Weekender Newsletter

Friday, Oct. 3 - Sunday, Oct. 5

Parktober Fest

Saturday, Oct. 4, noon - 5 p.m.

Celebrate fall at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park's annual ParktoberFest. Enjoy live music, delicious food, craft brews and family-friendly activities on the lawn. This year’s festival fun includes:

• Performances by The Walkaways, Lucas Mason and Georgia Rae Braun
• Craft brews from Ono Brewery
• Eats from Burgorilla and TacoOne food trucks
• Local artisans, makers, bakers and specialty vendors
• Tours of the new Woodlands Stewardship Education Center and the kid-friendly STREAM Loop

Weekend-Long Events

Evil Dead The Musical

Friday and Sunday, times vary

"Evil Dead The Musical" at the Workhouse Arts Center takes elements of the classic "Evil Dead" films and combines them into a comedic rock musical. Intended for adults.

Goblin Golf 

Saturday and Sunday, times vary

Halloween arrives early at the Burke Lake Park mini-golf course. Enjoy a festive themed experience with Halloween treats included. Bring a date, a friend or the whole family — this mini-golf experience is fun for everyone! Registration is $10.

Friday, Oct. 3 Events

Spooky Dry Ice Science (6 - 7 p.m.) Discover the states of matter through dry ice science as we make bubbling concoctions, screaming spoons and boo bubbles at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annadale. Registration is $8.

Get To Know Your County (8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Connect with county agencies, explore the services they provide and discover valuable resources at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Coffee and a Classic: 'Some Like It Hot' (10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

There's nothing better on a Friday morning than a classic movie and a fresh cup of coffee. Join us at the Richard Byrd Library in Springfield to watch the 1959 film "Some Like It Hot."

Sing Books with Miss Emily (11 - 11:30 a.m.)

Bring books to life with dance and song at the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. Miss Emily's book-based, musical programs are fun for all ages.

Homeschool - Kitchen Garden Adventures (1 - 2:30 p.m.)

Help us in the kitchen garden and practice your cooking skills at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls. For kids 6 to 10 years old. Registration is $41.

Origami Flowers to Make and Donate (4 - 5:30 p.m.)

Drop in to the Kings Park Library in Burke to make flowers that will be delivered to local hospitals and nursing homes. FlowersWith.You is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing comfort, happiness and a sense of belonging to individuals by offering crafted gifts. 

DIY Quetzal Bird (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and make Guatemala's national bird: the quetzal.

Saturday, Oct. 4 Events

Public Safety Day (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Join us for demos, family activities and meet first responders at the McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center on 4890 Alliance Drive. Learn fire safety, emergency prep and more.

Animal Tea Party (10 - 11 a.m. )

Join us for a cozy tea party at Frying Pan Park in Herndon. Bring your favorite stuffed animal, help us decorate for the party, read a story and enjoy drinks and cookies. Registration is $10.

Intergenerational Family Tree Word Art (10:30 - noon)

Use your ancestors' names to create the branches of your family tree at the City of Fairfax Regional Library for Family History Month. Bring as many names of your ancestors and current relatives as you can.

Family Costume Exchange (10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Bring your child's lightly used and clean costumes to swap for a new-to-you costume at the Kings Park Library in Burke.

Surviving Unplugged - Herbs for Food and Medicine (11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Explore the heirloom garden at the Sully Historic Site and learn how early Americans used herbs in cooking, medicine and housekeeping. Registration is $15.

Oktoberfest (11 a.m. - 9 p.m.)

Break out your lederhosen and get ready for a day of fun at the Workhouse Arts Center. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious bites from food trucks, lawn games and a wide variety of refreshing beers. Admission is free.

Recipe Comics Workshop with Robin Ha (2 - 3:30 p.m.)

Join author Robin Ha at the City of Fairfax Regional Library to learn the step-by-step process of selecting and refining personal recipes, drawing them and creating comic book inspired art. Art supplies will be provided.

Fiesta Fairfax (2 - 7 p.m.)

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural performances, music and food vendors at City of Fairfax's Old Town Square. Explore educational exhibits highlighting the contributions and experiences of the Hispanic, Latino and Latinx community.

Bats (6 - 7 p.m.)

Walk the meadows and forest edges at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly to see bats feeding on insects. Use a bat detector to hear echolocation, and learn about native bats and their habits. Registration is $8.

Movie at the Mill - Sleepy Hollow (7 - 9 p.m.)

Come watch an outdoor screening of the movie 'Sleepy Hollow' at the Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls. The Miller's House Exhibit will be open for self-guided tours at 6 p.m. and will close at the start of the film. Registration is $10.