Weekender Newsletter

Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17

Empty the Shelters

Friday, May 15, - Sunday, May 17, Hours Vary

We're excited to participate in BISSELL Pet Foundation’s 10th annual Empty the Shelters event. This weekend, adoption fees are waived for all animals at both of our Animal Service’s locations.

Weekend-Long Events

McLean Day

Friday - Saturday, Hours Vary

McLean’s biggest annual festival is back. Visit Lewinsville Park and enjoy music, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, 100+ exhibitors, giveaways, games, petting zoo, amusements, carnival rides and more.

Farmers Markets

Friday - Sunday, Hours Vary

Shop for a variety of fresh produce, flowers, locally made goods and more at our markets this weekend. SNAP is accepted at the Reston and Lorton Farmers Markets.

Friday, May 15 Events

Bike to Work Day Bike to work with more than two dozen pit stops in Fairfax County and more across the region. Register to receive a free T-shirt at your local pit stop. Select locations will offer snacks, beverages and giveaways.

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. We'll cover the fundamentals of budgeting, understanding income and expenses, setting financial goals, improving credit and developing smart saving habits.

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

Spend your Friday exploring 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.

Great Decisions: U.S. Engagement with Africa (1 - 3 p.m.)

Join us at Reston Regional Library for a discussion on “U.S. Engagement with Africa” by Jendayi E. Frazer, focusing on what the U.S. can learn from China’s presence, how it can strengthen ties with nations like Nigeria and what tools of statecraft it can use in Africa.

Creative Space for Women (4 - 5 p.m.)

Enjoy a relaxed, guided creative session designed for women to explore color, materials and ideas in a welcoming, low-pressure environment at Oakton Library. Experiment with patterns, repetition and layering through hands-on work with simple materials.

Crochet Ami (4 - 5 p.m.)

Join us at Pohick Regional Library in Burke to learn to crochet and connect with other stitchers.

Saturday, May 16 Events

Family Skate and Dance Night (5 - 9 p.m.) Celebrate the third anniversary of Franconia Rec Center’s Family Skate and Dance Night. To say thank you, we're offering a discounted entry fee, as well as free entry to anyone wearing a Family Skate and Dance Night shirt. Please remember to bring your own skates.

Plant Clinics (Times Vary)

Drop in to our City of Fairfax Regional, Kings Park, Lorton and Chantilly Regional libraires for horticultural tips, information and techniques from master gardeners.

Fish and Float (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Search for a trophy smallmouth bass on the upper Potomac with an experienced instructor at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Embark on a wagon ride upstream and float downstream on kayaks in search of smallmouth bass using spinning gear. Registration is $78.

Spring Garden Plant Sale (9 a.m.)

Kick off the growing season at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria with a plant sale and garden celebration hosted by the Friends of Green Spring. Look forward to plants from dozens of local vendors, gardening tips, a bake sale and more.

Drawing Beetles and Bugs (9:30 - 11:55 a.m.)

Beetles and bugs are everywhere from logs, to forests, gardens and the water. Learn their history, anatomy and drawing tips at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. We’ll draw from the center’s preserved insect collection as well as from photos and field guides. Registration is $27.

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

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

Celebrate Service Members - Armed Forces Day Open House (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Join us at City of Fairfax Regional Library for Armed Forces Day. Students from the Woodrow Wonders volunteer club have planned crafts and activities in honor and celebration of all service members.

Tell Your Story - Creating an Oral History (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

In this program at Kings Park Library in Burke, Emmy award-winning producer Jen Garrott will discuss the importance of leaving an oral history and how to start an interview with a loved one or create your own recording.

Colvin Run Mill Tour (11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.)

Enjoy a tour of the historic Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls. Explore why our water-powered gristmill is an example of how people, technology and society relied on each other for survival and success. See how we make flour and cornmeal today. Registration is $8.

Spirited Grains Whiskey Tasting (4 - 6 p.m.)

Follow whiskey's journey from grain to glass at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls. Explore the 19th century gristmill, learn about the distilling process and taste local spirits. Snacks will be provided. Registration is $35.

Games After Dark (8 - 10 p.m.)

Celebrate national backyard games week as we run around with flashlights, test our memories, compete in a scavenger hunt, decrypt a secret code and challenge our five senses at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Win prizes and end the evening with a campfire and smores. Registration is $15.

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