Fairfax County Weekend Events (Weekend of 9/30/2011)

Friday, September 30: Get Jazzed!

Enjoy a unique evening discovering the importance of jazz as an art form and the potential impact of music in communities and education when Nnenna Freelon and TS Monk come to CenterStage for "Music In Community." Freelon is a six-time Grammy Award-nominated jazz vocalist and international star. TS Monk is a drummer, composer, record company founder, band leader and the son of legendary jazz artist Thelonious Monk. 8 p.m. CenterStage at Reston Community Center $15 ($30/non-residents). Tickets available online. For information call 703-476-4500.

Also on Friday:

Fall Harvest Campfire: Play children's games from the 1900s at Riverbend Park, and enjoy fireside stories and s'mores. Come early if you want to bring a picnic or hot dogs to toast. Bring a toasting stick, blanket and flashlight. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. $4/person. Register online. For information call 703-759-9018.

Holding on to Home - A Civil War Story: Envision a time, years ago, opening the door at the Sully House to find Jeb Stuart's cavalry in the front yard. Excerpts from wartime letters are woven through a special tour. 1 to 2 p.m. Sully Historic Site.  $7/adults, $5/seniors/children. For information call 703-437-1794.

Saturday, October 1: It's Fall Y'all

Enjoy exciting, interactive and educational programs, entertainment and activities at Fall For Fairfax KidsFest, designed especially for families with elementary and Pre-K aged children. Activities include scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, public safety and recycling-themed exhibits, pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, model trains and the Wells Fargo KidZone (with more than a dozen rides, bounces and attractions). Check out more than 75 exhibits, activities and great festival food. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fairfax County Government Center. Admission, most activities and entertainment are free of charge.  For information call 703-324-3247.

Also on Saturday:

Birth of a Wetland: Walk along woodland streams with park manager Kevin Munroe and trace the Huntley Meadows wetland from its beginning in the Woodstone neighborhood down Barnyard Run to the marsh boardwalk. 10 a.m. to noon. Huntley Meadows Park. $6/person. Register online. For information call 703-768-2525.

My Twisted Road to Writing a Mystery: In Garage Sale Stalker, a riveting mystery thriller, danger lurks in McLean locations that Jennifer Shannon thought absolutely safe. Local author Suzi Weinert talks about the process of writing the book, and will sign copies after the program. No registration required. 2 p.m. Dolley Madison Library. Free. For information call 703-356-0770.

Art Notes: DancEthos and Bob Gibson Big Band: Enjoy a free performance at the Workhouse Arts Center's Performance Tent featuring modern dance company DancEthos and the classic sounds of the Bob Gibson Big Band. DancEthos will perform dynamic works including the energetic and combative Tête-à-Tête, danced by an all-male cast. 2 to 4 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center.  Free.  For information call 703-495-0001.

Theatre IV Presents Snow White: This musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale features both live actors and wonderful puppets. 2 p.m. McLean Community Center's Alden Theatre. $15/person ($10/McLean Community Center Tax District residents.) For information call 703-790-0123. 

Sunday, October 2: Go Green!

Enjoy an afternoon outdoors and have a fun, interesting and educational time! The Garden & Energy Solutions event features solar energy in action, including hands-on demonstrations; a “taste and tour” of an organic vegetable garden presented by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia; a “Smart Car” electric vehicle and new charging station; and the Little Green House – an 8’x 12’ demonstration green home built by students at the Arlington Career Center. See a live bird of prey exhibit by the Raptor Conservancy of Northern Virginia and enjoy refreshments. 1 to 4 pm. Potomac Overlook Regional Park. For information call 703-528-5406.

Also on Sunday:

Catch the Buzz: Watch Colvin Run Historic Site Apiary beekeepers demonstrate honey harvesting, then taste honey on cornbread made from the Colvin Run Mill's cornmeal. Take home a recipe featuring fresh stone ground cornmeal. 2 to 4 p.m. Colvin Run Mill. $3/person. For information call 703-759-2771.

The Bridal Gown: View an exhibit of vintage bridal fashions and enjoy a slideshow of gorgeous gowns and famous brides, highlighting changing styles and designs across time, across the world and across social lines. Participants must be 13 or above. 1 to 3 p.m. Green Spring Garden Historic House. $27/person includes a traditional English tea program. To make a reservation call 703-941-7987.

·         The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.  

·         A complete list of county calendars is also available online.

·         To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711.

·         TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.