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Weekend Planner: Celebrating the Arts and the Parks

Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20

Posted Wed, May 16, 2012 at 9:48 pm ET|Updated Wed, May 16, 2012 at 9:52 pm ET

Check out Patch’s list of the top events happening in our local area this Friday through Sunday.

Where: Mason Neck State Park, Lorton
When: Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Why Go: Park staff will offer a variety of activities designed to encourage kids and their families to visit local state parks. Events scheduled to include: Pond Patrol, Whimmy Diddles, Hiking Helpers and more.
Price: Weekend parking fee is $4 per vehicle

Where: Top Golf, Alexandria
When: Friday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: You and the kids will enjoy the family-friendly film “Rio” out under the stars. Popcorn and other treats will be provided.
Price: FREE

Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
When: Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Why Go: This annual sale will feature over 40 vendors offering “rare and unusual” plants.
Price: Admission is FREE

Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
When: Saturday, May 19 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Why Go: A day of family-friendly activities to include live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, food and more.
Price: Admission is FREE

Where: Great Waves Waterpark, Alexandria
When: Saturday, May 19 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Why Go: Celebrate Sunny the Shark’s birthday with face painting, games, cake and more.
Price: FREE

Where: Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria
When: Saturday, May 19 at 3 p.m.
Why Go: Selections to include works by Jean Sibelius, Antonin Dvorak, and 2011 WMP Composition Competition winner Jonathan Kolm.
Price: General admission is $20

Where: US Patent and Trademark Office – Madison Building Atrium, Alexandria
When: Saturday, May 19 from 7 – 10 p.m.
Why Go: Chefs will compete in different categories using the secret “mystery ingredient.” Ticket holders will get to sample dishes and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Proceeds to support National Hospice Foundation and FHSSA.
Price: $60 per person

Where: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Alexandria
When: Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Featuring special guest Carlos Rodriguez on piano. Selections to include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Holst’s The Planets
Price: Tickets range from $5 - $65

Where: Lake Accotink Park, Springfield
When: Sunset Cruise – Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m.; Canine Cruise – Sunday, May 20 at 6 p.m.
Why Go: Relax with a beverage on Saturday’s adults only (18 years and older) 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

Where: TC Williams High School, Alexandria
When: Sunday, May 20 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Why Go: Presented by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, this event will feature an instrument “petting zoo”, art stations, a 30-minute performance of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, and more.
Price: Tickets are $5 per person

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Sunday, May 20 at 6 p.m.
Why Go: International New Praise Academic Support Society (INPASS) and World Mission Youth Orchestra (WMYO) present this end of semester concert, featuring the Grand Prize winners of the annual INPASS competition.
Price: Tickets are $20

Library Programs:

Bug-A-Boo at Burke Center Library, Burke. Friday, May 18 at 11 a.m. FREE – registration required.
Preschool Storytime at John Marshall Library, Alexandria. Friday, May 18 at 11 a.m. FREE – registration required.
eBook Clinic at Kings Park Library, Burke. Saturday, May 19 at 11 a.m. and Noon. FREE – registration required.

Nature Highlights:

Campfire Stories and Songs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Friday, May 18 at 8 p.m. For ages 4 and up. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Birding with Andy – Warblers and More at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Saturday, May 19 at 8 a.m. For adults. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Healthy Paddles Kickoff at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton. Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. FREE.
Seasonal Birding for Beginners at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Sunday, May 20 at 8 a.m. For adults. $6 - $8 per person – registration required. (Note age requirement on website.)
Pohick Bay Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton. Sunday, May 20 from 8 a.m. – Noon. For ages 8 and up. $30 per person – registration required.
Lost and Found GPS Adventures at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Sunday, May 20 at 11 a.m. For ages 6 and up. Limited to 10 participants; first-come, first-served. Weekend parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
Welcome Back Mother Goose at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. For ages 2 – 6. (Adult must attend with child.) $6 - $8 per person – registration required.

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