Weekend Planner: Concert in the Park, Car Wash and Sketches in Nature

The weekend is near and the weather for the past few days has been pretty amazing. According toWeather.com, the weather in the Alexandria area this weekend will be just as ideal.

Here are a few events to keep you occupied in and around the Alexandria area this weekend.

Friday, Aug. 16: Campfires, Concerts and Cute Bugs 

Strange Nature: Bug Battles: It's a bug-eat-bug world out there; that's why these little guys must be able to flee, fight, hide and hunt in unique ways. Program includes live examples and field study. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Ages 6 to 11. $6/child. Register online. For information call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, Aug. 17: West Potomac Marching Band Car Wash

The West Potomac High School Marching Wolverines will have its annual car wash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Belle View Elementary School located at 6701 Fort Hunt Rd. Come out and meet the band members! Donations will be accepted during the event.

Saturday, Aug. 17: Leapin' Lizards, Sharks & Stars

Lizard Survey: Join a naturalist on a short hike to find these elusive reptiles. Watch a short movie on native lizards and see some up close. From 10 to 11 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park; meet at Cabell's Mill. Ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $5/person. Register online. For information call 703-631-0013.

Saturday, Aug. 17: Hula on the Quad

Free Hula on the Quad: Enjoy free, early-morning, drop-in hula classesAug. 17 and 24. No experience necessary. Classes open to all and held outside; please dress accordingly. From 8 to 8:45 a.m. on the Quad at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free, no registration required. For more information contact lesleyspalding@workhousearts.org.

Sunday, Aug. 18: Draw on Nature and History 

Sketches in Nature: Drawing can be an important part of keeping a nature journal. Children join a naturalist in the outdoor classroom to learn tips and techniques for adding sketches to their observations. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 9 to 13. $6/person. Registeronline. For information call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, Aug. 18: Summer Concert

Bring a picnic and the whole family and catch a free concert at Fort Hunt Park. The Hot Society Orchestra is scheduled to perform. Concerts at Fort Hunt Park begin at 7 p.m., weather permitting. Click here for a full schedule of the 2013 summer concert series.