This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Weekend Planner: Movies, Gardening and Classical Music

Friday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012.

What will you do this weekend?  Let Patch help you plan with our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

Funny Money

  • Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria
  • When: Wednesday through Saturday shows at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. (now through Sept. 29)
  • Why Go: This British stage comedy by Ray Cooney is about a man who mistakenly picks up a briefcase full of cash.
  • Price: Tickets are $17 - $20 

Capital Home Show

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly
  • When: Friday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Why Go: You’ll find ideas for home improvement, decorating, remodeling and more at this event. The Style Network’s Mark Brunetz will be in attendance to offer advice and helpful tips. 
  • Price: Adults: $10 at the door or $7 online; kids ages 6 – 12: $3   

Fall Garden Day

  • Where: Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Price: Admission is FREE; Children’s Concert Tickets are $2
  • Why Go: Get ready for fall with this event featuring plant vendors, live music, monarch butterfly programs, live raptor programs, a children’s interactive concert (reservations recommended) and more.

“Who’s On First Bass?” Concert

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Where: Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.
  • Why Go: The Virginia Virtuosi explains how classical music is like a sport promoting teamwork, communication, skill development and the use of specialized equipment. Featuring music by Duke Ellington, Mendelssohn, Rossini and more.
  • Price: $2 - $4 per person – registration required 

“Screen on the Green in Paradise”

  • Where: Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Why Go: Snuggle under a blanket as you watch an outdoor showing of the movie Sideways. Bottled wines will be for sale, as well as limited meats and cheeses. For adults only.
  • Price: Admission is FREE

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Concert

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m.
  • Why Go: This performance highlights American composers such as Bernstein, Gershwin and more. Conducted by Christopher Zimmerman and featuring Jeffrey Biegel on piano. Don’t miss the pre-performance lecture beginning at 7 p.m.
  • Price: Tickets are $25 - $55 

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Concert

  • Where: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m.
  • Why Go: The ASO’s first concert of the season will feature acclaimed pianist Yuliya Gorenman performing Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
  • Price: Tickets are $5 - $80 

Car Seat Inspection

  • Where: INOVA Franconia-Springfield Healthplex
  • When: Sunday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Why Go: Three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly, so please take advantage of this opportunity to have a FCPD Certified Inspector check your child’s car seat and offer advice about proper installation and use.
  • Price: FREE 

Presidential Salon with James Madison

  • Where: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Old Town Alexandria
  • When: Sunday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m.
  • Why Go: Discuss the political and personal issues of the year 1812 with President James Madison.
  • Price: $15 per person; $10 for high school/college students – Reservations Recommended

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: Spellbinding Bach 

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Sunday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
  • Why Go: This first performance of the season will feature compositions by J.S. Bach such as Toccata in D Major, G Major Partita, Italian Concerto and more.
  • Price: Tickets are $19 - $38

Library Events:

  • Preschool Storytime at John Marshall Library, Alexandria.  Friday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m.  For ages 3 – 5.  FREE – Registration Required.
  • Short Books Conversations at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m.  For adults.  FREE.
  • Circus in a Suitcase at John Marshall Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10:30 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – Registration Required.
  • Thriving Three to Fives: Tail, Whisker, Fur and Purr at Centreville Regional Library, Centreville.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m.  For ages 3 – 5.  FREE – Registration Required. 
  • Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – Registration Required.
  • eBook Clinic at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11 a.m.  For adults.  FREE – Registration Required.
  • Writers Group at Centreville Regional Library, Centreville.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1:30 p.m.  For adults.  FREE.
  • eBook Workshop at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.  For all ages.  FREE.
  • Election Movie Series at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m.  FREE.

Nature Highlights:

  • Ponderings – Stream Study at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield.  Friday, Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m.  For ages 6 - 10.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
  • Paddle to Mason Neck at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m.  $35 per person – Reservations Required.
  • Beginning Nature Photography at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
  • Virginia Junior Naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.  For ages 7 - 13.  $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required.
  • GPS Adventure at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 4 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
  • Night Hike Campfire at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.  For ages 5 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
  • Birding for Beginners – Optics at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at 8 a.m.  For ages 11 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
  • Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh, Alexandria.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at 8 a.m.  FREE.
  • Ranger Station Creations: Nature Crafting at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at Noon.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
  • Furry Foxes at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m.  For ages 2 - 6.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
  • Mammals of Mason Neck at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
  • Wild Side Wagon Ride at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2 and 4 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?