Weekender Newsletter

Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 19

Revolutionary Ideas: Fairfax History Conference

Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Join historians, scholars, educators and community members for a full day of exploration and discovery focused on Fairfax’s role in the American Revolution at the Fairfax County Government Center. Through engaging presentations and interactive activities, explore stories of famous figures and everyday people whose ideas and actions helped change the course of history.

Weekend-Long Events

Early Voting Friday and Saturday, Hours Vary Vote early this weekend for the April 21 proposed constitutional amendment special election at 16 locations across the county.

Friday, April 17 Events

Amphibian Adventures After Dark (6 - 7:30 p.m.) Listen to the frogs singing at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. Take a night hike to learn and identify different frog calls and look for other amphibians hiding amongst the shadows. Registration is $12.

The Writing Room: A Quiet Space for Focus and Creativity (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Join us at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria for a peaceful 90‑minute session designed for uninterrupted creative work. We'll start with a setting of intentions and end the session with a voluntary check in. 

Educación Financiera 101/ Financial Literacy 101 (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Learn ways to improve your finances and reduce stress in this bilingual financial 101 class at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. 

Family Fun Fridays (noon - 5 p.m.)

Spend your Friday exploring the Riverbend Nature Center in Great Falls. Family Fun Fridays offer relaxed, self-guided play that encourages curiosity, creativity and hands-on learning. Registration is $5.  

Campfire Fridays (7:30 - 9 p.m.)

Enjoy an evening campfire at Burke Lake Park. Explore nature through walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. End the evening with s'mores. Registration is $12.

Saturday, April 18 Events

Family Skate Night (6 - 9 p.m.) Transform into your favorite prince/princess, fantastical creature, mythical being or magical entity and make your way to Franconia Rec Center’s gym to skate and dance the night away. Registration is $10.

Spring Discovery Hike (10 - 11:30 a.m.)

Jump into spring with a guided nature hike at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Find early spring ephemeral flowers along the forest trails, observe tadpoles and turtles or catch a glimpse of the bald eagles along the Potomac Heritage Trail. Registration is $12.

Annual Horse Expo at Frying Pan Farm Park (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Join us for the annual Horse Expo at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Enjoy treats from food trucks, hear from expert speakers, watch live demonstrations and explore horse-related products and services.

Upcycled Bee Hotels (11 a.m. - noon)

Bring an empty can from home to make a shelter for the bees using recycled materials at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria.

Providence Earth Day Celebration (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Celebrate Earth Day in the Providence District with vendors, county resources and fun activities for all ages at the Graham Road Community Building in Falls Church. 

Historic Huntley House Tour (10:30 a.m. and noon)

Explore the vistas, voices and stories of Historic Huntley in Alexandria. The tour includes the unfurnished late Federal-style 1825 villa, farm outbuildings, stories from the Huntley community and a view of Hybla Valley. Registration is $8. 

Celebrate Reston (noon - 4 p.m.)

Come to Lake Anne Plaza to enjoy community performances, a book fair with local authors, organizations and vendors, exhibits and family-friendly activities.
 
Rain Barrel Workshop (2 - 3 p.m.)

Learn how to turn a food-grade barrel into a rain barrel at Pohick Regional Library in Burke. This demonstration will cover how harvested rainwater can be used for lawns and gardens, washing cars, saving water during peak summer months and more.

When Twilight Comes - Meet the Author Marcie F. Atkins (2 - 3 p.m.)

Hear author Marcie F. Atkins read her new children’s book at City of Fairfax Regional Library. This program will introduce you to Virginia plants and animals that come out at dawn or dusk. Take home our guide to help you look for these animals in your own backyard.

Trainers on the Go (2:30 - 4 p.m.)

Learn about nature while playing Pokémon Go at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Please bring your own smart device and have Pokémon Go already installed. Registration is $12. 

Concert: Harmony With U (3 - 4 p.m.)

Join us at Reston Regional Library for a strings concert that will feature a mix of classical and contemporary pieces performed by Harmony With U, a student-led nonprofit focused on uplifting underprivileged youth through mentorship, consistency and opportunities.

Sunday, April 19 Events

Archaeology at Sully (2 - 3:30 p.m.) Delve into the rich history of Sully Historic Site in Chantilly by exploring archeology. Discover how artifacts reveal the stories of past residents and this place, and use hands-on activities to explore archaeology tools, techniques and procedures. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax250 commemoration. Registration is $20.

Earth Day Program (noon - 2 p.m.)

Celebrate Earth Day early at the Pohick Regional Library in Burke with activities like learning to sort trash and recycling and rock painting. 

Art of Mending (12:30 - 2 p.m.)

Discover how past generations mended worn clothing at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria. Learn how to thread a needle, make basic stitches and sew on a patch to extend the life of your garments. Registration is $20.

Reptiles and Amphibians (2:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Meet and greet with reptiles and amphibians that are native to the county at Chantilly Regional Library.

Burke Historical Society Presents: The Photo Angel Project and a Burke Discovery (3 - 4:30 p.m.)

Join us at Pohick Regional Library in Burke to hear Kate Kelley speak on the Photo Angel Project, her effort to reunite historic portrait photographs with the subjects’ families. She’ll also share her recent success with a photo of Burke’s Joseph William Dooley.