Arts & Entertainment
Weekend Planner: Fireworks, Crafts, Ice Cream and More
Friday, July 6 through Sunday, July 8
Patch has found a variety of local indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy this weekend.
Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:
- Mount Vernon Nights presents Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Mount Vernon Nights presents Cartoon Johnny at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m. FREE.
- Braddock Nights presents The Winstons at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Spotlight by Starlight presents Latin Ballet of Virginia at Mason District Park, Annandale. Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Arts in the Parks presents The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Woodwind Quintet at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station. Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m. FREE.
- Arts in the Parks presents Blue Sky Puppet Theater at Mason District Park, Annandale. Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m. FREE.
- Arts in the Parks presents The Great Zucchini Magic Show at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m. FREE.
- Spotlight by Starlight presents The United States Air Force’s “Singing Sergeants” at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale. Saturday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Spotlight by Starlight presents The Holmes Brothers at Mason District Park, Annandale. Sunday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
Nature Highlights:
Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Field Trips – Birth of a Wetland at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Saturday, July 7 at 9:30 a.m. For age 8 – 12. $15 - $17 per person – registration required.
- Birding for Beginners at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Sunday, July 8 at 8 a.m. For age 11 and up. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
- Dairy Days at Sully Historic Site, Chantilly. Friday, July 6 from 1 – 4 p.m. $5 per person – reservations suggested.
- Ranger Station Creations: Insects at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, July 7 at Noon. Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
- Lively Ladybugs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday, July 7 at 1:30 p.m. For age 1 – 3. $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
- Mountain Bike Adventure at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, July 7 at 4 p.m. For age 10 and up. $5 per person plus $4 per vehicle parking fee – reservations required.
- Turtle Survey at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Sunday, July 8 at 10 a.m. For age 2 and up. $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
- Wagon Ride Expedition at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Sunday, July 8 at 4:30 p.m. $4 per person or $10 per family plus $4 per vehicle parking fee – reservations required.
- Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
- When: Saturday, July 7 at 9 p.m.
- Why Go: Bring blankets and chairs to watch this dazzling fireworks display.
- Price: FREE
Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
- When: Saturday, July 7 from Noon – 4 p.m.
- Why Go: This annual event benefits the Lorton Arts Foundation and the Workhouse Ceramics Program. For your $15 donation you will receive a handmade ceramic bowl crafted at the Workhouse. Firefighters are scheduled to appear, as well as pony rides, live music and food.
- Price: $15 per bowl
Plantation Sleuth: Architecture Antics
- Where: Gunston Hall, Lorton
- When: Saturday, July 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Why Go: On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in July and August kids age 6 to 12 and their families can uncover clues and solve a mystery about this 18th century mansion.
- Price: Adults $9; Age 6 to 12 $6; Age 2 to 5 $2; Family Admission $25
- Where: Nicholas A. Colasanto Park, Alexandria
- When: Saturday, July 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Why Go: Peruse a variety of original local artwork while you enjoy food and live entertainment.
- Price: Admission is FREE
- Where: Lakeshore Learning Center, Alexandria
- When: Saturday, July 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Why Go: Lakeshore provides a free craft every Saturday. This week’s project is a “Sunny Day Visor” that kids can decorate and wear all summer long.
- Price: FREE
- Where: Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria
- When: Saturday, July 7, 7:30 p.m.
- Why Go: Celebrate with children’s activities, birthday cake, food sales, live music and fireworks.
- Price: FREE
- Where: Home Depot (see website for locations)
- When: Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. – Noon
- Why Go: Home Depot provides free workshops for kids age 5 – 12 on the first Saturday of each month. This month’s project is a working model of a Penske moving truck. Participants will also receive an apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
- Price: FREE
- Where: Sears at Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
- When: Saturday, July 7 from Noon – 3 p.m.
- Why Go: Kids age 4 to 10 will learn to build a model helicopter. Each child will also receive an apron and a pair of goggles.
- Price: $5 (Limited to 50 participants)
- Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
- When: Sunday, July 8 from 1 – 3 p.m.
- Why Go: Enjoy an English Tea while you listen to the sweet sounds of the hammered dulcimer, played by local musician Jody Marshall. For age 13 and up.
- Price: $27 per person – reservations required
Library Events:
- Fun Flicks at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Friday, July 6 at 10:30 a.m. For all ages. FREE – registration required.
- The Wizard of Oz at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly. Saturday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m. For all ages. FREE – registration required.
- The Wizard of Oz at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Saturday, July 7 at 2:30 p.m. For all ages. FREE – registration required.
- Mystery Book Club at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly. Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m. For adults. FREE.
- Latin American Book Discussion Group at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m. For adults. FREE.
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