Lorton Weekend Planner: Fire Trucks, LEGO and the County Fair

Patch has found a variety of events for you to choose from as you make your weekend plans.

2012 Judith Lapple Summer Woodwind Showcase Concert

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Friday, August 3 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: This public performance is the culmination of a two-week woodwind camp.  The concert will feature John Mackey’s Redline Tango, Joaquin Rodrigo’s Adagio for Wind Orchestra, Eric Whitacre’s Equus and more.
• Price: Admission is $15

Ghost Trackers at Cabell’s Mill

• Where: Cabell’s Mill, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly
• When: Friday, August 3 at 10 p.m.
• Why Go: Visit a mysterious grave marker and tour the 200 year-old miller’s house after dark.  For ghost trackers and history buffs alike.
• Price: $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required

Evening Star Café Anniversary Celebration

• Where: Evening Star Café, Alexandria
• When: Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5 (see website for schedule)
• Why Go: The Evening Star Café is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a variety of events including a disco dance party, neighborhood block party BBQ and complimentary coffee and beignets.
• Price: See website for details.

64th Annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show

• Where: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon
• When: Saturday, August 4 from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, August 5 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Limited hours and events on Friday, August 3.)
• Why Go:  This event involves 4-H participants from all over Fairfax County.  Featuring classic fair attractions such as carnival rides, food and exhibits.  Enjoy a special “Sneak Peek” Friday, August 3 with rides, games and an outdoor showing of the movie Cars 2 after dark.
• Price: See website for details.

Friendship Firehouse Festival

• Where: Friendship Firehouse Museum, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, August 4 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Why Go: This popular annual event will feature live music, craft booths, antique fire equipment, a tour of the Friendship Firehouse Museum and more.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Plantation Sleuth: Architecture Antics

• Where: Gunston Hall Plantation, Lorton
• When: Saturday, August 4 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Why Go: On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in August kids ages 6 to 12 and their families can uncover clues and solve a mystery about this 18th century mansion.
• Price: Adults $9; ages 6 to 12 $6; ages 2 to 5 $2; family admission $25.

Carlyle Housewarming: “A Fine Beginning”

• Where: Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, August 4 from Noon – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: John and Sarah Carlyle’s son William was born on their first night in their new home in August of 1753.  This event celebrates that occasion with living history interpreters, costumed townspeople, period games on the front lawn and more.
• Price: FREE

Tavern Day

• Where: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, August 4 from 1 – 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Get to know all that Gadsby’s has to offer at this open house event.  Previous guests of the inn include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.  Enjoy 18th century music, light refreshments and tours led by costumed guides.
• Price: FREE

Raagalahari – Concert by Mani Sharma

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, August 4 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy an evening of live “Tollywood” music to raise funds for the purchase of land for Shirdi Sai Mandir.
• Price: General admission is $20 - $50

BrickFair LEGO Fan Festival

• Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly
• When: Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: LEGO enthusiasts will have over 100,000 square feet of creations on display.  There will also be a “Stay and Play” room, vendors and more.
• Price: Admission is $10; Kids 3 and under are FREE

Free Concerts:

• Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association Summer Chamber Music Series presents Washington Camerata at The Lyceum, Alexandria.  Sunday, August 5 at 3 p.m.  FREE.
• at Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, August 5 at 7 p.m.  FREE.

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:

• Braddock Nights presents The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quintet at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Friday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Incendio at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Tom Paxton at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Friday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Brass Quintet at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station. Saturday, August 4 at 10 a.m. FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents DinoRock Puppet Show at Mason District Park, Annandale. Saturday, August 4 at 10 a.m. FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents Rocknoceros at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Saturday, August 4 at 10 a.m. FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Toho Koto Society of Koto Players/Dancers at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Saturday, August 4 at 7 p.m. FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale. Saturday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Buckwheat Zydeco at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Sunday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.

Library Events:

• Fun Flicks at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Friday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Manga Drawing Workshop at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Saturday, August 4 at 10:30 a.m.  For age 13 – 18.  FREE – Registration Required.
• Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke.  Saturday, August 4 beginning at 1 p.m.  FREE – Registration Required.  

Nature Highlights:

• Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton.  Friday, August 3 from 7 – 10 p.m.  For ages 8 and up.  $30 per person – Reservations Required.
• Campfire Fridays: Night Flyers at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield.  Friday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Weed Patrol at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Saturday, August 4 at 10 a.m.  For adults.   $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required.
• Historic Kayak Tours to the Town of Occoquan at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton.  Saturday, August 4 at 11 a.m.  $10 per person – Reservations Required.
• Paddle the Occoquan at Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station. Saturday, August 4 at 8:30 p.m.  For ages 12 and up.  $25 per person – Reservations Required.
• Lizards at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly.  Sunday, August 5 at 10 a.m.  For ages 2 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• Dinosaur Dig at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, August 5 at 1 p.m.  For ages 4 and up.  $7 - $9 per person – Registration Required.
• Paddle the Occoquan at Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station.  Sunday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m.  For ages 12 and up.  $25 per person – Reservations Required.