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 Oct. 17 from 1-5 p.m. at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna.
Ongoing
“Gold Rush.” Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through Sept. 26. at Vienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. Artwork with “gold” as the theme. This can be interpreted in many ways, gold colors, gold coins, golden hair, gold leaf and more. The show is open to the public, and visitors can also view small items of original art, scarves, jewelry, notecards etc. All hand made by VAS artists – great for gifts.
Vienna’s Summer on the Green Concert Series. Fridays-Sundays, through Sept. 27. 6:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Avenue E, Vienna. Come out on the weekend and listen to some good music.Visit http://www.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2640
“Along the Way.” Through Sept. 30 at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. "Along the Way," Jill Banks solo exhibit of original oil painting.
“Figuratively Speaking.” Friday-Sunday through Oct. 11 at 1st Stage in Tysons, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. Portraits and figures in watercolor and mixed media by Deborah Conn. Tickets: $15-$30. www.1ststagetysons.org.
JamBrew. Every Friday in September,through Sept. 25. 6-10 p.m. Town Green, 777 Lynn St., Herndon. Outdoor music festival. http://jambrew.com/.
Celebrating Vintage Disney at ArtInsights. Through Oct. 6 at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Original production art from classic Disney movies for fans and Disney lovers of all ages: Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and many more. 703-478-0778 artinsights.com
“Ephemeral” Exhibition at GRACE. Through Nov. 14 at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Explore the nature of non-permanent, three-dimensional works addressing the concept of ephemerality. Presented in conjunction with the Washington Sculptors Group. restonarts.org
“No Spring Chicken.” Playing Sept. 24-Oct. 11 at NextStop Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. This one woman comedy presents a poignant and funny look at pregnancy at 40. Visit http://www.nextstoptheatre.org/ for show timings.
Reston Station Movie Nights. Saturdays starting Sept. 26-Nov. 1. 7-10 p.m. at Reston Station Metro Plaza, 11389 Reston Station Blvd., Reston. Reston Station's “Watch Under Our Stars,” a six-week fall family-friendly movie series. Films start at sunset. The plaza area is lined with concrete pavers, so attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or cushions. http://www.restonstation.com/RSmovieNightPoster.pdf
Colors of Life Exhibit. Oct. 1 - 30 at Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Color is a major inspiration for Reston-based fiber artist Anne Smyers, and a central feature in her vibrant work, which will be featured at the Hunters Woods branch of Reston Community Center from. Her solo show Colors of Life highlights several series: recent works in her signature “floral landscapes” style, created by layering flowers into fanciful landscape designs; and a five-element series inspired by the concept of unity and healing intrinsic to traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Thursday-Saturday/Sept. 24-26
Children’s Book Sale. 6 p.m. Thursday till 2 p.m. on Saturday. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield. Children’s books of all ages will be available to purchase.
Thursday-Sunday/Sept. 24-27
Fall for the Book Sale. Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 1-4 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke.
Friday/Sept. 25
A Taste of the Vine. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Blenheim Civil War Interpretive Center, 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Historic Fairfax City, Inc. is sponsoring a Wine Tasting Fundraiser o benefit the historic Blenheim Civil War Interpretive Center. Sample wines from local vineyards paired with hors d'oeuvres. Silent Auction. Tour the Historic Mansion. Free parking. $55 per person. For reservations contact Hildie Carney at 703-591-5305 or visit the website at www.historicfairfax.org.
TGIFairfax Rock the Block: Almost Journey/U2. 6-9 p.m. Old Town Square, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. The second best U2 show in the world and the complete Journey experience. www.fairfaxva.gov/RockTheBlock
Friday-Saturday/Sept. 25-26
Used Book Sale. Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oakton Community Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Thousands of nonfiction, fiction, hardback and paperback books for sale. Come for the bargains and to support your library.
Friday-Sunday/Sept. 25-27
Successful Painting with Armand Cabrera. The Arts of GF School, 756-C Walker Road, Great Falls. Armand will teach the Fundamentals of Painting in both oil and acrylic. Students learn all aspects of painting and drawing—perspective, composition, color mixing and theory. Advanced students are helped with problem solving and overcoming challenges in their painting. All students get plenty of individual attention at their easels—no matter what level or style they paint.
Reston’s Big Blowout Book Sale. Sept. 25: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sept. 26: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sept. 27: 12-3:30 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Come and browse thousands upon thousands of great books in great condition. From the latest popular titles and classic favorites to the rare and unexpected fiction and non-fiction. The Reston Friends have something for everyone.
Fall Book Sale. Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: 1-3 p.m. Thousands of gently-read books in all categories including art, architecture, history, cooking, gardening, foreign language, travel, spirituality, reference, classic and popular fiction.
Saturday/Sept. 26
Unity Fall Festival. 2-6 p.m. Unity of Fairfax campus, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Activities especially for families with children include Learn About & Paint a Mandala, Learn to Plant Bulbs, face painting, nail painting, making Halloween masks, assembling small treat bags for children without homes, and family games. Safari Bingo the Clown and her hedgehog will stroll the festival. Activities for all ages includes live music, a dunk tank, silent and live auctions, snacks, beverages and German food. Admission includes food, entertainment and activities. Tickets $5-$20. http://www.unityoffairfax.org/UnityFallFest.
STEM Project. 11 a.m. Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean. National Honor Society tutoring project in STEM subjects for elementary students.
Talk on Writing. 2-3 p.m. Books a Million, 1451 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Local Author Helaine Mario will talk about her novel of suspense, “The Lost Concerto.” She will focus on inspiration, character and plot, and on missing art and music during World War II.
Fall Bazaar. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Great Falls United Methodist Church, 10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. A silent auction, crafts and curios, baked items, youth toys and activities, clothes and sports equipment, jewelry and scarves, used books and previously owned hand tools/ hardware for sale and more.
Aztec Two-Step: The “Second Step” Album 40th Anniversary Show. 6 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Avenue, East, Vienna. Renowned folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their ever-popular 1975 RCA album release "Second Step" by performing the album straight through, in its entirety, along with other ATS favorites. Tickets: $25-$30.
Harvest Happenings. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. This indoor-outdoor festival features live entertainment, craft projects and games that celebrate the change of season. $5 per person/Free for children 36 months and younger. For children ages 3–8.
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.
“Max the Brave” Storytime. 1-11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean.
Reston Multicultural Festival. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, Reston. The Reston Multicultural Festival celebrates all the entertainment, dress, food, and cultural treasures from all over the world that are all here in Reston. Rain or shine. Free. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/MulticulturalFestival.shtml
Dog & Cat Food. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. PetMAC - Lake Anne Plaza, 11412 Washington Plaza West, Reston. Come to PetMAC at Lake Anne and talk to representatives of Fromm Dog and Cat Food. Learn more about their all-natural pet foods and get free samples to take home. www.frommfamily.com/
Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 10 a.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Walk and fundraise to further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=7382&pg=entry.
Cooking Class at Il Fornaio. 12 p.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Includes three-course luncheon with wine and recipes. $55. Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations at banquetsRES@ilfo.com or 703-437-5544.
OKTOBREWFEST. 12-10 p.m. Town Green, 777 Lynn St., Herndon. Music, food and beverages, vendor booths and fun all day.
Showcase of Bands. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Herndon High School, 700 Bennett Street, Herndon. Everyone is invited to attend the Northern Virginia Regional Showcase of Bands, a fantastic opportunity to see 25 local high school marching bands perform in one place. Tickets: $15.
Pohick Annual County Fair. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. The 70th Annual Country Fair includes games, booths, barbecue, homemade apple butter, historic church tours, living history re-enactors, organ concerts, live music, pony rides and more. 703-339-6572. http://www.pohick.org.
Fighting Chance 8K Run/Walk. 8 a.m. Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Burke. Run to give an orphaned child a fighting chance for a future free from poverty, disease and violence. Register for the 8K run/walk at www.2540.org
20th Annual CCÉ Irish Folk Festival. Noon-7:30 p.m. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax and The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub, 3971 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. All are invited to enjoy, free of charge, the “pure drop” - the beauty and depth of Irish music, dance, language and sport as it has taken root and come into full flower in our community. Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/fairfax-irish-folk-festival.
Azalea Sale. 1-4 p.m. Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. The Northern Virginia Chapter, Azalea Society of America (ASA), will be holding their 8th Annual Public Azalea Sale and Auction.
Saturday-Sunday/Sept. 26-27
Workhouse Fall Arts Festival 2015. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Over 100 of the nation's best artists will exhibit their original fine art and crafts. The two-day outdoor festival will include work by artists from across the Mid-Atlantic region, showcasing paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted furniture and much more.
Sunday/Sept. 27
Butterfly Crafts. 1-5 p.m. Church Street, Vienna. As part of the Town of Vienna’s, Afternoons on Church Street, the Ayr Hill Garden Club will be hosting a table featuring butterfly crafts geared for ages 3 through 6th grade. Free packages of milkweed seeds (butterfly magnets) will be offered. All children are welcome to stop by and learn more about butterflies.
Free Wine Festival. 1-4 p.m. The Vineyard, 1445 Laughlin Avenue, McLean. Held outside in the Palladium's Civic Green fountain courtyard, Wags and Wine features 20+ wines to taste provided by The Vineyard. Purchase food from Sloppy Mama's BBQ and Fluffy Thoughts Cakes.
Stride Forward 5K and Family Health Fair. 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Reston Town Center Pavilion and Streets. Join family and friends in Pediatric Specialists of Virginia's first fundraiser to benefit all children under their care. 5K race begins at 9 a.m., followed by a Tot Trot. Create your own fundraising team or join one of the specialty-based teams. Strollers and pets welcome. Family Health Fair activities include giveaways and booths by PSV sponsors with something for everyone: health tips, recreation, kids’ activities, food and music! psvcare.org
NatureFest. 1-5 p.m. Runnymede Park, 195 Herndon Parkway, Herndon. Explore various nature stations throughout the park including butterflies, bees, life in the meadow, web of life and much more with live animal shows throughout the day. Visit www.herndon-va.gov.
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
The Best Roses for Your Garden. 2-4 p.m. Merrifield Garden Center, 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Learn new roses and the best sources for ordering roses that are hard to find, full of form or fragrant.
Sunday/Sept. 27 - Saturday/Oct. 3
Annual Fall for the Book Festival. George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. A week-long, multiple-venue, regional festival that brings together people of all ages and interests. Featured authors are National Book Award winner Tim O’Brien and “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon. Visit www.fallforthebook.org.
Monday/Sept. 28
Healthy Eating. 2 p.m. Brightview Great Falls, 10200 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. The community is partnering with Salud, a local organic market in Great Falls to present an interactive, wellness presentation on Healthy Eating.
Mr. Knick Knack. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Unique, heart-centered music for kids and their grown-ups. Free. restontowncenter.com
Toddlers & Twos. 10:30 a.m. Herndon Library, 768 Center Street, Herndon. On the go: Hit the road, fly the skies, sail the seas as we explore vehicles of all kinds through stories, songs, movement and rhyme. Age 19 months to 35 months with adult.
Music and Movin’ with Miss Susan. 11:15 a.m. City of Fairfax Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Miss Susan for singing and moving to music with your little ones.
Animal Decomposers. 4:30 p.m. Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Learn about the hidden insects that can be found in decomposing logs that you dissect yourself with the help of staff from Hidden Pond Nature Center.
Tuesday/Sept. 29
Save Marmota Farm. 6-9 p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Representatives from community organizations will explain their support for the citizens' initiative to prioritize purchase of 23-acre Marmota Farm in the 2016 Fairfax County Park Bond referendum. Please visit Save Marmota Farm - Great Falls on Facebook for details, or email savemarmotafarm@gmail.com.
Canasta Group. 12:30 p.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Enjoy socializing while you play Canasta with this weekly group meeting. Adults.
International Rabbit Day Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean.
Design and Wine. ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon. Have fun with artist Melanie Stanley using a variety of materials and techniques as you explore, discover, and learn to “mix it up” in a safe, encouraging environment! Use some different kinds of art tools to draw, paint, and collage a one-of-a kind mixed-media masterpiece for your home. A $30 fee covers all supplies and two glasses of wine. Registration is required with payment in advance, http://www.artspaceherndon.com/events-2/design-and-wine/
Fun Run. 6:30 p.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. For beginners or competitive runners, come out for a fun, low-key run that's safe and social. potomacriverrunning.com.
Young Science Explorers. 10:30 a.m. Herndon Library, 768 Center Street, Herndon. Animals in the Forest. Learn how animals live in the forest through stories and hands on activities. Make your own forest habitat (STEAM). Age 3-5 with adult.
Celebrate Calm Workshop. 7-9 p.m. Irving Middle School Barker Hall, 8100 Old Keene Mill, Springfield. Ten ways to stop defiance, disrespect and yelling. Free parent workshop presented by Kirk and Casey Martin.
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.
Storytime at Old Town Square. 10:30 a.m. City of Fairfax Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Come across the street to Old Town Square to hear some stories, weather permitting. Age 2-5 with adult.
Meet Author Colin Gunderson. 7 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield. Meet Colin Gunderson, former Los Angeles Dodgers staff member and author of “Tommy Lasorda: My Way.” Books available for sale and signing.
Wednesday/Sept. 30
Fall for the Book: Peter Straub. 7:30 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Author Straub will thrill fans with a reading of his work.
Busy Beavers. 10:30 a.m. Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean. Did you know that there are beavers in our creeks and ponds? Do the beaver dance, listen to some stories and make a beaver dam as we learn about these nocturnal animals.
Pokemon League. 3 p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Avenue East, Vienna. Learn and play. Age 5-18.
Playdate Cafe. 10:30 a.m. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Toys and Playspace for children. Coffee and Conversation for grownups. Ages birth-5.
Babytime. 10:30 a.m. Herndon Library, 768 Center Street, Herndon. Rhymes, songs, stories with music for you and your baby. Come enjoy time with your child while building an early literacy foundation. Age birth to 18 months with adult.
Lyrical Lines of Ignited Imagination Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m. ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon. In Lyrical Lines of Ignited Imagination, ArtSpace Herndon presents a duo show featuring the abstract art of Fallon Chase and the art of jewelry by Kurth Rose. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. http://www.artspaceherndon.com/lyrical-lines-of-ignited-imagination/. 703-956-6590.
Meet Author Mark Tooley. 7 p.m. City of Fairfax Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Meet Mark Tooley, author of The Peace That Almost Was: The Forgotten Story of the 1861 Washington Peace Conference and the Final Attempt to Avert the Civil War. Books available for sale and signing.
Celebrate Calm Workshop. 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Andrew's Episcopal Preschool, 6509 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Ten ways to stop defiance, disrespect and yelling with America's Calm Coach Kirk Martin and his son, Casey.
A is for Apple. 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce Street, Springfield. Fun stories and activities. Age 3-5 with adult.
Chess Club. 4 p.m. Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Learn openings, strategies, tactics, and more. Players paired with others of similar skill.
Thursday/Oct. 1
Paw Parade. 2 p.m. Brightview Great Falls, 10200 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Residents, families, friends, associates and dog lovers are invited to bring their well-behaved furry friends to parade around the community.
4th Annual Reston Town Center Help the Homeless Walk. 11:30 a.m. Reston Town Center, 11959 Market St, Reston. Walk from Mayflowers Floral Design Studio on The Promenade to the Embry Rucker Community Shelter and back. Funds will enable Cornerstones to provide essential resources and services for individuals and families in the community who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Visit www.cornerstonesva.org/events_list/hth.
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
Jammin’ Book Party. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Explore fun stories and games. Snacks provided. Age 9-12.
Friday/Oct. 2
Upside Down Inside Out Reception. 7-9 p.m. Vienna Art Center, 15 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. VAS members will interpret their thoughts and ideas with this crazy theme. Reception to meet the artists and see the show is free and open to the public, all are welcome. Visitors can also view small items of original art for sale, scarves, jewelry, notecards etc., all hand made by VAS artists – great for gifts.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm Cajun Barbecue and Silent Auction Fundraiser. 6-9 p.m. Pavilions of Turkey Run, 6310 Colonial Farm Road, McLean. The menu features dry rubbed, slow cooked pork barbecue, grilled marinated chicken, farm to fork vegetables including zucchini, squash and broccoli, cole slaw and tossed salad, and warm peach cobbler. Cash bar features cold beverages including wine, beer and soft drinks. Event also features a silent auction. live music, 18th century dancing and beer tasting. Tickets: $25-$35. www.1771.org/fundraiser
Movie Night in the Campground. 7-9 p.m. Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Join in the fun of Movie Night by watching Ghostbusters at the Campground at Burke Lake Park this fall.
An Afternoon with Tim Federle. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Tim Federle, author of books for middle graders including Better Nate Than Ever and its sequel, Five, Six, Seven, Nate! Books available for sale and signing.
Saturday/Oct. 3
“Sleeping Beauty.” 2 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. $10-$15. St. Francis Country Fair. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The entire community is invited to the St. Francis Country Fair, featuring entertainment (live music, puppets, magic), kids' games and activities, a silent auction, treasure trove, used books, quilt auction, and much more. Local food trucks will be selling lunch items.
Beyond the Teabag: Exploring Single Origin Black Teas. Historic Colvin Run Mill , 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Taste the diversity of black teas from around the globe and learn to identify the tea styles used in black blends and why they taste so different. Is it a Chinese black, from one of India's varied terroirs, Sri Lanka or even Africa? Taste some treats made with tea as an ingredient, and take home some tea samples to try your own hand at blending. With Certified Tea Specialist Laurie Bell of Great Falls Tea Garden. Advance reservations and payment ($30 each) required through the Mill at 703-759-2771.
Oktoberfest Vienna. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Historic Church Street, Vienna. Enjoy beer, wine, food, music, kids activities and more. Visit http://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=670 for more.
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.
Art in the Courtyard. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lorton Station Town Center, 8998 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Artists from the Workhouse Arts Center, the Torpedo Art Factory and artists from Historic Occoquan will be featuring their works including paintings, jewelry, sculpture, photography, blown glass, pottery, wood work, and even digital artwork. Each artist will display and sell their work from booths lining the Courtyard. Festival guests will have the opportunity to talk to the artists, get to know them, and ask questions about their stories and inspirations.
Country-Western Dance. 7:30-10 p.m. The Salvation Army, Fairfax Corps, 4915 Ox Road, Fairfax. Couples and singles welcome. $5-$12. www.nvcwda.org.
Concerts from Kirkwood Season Opener. 3 p.m. Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. New York-based pianist Martin Soderberg presenting an exciting program of music by Spanish and Latin composers.
Music, Fun and Faith Fest. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke. This will be a family fun day of musical performances by musicians and ministers from the 10 Northern Virginia UU congregations, a “preach-off,” food, fun, a bounce house. face painting, games, prizes, and lots of stuff for the whole family in a carnival atmosphere. $5.
Teen Writers Club. 2 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Do you enjoy writing fiction, poetry, non-fiction and/or memoirs? Join us for sharing, discussion and feedback of works in progress. Teen volunteer facilitates.
Reston Regional Library 30th Anniversary Celebration. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Music, refreshments, balloon art, face painting and door prizes for the whole family.
Saturday-Sunday/Oct. 3 -4
Fall Book Sale. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Avenue East, Vienna. Hardbacks $2, trade paperbacks $1, pocket paperbacks 50 cents, kids books 25 and 50 cents. Cash only. All proceeds benefit the community library.
Sunday/Oct. 4
McLean Project for the Arts ArtFest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. McLean Central Park, 468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. The park is transformed into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of a diverse group of juried artists. Visit www.mpaart.org.
Colors of Life Opening Reception. 3-5 p.m. Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Color is a major inspiration for Reston-based fiber artist Anne Smyers, and a central feature in her vibrant work, which will be featured at the Hunters Woods branch of Reston Community Center from Oct. 1 - 30, 2015. Her solo show Colors of Life highlights several series: recent works in her signature “floral landscapes” style, created by layering flowers into fanciful landscape designs; and a five-element series inspired by the concept of unity and healing intrinsic to traditional Chinese acupuncture.
HernDOG Bark Bash. 12-3 p.m. Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. HernDOG Bark Bash is a free event for dog lovers with three hours of four-legged fun. The event will feature agility demonstrations, owner and dog team contests, adoptions, an off leash area and wide variety of dog themed vendors. Entry to HernDOG Bark Bash is free but fees may apply to vendor products or services. Friendly, leashed, and vaccinated dogs (and their owners) are welcome.
A Double Murder Ghost Investigation. 2 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Paranormal investigator, medium and author Rob Gutro will share a case from the files of Inspired Ghost Tracking of Maryland, where the team investigated a private home reporting paranormal activity. Book sale and signing. Register online or call 703-689-2700. Adults.
The Chuck Wagon Gang. 2 p.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Sterling Road, Herndon. The Chuck Wagon Gang has been providing the very best in 'grass roots' Gospel music for over 75 years having recorded over 800 songs and sold 40 million records world wide to date. They have marvelous four part harmony in a style that is both simple but very distinctive and ever so pleasant to listen to.
Railroad Technology Exhibit. 1-4 p.m. Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Contributions by local inventors since the early days of railroading and "futuristic" concepts, still being used today, will be highlighted. Artifacts from the Museum's collection will also be on display. $2-$4.