Cassie Northern 
Friday, September 11th, 2026 will mark 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks, which claimed 2,977 lives in New York City, Arlington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Northern Virginia has a particularly close connection to the anniversary because of the attack on the Pentagon, and communities throughout the region are hosting ceremonies, runs, vigils, exhibits, and service opportunities to honor the victims + first responders. Read on for a list of September 11th memorial events and places to visit in Northern Virginia in 2026.
9/11 Memorial Events in Northern Virginia
Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff + ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K | DoubleTree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington
Saturday, September 5th | 6PM
View this post on Instagram
The annual Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K returns to Crystal City for its 24th year. More than 40,000 runners have participated since the event began, with more than $1 million raised for 9/11-related charities. Registration is required.
Race for Remembrance 9/11 Tribute Run | Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C. to New York City
Tuesday, September 8th-Friday, September 11th
A team of runners will carry a commemorative flag north toward New York City during this multi-day endurance tribute. The 2026 route begins at the Lincoln Memorial and honors the 184 people killed at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77.
Remembering 9/11: Strength Through Service | Arlington County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington
Wednesday, September 9th | 3PM-4PM
Retired Arlington County Police Deputy Chief Stephen Holl will share his firsthand perspective on the police department’s response to the Pentagon attack. The discussion will also explore how September 11th continues to influence local emergency preparedness 25 years later. Learn more here.
The 9.11 Promise Run | Begins in Arlington
Wednesday, September 9th-Friday, September 11th
View this post on Instagram
The 9.11 Promise Run is a multi-day endurance event honoring first responders, service members, + those killed on September 11th. Participants begin their journey in the Northern Virginia area before running north toward New York City, with funds raised supporting scholarships for children of fallen or disabled first responders + military personnel.
City of Fairfax September 11 Remembrance Ceremony | Veterans Amphitheater at City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax
Thursday, September 10th | 5PM
The City of Fairfax is holding a special 25th-anniversary ceremony featuring remarks from city officials, a bell ringing, wreath laying, + a bagpiper performing “Amazing Grace.” A piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center will also be displayed.
Military Women’s Memorial 9/11 25th Anniversary Program + Remembrance Ceremony | Military Women’s Memorial, Schley Drive, Arlington
Thursday, September 10th | 5:30PM-8:45PM
View this post on Instagram
The Military Women’s Memorial will host an evening program followed by a formal remembrance ceremony. The event includes a reception, panel discussion, reading of names, music, + Taps.
Prince William County September 11 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony | 9/11 Liberty Memorial, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge
Thursday, September 10th | 6:30PM-7:30PM
View this post on Instagram
Prince William County will gather at its 9/11 Liberty Memorial for an evening of remembrance, reflection, + music. The ceremony pays special tribute to the 22 Prince William County residents who were killed in the attacks.
9/11: 25 Years Later | Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly
Thursday, September 10th | 8PM-9PM
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is bringing together first responders + aviation personnel who were at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon on September 11th. The free panel will examine the events through their firsthand perspectives and discuss the lasting impact of the attacks. Registration is required.
Leesburg September 11th Observance | Freedom Park, 101 Colonel Grenata Circle SE, Leesburg
Friday, September 11th | 8:30AM
Leesburg Town Council will hold its annual September 11th observance at the town’s Freedom Memorial. Following the brief ceremony, Freedom Park will remain open until 9PM for visitors who would like to pay their respects independently.
Alexandria 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony | Alexandria Police Department Headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria
Friday, September 11th | 10AM-11AM
Alexandria’s 25th annual ceremony will include a presentation of colors, remarks from Mayor Alyia Gaskins + public safety officials, and a traditional return-to-quarters ceremony. The event honors victims, survivors, first responders, + everyone affected by the attacks. Learn more here.
Arlington County 9/11 25th Anniversary Ceremony | Arlington
Friday, September 11th | 11AM-12PM
View this post on Instagram
Arlington County will hold its major public-safety remembrance ceremony honoring those killed at the Pentagon, their families + survivors, first responders, and the community members who participated in the response. In-person attendance is at or near capacity and parking will be extremely limited, so Arlington County is encouraging additional attendees to watch via livestream. Find details here.
Pentagon 25th Anniversary Observance | The Pentagon, Arlington
Friday, September 11th
The Department of Defense will also hold its annual remembrance ceremony for the 184 people killed at the Pentagon + aboard American Airlines Flight 77. Public-access details are limited, so this event is best viewed as an official commemorative observance rather than a drop-in public ceremony.
MISSION BBQ 9/11 Remembrance | MISSION BBQ, 45979 Denizen Plaza, Sterling
Friday, September 11th | Noon
MISSION BBQ will observe September 11th with its traditional live National Anthem at noon. The restaurant also honors fire, police, + first responders with a complimentary sandwich as part of its annual remembrance.
Purcellville 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony | First Responders Monument, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville
Friday, September 11th | 6:30PM
View this post on Instagram
Purcellville’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will take place at the town’s First Responders Monument, which contains a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
Great Falls 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony | Great Falls Freedom Memorial, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls
Friday, September 11th | 7PM-8PM
The annual Great Falls ceremony honors the six Great Falls residents who died on September 11th, along with everyone killed or affected by the attacks. The ceremony is free + open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs.
Leesburg 25th Anniversary Candlelight Vigil | Town Green, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg
Friday, September 11th | 7:30PM-8PM
In addition to its morning observance, Leesburg is holding a special 25th anniversary candlelight vigil. The evening program will include speakers + musical performances, and candles will be provided.
National Museum of the United States Army 25th Anniversary Commemoration | 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir
Friday, September 11th-Sunday, September 13th
View this post on Instagram
The National Museum of the United States Army is hosting a full weekend of free 9/11 programming, including remembrance activities, Soldier Stories, commemorative displays, + its new Steel + Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11 exhibition. Visitors can also see the large U.S. flag that was unfurled over the damaged Pentagon following the attack. Learn more here.
25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honor Walk | National Museum of the United States Army, 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir
Friday, September 11th-Sunday, September 13th | 10AM-4PM
As part of the Fort Belvoir commemorations, visitors can participate in a special outdoor Honor Walk remembering those lost in New York, Arlington, + Shanksville and honoring the first responders + military service members whose lives were changed by the attacks.
National Day of Service + Remembrance | Alexandria National Cemetery, 1450 Wilkes Street, Alexandria
Saturday, September 12th | 10AM
The VA + Carry The Load are hosting a volunteer service event at Alexandria National Cemetery as part of the national 9/11 Day of Service. After a brief ceremony, volunteers will help clean headstones + beautify the cemetery grounds.
Northern Virginia 9/11 Heroes Run | Oakton Elementary School, 3000 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton
Sunday, September 13th | 8AM
The Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run welcomes runners, walkers, + ruckers and specifically commemorates the 25th anniversary this year. The event honors September 11th victims, first responders, military members, + those who served in the wars that followed. Registration is required.
25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb | FACT Field at Riverside High School, 19019 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne
Sunday, September 13th | 10AM; arrival at 9:30AM
Local students are organizing the fourth annual stair climb honoring the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center. Participants climb the equivalent of 110 stories while carrying a badge bearing the name + photograph of a fallen firefighter, and proceeds benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Tour de Trail: Pentagon Memorial | Arlington
Sunday, September 27th | 9AM-2PM
The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is hosting a 3.5-mile walk + 25-mile bike ride centered around the Pentagon Memorial. The event includes remembrance programming and provides another opportunity to reflect on the 25th anniversary later in the month.
9/11 Memorials to Visit in Northern Virginia
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial | 1 North Rotary Road, Arlington
The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial honors the 184 people killed at the Pentagon + aboard American Airlines Flight 77. Each victim is represented by an individual memorial unit organized according to the person’s age and positioned to distinguish those who were aboard the plane from those inside the Pentagon.
Fairfax County 9/11 Memorial Grove | Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
The Fairfax County 9/11 Memorial Grove is a living memorial designed as a space for reflection + healing. Visitors can stop by independently to honor local residents and everyone affected by September 11th.
Follow @thefairfaxgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Northern Virginia updates, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse. Sign up for our newsletter here.
