For almost 50 years, Springfield Days, a community-wide weekend-long celebration has been the unofficial kick-off to summer. Held on June 2 and 3, this year’s free events begin with a 5K fun run and conclude with the traditional cardboard boat regatta at Lake Accotink Park. In between there’s a car show, craft and fun fair, book sale and more. This year’s Springfield Days features a Taste of Springfield.

The event has a long history, dating back to the mid-twentieth century, with an annual celebration with food, games, fireworks, and music held on July 4. Most events took place in the big field at Old Keene Mill Road and Commerce Street (where Giant and K-Mart are today).

In the 1980s the business community began a new tradition called Springfield Days that connected the business and residential community through sidewalk sales and special events. That tradition has evolved into a community-wide celebration that brings together the business and residential communities, Fairfax County Park Authority, and volunteer service organizations.