Head to Clifton this Sunday for the 56th annual Clifton Day, a cherished celebration, showcasing Fairfax County town’s charm and community spirit.
It’s a day when all roads into the town shut down.
The festivities start at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The event is free, but parking will cost you either $10 or $20, depending on where you park.
What to Expect
This family-friendly festival, hosted by the Clifton Betterment Association, features arts, crafts, entertainment, and delicious food.
You can explore the work of over 100 talented artisans, who will showcase paintings, photography, wood carvings, glass and metal artwork, jewelry, and many other crafts. An outdoor marketplace features around 150 vendors offering a variety of baked goods, honey, and more. Antique enthusiasts can browse for furniture, vintage tools, and knickknacks from vendors across the mid-Atlantic region.
Clifton Day offers an array of entertainment options, including live music performances from various genres, children’s games, pony rides, and train rides. The schedule includes performances from The Sidleys, Sarah Swanner, and the Randy Thompson Band throughout the day.
Food lovers will be delighted with a diverse selection — everything from burritos and crab cakes to funnel cakes and Mediterranean dishes, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Clifton Day is the only day each year when the Virginia Railway Express stops in town. The train offers roundtrip service to Clifton from all stops between Manassas and Rolling Road. The ride to Clifton is free, while the return trip costs $5 per person, with children under the age of two riding for free.
The festival began in 1967 as part of a revitalization effort for Clifton, which had fallen into disrepair since its incorporation in 1902. With the exception of 2020, Clifton Day has continued to grow and flourish, becoming a highlight of the community’s calendar every year on the Sunday before Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Feature image by Lauren Wiley
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