Weekend Planner: Live Music, Pumpkins and Racing for a Cause

Check out Patch’s list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

Dia de los Muertos: The Art of Remembrance Costume and Dance Party

• Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria
• When: Friday, Nov. 2 from 8 – 11 p.m.
• Why Go: Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a costume contest, live music, bubble gum painting, food and more.
• Price: Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door or 2 for $35

American Symphony Orchestra

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Friday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring music by Brahms and Beethoven.  Don’t miss the pre-performance discussion with music director Leon Botstein.
• Price: Tickets range from $30 - $60

Warfighter 5 Mile

• Where: Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
• When: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7 a.m.
• Why Go: Run or walk a 2.5 or 5 mile course to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
• Price: See website for registration details.

Fill the Shoes 5K

• Where: Hayfield Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 8 a.m.
• Why Go: Proceeds to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers.
• Price: Registration is $40 on race day.

Pumpkinpalooza 2012

• Where: The Journey, Springfield
• When: Saturday, Nov. 3 from 1 – 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Activities will include a petting zoo, games, giant hamster balls, free food and more.  Bring your jack-o-lantern for pumpkin smashing.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Cabaret Series: Broadway Memories

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy an evening of Broadway showtunes performed by local singers and musicians.  Admission includes a complimentary hors d`oeuvres plate, and a cash bar will be available.
• Price: Tickets are $25

Dr. John & The Lower 911 and The Blind Boys of Alabama: Spirituals to Funk 

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: The two groups combine forces for a night of jazz, blues, gospel, funk, R&B and everything in between. 
• Price: Tickets range from $23 - $46

DC Big Flea Market

• Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly
• When: Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Price: Admission is $8 per person

• Why Go: Shop for bargains at this popular antique event.

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras: Meet the Orchestra

• Where: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, NOVA Alexandria
• When: Sunday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: This “Comps for Kids” concert will feature music by Britten, Wagner, Dukas and Ravel.
• Price: FREE for ages 18 and under

GMU School of Music Concert

• Where: GMU Harris Theatre, Fairfax
• When: Sunday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring the premiere of Donald McCullough’s “Song of the Shulamite”, this concert will include performances by the University Singers, University Chorale and Women’s Chorale.
• Price: General Admission: $10; Students, Faculty, Staff, Seniors and Groups: $5

L.A. Theatre Works: Pride and Prejudice

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: L.A. Theatre Works presents Jane Austen’s tale of 19th century love and courtship as a live radio drama.    
• Price: Tickets range from $20 - $40

Library Events:

• Used Book Sale at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Friday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 4 from 1 – 4:30 p.m.
• Time for Tots at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m.  For ages 2-3.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Storytime for Three to Fives at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly.  Friday, Nov. 2 at 1:30 p.m.  For ages 3-5.  FREE – Registration Required.
• International Gaming Day at Beatley Central Library and Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  FREE.
• Kaleidoscope Storytime: an adaptive storytime at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Wag a Tale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 3 beginning at 10:30 a.m.  For ages 5-12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Native American Celebration at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m.  FREE.
• Paws to Read at Lorton Library, Lorton.  Saturday, Nov. 3 beginning at 11 a.m.  For ages 6-12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Saturday Nov. 3 beginning at 1 p.m.  For ages 6-12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Paws for Reading at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly.  Saturday, Nov. 3 beginning at 3 p.m.  For ages 5-12.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Teen Makovers at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.  Sunday, Nov. 4 at 1:30 p.m.  For ages 12-18.  FREE – Registration Required.

Nature Highlights:

• Living History Day: Civil War at Walney at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Holmes Run Park Cleanup at Holmes Run Park, Alexandria.  Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Wetland Watch at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Colonial Day at Sully Historic Site, Chantilly.  Saturday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Adults: $8; Children: $6.
• Nature Craft at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Dairy Farming at Walney: Butter and Cheese at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• Maintaining Curb Appeal: Native Plants at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.  For adults.  $18 - $20 per person – Registration Required.
• Owl Campfire at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Simpson Dog Park Cleanup Day at Eugene Simpson Field, Alexandria.  Sunday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Fall Guided Hike at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, Nov. 4 at 1 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Wild Side Wagon Ride at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 and 4 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.