Special Events

Fairfax City is known for its signature special events that bring the community together and celebrate what makes our city such a special place to be.

From lively seasonal festivals and family-friendly parades to monthly concerts, our events create lasting memories for both residents and visitors. Each gathering reflects the vibrant spirit of Fairfax and showcases why it's a great place to live, work, and play.

Special Event Guidelines and Applications

2025 Special Event Application Breakdown

Antique Car Show
• Date & Time
Saturday, May 17
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location
City Hall
10455 Armstrong St.,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Applications
Car Show Registration
• Application Deadline
April 18
Rock the Block
• Date & Time
4th Fridays from May - October
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• Location
Old Town Square
10415 North Street,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Guidelines
Please refer to guidelines on application
• Applications
Food Vendor Application(PDF, 159KB)
Note: City Vendors are given priority.
• Application Deadline
April 1
Independence Day Celebration Parade
• Date & Time
July 4
10 a.m. - Noon
• Location
Downtown Fairfax
10455 Armstrong St.,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Application Deadline
April 1
Independence Day Celebration Evening Show
• Date & Time
July 4
6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
• Location
Fairfax High School
3501 Lion Run,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Guidelines
Please refer to the guidelines on application
• Application Deadline
April 1
Fall Festival
• Date & Time
Saturday, October 11
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Location
Downtown Fairfax
10415 North Street,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Guidelines
Craft Show Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)
Food Vendors: Please refer to the guidelines listed on the application
• Application Deadline
March 13
Holiday Craft Show
• Date & Time
Saturday, November 15
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 16
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location
Fairfax High School
3501 Lion Run,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Application Deadline
March 13
Holiday Market
• Date & Time
First 2 Weekends in December
December 5 - 7
December 12 - 14
• Location
Old Town Square
10415 North Street,
Fairfax, VA 22030
• Guidelines
Please refer to guidelines listed on the application
• Application Deadline
August 1

Sponsorship Opportunities

Event Sponsorships

The City of Fairfax is pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities that create brand imagery and will enhance your organizational goals. Each sponsorship is event specific and fit a wide range of sponsorship levels. These opportunities include many of our popular medium sized events and smaller community events to the biggest city celebrations such as Independence Day and Fall Festival! 

Please review our Event Sponsorship Brochure for more information on the various sponsorship packages. Email or call for more information and to reserve your sponsorship now! 

Email: Specialevents@fairfaxva.gov
Call: 703-385-7949 or 703-385-1710

Event Sponsorship Brochure(PDF, 6MB)

Hold an Event in the City

Host a Special Event in Fairfax City

Special Events include fairs, festivals, concerts, celebrations, shows, sales, pageants, carnivals, parades, religious events, runs and more! Please be advised, submitting an application does not guarantee approval of the event. 

Application Information and Process

A fully completed application and non-refundable fee must be submitted no later than 90 business days prior to the event to be considered for an event permit. Applications will not be processed or considered without both the completed application and fee. Additionally, submitting the application and fee does not guarantee or constitute as approval for your event permit.

Application and Outdoor Facility Rental Fees

Payments may be made via a credit card or a written checks made out to "City of Fairfax". 

Additional fees may be required for the use of city services (Police, Fire, Public Works, etc.), if the city determines it is necessary for the overall safety and operation of your event. 

Outdoor Rental Venues: 

Veteran's Ampitheater - 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax (next to City Hall)

Old Town Square - 10415 North Street, Fairfax

Outdoor facility rentals must be left in the same cleanly condition as it was found. The renter is responsible for picking up and disposing of all trash. Trash too large to fit inside the receptacles provided, is the responsibility of the renter to remove and properly dispose. 

Application Fee Breakdown 

Non-Profit Groups
• Group Type
Certified Non-Profit or Fairfax City Community Based Groups (non-business)
• Application Fee
Required
• Venue Rental
Not Required
• Total Amount Due
$50
All Other Groups
• Group Type
Businesses and organizations not qualifying for non-profit rates
• Application Fee
Required
• Venue Rental
Not Required
• Total Amount Due
$100
Non-Profit Groups + Venue
• Group Type
Certified Non-Profit groups requiring Veterans Amphitheater or Old Town Square
• Application Fee
Required
• Venue Rental
Required
• Total Amount Due
$50 (Application Fee)
+ $100 for first 2 hours
+ $25 each additional hour
All Other Groups + Venue
• Group Type
Business/organizations requiring Veterans Amphitheater or Old Town Square
• Application Fee
Required
• Venue Rental
Required
• Total Amount Due
$100 (Application Fee)
+ $100 for first 2 hours
+ $25 each additional hour

Obtain a Permit

The following information and action items must be completed in order for a permit to be obtained: 

  • Please read through our EVENT GUIDELINES before submitting the FAIRFAX CITY SPECIAL EVENTS/OUTDOOR FACILITY APPLICATION. 
  • Create and submit your Emergency Action Plan (see section titled "Emergency Action Plan" for more information)
  • Provide your event's proof of insurance
  • Pay the application fee and/or the Outdoor Facility fee, if required. For events using city services (Police, Fire, Public Works, etc.), additional fees will also be required. 

Emergency Action Plan 

Your Emergency Action Plan needs to include the following: 

  • A detailed plan in the event of severe weather. Is there Shelter-in-Place location? How will you inform attendees? Please note, in case of severe weather, the City of Fairfax has the authority, above and beyond the event representative(s), to delay and/or cancel an event. 
  • A detailed plan if an event attendee needs medical attention. Is there a first aid kit on-site? Call 911? Nearest hospital location? 
  • Provide contact information for the on-site contact in the event of an emergency. Name? Direct cell number? Email? 

In the event of an emergency, notification of the emergency will go through 911. The caller should have the following information available for the 911 operator: 

  • Emergency location and address
  • Nature of the emergency
  • On-site emergency contact person's information (including a callback number)

Upcoming Special Events