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Politics & Government

Weekend Planner: Festivals, Live Music and Exotic Food

Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3, 2012

There are plenty of local events to choose from this weekend, including the start of the Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series. 

Springfield Days

  • Where: Various Springfield area locations
  • When: Now through Sunday, June 3
  • Why Go: This annual weekend of events includes a carnival, walk/run race, “Party in the Park,” cardboard boat regatta and more.
  • Price:  Fees vary – most events are free

Mulan Jr.

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  • Where: , Burke
  • When: Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Why Go: The Northern Virginia Players are comprised of DC area home-schooled students, and their spring production is based on the Disney animated film Mulan. 
  • Price:  Tickets at the door are $12

GRREAT Golden Retriever Adoption Event

  • Where: Petco, Burke
  • When: Saturday, June 2 from Noon – 2 p.m.
  • Why Go: Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training is a local non-profit organization that helps place Golden Retrievers in their new homes.
  • Price:  $25 application fee

20th Annual Alexandria Armenian Festival

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  • Where: Market Square, Old Town Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, June 2 from 1 – 6 p.m.
  • Why Go: Celebrate Armenian heritage with an afternoon full of food, live music, cultural exhibits and more.
  • Price:  Admission is free

Conservatory Ballet Spring Gala

  • Where: Harris Theater, GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Why Go: The program will feature more than 100 students from the Curriculum Ballet Program, which includes dancers ranging in age from 4 – 18.  The performance will include excerpts from Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, and other popular ballets.
  • Price:  Tickets are $22

WSHS Poetry Team in the 'Louder Than A Bomb' Poetry Festival

  • Where: George Washington University's Marvin Center
  • When: Saturday, June 2, at 4 p.m.
  • Why Go: “Louder Than a Bomb” is the area’s largest high school poetry slam.  WSHS's preliminary round begins at 4 p.m.; if the team advances, finals are at 7 p.m.
  • Price: $5 for the day

'An Evening Salute'

  • Where: Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax
  • When: Saturday, June 2 at 5 p.m.
  • Why Go: Fairfax County and Fort Belvoir celebrate the 237th birthday of the U.S. Army and Fort Belvoir's Centennial Year.  'An Evening Salute' will feature performances by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Blues jazz ensemble and the USO's Liberty Bells show troupe. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on the yard to enjoy the performances.  Fort Belvoir and U.S. Army exhibits will also be showcased throughout the evening. 
  • Price: Free

'Tribute to the Greatest Generation' Benefit Concert

  • Where: Fairfax High School, Fairfax
  • When: Saturday, June 2;  Pre-Concert Program at 7 p.m.; Concert at 8 p.m.
  • Why Go: The City of Fairfax Band and American Legion Post 177 present music honoring those who fought for our nation in World War II. Joining the concert are swing band leader and trombonist Eric Felten, and the female vocal trio The Swing Set.
  • Price: Tickets are $20 and available online.  Proceeds benefit the band and American Legion Post 177.

Mosaic Harmony presents 'Something to Sing About'

  • Where: Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m.
  • Why Go:  Mosaic Harmony is an interfaith, multicultural choir based in the DC area.  This spring fundraiser will include a silent auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.), as well as a reception following the performance. 
  • Price: Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; kids 12 and under are free

Operation Walk Virginia 5K and 1Mile Fun Run/Walk

  • Where: Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria
  • When: Sunday, June 3 at 8 a.m. (registration begins at 7 a.m.)
  • Why Go:  Proceeds will go toward providing free surgical treatments in developing countries for arthritis of the hip and knee. 
  • Price:  Adults $35; children under 12 are $15

Fourth Annual Taste of Del Ray

  • Where: Lot behind Virginia Commerce Bank at Mt. Vernon and E. Oxford avenues, Alexandria
  • When: Sunday, June 3 from 1 – 3 p.m.
  • Why Go: Food lovers will enjoy sampling from each of the 15 featured local restaurants.  Celebrity chef Rock Harper will select the Judge’s Choice Award.  All ticket holders will get a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award. 
  • Price:  Adults $10; children under 12 are $5

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m.
  • Why Go:  Featuring guest pianist AnnaMaria Mottola.  Selections to include music by Gershwin, Mozart, Strauss and more.
  • Price: Adults $14; students and seniors $10; free admission for music teachers

  Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:

  • Spotlight by Starlight presents The Big Chimney Band at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Friday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Free
  • Mount Vernon Nights presents Daryl Davis at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria.  Friday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Free
  • Mount Vernon Nights presents The Johnny Artis Band at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton.  Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Free
  • Spotlight by Starlight presents Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale.  Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. Free
  • Spotlight by Starlight presents City of Fairfax “Concert Band” at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Sunday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. Free

Library Events:

  • Wee Got the Beat! at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m.  For children age 2 with adult.  Free – registration required.
  • Food Allergy Awareness at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m.  For teens and adults.  Free – registration required.
  • Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Saturday, June 2 starting at 1 p.m.  For ages 6 – 12.  Free – registration required.

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