Weekend Planner: Car Show, Kayak Tours and the Circus

Make the most of your Labor Day weekend by checking out these local events Friday through Monday.

• Where: Art at the Center, Alexandria
• When: Friday, August 31 from 8 – 10 a.m.
• Why Go: This annual event turns a parking lot into a giant canvas.  School supplies and backpack donations will be accepted for Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services.
• Price: FREE

• Where: Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station
• When: Friday, August 31, 1 - 8 p.m; Saturday - Monday, Sept. 1 - 3, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Why Go: This special exhibit commemorates the 1862 medical evacuation of 3,000 Union wounded to the station after the nearby battles of Second Manassas (Second Battle of Bull Run) and Ox Hill (The Battle of Chantilly).  They were triaged by Clara Barton and other volunteers as they awaited trains to hospitals.
• Price: Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children 5 to 10. Children age 4 and under are free.

Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars

• Where: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
• When: Multiple showtimes Friday, August 31 through Monday, Sept. 3
• Why Go: Excitement under the big top will include live animals, a human cannonball, trapeze artists, clowns and more.
• Price: Prices vary – see website for details.

• Where: Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 1 at 8 a.m.
• Why Go: This event is part of the Church’s International Festival, and funds raised will go toward the Shepherd’s Gate grant program to assist those in need. 
• Price:  $25 Registration Fee; $15 for ages 14 and under

Alexandria Art Market

• Where: Del Ray Artisans, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy live music while you peruse original works displayed by local artists.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Battle of Ox Hill 150th Anniversary

• Where: Ox Hill Battlefield Park, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, September 1 from 10 a.m. – 5p.m.
• Why Go: Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Ox Hill with artillery demonstrations, soldier encampments, crafts for kids, live music and more.
• Price: FREE

• Where: Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton
• When: Saturday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Get cozy with a blanket while you enjoy the movie “Bottle Shock” under the stars.  Bottles of wine will be for sale, as well as a limited assortment of meats and cheeses.  Adults only, please.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association’s Summer Chamber Music

• Where: The Lyceum, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, September 2 at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: The final summer chamber music series performance will feature pianist Carlos Ibay.
• Price: FREE

• Where: Cemetery of St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church, Fairfax Station
• When: Sunday, September 2 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Join the community at a candlelight memorial service in remembrance of the killed and wounded from the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) and Battle of Ox Hill.  They were cared for at this church in 1862 by Clara Barton and other volunteers.
• Price: FREE

• When: Monday, Sept. 3, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (The event flier says 9 a.m., but organizers confirm the show begins at 8 a.m.)
• Where: The town of Clifton, Va.
• Why Go: Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia and the Clifton Lions Club host their 13th annual “On the Streets” car show, featuring an open show of street rods, street machines, antiques, muscle cars, classics and motorcycles.  Music, food and door prizes will be available.
• Cost: For those wanting to show a car, registration at the gate is $15. Admission for spectators is free, but donations of any amount for the benefitting charities is greatly appreciated.

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series:

• Braddock Nights presents City of Fairfax Band “Alte Kameraden German Band” at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield.  Friday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Slightly Something at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria.  Friday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents OCEAN Orchestra at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Friday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.

Library Events:

• The World of Harry Potter at Centreville Regional Library, Centreville.  Now through October 4.  For all ages.  FREE.
• Wag a Tale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria.  September 1 through September 30.  For school age children.  FREE – Appointment Required.
• Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Saturday, September 1 beginning at 1 p.m.  For ages 6 – 12.  FREE – Registration Required.

Nature Highlights:

• Historic Kayak Tour to the Town of Occoquan at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton.  Saturday, September 1 at 11 a.m.  $10 per person.
• Tagging Monarch Butterflies at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, September 1 at 1 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Junior Naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, September 1 at 1 p.m.  For ages 7 – 12.  $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required.
• Dino Extravaganza Puppet Show at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, September 1 at 3:30 p.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton.  Saturday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m.  For ages 8 and up.  $30 per person – Reservations Required.
• All About Bats Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, September 1 at 7:15 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria.  Sunday, September 2 at 8 a.m.  FREE.
• Pond Explore and Hike at Eakin Community Park, Annandale.  Sunday, September 2 at 10 a.m.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• Monarch Tag and Tea Party at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, September 2 at 2 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required.
• Monday Bird Walk at Eakin Community Park, Annandale.  Monday, September 3 at 7 a.m.  FREE.
• Snake and Turtle Feeding at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Monday, September 3 at 2 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.

Do you know of other events?  Please share them in the comments section!