Built For Outdoor Learning + Homecoming Parade : Fairfax Top News

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Here are five local stories you don't want to miss today in Fairfax County:

1. MPAartfest Returns To McLean Central Park In October: MPAartfest will return in 2021 after being held virtually in 2021. Hosted by McLean Project for the Arts, the event will happen Sunday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in McLean Central Park. This is the 15th year of the arts festival, which transforms McLean Central Park into an outdoor art gallery.

2. Lake Braddock Student Creates Outdoor Elementary Classroom: Students at Ravensworth Elementary normally would be learning indoors on plastic chairs in a classroom. But this September, students have a different kind of learning environment to use: painted tree stumps and chairs made of wood under a tent outdoors. That outdoor classroom is thanks to Lake Braddock sophomore Logan Pembleton's Eagle Scout project.

3. Next Fairfax Stuff The Bus Food Drives Planned In October: Since 2011, Stuff the Bus food drives have been held as a way to replenish local food pantries during times when donations drop off. A partnership between Fairfax County and local nonprofits, Stuff the Bus has collected over 220 tons of food. The next event will be held Saturday, Oct. 9.

4. Fairfax Lions Celebrate 2021 Homecoming With Parade, Festivities: Motorists traveling through the City of Fairfax Friday afternoon may experience traffic delays, as police temporarily close roads for Fairfax High School's 2021 Homecoming Parade. The parade begins around 4 p.m. near Historic Blenheim on Old Post Road and makes its way back to the school for homecoming activities.

5. Fall Festivals, Frights, Oktoberfests: DC, NoVA Weekend Events: We've rounded up local events happening Friday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 3. This weekend includes haunted attractions like the start of Shocktober and Workhouse Haunt, numerous Oktoberfests, and fall festivals.

Visit your local Patch for more news, events and announcements happening in your community.

Home Decor Fall Show, Oakton: (Oct. 1)

Outdoor Fall Craft Bazaar, Oakton: (Oct. 2)

Fall Fest featuring Spookely the Square Pumpkin @ Reston Farms Garden Market (Oct. 3)

Landmark Mall Carnival, Alexandria (through Oct. 3)