 Chocolate Lovers Festival Returns to Old Town Fairfax, Feb. 6-8
Sweet treats for a sweet cause! Proceeds support local charities and nonprofits. Don't miss these fun activities!
- Taste of Chocolate (Sherwood Center)
- Liquid Chocolate
- Make Your Own Chocolate Bar
- Children's Activities
- Chocolate Through the Senses (Historic Blenheim)
- Performances
- Musical Cakes
- Historic Site Tours
- Eye Candy
- Golden Ticket
- Hot Chocolate Bar
Taste of Chocolate will be held at the Sherwood Center. Take the free "Chocolate Express" shuttle to and from Old Town Fairfax to enjoy all things chocolate.
See the full schedule.
250th Chocolate Coin Challenge
It's America's 250th celebration this year, and the Chocolate Lovers Festival is kicking off the festivities! Pick up a copy of the 250th Chocolate Coin Challenge map, and as you're enjoying all the various chocolate-themed activities in the city, collect stickers for each location. Participants who collect at least five stickers are eligible to receive their commemorative 250th Chocolate Coin at the Liquid Chocolate tent in Old Town Square!
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Enjoy the Mason Jazz Vocal Night with Darden Purcell, Feb. 6
Kick off the Chocolate Lovers Festival with a free concert featuring internationally known jazz vocalist Darden Purcell and the talented Jazz Vocalists from George Mason University! Enjoy a dessert reception provided by Lina's Bakery!
The performance starts at 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Sherwood Center. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance Series is sponsored by the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts.
Learn more.
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Council Reporter for Feb. 3 Work Session
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The city council held a work session on Feb. 3. A summary is provided below. View the full Council Reporter, with linked videos of the discussions.
- Annual discussion with the Environmental Sustainability Committee. The ESC advises the city council on policies and programs to protect the environment and improve the city’s sustainability. View the ESC’s presentation.
Environment and Sustainability Division staff provided an update on programs and projects. View the staff presentation.
- Discussed the Solid Waste Management Plan. The city is developing a five-year update to the SWMP. The plan will outline how the city manages municipal solid waste (trash, recycling, yard waste, composting, etc.) over the next 20 years. View the presentation.
- Discussed revising the fee for using public city-owned electric vehicle charging stations located at City Hall and Old Town Hall. The proposed fee structure is estimated to generate approximately $14,000 in annual revenue and is expected to fully offset the city’s annual operating and maintenance costs associated with the public EV charging program. View the presentation.
- FY 2026 Second Quarter Financial Review. The presentation provided an overview and update to the FY 2026 forecast based on information available as of Jan. 14, 2026. View the presentation.
A city council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10. View the agenda (subject to change). Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit the city meetings website.
Vote for Fairfax City's Art Scene
ArtsFairfax nominated Fairfax City for USA Today's 10 Best Small Town Arts Scene Award! Show your support by voting now!
Fairfax, Virginia, blends small‑town charm with a vibrant arts scene. Local galleries, public art, and community‑driven programs flourish thanks to strong cultural support from organizations like ArtsFairfax, which expands access to diverse performances and visual arts across the region. Engaging events such as ARTScreen film nights and family-friendly programs at Old Town Hall help foster a warm, community-centered arts atmosphere that welcomes both locals and visitors to experience Fairfax’s creative spirit. Voting ends tonight (2/5) at midnight.
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Who are Your Women of Influence? Call for Nominations
Do you know a woman making a powerful difference in our community — through leadership, service, advocacy, or dedication to others? Nominate her for the Fairfax City Commission for Women’s 2026 Women of Influence Awards.
The Commission for Women added a new award category, Rising Star, to recognize emerging leaders younger than 35.
View past winners.
Learn more.
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Arbor Day Poetry Contest for Students
Calling all Fairfax City students! Submit an original poem on the theme "Protect the Environment Around You" for your chance to win $50 and be invited to recite your poem at the city's Arbor Day celebration.
The deadline to submit an entry is March 8. For contest details and to submit you poem, visit the city website.
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