Beacon Marks 27 Years of 50+Expos with Two Fall Dates in Virginia and Maryland

The Beacon is bringing back its signature 50+Expos this fall, marking the 27th year of the free, in-person events that draw thousands of older adults and their families across the DMV region.
This year's Expos will take place at two locations:

• Springfield Town Center, Springfield, Virginia — Sunday, October 18, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m.
• Silver Spring Civic Building, Silver Spring, Maryland — Sunday, November 8, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m.

What to ExpectAttendees at both events can browse dozens of exhibitor booths from local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits covering housing options, home remodeling, home care, financial planning, insurance, healthcare, fitness, travel, and other senior resources. Parking is free at both venues.
The Springfield event will also feature "Venture into Volunteering," a partnership between the Beacon and the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging showcasing more than 35 agencies and nonprofits with volunteer opportunities for older adults.
At the Silver Spring Expo, attendees can catch a keynote conversation with Kojo Nnamdi, the acclaimed journalist and host of WAMU's "Young at Heart" podcast.
Health Screenings and VaccinesBoth Expos will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, glaucoma, blood glucose, and cholesterol testing. A range of vaccines will also be available, including the latest COVID-19 and RSV shots, regular and high-dose flu vaccines, and Shingrix, pneumonia, and tetanus vaccines. Attendees are encouraged to bring their Medicare and/or insurance cards.
SponsorsThe 2026 Expos are supported by a roster of local sponsors. Gold Sponsors include AARP Virginia and WAMU 88.5. Silver Sponsors are Giant Pharmacy and Johns Hopkins Health Plans. Bronze Sponsors include United Healthcare, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cogir West End Alexandria Senior Living, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, The Harbor at Quantico Creek, Montgomery County Recreation, and Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services, along with Torregrossa Insurance. Additional sponsors are still welcome.
Those interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, or volunteering can call (301) 949-9766, email [email protected], or visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos.
A Year of Change for the BeaconThe Expos arrive during a year of transition for the Beacon. In January 2026, founders Stuart and Judy Rosenthal sold Beacon Newspapers, Inc. to longtime executive vice president Gordon Hasenei. Under Hasenei's leadership, the company now works in coordination with the Positive Aging Community and Sourcebook, led by founder Steve Gurney — with both organizations retaining their distinct brands while collaborating on shared initiatives across the Mid-Atlantic region.
January also brought the debut of a new edition of the paper, the Northern Virginia Beacon, now distributed throughout Northern Virginia.
For more than 35 years, the Beacon has served as a leading voice for the 50+ community in the Washington, D.C. metro area, and this fall's Expos continue that mission — connecting older adults and their families with resources, entertainment, and community.

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