Enjoy this mild February weather by getting out of the house this weekend. Check out this list of top events happening in our area this Friday through Sunday. 

Chucho Valdes and the Afro-Cuban Messengers

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Friday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Let this multi-Grammy Award winning artist entertain you with an evening of Latin jazz.
• Price: Tickets range from $23-$46

Old Town Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale

• Where: George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Alexandria’s most popular high-end boutiques gather at this annual event to provide shoppers with big savings on designer items.

Groovy Nate’s Musical Review

• Where: Burke Centre Library, Burke
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.
• Why Go:  A family friendly show featuring music by local artist Nathan Starnes.
• Price: The event is FREE, but registration is required 
  

7th Annual Seed Exchange

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 12:30–4 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring your extra seeds to exchange with fellow gardeners, and listen to informative lectures offering expert planting advice. 
• Price: $15 per person (registration required)

Wonders of Science

• Where: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 1-4 p.m.
• Why Go: Watch 18^th century science come alive as experiments are reenacted by members of the McLean High School Historical Society. 
• Price: $6 per person (reservations required)

Family Fun: Valentine Workshop

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: Learn about the history behind Cupid and Valentine’s Day.  Craft materials will be provided to make a gift for someone special.  Ages 5 and up.     
• Price: $6 for Fairfax County residents; $8 for non-residents (registration required)

ArtNotes: US Navy Brass Quintet

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
• Why Go: The group’s repertoire features a diverse selection of music from the 16^th through the 20^th centuries. 
• Price:  This event is FREE, but tickets are required

Tschaikowsky St. Petersburg State Orchestra Concert

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: The evening’s performance will feature selections by Ravel, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Prokofiev.  Arrive 45 minutes early for a “Pre-Performance Discussion”.
• Price:  Tickets range from $25 - $50

Military Insignia Fair 2012

• Where: Fort Belvoir Community Center
• When: Sunday, Feb. 5 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Why Go: Collectors and traders will find military memorabilia from around the world and every era. 

Faculty Artist Concert Series

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: The performance will feature Peter Haase on violin, Nancy Thomas on viola, Kenneth Law on cello, and Kelly Ker-Hackleman on piano.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Duo Harp Recital

• Where: The Lyceum, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Harpists Melissa Dvorak and Michelle Lundy will perform selections by Franck, Bizet, Bach, and more. 
• Price:  Admission is FREE (donations accepted)