Weekend Planner: Swing Dancing, Skate Boarding and More

Patch has listed a variety of local events from which to choose as you make weekend plans!

Mount Vernon Swing Band presents Third Friday Dancing

• Where: Hollin Hall Senior Center, Alexandria
• When: Friday, July 20 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
• Why Go:  Enjoy an evening of swing dancing and light refreshments.  This event is open to ALL in the community.
• Price:  $4 per person

Encore Stage and Studio presents The Pirates of Penzance

• Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, Arlington
• When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. (Shows through July 29)
• Why Go: This popular Gilbert and Sullivan comedy musical about a young pirate apprentice is recommended to families with kids age 6 and up.
• Price: Adults $15; Children, Students and Seniors $10

Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop

• Where: Mount Vernon Government Center, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. – Noon
• Why Go: Learn to put excess rainwater to good use by making a rain barrel of your own to take home and use in your yard and garden.
• Price: $55 per rain barrel – Registration Required

Christmas in July

• Where: Participating Union Street Businesses, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, July 21 from Noon – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Celebrate Christmas a bit early this year with arts and crafts, games, food, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more.
• Price:  Admission is FREE – there will be a charge for some items and activities

Clifton Film Festival

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, July 21 – Daytime films begin at 4 p.m.; Evening shows begin at 8:30 p.m.
• Why Go:  Support local independent filmmakers at this annual event.  The top rated films will be shown in the evening under the stars.  There will also be food, jewelry and t-shirts for sale. 
• Price: Daytime $5; Evening $10

Wakefield SK8 Jam

• Where: Wakefield Skate Park, Ananndale
• When: Saturday, July 21 beginning at 6 p.m.
• Why Go: Competitors will be divided into two age groups, and prizes will be awarded to the top place holders in each category.  Spectators welcome!
• Price: Skater Registration is $20; Spectator Admission is FREE

• Where: Burke United Methodist Church, Burke
• When: Saturday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m.
• Why Go:  Bring the kids to watch this fun family movie.  Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be provided.
• Price:  FREE

DC Big Flea Market

• Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly
• When: Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, July 22 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Shop for bargains on antiques, collectibles and much more at this popular event.
• Price: Admission is $8 for the weekend

9th Annual Asian Festival

• Where: George Mason University – Parking Lot K, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, July 22 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Celebrate “The Year of the Dragon” with music, dancing, food, a tennis tournament and more.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Lake Accotink Sunset and Canine Cruises

• Where: Lake Accotink Park, Springfield
• When: Sunset Cruise – Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m.; Canine Cruise – Sunday, July 22 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 area wildlife from the pontoon boat on Sunday’s Canine Cruise.  One dog allowed per person, please.

• Price:  Both cruises are $6 per person

WMPA Summer Chamber Music Series Concert

• Where: The Lyceum, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, July 22 at 3 p.m.
• Why Go:  The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association is offering free concerts on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer.  This weekend’s performance will feature cellist Douglas Wolters with music by Bach, Carl Friedrich Abel and Haskell Small.
• Price: FREE

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:

• Braddock Nights presents The United States Air Force Band “Strolling Strings” at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield.  Friday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Tommy Lepson Band at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria.  Friday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Wil Gravatt Band at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Friday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents The Grandsons, Jr. at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station.  Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents The GoodLife Theater Puppet Show at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents DinoRock Puppet Show at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, July 21 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Jah Works at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton.  Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale.  Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents The Capitol Steps at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Sunday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.

 Library Events:

• Fun Flicks at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Friday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Introduction to Digital Books and Audiobooks at Burke Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m. 
• Rocknoceros Presents: Colonel Purple Turtle at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly.  Saturday, July 21 at 2:30 p.m.  FREE – Registration Required. 

Nature Highlights:

• Campfire Fridays: Pond Life at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield.  Friday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Park Manager Walk and Talk at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Saturday, July 21 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  For adults.  FREE.
• Insects of the Night Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, July 21 at 8:30 p.m.  For ages 3 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton.  Sunday, July 22 from 8 a.m. – Noon.  For ages 8 and up.  $30 per person – Reservations Required.
• Nature Photography – Reptiles and Amphibians at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Sunday, July 22 at 10 a.m.  For ages 7 and up.   $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.