Virginia is feelin’ the love.
The state is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign that found its way on to all Virginia memorabilia at some time or another in the past half-century. The phrase is welcoming to visitors and kind to residents, and now an iconic brand that’s worthy of a toast to many more years to come. (Read more about its backstory here).
Thanks to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, honorary events fit with traveling and permanent life-sized LOVEworks signs are taking place throughout the summer on a “Summer of Love” tour from the coast to the highlands.
Here’s a handful of ways to celebrate across NoVA, and don’t forget to share your photo ops on social media with us for your chance to win a two-night stay at Kingsmill Resort.
Celebrate Fairfax Festival
June 7-9, Times vary
Fairfax County will have its first permanent LOVEworks sign to celebrate at the annual three-day Celebrate Fairfax Festival, featuring over 300 exhibitors, a karaoke championship and dozens of family-friendly activities. Ride the tilt-a-whirl and grab a cone of ice cream (preferably in that order), then head to the LOVEworks sign for a “fair-ly” good photo before it heads to its permanent location at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. // Fairfax County Government Center: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax; $4-$32
Reston Pride
June 1, 2-7 p.m.
In an event dedicated to spreading the love to and from the LGBT community, Reston Pride hopes to gather even more than its initial 1,200 attendees from its 2018 inaugural celebration to this year’s colorful and child-friendly Pride event. The LOVEworks sign that will travel to Lake Anne Plaza will take on a meaning of its own to each and every attendee. // Lake Anne Plaza: 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston; free
Woodstock in the Gap
June 8, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kick off Loudoun County’s “Summer of Love” inspired by the statewide campaign by finally saying, “I went to Woodstock!” Of course, not the Virginia town or the original music festival from 50 years ago, but Loudoun’s own celebration of 1960s music, craft beverages and artisan vendors. Peace, love and happiness will be all around. // Western Loudoun Community Church: 7098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro; free
The Winery at Bull Run
June 18-24; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Virginia is for wine lovers, too. Fairfax County’s permanent LOVEworks sign will make its way around the town before it finds its resting place in Lorton, and one of its stops is The Winery at Bull Run. Guests can choose from up to 30 different types of wine, tip back their glasses and relax after smiling for a photo in front of the snap-worthy sign. // The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville; free entry, beverage prices vary
For more things to do content, subscribe to our newsletter, sent to your inbox every Monday and Thursday.