Fairfax Fall Festival fills downtown
The official Fairfax Fall Festival page lists Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM in downtown Fairfax. Admission is free, but some children's rides and activities cost extra. The event is rain or shine and has more than 400 vendors, children's activities, and multiple stages. The city lists free parking and a free bike, scooter, and stroller valet.
Asian Festival on Main already has a 2027 date
The official Asian Festival on Main site lists Sunday, May 16, 2027, from 11 AM to 6 PM in Old Town Fairfax. Admission is free. The festival includes food, cultural performances, hands on activities, games, and a mini horse petting zoo. This is a street festival, so use the official parking page and bring a simple exit plan for children who tire in crowds.
Two annual dates are still pending
The Chocolate Lovers Festival site says the 2026 event has passed and asks families to wait for 2027 updates. The City of Fairfax Independence Day page also says to stay tuned for 2027 details. We will add those dates after the organizers publish them instead of copying last year's schedule.
Choose by cost and crowd tolerance
The fair is the best fit when rides, animals, and farm demonstrations are the main attraction. The fall festival and Asian Festival are better for families comfortable walking busy downtown streets. Free admission does not mean a free day, so set a food and ride budget before leaving. Keep the indoor activity guide ready if heat, rain, or crowds make the original plan stop working.
Parent questions
When is the Fairfax Fall Festival in 2026?
The Fairfax Fall Festival is Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM in downtown Fairfax.
Is the Fairfax Fall Festival free?
Admission is free, but some children's rides and activities cost extra.
When is the Fairfax County Carnival and Fair?
The 2026 fair runs Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, at Frying Pan Farm Park.
Are the 2027 Chocolate Lovers and Independence Day dates available?
No. Both official pages say to wait for 2027 updates, so Playdate NoVA will not post a date until the organizers confirm it.