Date	Event
February 7-8, 2009	Chocolate Lovers Festival
April 17 to May 6, 2009	Spotlight on the Arts Festival
May 2, 2009	Historic Homes Tour
June 24-28, 2009	Movies Under the Moon
July 4, 2009	Independence Day Celebration
August 4, 2009	National Night Out
September 21-26, 2009	Fall for the Book Festival
October 10, 2009	Fall Festival
November 21-22, 2009	Holiday Craft Show
December 5, 2009	Festival of Lights & Carols

The City of Fairfax is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all City programs, services, and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request special accommodations, call the event phone number listed in the line description of each event. Please allow seven working days in advance of the event in order to make the necessary arrangements.

Chocolate Lovers Festival 
Held in early February, the Chocolate Lovers Festival features two days of chocolate celebration. Among the events planned are the Taste of Chocolate, where vendors sell their wares to purchase; the Chocolate Challenge, an arts extravaganza where the medium is chocolate; historic re-enactments and historic building open houses; children's activities; a craft show and bake sale; a pancake breakfast and more. For information, visit www.chocolatefestival.net  or call 703.385.1661.

Blenheim Civil War Encampment  
The Blenheim Civil War Encampment is a Civil War-related event featuring period music, military muster, drill and firing demonstrations throughout the day. The event usually is held every other year, alternating with the Historic Homes Tour. For information, call 1.800.545.7950.

Historic Homes Tour  
The Historic Homes Tour features tours and information about historic homes in the city. The event usually is held every other year, alternating with the Blenheim Civil War Encampment, and is part of Spotlight on the Arts. For information, call 1.800.545.7950.

Spotlight on the Arts 
Held each April, Spotlight on the Arts  features three weeks of music, dance, theater, art and choral concerts. Sponsored by the city in cooperation with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and City of Fairfax Schools, Spotlight on the Arts events take place at venues throughout the city, university and college locations. For information, visit www.fairfaxspotlight.org or call 703.352.ARTS.

Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show 
City of Fairfax's Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show offers the largest hometown parade and celebration in the entire metropolitan region. Co-sponsored by the City of Fairfax and the Independence Day Celebration Committee (IDCC), the day's events begin at 10 a.m. with a colorful parade through the historic streets of Old Town Fairfax.

The Independence Day Celebration Committee continually accepts applications from interested marching bands to participate in the parade. For more information, please contact Leslie Herman, Special Events Coordinator, at 703.385.7949.

National Night Out  Learn about public safety and meet the people who provide it during National Night Out (NNO). Held on the first Tuesday in August, participating neighborhoods celebrate NNO with a variety of events and activities of their choice, including block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs. Participating neighborhoods receive visits from local police and fire departments with the opportunity to learn more about safety from those who provide it.

Fall for the Book Festival 
The Fall for the Book Festival celebrates literature, learning and all types of books and storytelling — from literary fiction to mystery and thrillers to folk tales, from poetry and plays to children's books, and across a diverse range of nonfiction: history, memoir, politics and more. The program includes local and nationally recognized writers and professionals participating in readings, discussions, lectures and exhibits and encompasses "All Fairfax Reads" - a school wide reading event/project. Events take place at venues throughout the university campus and Old Town Fairfax venues. All events are free and open to the public, except where noted. For information, visit www.fallforthebook.org  or call 703.993.3986.

Fall Festival 
Annually, the City of Fairfax Parks & Recreation Department sponsors a Fall Festival held in historic downtown Fairfax on the second Saturday in October. This popular event begins at 10 a.m. and includes arts and crafts, ethnic foods, children's corner, rides and musical entertainment. There are more than 500 arts, crafts and food vendors participating in the festival. Entertainment and children's activities also are provided. Attendance is about 35,000-45,000. For information, call 703.385.7858.

Holiday Craft Show  
The third Saturday and Sunday of November are reserved for the Holiday Craft Show. The craft show is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run. This event features a variety of seasonal arts and crafts with more than 200 vendors - plus a visit from and photos with Santa Claus. Child care is provided. Attendance is about 8,000-10,000. For information, call 703.385.7858.

Festival of Lights & Carols 
In early December, the Parks & Recreation Department holds its annual Festival of Lights & Carols. The event has been expanded this year. Activities include visits and photos with Santa at his winter wonderland, caroling, roasting of s'more by the yule log, hot mulled cider, illumination of the downtown Historic District and lighting of the City tree. All activities will be held in the Kitty Pozer Garden located behind Old Town Hall (3999 University Drive) in Old Town Fairfax. There is no charge to participate ($ photos with Santa). For information, call 703.385.7858.