Weekender Newsletter

Friday, July 24 - Sunday, July 26

Stay Cool at Waterparks and Spray Grounds

Friday, July 24 - Sunday, July 26, Times Vary

Beat the heat and stay cool with slides, flumes, sprays, showers and floatables at our waterparks and spray grounds this weekend:

• The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston
• Our Special Harbor at Franconia Park
• Cub Run Leisure Pool at the Cub Run Rec Center in Chantilly

Weekend-Long Events

Vote Early for the Aug. 4 Primary Election

Saturday and Sunday, Times Vary

Early voting for the Aug. 4 Primary Election expands to 16 locations this weekend. Locations are open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday frrom noon to 5 p.m.

Summer Entertainment Series

Friday - Sunday, Times Vary

Watch and listen to performances this weekend as part of our Summer Entertainment Series. Performances include City of Falls Church Concert Band, Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, Bulgarian Cultural Heritage Night and Lover: The Unofficial Eras Tour.

Friday, July 24 Events

Vaccine and Microchip Clinic (9 - 11 a.m.) Visit Animal Services' Lorton Campus for low‑cost pet vaccinations and microchipping without the added expense of a veterinary exam. Please bring your pet's vaccination records if you have them. All clinics are first‑come, first‑served and are cash only.

America 250 Pop-up Craft: Make a Colonial Style Tricorn Hat (10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Drop in to the Thomas Jefferson Library in Falls Church to create and wear your own tricorn hat like our Founding Fathers. Tricorn hats were worn by many early American presidents, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Awesome Animal Ambassadors (11 a.m. - noon)

Join us for a show, tell and touch experience focusing on facts, unique characteristics and animal stewardship at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale.

Lunch and Learn: Downsizing (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Join us for a downsizing lunch and learn seminar at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. Learn decluttering strategies, what to expect during the downsizing process, tips for a low-stress transition and how to avoid common pitfalls. A complimentary lunch is included.
 
'The Really Big Dinosaur Show' (3 - 4 p.m.)

Travel back to the age of dinosaurs at Reston Regional Library with Rainbow Puppet Productions’ "The Really Big Dinosaur Show." Featuring original songs and more than 20 giant puppets, this performance brings dinosaur bones and fossils back to life.

Summer Mocktail Happy Hour: Zelda Fitzgerald's Birthday Party! (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Celebrate mid-summer and Zelda Fitzgerald’s birthday at Pohick Regional Library in Burke with a carefree mocktail happy hour. Learn the stories behind the cocktails and about the life of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Saturday, July 25 Events

Nature's Hidden Heroes (10 - 11 a.m.) Join us for an up-close encounter with some of nature's most fascinating but misunderstood creatures at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. Meet native crawlies, friendly giant millipedes and hissing cockroaches as you discover the important roles they play in our ecosystems. Registration is $9.

Fishing for Parent and Child (8 - 9:30 a.m.)

Learn how to fish with your parent or child at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. Enjoy the lakeside scenery while learning how to rig and use a fishing rod, fish safely and protect the environment. Rods and bait are provided. Participants ages 16 and older must have a valid Virginia fishing license. Registration is $14.

The Sun - Our Neighborhood Star (9 - 10 a.m.)

Learn what causes the sun to shine, its life cycle and how it compares to other stars at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls. Discuss solar features and safe viewing methods, then observe the sun with solar telescopes. Registration is $10.

Plant a Seed - Kandy Corn Plus F1(hybrid) Mini Pumpkins (10:15 - 11:15 a.m.)

Make your own newspaper pot and plant mini pumpkin seeds at John Marshall Library in Alexandria. For children ages 6-12.

Local Author John Adam Wasowicz: 'Patriots Circle' (11 a.m. - noon)

Join local author John Adam Wasowicz for a discussion on the their writing process and latest book, "Patriots Circle," at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. Wasowicz has written several Alexandria-based novels and profiles local landmarks. 

Super Snakes (12:15 - 1:15 p.m.)

Join a naturalist to meet live snakes and learn why these creatures are important at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield. Registration is $9.

Teen Dinosaur Terrariums (2 - 3 p.m.)

Come make your own terrarium full of dinosaurs at Reston Regional Library. All materials will be provided.

Improv Workshop: Unexpectedly Funny (2 - 4 p.m.)

Unexpectedly Funny is a hands-on improv workshop at City of Fairfax Regional Library for anyone who wants to loosen up, think on their feet and discover their sense of humor. Through fun, low-pressure games and exercises, explore the basics of improv in a playful, welcoming environment.

Book Journaling Workshop for Beginners (3 - 4 p.m.)

Combine your love of reading and crafting at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. Make your own book journal to track your summer reading. Beginner journals and supplies will be provided.

Lafayette's Legacy: A Spy Game (4 - 5 p.m.)

Race against the clock to save history in this Revolutionary War-themed puzzle adventure at Dolley Madison Library in McLean. Use 18th-century tools and spycraft to solve a series of puzzles and reveal the answer to an early American mystery.

Dabke Dance Workshop (4 - 6 p.m.)

Join us for an engaging Dabke dance workshop at Oakton Library. This vibrant folk dance from the Levant dates back thousands of years. Dabke means “stamping of the feet,” reflecting the dance’s energetic rhythm and synchronized footwork.