See and hear model trolleys and steam and diesel trains plus Thomas and some of his friends in the Historic Vienna Train Station along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose on Sept. 12 from 1-5 p.m. at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna.
Saturday/Aug. 1 - Sunday/Sept. 13
Annual Workhouse Clay National Ceramics Exhibition. Workhouse Arts Center, W-16 Vulcan Gallery, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. This exhibition represents the depth and breadth of contemporary functional and sculptural ceramic artworks being created throughout the country. Visit http://www.workhousearts.org/events/visual-arts/workhouse-clay-national-2015.
Thursday-Sunday/Sept.3-13
Kiss Me Kate. A jazzy musical comedy about a divorced couple staging an outlandish musical version of “Taming of the Shrew.” For tickets and show timings visit www.nextstopHerndon.com.
Friday-Saturday/Sept. 11-12
ChalkFest. Friday: 12-11 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Free for spectators, participants register for a fee which includes supplies. Rain or shine. Information: publicartreston.org.
Friday/Sept. 11
Senior Tea. 1-2 p.m. ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon. Every month seniors are invited to visit the gallery to view the current exhibit and enjoy a cup of tea and a sweet treat. Seniors from the Herndon Senior Center are regular visitors. All teas are free and open to the public.
S.T.E.A.M Storytime. 2 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). Each month focus on one of these subjects with stories and activities appropriate for preschoolers. Age 4-5 with adult.
Saturday/Sept. 12
Meet the Artist + Painting Demonstration. 12-3 p.m. The Arts of Great Falls School, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls. Meet Armand Cabrera, ask questions and gain insights on his approach to creating a work of art.
Dance for Everyone. 7-11:30 p.m. Colvin Run Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Free beginner West Coast swing lesson from 7-8:30 p.m. Dancing to a DJ'd mix music mix including Latin, ballroom, Swing (West & East Coast), Hustle, Country and more. $15.
National Grandparents Day Celebration. 10:30 a.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Grandparents are invited to bring their grandchildren for a Grandparents Day celebration, which will include storytime and craft-making. To participate in craft, families are encouraged to bring a picture of themselves. Age 3-7 with adult.
Artist Reception. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls and at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls. Jill Banks' "Along the Way" Exhibit of 20+ oil paintings at the Great Falls Library and at the Artists' Atelier. At the Artists' Atelier, see more of Banks' exhibit plus work of her nine studio mates and special exhibit of artist Armand Cabrera's oils. www.JillBanks.com
Great Tastes of Tysons Festival. 12-6 p.m. Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Drive. World-renowned chefs, international wines and foods, outdoor grilling, workshops and more. Visit http://tastetysons.com/ for more.
Model Trains and Thomas at Open House. 1 to 5 p.m. 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna. See and hear model trolleys and steam and diesel trains plus Thomas and some of his friends in the Historic Vienna Train Station along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose. The layout reflects the mountainous terrain and towns of Western North Carolina with award winning structures. www.nvmr.org.
Oakton Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Year round. Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. www.smartmarkets.org/
Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Year round. Great Falls Village Centre, 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. www.celebrategreatfalls.org/FarmersMarket.html.
Vienna Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Faith Baptist Church Parking Lot, 301 Center Street South, Vienna. www.viennafarmersmarket.com.
Book Discussion. 2 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Author Michael Delapena discusses his novels The Coyote Wars and The Last Coyote, thrillers about domestic terrorists and the FBI team attempting to stop them. Adults.
Reston Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon. Saturdays, May 2-Nov. 14. Named the best farmers market in Northern Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine. Lake Anne Village Center, 11401 North Shore Drive, Reston.http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/restonmkt.htm
Community Yard Sale. 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Reston Association parking lot, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. Families will be selling a variety of items, so this event is a great opportunity to browse for bargains for a new home or a college dorm.
Oktoberfest Volksmarch. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke. A volksmarch, literally translated "people's walk," is a leisurely walk through a scenic, historic, interesting area over a pre-determined route. The free walk passes through lush forests and around Burke Lake. Choose from a five or 10-kilometer route (three or six miles) and walk, jog or run at your own pace. German food and drinks will be available to purchase, and the Kings Park German Band will play from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Workhouse Education Open House. 12-3 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Demos, hands-on workshops, opportunities to talk one-on-one with instructors as well as explore the campus. Young attendees will enjoy face painting, balloons and cotton candy. And as a bonus, interested students can take advantage of a 10 percent discount on tuition on a weekly class of their choice.
Rummage Sale Fundraiser. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Daniels Run Elementary School, 3705 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Multi-family rummage sale fundraiser to benefit the Fairfax High School Crew Team.
Lorton’s Fall Festival. 11 a.m. Lorton Station Town Center, 8998 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Enjoy a magic booth, pumpkin painting, photo booth, games, prizes and more. Visit www.lortonstationtowncenter.com/calendar-of-events.html for more.
Burke Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon. Saturdays, May 2-Nov. 21. 5671 Roberts Parkway, Burke. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/burkemkt.htm
Springfield Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Springfield Town Center, 6699 Spring Mall Drive, Springfield. www.smartmarkets.org.
Fairfax Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, May 9-Oct. 31. 10500 Page Avenue, Fairfax. www.fairfaxsaturdaymarket.com.
Saturday-Sunday/Sept. 12-13
38th Annual Burke Centre Festival. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke. Burke Centre's signature event, which celebrates the spirit of the community each year with rides, activities and live entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Visit www.burkecentreweb.com and click on Festival.
Sunday/Sept. 13
Reston Triathlon. 7 a.m. Lake Audubon, Twin Branches Road, Reston. Swim, bike and run in the “Reston World Championships.” Visit www.restontriathlon.org/tri.
Lorton Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, May 3-Nov. 8. Featuring fresh produce, a Swiss bakery and potted plants and herbs. VRE Parking Lot, 8990 Lorton Station Boulevard, Lorton. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/lortonmkt.htm
Fairfax Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, May 10-Oct. 25. 10500 Page Avenue, Fairfax. www.fairfaxsaturdaymarket.com/
Fair Lakes Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4501 Market Commons Drive, Fairfax.www.greentowns.com/initiative/farmers-market/fair-lakes-farmers-market-fairfax-va.
Monday/Sept. 14
Lego Club. 4:30 p.m. Herndon Library, 768 Center Street, Herndon. Come have fun, use your imagination and keep your engineering and problem solving skills flowing with an abundance of LEGO bricks. Age 5-12.
Legos in the Library. 4 p.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun and make new friends. Hundreds of Legos await you and your creativity.
Writers Group. 7 p.m. Herndon Library, 768 Center Street, Herndon. All levels of writing experience are welcome to join our group to receive support and feedback. The group reviews works-in-progress from up to 3 members each month. Adults.
Tuesday/Sept. 15
Canasta Group. 12:30 p.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Enjoy socializing while you play Canasta with this weekly group meeting.
Sally Barris & Rebecca Folsom. 6 p.m. Amphora Diner Deluxe, 1151 Elden Street, Herndon. Sally Barris, an A-list Nashville songwriter who has had songs covered by a who's who of top-level artists, will bring her bright spirit and expressive mountain soprano to Herndon for a memorable evening of music. Also performing is Rebecca Folsom, who writes inspiring tales of human heartbreak, redemption and freedom, and sings them with exquisite intimacy and soaring harmonies. $11-$12.
Tai Chi. 10 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Come experience the benefits of Tai Chi led by Dante Gilmer of Still Water Tai Chi Center. Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement. Adult.
Toddler Time. 10:30 a.m. City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Stories, songs, and activities. Library staff share with children a love for books, and parents learn to cultivate early literacy skills. Age 2-3 with adult.
Wednesday/Sept. 16
Jammin’ Juniors Concert. Two of a Kind. 12:30 p.m. McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd. Free admission.
Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Stories and activities for you and your toddler. Age 2-3 with adult.
Putting the Animals to Bed. 7 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. When evening shadows spread over Kidwell Farm, it is time to put the animals to bed. Bring your flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour and learn how our farm animals settle down for the night. Dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
PJ Library Book Buddies. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Hear selections from the PJ Library and make a craft to take home. PJ Library provides families with a free treasury of Jewish books and music each month. Age 6 months to 5 years.
Multicultural Craft Workshop. 4 p.m. City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Create a craft from another country. Age 6-12.
Thursday/Sept. 17
Oakton Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Come and join Oakton's book discussion group. The September selection is Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Adults.
Meditation with Gerry Gorman. 7 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Learn simple techniques to help you deal with the stresses of everyday life. Adults.
Putting the Animals to Bed. 7 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. When evening shadows spread over Kidwell Farm, it is time to put the animals to bed. Bring your flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour and learn how our farm animals settle down for the night. Dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Herndon Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 7-Nov. 12. Twelve Vendors sell a variety of products including kettle corn and fresh made Italian pasta. Old Town Herndon, 700 Block of Lynn St., Herndon.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/herndonmkt.htm
Magic Tree House Club. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Read and talk about Tigers at Twilight, number 19 in the series. Having used their magic tree house to travel to India, where they must get a gift to help free the dog Teddy from a spell.
Mother Goose Storytime. 10:30 a.m. City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Come enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays and lay a foundation of early literacy skills for your baby. Birth to 23 months with adult.
Friday/Sept. 18
Back-to-School Party. 7-10 p.m. Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean. $35/$25 OFTC members.
McLean Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays, May 1-Nov. 20. 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/mcleanmkt.htm
Douple Symphonies. 7:30 p.m. United Christian Parish of Reston, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston. Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington season opener. Tickets: $10-$25. www.PACOdc.org.
Best of FAVS Showcase. 3 p.m. Harris Theatre, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. The Best of FAVS Showcase will be highlighting award winning student films.
Alphabet Soup. 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Join for stories and activities about letters in the alphabet. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Saturday/Sept. 19
NAMIWalks Northern Virginia. 9-11 a.m. Tysons Corner Center, Fashion Boulevard. The walk will help raise awareness and support programs that offer help and hope to people living with mental health conditions and family members.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. 12-6 p.m. Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Drive. A great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’.
Ice Cream Social Fundraiser. 4-7 p.m. Nottoway Park, shelter 1, 9610 Courthouse Road, Vienna. An ice cream social fundraiser to raise money for Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation campaign that works to empower adolescent girls in developing countries.
Oakton Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Year round. Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. www.smartmarkets.org/
Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Year round. Great Falls Village Centre, 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. www.celebrategreatfalls.org/FarmersMarket.html.
Vienna Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Faith Baptist Church Parking Lot, 301 Center Street South, Vienna. www.viennafarmersmarket.com.
Susco 8K. 8:30 a.m. South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston. Running for brain aneurysm and organ donation awareness. www.susco8k.com.
Family Fun Day. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Woody’s Golf Range, 11801 Leesburg Pike, Herndon. A Family Fun Day to help the five teens that were in the tragic accident in Texas, in which three Herndon teens died. A day of healing and remembrance for the friends and families. There will be mini golfing, art, hula hooping and much more fun.
Reston Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon. Saturdays, May 2-Nov. 14. Named the best farmers market in Northern Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine. Lake Anne Village Center, 11401 North Shore Drive, Reston.http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/restonmkt.htm
Raise a Glass of Hope. 4-7 p.m. Private residence in Mason Neck. A wine tasting to benefit the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC). Tickets are $50/person ($35 tax deductible) and $75/couple ($45 tax deductible.
Mosby Fall Bus Tour. 8 a.m. 10520 Main Street, Fairfax. Visit the Hibbs Bridge, North Fork Church (the formation of Company H), the scene of the Harmony Fight in Hamilton, Ebenezer Church and Harry Hatcher’s House. To sign-up for the tour call Don Hakenson at 703-971-4984 or email: dhakenson@verizon.net.
Fairfax County NAACP Freedom Fund Awards Banquet. 1-5 p.m. Waterford Springfield, 6715 Commerce Street, Springfield. Eric Broyles, co-author of “Encounters with the Police: A Black Man’s Guide to Surviva”l will be the event speaker. There will be book signing and books available for purchase. See the author discussing his book in a TV interview. The rest of the evening enjoy the silent auction, cash bar, door prizes and great speakers. Buy your tickets today and become a sponsor at www.fairfaxnaacp.org.
Fashion Show. 2-4 p.m. The Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Road, Fairfax. Fashion show, silent auction and dessert. A Gogo Grandmothers benefit helping African grandmothers raising orphans of AIDS. Fashions by Stein Mart. $15. To register go to burkecommunity.com/adults/women.
Children’s Book Sale. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax Thousands of gently-read books and nonbook media organized into categories including picture books, early readers, nonfiction, holiday, chapter books and more.
Potomac Jazz Club Picnic. 12-6 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Join the Potomac River Jazz Club for an afternoon of jazz music. Three bands will be featured during this event: The Jefferson Street Strutters, The Capital Focus Jazz Band and The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band. Tickets $25.
2015 Bead Challenge Event. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Beads of Challenge(BOC) is an exclusive Beads of Courage “beadraiser” and fundraiser that brings together children who are BOC members, along with their families, by encouraging them to attend a BOC event in their community and request a dream bead. A dream bead answers the question “if I could have any bead, what would it be?” During the event, participants will see how “act of courage beads” are made and learn more about the artistic process of glass bead-making.
Date Night: Chef’s Table. 7-9 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Anyone can go out for dinner and a movie so why not make your night something special to be remembered? Date Night cooking classes are designed to be fun, relaxing and an escape from the daily grind. They are great way to learn some basic cooking techniques while enjoying your company and making new friends. The menu items will be prepared by participants working together at each of the cooking islands. Participants will be served a tasting portion of all the entrees and a pre-chef-selected drink of choice.
Sunday/Sept. 20
Food for Others Tysons 5K. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. The second annual Tysons 5K organized by Food for Others volunteers to benefit the food bank. Last year they had approximately 200 participants and raised over $9,000. This event allows people who live and/or work in Tysons to support less fortunate neighbors while enjoying a great run or walk.
Tysons Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 8400 Westpark Drive, McLean. Sundays, through Nov. 15. www.tysonspartnership.org.
Family Fun Day. 2-4 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, Reston. Join the Reston Historic Trust & Museum and Robert E. Simon, Jr. for Family Fun Day and Membership drive on Lake Anne Plaza. There will be live music, children’s activities, beer tasting, and fun for the entire family. www.restonmuseum.org
Herndon Kids Triathlon. 8 a.m. Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue, Herndon. This kids triathlon gives youngsters an opportunity to compete in one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. The event is designed for any youth, ages 6-16, regardless of athletic ability or prior triathlon experience. Visit www.herndon-va.gov.
NTRAKScale Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. The Northern Virginia NTRAK members will have a display and N gauge trains running. Tickets: $2-$4.
Doggie Splashdown. 7 p.m. Fairfax Swimming Pool, 4200 Roberts Road, Fairfax. Bring your canine for a chance to romp in the pool. A $5 cash donation per dog is suggested, with all proceeds going to the Humane Society of Fairfax County.