Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6459. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
Thursday/Aug. 14
Traditional Folk Music Night. Andrew Acosta performs traditional folk, blues and bluegrass. With The New Old-Time String Band and Speedy Tolliver. 7:30 p.m. Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
The Nicolo Whimsey Show. Nicolo the Jester shares his juggling, clowning and comedy. Age 6-12. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010
Balloon Animals. Learn how to make your own balloon animal. Age 6-12. 1 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Call to register 703-339-7385.
Friday/Aug. 15
Kings Park Concert Band. 55 adult volunteers under a professional conductor will play Big Band style. 7:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Friday Flicks. Bring a lunch and enjoy stories and a short movie. Birth-5 with adult. 12 noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Teddy Bear Picnic. Stories, songs, and activities about teddy bears. Bring your favorite bear. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
Gorgeous Frankenstein with BellaMorte, The Banner, and more. 7 p.m. All ages; $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
After Dark in the Park - Night Flyers. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. the Hidden Pond Nature Center naturalist covers moths, nighthawks and other creatures that take wing after the sun goes down. Weather permitting, enjoy a campfire with s’mores. Suitable for children ages six and older. Reservations required. $6 per person. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. To register, call 703-451-9588.
Saturday/Aug. 16
Sting Things. Who are the creatures that can sting? Learn about the bugs and even a plant that can sting, as well as how to avoid getting stung. 10:30 a.m. All ages. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
Kayak with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. 7-10 a.m. Launching from Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton.
Flavored Vinegars. 1-3 p.m. Blend vinegar with herbs, fruits and vegetables. $25 fee includes an English tea. Historic Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-941-7987.
Ruthie & the Wranglers, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School. The Wranglers play rockin’ American roots music and are known for their original upbeat songs. Kingstowne Nights is a summer concert series each Saturday night at Hayfield Elementary. Free. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner. Call 703-324-SHOW after 6 p.m. for cancellation updates. Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
Nature Nook with a Book: Stingers. Hidden Pond’s naturalist visits the Richard Byrd Library for a free, all-ages program about plants and animals with stingers from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055.
Video – Insects. 10-10:30am. Take a close-up look at the amazing world of insects. Free. Huntley Meadows Park, 7701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria 703-768-2525
Sunday /Aug. 17
Video – Insects. 10-10:30am. Take a close-up look at the amazing world of insects. Free. Huntley Meadows Park, 7701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria 703-768-2525
Monday/Aug. 18
Discover Art. Play bingo around the world, participate in reader's theater and make an international craft. Age 6-12. 2 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration necessary. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-971-0010
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration necessary. Adults. 3 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055
Tuesday/Aug. 19
Mother-Daughter Book Discussion. Call for title. Age 9-11 with adult. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
It's a Colorful World. A rainbow of stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610
Wednesday/Aug. 20
Book Discussion Group. Call for title. 7:15 p.m. No registration necessary. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration necessary. 10;15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Pet first aid and CPR. 6-10 p.m. $45 fee includes book and certificate of completion. Prepaid registration required. Lake Accotink Park, 7550 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-0285.
Bookworms - The Very Busy Spider. Relax to a reading of Eric Carle’s The Very Busy Spider at Hidden Pond Nature Center from 10-11 a.m., and meet live spiders. Suitable for children ages three to eight. Reservations required. The cost is $4 per child. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. 703-451-9588.
Thursday/Aug. 21
Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Night. Celebrate traditional and folk Vietnamese music and dance. 7:30 p.m. Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Springfield Writers’ Group. Share work, give and receive feedback in a supportive setting. No registration necessary. 7 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055
Garden Sprouts: a Peck of Peppers. 9:30-10:30 a.m. $6 per child. Learn to make salsa. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-941-7987.
Friday/Aug. 22
Night Music. Classic rock and top 40s hits. 7:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Friday Flicks. Bring lunch and enjoy for stories and a short movie. Birth-5 with adult. 12 noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Flintroll with Warbringer, King of Heresy, Apothys, Dark Alliance. 7:30 p.m. All ages; $25 in advance, $28 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
After Dark in the Park – Snakes. Children ages six and older meet snakes at Hidden Pond Nature Center from 8-9:30 p.m. and look for more on a hike. Weather permitting, enjoy a campfire and s’mores. Reservations required. $6 per child. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Call 703-451-9588.
Sunday/Aug. 24
Live Show. Alejandro Fernandez performs 8 p.m. at the George Mason University Patriot Center. Tickets range are $58-$203 per person and available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Patriot Center box office, or via Phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT. For more, see www.patriotcenter.com.
Monday/Aug. 25
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration necessary. 7 .p.m. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-971-0010
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration necessary. Adults. 3 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055
Flora Fauna – Worms. Children ages two to five years meet worms at Hidden Pond Nature Center from 10 -10:30 a.m. Try out a worm stake clanger. Reservations required. $2 per child. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Call 703-451-9588.
Tuesday/Aug. 26
Evening Book Discussion Group. "The Jane Austen Book Club" by Karen Joy Fowler. 7:30 p.m. No registration necessary. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/Aug. 27
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. No registration necessary. 10;15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Kingstowne Library Writer's Peer Review Group. Review peers' works and receive in-depth feedback. Call for more information on submitting work prior to meeting. No registration necessary. 7:00 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Travel Club. Bring lunch and enjoy a lively discussion. No registration necessary. 1 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
Flora Fauna – Worms. Children ages two to five years meet worms at Hidden Pond Nature Center from 10 -10:30 a.m. Try out a worm stake clanger. Reservations required. $2 per child. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Call 703-451-9588.
Thursday/Aug. 28
Russian Cultural Heritage Night. Traditional Russian music played on traditional instruments such as the balalaika. 7:30 p.m. Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Time for School. Stories and activities about starting school. Age 3-5 with adult. 1 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
The Wild Creatures of Fairfax County. Learn about the wildlife found at Hidden Pond Nature Center and other parts of Fairfax County, and meet some live critters. Presented by Hidden Pond Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. All ages. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
Sonata Arctica with Blood Corps. 7 p.m. All ages; $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Friday/Aug. 29
City of Fairfax Alte Kameraden German Band. Featuring the Blaskapelle Alte Kameraden Bavarian band. You are invited to AUG-toberfest with authentic fest musik and "gemultichkeit". 7:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Ponderings - Local Geology. Try panning for gold and use a microscope to spy on micro minerals at Hidden Pond Nature Center from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This program is suitable for children ages 6 to 10 years. Reservations are required. The cost is $6 per child. To reserve, Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. call 703-451-9588.
After Dark in the Park – Eels. Explore creek life at Hidden Pond Nature Center from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The program ends with a campfire and s’mores. Wear shoes that can get wet. For children ages six years and older. Reservations required. $8 per child. Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Call 703-451-9588.
Saturday/Aug. 30
Back to School Local Band Bash. 1:15 p.m. All ages; $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Sunday/Aug. 31
Potomac Hosta Club. 1 p.m. Picnic, Hostas auction and plant exchange. Heather Hills Nurseries at 8111 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia. New members always welcome. For more information, hostaclub@gmail.com.
Krass Judgement Fest. All ages; $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Saturday/Sept. 6
Impaled with Phobia, Malignancy, Illogicist, Maruta, Freehand Arson, Emesis. 6:15 p.m. All ages. $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Propagation Series: Seed Saving. 9:30-11 a.m. Learn the basics of seed saving, including seed harvest, drying, cleaning and storage. Venture into the gardens with Mary Frogale, propagation horticulturist, and collect seed to take home from unique annuals and perennials. $22. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Family Fun: Monarch Magic. 2-3:30 p.m. Children 5 and up with accompanying adult explore the life cycle of monarch butterflies. Make a caterpillar cage, add a milkweed snack, and adopt a tiny larva to take home to release in your own garden. $10/project. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Monday/Sept. 8
The Ashley Fister Cole Foundation sixth annual Driving for Surviving Melanoma Charity Golf Classic. 1 p.m. at Stonewall Golf Club on Lake Manassas, 15601 Turtle Point Drive, Gainesville. All net proceeds from this year’s tournament will help fund the trial study programs of researcher Dr. Wen-Jen Hwu at the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center.Play golf with free range balls, a cart, greens fee, lunch, unlimited beverages on the course and dinner, $175. Hole sponsors with signs and a special message on one of the tee boxes, $200. Visit www.ashleyfistercolefoundation.org.