The Connection

Below is a partial listing of some fun and exciting autumn events happening in the local area:

Sept. 27:

The third annual Fair Lakes Fall Fest will be held this Saturday, Sept. 27, from 1-4 p.m., across from Dick’s and Kohl’s at 12450 Fair Lakes Circle. This family-friendly event includes food, carnival games, inflatable slides, live entertainment, crafts, a “junior survivor” obstacle course, cartoon characters, a petting zoo and a living rainforest animal show.

Oct. 4-5:

The annual Fall For Fairfax KidsFest will be held Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4-5, at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center parkway. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is free. There’ll be interactive and educational programs, entertainment and children’s activities. It’s especially geared for families with elementary and pre-K aged children.

Oct 6:

The Virginia Opera presents “Duets & Arias,” Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Sherwood Community Center.

Oct 10:

The Old Town Hall Performance Series presents the Amici Vocal Ensemble on Oct. 10, at 8 p.m., at 3999 University Drive.

Oct. 11:

The Fairfax Fall Festival, held throughout the streets of downtown Fairfax, will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There’ll be crafts, food vendors and food trucks, music, children’s rides, four stages of live entertainment and, new this year, lumberjack competitions. (Rain date, Oct. 12).

Oct. 11:

Encore Theatrical Arts Project of Chantilly will be among 10 dance companies performing in the fifth annual Fairfax County Dance Coalition Gala Showcase. “A Celebration of Dance” is slated for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m., in the theater of NOVA’s Annandale campus. Ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop and international dances will be presented. Tickets are $23 in advance at www.fairfaxcountydance.org/gala.htm or $25 at the door.

Oct. 12:

The 47th annual Clifton Day festival is Sunday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Rain date, Oct. 19). The family-friendly fun includes crafts, food, antiques, jugglers, bagpipe players, a unicyclist, music, pony rides, Civil War reenactments and children’s activities. For VRE train schedule and parking information, go to www.cliftonday.com.

Oct 16:

The Old Town Hall Gallery will host an Artists Reception, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.

Oct. 18:

The Fairfax County Police Department’s annual K-9 Krawl 5K is set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at the county Government Center’s parking lot C. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a K-9 demonstration at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K walk at 9 a.m. This event was created to bring awareness to the connection between animal cruelty and the link to domestic violence, and people are welcome to walk with their dogs. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FCPD2014K9KRAWL

Oct 24:

The Old Town Hall Performance Series presents the United States Navy Band’s Skipjack Quartet, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.

Oct. 25:

The 15th annual Help the Homeless Community Walk to aid the homeless in Northern Virginia will be held Saturday morning, Oct. 25. The walk begins and ends at 4113 Stevenson St. in Fairfax. Entry fees are $30, adults; and $20, youth 17 and under. The program starts at 10 a.m., followed by the walk at 10:20 a.m. A registration form and more information are at www.pathwayhome.org/events.

Sponsored by Pathway Homes, “Use Your Feet to Lend a Hand” is the theme of this year’s event. Pathways has hosted this fall event for 14 years, raising nearly $400,000 to directly fund the critical housing needs of people with mental illness. Nearly 200 people participated in last year’s walk, raising $25,000.

Oct. 26:

The 21st annual Valvoline Instant Oil Change Goblin Gallop 5K is set for Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. The 1K fun run starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 5K race, at 9 a.m.; and the 5K walk, at 9:10 a.m.

There’s fun for the whole family with a moonbounce, hot dogs, popcorn and a band. Many of the participants and those cheering them on wear Halloween costumes, and prizes are given to the best costumes.

Proceeds go to the John Quadrino Foundation to Benefit Children with Cancer. Rain or shine, the race begins and ends in front of Coastal Flats restaurant. Registration and entry-fee information are at http://www.goblingallop.org/race.html.

Nov 1:

The City of Fairfax Band presents “Heroes, Villains & Legends,” on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., at Fairfax High, 3501 Rebel Run.

Nov. 8:

The 22nd annual Holiday Happenings Craft Show will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at W.T. Woodson High School, 9525 Main St. in Fairfax.

Nov 13:

The Old Town Hall Gallery will host an Artists Reception, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.

Nov 14:

The Old Town Hall Performance Series presents the Beau Soir Trio, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m.

Nov. 15-16:

The 28th annual City of Fairfax Holiday Craft Show is slated for Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run in Fairfax. Admission is $5/day; $8 for a two-day pass.

Dec. 6:

The annual Clifton Christmas Parade on Horseback, Christmas-tree lighting ceremony and homes tour are set for Saturday, Dec. 6. The parade begins at 2 p.m.

Dec. 7:

Historic Blenheim and the Civil War Interpretive Center will present “Christmas in Camp,” a Civil War Living History, on Sunday, Dec. 7, from noon-4 p.m. It’s at 3610 Old Lee Hwy. in Fairfax. Admission is free.

Discuss Civil War-era holiday customs, make Victorian ornaments and participate in camp drills with Company D, 17th Virginia Infantry, “Fairfax Rifles” C.S.A. Guided tours of the historic Blenheim house will also be given.

Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21:

Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new holiday musical, “Three Days ’Til Christmas,” takes the stage at NOVA’s Annandale campus. Performances are Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 19-21. Tickets are $19, students and senior citizens; and $23, adults, for this colorful, family-friendly show and may be purchased at http://www.encore-tap.org/.

Dec. 20:

Celebrate Christmas in Fairfax with the Fairfax Choral Society and the City of Fairfax Band on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., at Fairfax High, 3501 Rebel Run. Admission is free. This annual concert will feature an assortment of seasonal favorites, plus the world premiere of a new musical selection by Radol Alan Bass. Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://www.fairfaxband.org/support/tickets.php.