Woodbridge/Prince William CountyHappenings

Woodbridge/Prince William County & Fun Events

February 2026 | Prince William County Market Update

By Johnny Sarkis, Keller Williams Solutions32 Years Serving Northern Virginia | Licensed in VA, MD Cell: 703-400-9660 | Office: 703-357-9200 I 4310 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Executive Summary: Woodbridge Market Outlook

Prime Investment Climate: Woodbridge and Northern Virginia present exceptional real estate opportunities driven by unprecedented infrastructure investment, strong job market proximity to Washington DC, and strategic development initiatives. The convergence of $1.05 billion in capital improvements, historic education funding increases, and major transportation enhancements positions this market for sustained property value appreciation.

Key Market Drivers: Tax reductions (real estate, personal property, meals tax) enhance affordability while quality-of-life investments (new schools, parks, cultural amenities) strengthen family appeal. Commercial expansion confirms business confidence. Location advantages include proximity to Quantico, Fort Belvoir, Pentagon, and I-95 corridor access to major employment centers.

Quick Stats

• $1.05 Billion - Five-Year Capital Investment Plan

• $991.6 Million - Historic School Funding Increase

• 40+ Active Projects - Developments & Infrastructure Initiatives

What's Happening in Woodbridge - February 2026

Black History Month Celebrations

Dumfries Black History Month Program

• February 3, 2026 | 12:30 PM

• 17150 Batestown Road, Dumfries

• Community celebration honoring African American heritage and contributions

• 
  

Quantico Black History Month Prayer Breakfast

• Theme: "We Are Better Together"

• Special community gathering celebrating heritage, faith, and unity

• Includes candlelight memorial service and guest speakers

  
  

Washington Wizards Black History Theme Nights

• Capital One Arena, Penn Quarter DC

• February 3: A Night of Black Excellence

• February 8: NBA Pioneer Celebration

• February 19: HBCU & D9 Night

• February 28: Sneaker Night

• Celebrating Black pioneers in basketball and culture

  
  

Regional Black History Programming

• Throughout February at libraries, museums, and community centers region-wide

• Events celebrating 100 years of Black History commemorations

  
  

  

Family Fun & Recreation Events

IKEA Woodbridge Family Events

• 2901 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge

• Year of the Horse Celebration - February 3, 11:00 AM

• IKEA Family Kids Cooking Club - Weekly, 11:30 AM

• IKEA Family Bingo - Weekly, 5:30 PM

• IKEA Play Day Events - Ongoing throughout February

Prince William Parks & Recreation Programs

Multiple locations throughout February:

• February 1: Events at Gemini Way (10 AM-1 PM) and Godwin Dr (11 AM-3 PM)

• February 6: Evening program at Birchdale Ave, Dale City (6:30-7:30 PM)

• February 7: Chinn Park event (2:00-3:30 PM)

• February 21: Morning session at Veterans Dr, Woodbridge (8:00-10:00 AM)

• February 22: All-day programming at Gemini Way (10 AM-1 PM) and Minnieville Rd (3:00-4:30 PM)

• February 27: Evening event at Chinn Park Dr, Woodbridge (6:30-7:30 PM)

  
  

8th Annual Valentine's Day Bash

• Manassas Museum

• Romantic celebration for couples and families

• Interactive activities and entertainment

  
  

Community Safety Webinar

• January 28, 2026

• Focus on neighborhood safety initiatives and crime prevention strategies

  
  

Polar Plunge 2026

• Registration now open

• Annual fundraising event supporting Special Olympics Virginia

• Join the community in this exciting tradition

  
  

Arts, Music & Cultural Events

Woodbridge Community Choir

• New Members Welcome Open Rehearsal

• February 3, 7:00 PM

• 15008 Cloverdale Road, Dale City

• All voices welcome - join our growing community choir!

  
  

February Music Calendar (60+ Regional Concerts)

Latin Music Performances:

• February 2: La Única at Pearl Street Warehouse (7 PM)

• February 6: Sonia De Los Santos at Kennedy Center (8 PM)

• February 7: Sonia De Los Santos at Kennedy Center (11 AM & 1:30 PM)

• February 8: La India at Capital One Hall (8 PM)

• February 12: Baby Rasta & Gringo at Hi Ibiza (10 PM)

• February 13: Yahaira Plasencia at Pappasittoos Bar & Grill (9 PM)

• February 14: Fran Vielma - FV Quartet at Good Shepherd Concert Series (7 PM)

• February 17: Katzu Oso at The Atlantis (6:30 PM)

• February 17: Alex Ubago at Howard Theatre (8 PM)

  
  

Additional Concerts & Festivals:

• EagleBank Arena hosting multiple national acts

• George Mason University Center for the Arts performances

• Heritage Brewing Co. events

• Mr. B's Bluegrass Festival announcements

  
  

State of the County Event

• Monday, January 26, 2026

• Hylton Performing Arts Center

• Open House: 6:00-7:00 PM | Main Event: 7:00 PM

• Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson presents county achievements and 2026 vision

  
  

Board of County Supervisors Meeting

• February 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM Evening Session

• Capital Improvement Program presentation

• Public comment opportunity

• 4 County Complex Court, Woodbridge

  
  

Prince William Water Board Meeting

• February 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM

• 4 County Complex Court - Board Room, Woodbridge

  
  

Education & Youth Activities

VEX Robotics State Championship (Middle School)

• March 2026 (qualifying period through February 28)

• Woodbridge Senior High School, 3001 Old Bridge Road

• Virginia's top middle school robotics teams compete

• Exciting STEM showcase event

  
  

Prince William County Public Schools - February Highlights

• Winter sports seasons in full swing:

  • Basketball championships

  • Swimming & diving meets

  • Wrestling tournaments

  • Indoor track competitions

• Academic competitions and honor society inductions

• College and career readiness programming

• Visual and performing arts showcases

• Winter Spirit Week: February 2-6, 2026

  
  

Woodbridge High School Recognition

• Recently earned Silver Distinction on AP School Honor Roll

• Programs: Army JROTC, Aviation Maintenance, Cosmetology, Project Lead the Way Engineering

• Over 2,800 students, 41% AP participation rate

  
  

Infrastructure & Development: Building Property Value

Major Transportation Projects

Prince William Parkway/Minnieville Road Interchange 

• Investment: $61.4 million

• Timeline: Construction begins early 2026, completion 2027

• Impact: Creates second Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), eliminating major traffic bottleneck

• Property Value Impact: Reduced commute times, improved accessibility, enhanced commercial corridor appeal

• Awarded to Lane Construction Corporation

  
  

I-95/Route 123 Improvements

• Status: Ongoing through late 2026

• Southbound I-95 widening and bridge enhancements

• Occoquan Road temporarily reduced to single lanes

• Long-term Benefit: Improved regional connectivity and traffic flow

  
  

Old Bridge Road/Gordon Boulevard Flyover

• Investment: $15.3 million

• New grade-separated intersection

• Impact: Eliminates congestion, improves safety, enhances commercial appeal

  
  

Devlin Road Widening (Bristow)

• Investment: $69.6 million

• Design and construction phase

• Opens: Western county development opportunities

Water & Wastewater Infrastructure

Occoquan Creek Sewage Pumping Station Replacement

• Investment: $26+ million

• Timeline: Construction targeted late 2026

• New elevated facility above floodplain

• Capacity increase to 17.28 million gallons per day (MGD)

• Advanced odor control and sound-reducing enclosures

• Supports: Residential and commercial expansion in eastern Prince William

  
  

Heritage Hunt SPS Expansion

• Capacity increase from 3.6 MGD to 7.81 MGD

• Enables: Build-out of residential and commercial developments

  
  

Occoquan River Crossing Project

• Multi-agency collaboration (Fairfax Water, Prince William Water, Virginia American Water)

• Two 42-inch parallel water mains in 400-foot tunnel

• Impact: Regional water supply resilience and redundancy

  
  

Bull Run Mountain Estates Water System

• New wells and distribution piping

• Construction start: 2026

• 1-2 year completion timeline

• Benefits: Improved water quality and reliability

  
  

$1.05 Billion Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY2026-2031)

Prince William County's historic investment in infrastructure, public safety, education, and quality of life:

Public Safety

• Three New Fire Stations - Strategic placement across growing areas

• Enhanced emergency response times

• Potential homeowner insurance savings through improved ISO ratings

• Increased staffing for Fire & Rescue, Police, Sheriff's Office

  
  

Community Services

• Homeless Navigation Center (Near Potomac Mills)

  • Investment: $26 million

  • Size: 30,000 square feet

  • Opening: January 2027

  • Services: Emergency shelter, housing assistance, medical care, job training

  • Additional: $4 million for western county center design

    
    

Parks & Recreation

• $7.9 million for Fuller Heights Park (Triangle) and Neabsco Greenway improvements

• $5.4 million for two youth baseball fields at Fuller Heights

• $5.2 million for Neabsco District Park within new Quartz District development

  
  

Community Facilities

• Woodbridge Library/Senior Center - $4 million design allocation for combined facility

• Multi-generational programming hub

  
  

Route 1 Corridor Transformation

• Ongoing Investment: $500+ million over 12-mile stretch

• Road widening and infrastructure improvements

• Mixed-use development incentives

• Strategic Importance: Eastern Prince William revitalization, proximity to Quantico and Fort Belvoir

  
  

Education Investment: The Family Market Advantage

Historic School Funding

$991.6 Million Transfer to Prince William County Public Schools

• Increase: $80.6 million over prior year

• Supports teacher compensation increases (collective bargaining agreement)

• Expanded programming and facility improvements

• Market Advantage: Competitive salaries attract quality educators

  
  

New School Construction

Woodbridge Area Elementary School

• Capacity: 632 students

• Location: Near Fred Lynn Middle School, off Prince William Parkway

• Design: Three-story to maximize land efficiency

• Opening: 2026-27 academic year

• Serves: Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts

• Relieves overcrowding: Featherstone, Kilby, and Marumsco elementary schools

14th County High School (Woodbridge Area)

• Location: Near Minnieville and Telegraph Roads

• Expected Opening: 2027

• Purpose: Relieve overcrowding at Woodbridge Senior High School (currently 2,800+ students)

• Supports eastern Woodbridge and Route 1 corridor growth

  
  

Occoquan Replacement School

• Opening: December 2025

• Capacity: Adding 226 seats

• Specialized special education and autism support programs

  
  

Business Expansion: Commercial Confidence Indicators

New Restaurant Openings

Bourbon and Fig  NOW OPEN

• Tackett's Mill, Lake Ridge (2243 Old Bridge Road, Suite A)

• Opened: October 2025

• Cuisine: Fine dining - Grilled Filet Mignon, Pan Roasted Seabass, Seared Culver Duck

• Weekend brunch featuring Brioche French Toast, Croque Madame, Wagyu Steak and Eggs

• Significance: Upscale dining arrival signals affluent resident base

  
  

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant 📍 ANNOUNCED

• Location: Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center (14901 Potomac Town Place, Unit 150)

• Fifth Virginia location (others: Ashburn, Reston, Virginia Beach, Richmond)

• Contemporary American cuisine with wine pairings

• Features: Napa-style tasting room, retail gift store

• Market Signal: National chain expansion validates Woodbridge's demographic strength

Dok Khao Thai Eatery

• Existing Woodbridge location thriving

• 2026 Expansion: New locations in Alexandria and West Falls Church

• All-day Thai menu with vegetarian and gluten-friendly options

• Multi-unit operator choosing Northern Virginia for growth

  
  

Regional Dining Scene (16 Anticipated NoVA Openings)

The broader Northern Virginia market anticipates 16 significant restaurant openings in 2026:

• Floriana (Old Town Alexandria) - June 2026

• Clarity (Reston) - March 2026

• Ruthi's All-Day (Fairfax Corner) - March 2026

• The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm (Lovettsville) - Early 2026

• Multiple others throughout the region

This regional activity reinforces Northern Virginia's dining destination status and overall market vitality.

Government & Policy: Fiscal Responsibility

FY2026 Budget Highlights

Tax Reductions Enhancing Affordability:

1. Real Estate Tax Cut

   • Decreased from $0.920 to $0.906 per $100 assessed value

   • Offsets rising home assessments

   • Improves competitiveness vs. neighboring counties

2. Personal Property Tax Reduction (First Since 1990!)

   • Vehicle tax reduced from $3.70 to $3.50 per $100 valuation

   • Significant household savings, especially for multi-vehicle families

3. Meals Tax Decrease

   • Food and beverage tax reducing from 4% to 3%

   • Effective: January 1, 2026

   • Supports restaurant industry and dining destination appeal

     
     

Strategic Investments

Affordable Housing Commitment

• Additional $5.5 million to Affordable Housing Trust Fund reserve

• Total commitment: $30+ million by FY2029

• First Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance adopted

• Market Balance: Workforce housing supports diverse economic base

Mental Health Services

• $5.7 million for Crisis Receiving Center operations

• Now accepting walk-in clients (adults and juveniles)

• Reduces strain on emergency services

Public Safety Expansion

• Increased staffing across all departments

• Enhanced emergency response capabilities

• Funding for replacement vehicles and equipment

Leadership Updates

2026 Board Leadership

• Victor Angry (Neabsco District) elected Vice Chair - January 13, 2026

• Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson highlighted 2025 accomplishments:

  • 2025-2028 Strategic Plan adoption

  • Tax relief measures

  • Investments in public safety and infrastructure

  • Affordable housing expansion

    
    

Real Estate Market Analysis & Implications

Property Value Drivers

1. Infrastructure-Led Appreciation

The $1.05 billion capital improvement plan creates tangible property value drivers. Transportation enhancements (Prince William Parkway interchange, I-95 improvements, Gordon Boulevard flyover) reduce commute times and improve accessibility—direct impacts on residential desirability and commercial viability.

Historical data consistently shows 5-15% property value increases within half-mile radius of major transportation improvements.

2. Education Quality Premium

The $991.6M school funding increase and new school construction address capacity while enhancing educational reputation. Markets with strong school systems command 10-20% price premiums over comparable areas with average schools.

New elementary and high school construction relieves overcrowding, improving student-teacher ratios and educational outcomes—key factors for family buyers.

3. Tax Policy Competitiveness

Real estate tax reduction (to $0.906 per $100), personal property tax cut (first since 1990), and meals tax decrease enhance affordability and competitiveness versus neighboring jurisdictions.

Lower effective tax rates attract buyers comparing multiple Northern Virginia markets, particularly impacting move-up buyers and retirees on fixed incomes.

4. Commercial Confidence Indicators

High-quality restaurant openings (Bourbon and Fig, Cooper's Hawk Winery) and regional dining expansion validate demographic strength and household income trends. Business location decisions reflect sophisticated market analysis—their investment signals confidence in population growth, spending capacity, and economic trajectory.

5. Location Advantages

Woodbridge's strategic position approximately 20 miles from:

• White House

• Pentagon

• National Airport

• Amazon HQ2

Plus proximity to:

• Quantico Marine Corps Base

• Fort Belvoir

This provides a stable employment base. Military and federal workforce presence creates recession-resistant demand. I-95 corridor access and ongoing Route 1 transformation ($500M+ investment) enhance connectivity to major job centers.

6. Development Pipeline Momentum

Sustained project activity (40+ active developments) demonstrates developer confidence and indicates continued market velocity. Multi-year infrastructure projects create construction employment, support services demand, and signal long-term growth management rather than speculative boom-bust cycles.

Market Outlook: Strong Fundamentals

Buyer Perspective

Infrastructure improvements, education investments, and tax reductions create favorable entry conditions. New school construction addresses capacity concerns for families. Transportation enhancements reduce commute stress. Growing commercial amenities improve lifestyle appeal.

Seller Perspective

Capital investments and development momentum support pricing power. Multiple demand drivers (federal employment, military, growing commercial sector) provide buyer pool diversity. Tax reductions enhance market competitiveness when buyers compare Northern Virginia options.

Investor Perspective

Combination of government-backed infrastructure spending, stable employment base, and strategic location creates compelling risk-adjusted return profile. Route 1 corridor transformation presents value-add and repositioning opportunities. New commercial development supports rental demand.

Why Community Matters for Real Estate

Vibrant community programming directly impacts property values and neighborhood desirability. Active cultural calendars, family-friendly events, and diverse recreational opportunities create the lifestyle appeal that attracts homebuyers and supports long-term property appreciation.

Woodbridge's commitment to year-round community engagement—from Black History Month celebrations to youth STEM competitions—demonstrates the quality of life that makes this market exceptional.

Conclusion: Positioning for Success

Woodbridge and Northern Virginia enter 2026 with exceptional momentum across multiple market-moving factors. The convergence of historic infrastructure investment ($1.05B five-year capital plan), education funding increases ($991.6M to schools), tax reductions, and sustained commercial expansion creates a compelling narrative for property buyers, sellers, and investors.

Transportation improvements—particularly the Prince William Parkway/Minnieville interchange and I-95 enhancements—will materially improve daily commute experiences and property accessibility. These are not incremental changes; they represent transformational infrastructure that redefines regional connectivity.

The education investment addresses both capacity (new schools relieving overcrowding) and quality (teacher compensation increases, enhanced programming). For family buyers evaluating Northern Virginia markets, Prince William County's education commitment provides a differentiated value proposition.

Commercial activity—from fine dining establishments to national restaurant chains—validates the market's demographic strength and economic vitality. Business location decisions reflect rigorous analysis; their investment confirms positive growth trajectory.

The opportunity is clear: Well-timed infrastructure investments, fiscal responsibility, and sustained development momentum position Woodbridge for continued appreciation and market strength. Whether buying your first home, upgrading for growing family needs, or evaluating investment opportunities, the fundamentals support confident decision-making.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Contact Johnny Sarkis Today

35 Years of Local Market Expertise | Keller Williams Solutions

Whether you're buying your dream home, selling to maximize value, or exploring investment opportunities, experience matters. With three decades serving Woodbridge, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC markets, I provide the local knowledge, negotiation expertise, and strategic guidance you need for successful real estate outcomes.

Call or Text: 703-400-9660 Office: 703-357-9200 4310 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Licensed in Virginia, Maryland & DC | Your Trusted Local Real Estate Expert

Sources: Prince William County Government, Prince William County Public Schools, Prince William Parks & Recreation, Prince William Water, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Prince William County Board of County Supervisors, Woodbridge VA Patch, Inside NoVA, Northern Virginia Magazine, Potomac Local, Prince William Times, Eventbrite, Bandsintown, Robot Events, US News Education Rankings

Information compiled from public sources. Not guaranteed. For informational purposes only.

This report covers community happenings and market analysis for Woodbridge and Northern Virginia, February 2026. For the latest updates and personalized real estate guidance, contact Johnny Sarkis at Keller Williams Solutions.