Weekend Planner: Concerts, Comedy and Cruises

Making weekend plans?  Take a look at our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

Alexandria Harmonizers Concert

• Where: Alexandria City Hall Market Square, Alexandria
• When: Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy the sounds of this local barbershop group at an outdoor evening concert.
• Price: FREE

Jokeslingers Comedy Tour

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring stand-up comedians Alex Moore, Brian Kerns and Adam Dodd.  For ages 18 and up.
• Price: Tickets are $20

Alexandria and the War of 1812: A Town Occupied

• Where: Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, August 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Learn about the burning of Washington and the surrender of Alexandria during the War of 1812.  Historians will lecture at the site of the former Bank of Alexandria from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Museum tours will continue until 4 p.m.
• Price: Adults $10; Kids 5 – 12 $5

One Love Festival

• Where: George Washington Middle School, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, August 18 from Noon – 6 p.m.
• Why Go:  This event will feature live entertainment, pony rides, face painting, vendors and more to support families and children of the community.  Backpacks filled with school supplies will be available to those in need.  Additional school supply donations are welcome!
• Price:  FREE

• Where: American Legion Post 1976, Annandale
• When: Saturday, August 18 at 1 p.m.
• Why Go: An afternoon of tasty BBQ, live entertainment, raffles, door prizes and more. 
• Price:  $15 All-You-Can-Eat BBQ

• Where: Mount Vernon RECenter, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, August 18 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring the family for an outdoor showing of the movie “Dolphin Tale” beginning at sundown.
• Price: FREE

Civil War Encampment Weekend

• Where: Sully Historic Site, Chantilly
• When: Saturday, August 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, August 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Re-enactors will portray daily camp life of Union and Confederate soldiers, as well as artillery, cavalry and infantry skirmishes throughout the weekend.  
• Price: Adults $9; Children and Senior Citizens $7

Lake Accotink Sunset and Canine Cruises

• Where: Lake Accotink Park, Springfield
• When:
  
  • Sunset Cruise – Saturday, August 18 at 8 p.m.
  • Canine Cruise – Sunday, August 19 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Relax with a beverage on Saturday’s adults only Sunset Cruise while you enjoy the sights and learn about the area.  You and your dog will enjoy checking out the local wildlife from the pontoon boat on Sunday’s Canine Cruise.  One dog allowed per person, please.
• Price:  Both cruises are $6 per person

Cambodian Community Day

• Where: Ben Brenman Park, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, August 19 from Noon – 6 p.m.
• Why Go: Celebrate Cambodian culture with live entertainment, games, arts and crafts, children’s activities, food vendors and more.
• Price: Admission is FREE

N Gauge Model Train Show

• Where: Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station
• When: Sunday, August 19 from 1 – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring the family for an afternoon of watching and learning about N Gauge model trains, presented by the Northern Virginia NTRAK group.
• Price: Adults $3; Children $1

Summer Family Day at Gadsby’s

• Where: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, August 19 from 1 – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Junior Docents will lead families on a tour through the historic tavern.  The day will also include period performances, music and games.
• Price: Adults $5; Kids 5 – 12 $3

Free Performances:

• Starlight Drive-In Cinema presents Hugo at Trinity Centre, Centreville.  Friday, August 17 at 6 p.m.  FREE.
• at The Lyceum, Alexandria.  Sunday, August 19 at 3 p.m.  FREE.
• at Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, August 19 at 7 p.m.  FREE.

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series:

• Braddock Nights presents Andrew Acosta String Band at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield.  Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Sierra Hull and Highway 111 at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria.  Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Wayne Taylor Band at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Percussion Duo at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station.  Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents Rocknoceros at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents Pirate Jack at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents The United States Navy Band “Country Current” at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton.  Saturday, August 18 at 7 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Elikeh at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale.  Saturday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents The United States Army Band “Blue Jazz Ensemble” at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Sunday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.

Library Events:

• Fun Flicks at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Friday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – Registration Required.
• INOVA Blood Drive at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Saturday, August 18 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Appointments preferred.

Nature Highlights:

• Campfire Fridays: Stream Study at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield.  Friday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Mantis Mayhem! at Cub Run RECenter, Chantilly.  Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• The Marsh in Bloom Nature Walk at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria.  Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Mountain Bike Adventure at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m.  For ages 10 and up.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Historic Kayak Tour to the Town of Occoquan at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton.  Saturday, August 18 at 11 a.m.  $10 per person.
• Ranger Station Creations: Nature Crafting at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, August 18 at Noon.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Monarch Tagging and Waystation Gardening at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, August 18 at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• Reptile Survey at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Sunday, August 19 at 9 a.m.  For ages 7 and up.  $10 - $12 per person – Registration Required.
• Birding Basics at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, August 19 at 10 a.m.  Weekend Parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Freshwater Ecology at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, August 19 at 2 p.m.  Weekend Parking is $4 per vehicle.