your business belongs here

Together, we're building a more connected, visible and vibrant Old Town Fairfax Business Community.

Thrive Together!

Who is OTFBA?

The Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA) is the voice, connector, and resource for businesses in Old Town Fairfax. We bring businesses together to strengthen our local economy, increase visibility, and create a vibrant, welcoming downtown where people want to shop, dine, explore, and connect.

Through collaborative marketing, signature events, business networking, community partnerships, placemaking, and advocacy, we create opportunities for businesses to grow while helping shape the future of Old Town Fairfax. By working alongside the City, George Mason University, and our community partners, we champion the people and businesses that make our downtown unique.

Our mission is simple: to help businesses thrive, build meaningful connections, and make Old Town Fairfax a destination where people don't just visit, but become regulars.

Why Join OTFBA?

Joining OTFBA means investing in the success of your business and the future of Old Town Fairfax.

As a member, you'll:

  • Increase your visibility through year-round marketing efforts, maps, social media, blogs, email newsletters, and our website.

  • Participate in community events that bring thousands of potential customers downtown.

  • Build relationships with fellow business owners, community leaders, George Mason University leaders and City officials.

  • Gain access to networking, educational programs, and partnership opportunities.

  • Help shape initiatives that support a vibrant and successful business district including banners and placemaking activities.

  • Be part of a unified voice working to strengthen Old Town Fairfax.

Whether you're a retailer, restaurant, professional service, wellness provider, or attraction, OTFBA helps you reach more customers, build stronger connections, and become part of a downtown that thrives together.

Make the Most of Your OTFBA Membership

Your OTFBA membership opens the door to opportunities that help your business grow, increase visibility, connect with new customers and become part of a stronger business community. From collaborative marketing and signature events to networking and advocacy, we bring businesses together to create opportunities and make a lasting impact on Old Town Fairfax.

- Professional Photography Session – Members receive a professional photography session from Lisa Sheldon Photography (a $950 value), tailored to your business, expertise and personality. You'll also receive a complimentary featured image in OTFBA marketing, helping showcase your business and increase your visibility. Learn more here.

- Marketing and Promotional Opportunities – Increase your visibility through OTFBA's website, business directory, social media, newsletters, blog and destination marketing campaigns. Members can share business news, promotions, events and special offers to connect with residents, George Mason University students, faculty, families and visitors.

- Asian Festival on Main – Be part of OTFBA's signature annual fundraising event in May, attracting thousands of visitors to Old Town Fairfax. Members can participate through sponsorships, exhibiting, volunteering and other opportunities to showcase their businesses, engage with new audiences and support the community.

- Main St. Market – Connect with shoppers and support local entrepreneurship through our monthly outdoor market, bringing together small businesses, makers and visitors in the heart of Old Town Fairfax. Members have opportunities to participate, collaborate and help grow this popular downtown experience.

- Rock the Block – Bring your business to the City's outdoor concert series through the OTFBA Pop-Up Marketplace, available to member businesses from May through October. This is an opportunity to reach concertgoers, introduce your business to new customers and be part of the energy of downtown. (Pending completion of Old Town Hall construction in 2026.)

- Promote Your Business on Our Maps – Increase your exposure through OTFBA's printed downtown maps, distributed at locations throughout Old Town Fairfax, City hotels, George Mason University and the City Welcome Center. Members can access affordable advertising opportunities to help residents and visitors discover their business. Our maps reach approximately 15,000 people through distribution each year. Learn more about advertising opportunities.

- Destination Marketing and Seasonal Promotions – Be part of campaigns that encourage people to discover Old Town Fairfax and return again and again. Initiatives such as the Become a Regular campaign, the Chocolate Lovers Festival Golden Ticket Program and Mason to Main St. events help showcase local businesses, promote special offers and encourage customers to explore downtown.

- Family-Friendly Community Events – Connect with local families and visitors through events such as Haunting for Candy, giving your business opportunities to participate in community traditions, increase visibility and welcome new customers. This event is presented in partnership with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.

- Holiday Shop Small Promotions – Take advantage of seasonal marketing and special promotions that encourage residents and visitors to shop local, discover unique gifts, dine downtown and make memories during the holiday season.

- George Mason University Partnerships – Connect with the university community through initiatives such as Patriot Perks, Mason2MainSt and student-focused collaborations. These opportunities help businesses build relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni and visiting families while introducing new audiences to Old Town Fairfax.

- Business Networking and Education – Build meaningful relationships with fellow business owners and community leaders through Collaborate and Caffeinate, business socials, educational sessions and other opportunities to exchange ideas, share resources and explore collaborations.

- Advocacy and a Voice for Business – Be part of a collective business voice working to strengthen the economic vitality and quality of life of Old Town Fairfax. OTFBA brings business perspectives to conversations about downtown priorities, development, transportation, parking, placemaking and the future of our business community.

- Business Sponsorships and Collaborations – Explore opportunities to partner with OTFBA on events, marketing campaigns, community initiatives and special projects. We work with businesses to create meaningful partnerships that increase visibility, build connections and support the continued growth of Old Town Fairfax.

Together, we can do more. Your membership helps strengthen the business community, create new opportunities and make Old Town Fairfax a destination where businesses thrive and people become regulars.

Stay Informed

OTFBA Members Only Newsletter helps you stay up-to-date on information that may impact your business and events happening in Old Town Fairfax.

Stay Connected

We are a community of local entrepreneurs and business leaders. Join us for quarterly socials and monthly coffee gatherings to get to know other Old Town businesses, collaborate and help each other grow.

Stay Involved

Join us with a unified voice to participate in the growth of the Old Town Fairfax district, join a committee or serve on the board. Working along with the support and partnership from the City’s Office of Economic Development.