Community Corner

Weekend: Concerts, Bats, Ice Cream Sundaes, Fishing and Campfires

Also, check out the strawberry festival and ballroom dancing.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out these events; information is courtesy of Fairfax County.


Friday

Rockhounders: Children ages 6 to 12 explore geology-rock/mineral classification, plate tectonics, fossils and collecting. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. $6/person. Register online. For information call 703-451-9588.

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Mount Vernon Nights Concert: Experience the distinctive “world jazz” music of Veronneau. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free admission. For information call 703-324-7469.

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Spotlight by Starlight Concert: Sofia Tosello and Tangolando share their Latin-American jazz. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park. Free admission. For information call 703-324-7469.

Bats: Walk the meadows and forest edges to see bats feeding on insects and use a bat detector to hear echolocation. Learn about native bats and their habits. From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. $5/person. Register online. For information call 703-631-0013.

Saturday

Summer Solstice Campfire: Join a naturalist at the campfire to hear stories of summer solstice traditions and stars while you roast marshmallows. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. $6/person. Register online. For information call 703-768-2525.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice: Learn about our closest star as we celebrate the start of summer. Enjoy sun and sky fun facts, storytelling and the explanation of the reason for the seasons. Toast marshmallows over embers. From 8 to 9 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $6/person. Register online. For information call 703-941-1065.

Wildflower Folklore and More: Virginia’s flora has a rich history of both real and imagined uses. Naturalist Alonso Abugattas shares the identification, folklore, medicinal usage, ethics of collecting and other human interactions surrounding wildflowers. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens. $18/person. Register online. For information call 703-642-5173.

Fishing with Owen: Children ages 8 to 12 learn about local fish and cast a line to hook a big one. From 6 to 7 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. All fish caught will be released. Equipment and supplies are provided. $6/child. Register online. For information call 703-451-9588.

Strawberry Festival: June 16, 1888, “A pleasant and successful strawberry festival was held in Machen’s grove. Tables were set out under the trees, and ice cream and strawberries were served. A goodly number of pretty girls were present.” Return to Machen’s grove to play croquet, savor strawberry ice cream and learn school lessons. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. $8/person. Register online. For information call 703-631-0013.

Park Manager Walk and Talk: Learn about the wetland restoration project and the park’s wildlife. From 4 to 6 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Free; no registration required. For information call 703-768-2525.

Big Band Concert: The new Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece big band that plays a variety of big band music and is featured as part of the Mount Vernon Nights concerts. From 7 to 8 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free admission. For information call 703-324-7469.

Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night: Taiwanese dance and music are featured. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free admission. For information call 703-324-7469.

Ballroom Social Dance: Put on your dancing shoes and join the monthly Ballroom Social Dance featuring complimentary refreshments and a cash bar. All skill levels welcome! Arrive early for a 30-minute mini-lesson on the waltz from 7:30 to 8 p.m. The social dance is led by a professional ballroom instructor from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in the McGuire-Woods Gallery (second floor of W-16)Workhouse Arts Center. $10/person (Ballroom Social) and $5/person (mini-lesson). Mini-lesson tickets sold only at the door. Ballroom Social Dance tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. For information call 703-584-2900.

Sunday

Sundaes in the Park: Bring the family for a Sunday stroll along the paths around and stop by the campfire area for an ice cream sundae before or after your visit. Create your own confection with the toppings and enjoy a scoop of farm fresh vanilla ice cream while it lasts! From 1 to 2 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Sundaes are $2; the walk and visit to Nature Playce are free! Register online. For information call 703-941-1065.

Concert Band: Take in the big band sound of Kings Park Band. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park. Free admission. For information call 703-324-7469.


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