Send events, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or e-mail loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call 703-917-6454; for additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 20
<cal2>BINGO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Bingo World, Baltimore, Md. Purchase own bingo cards at the door; purchase lunch or bring own. Cost: $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, includes transportation. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
SENIOR MOVIE. 1:30 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. Watch "The Other Boleyn Girl," starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana and based on the book by Philippa Gregory. Rated PG-13, 115 minutes. Cost: $2, includes popcorn and soda.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 21
<cal2>SIZZLIN' SUMMER CONCERT. 7-9 p.m., Brambleton Town Center Plaza. Features Gonzo's Nose, covers from the '80s and '90s. Visit www.brambletonhoa.com.
ANIMAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. 9:30-11 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. Ages 3-6. Beavers make dams and birds build nests. Hike and discover different animal homes and then build one. Cost: $10.50. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 22
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
JAZZ ON THE POTOMAC. 5:30-10 p.m., Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Features Tyris. Enjoy summer foods prepared by the culinary team. Call 703-729-8400 or visit http://www.lansdowneresort.com.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn Morven Park's history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 23
<cal2>ACOUSTIC ON THE GREEN. 7-9 p.m., at the Leesburg Town Green, 25 West Market St., Leesburg. Featuring Jennifer Daniels. Free, visit www.acousticonthegreen.com.
MUSIC FESTIVAL. 2-10 p.m., Esoterica, 25 South King St., Leesburg. The whole family is invited to attend the annual Lillypalooza Music Festival. Cost: $5; free refreshments will be provided. Visit www.esotericaofleesburg.com, e-mail store@esotericaofleesburg.com or call 703-777-4642.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. 6-9:30 p.m., Tarara Vineyard and Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. Tarara's Sounds of Summer Series presents The Reflex. Cost: $15 per person, free for children 6 and under. Advance discounted tickets available online. Call 703-771-7100, Ext. 233 or visit www.tarara.com.
LUCKETTS FAIR. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. An old-fashioned country fair. Demonstrations, live music, petting zoo and more. Cost: $8 for adults and free for children under 6. Contact 703-771-5281 or www.Luckettsfair.com.
WALK WITH A NATURALIST. 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Join a park naturalist to search out the secrets of the animals and plants that live in the park. Call 571-258-3700 to register. An adult must accompany children. Cost: $4.
1918: A LIVING HISTORY Program on World War I and the Home Front. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Join Virginia Gov. and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis and learn of their efforts to lead the county and Virginia through the Great War. Includes Morven Park farm workers and Leesburg citizens of the time to tell the story of life on the home front. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center.
Call 703-777-6034 or visit www.morvenpark.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 24
<cal2>BLUEMONT CONCERT SERIES. 7 p.m., lawn of the Loudoun County Courthouse, Leesburg. Features The Taters: new old-time honky-tonk. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and a picnic to enjoy before the show. Cost: $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and seniors, $2 for children 12 and under; proceeds go to support Bluemont's year-round Artist-In-Education program in area schools. Contact the Bluemont office at 540-338-4640 or www.bluemont.org.
LUCKETTS FAIR. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg. See Aug. 23 listing for details.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 25
<cal2>SCHOOL BUS. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. All kindergartners are invited to take a tour of a county school bus and to learn about safety rules. Call 703-737-8655 or e-mail beth.wiseman@loudoun.gov.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See Aug. 22 item for more details.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 26
<cal2>SCHOOL BUS. 2-3 p.m., Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. See Aug. 25 listing for details.
BASEBALL TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to see the Baltimore Orioles play the Chicago White Sox in Baltimore, Md. Reserve seats above the press box at home plate; dinner on own at the ballpark. Cost: $19 for members, $20 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Moderate walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 27
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $7 for members, $9 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
HANDS-ON DISCOVERY ROOM. 1-3 p.m., Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling. All ages. Explore the displays, meet the turtles and make a craft in the Visitor Center Discovery Room. An adult must accompany children. Free. Call 571-258-3700.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 28
<cal2>FILM VIEWING. 7 p.m., Rust @ Catoctin Library, 34D Catoctin Circle, Leesburg. Join director Debra Sugerman for a viewing and discussion of the award-winning documentary "Dear Mr. President" about five Palestinian and Israeli teens and their attempt to break down cultural barriers and to meet President Bush. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Sponsored by North Spring Behavioral Healthcare and Rust Library Advisory Board.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 29
<cal2>OPEN SKATE NIGHT. 5-7 p.m., Douglass Community Center Hockey Rink, 405 E. Market St., Leesburg. Bring skates or Rollerblades for a night of skating on the outdoor rink. Cost: $1. Call 703-771-5913.
JAZZ ON THE POTOMAC. 5:30-10 p.m., Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Features Nick Colionne. Enjoy summer foods prepared by the culinary team. Call 703-729-8400 or visit http://www.lansdowneresort.com.
FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Learn Morven Park's history from 19th century plantation to early 20th century hunt country estate and working farm. Guided tours include exhibits, carriage collection, Confederate huts and outdoor walk around property. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitors Center. Call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 30
<Cal2>FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See Friday, Aug. 29 item for details.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 31
<cal2>TWILIGHT TOUR. 6-8 p.m., Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Balls Bluff Road, Leesburg. A twilight tour of Balls Bluff Battlefield. Free. Call 703-737-7800 or visit http://www.nvrpa.org.
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME in the Winmill Carriage Collection. 1-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Take a guided tour through a collection of 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, including coaches, sleighs, carts, buggies and a hearse from the 1800s. Cost: adults $5, children $1. Meet at Coach House Visitor Center. Visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-6034.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 1
<cal2>FROM SWANN'S CASTLE to Governor's Mansion: Exploring an Old Southern Estate. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Morven Park, 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. See Friday, Aug. 29 item for details.
<cal1>Wednesdy/Sept. 3
<cal2>CANAL BOAT TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., for a C&O Canal boat cruise and tour of the Tudor Place and Gardens; lunch on own in Georgetown. Cost: $17 for members, $19 for nonmembers, includes transportation, boat ride and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 5
<cal2>SENIOR COOKOUT. 4-6:30 p.m., The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place. "Goin' to the Drive-In," end-of-summer celebration; includes burgers, malts and shakes and "white bucks," as well as classic cars show and disc jockey Sky Dantinne; wear high-school colors. Cost: $5 for members in advance, $7 for nonmembers and at door. Call 703-430-2397.
MUSEUM RECEPTION. 6-8 p.m., Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St., S.W., Leesburg. Opening reception for the museum's newest exhibit, Leesburg: Crossroads of Tradition and Transition. Call 703-777-7427, visit www.loudounmuseum.org.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Restless Street Band. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 6
<cal2>AIRPLANE PULL. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dulles International Airport. Join Special Olympics Virginia for the 16th Annual Dulles Day Family Festival and Plane Pull. Teams of 20 will play tug-of-war with a cargo jet to see who can pull the aircraft 12 feet the fastest. Includes Kids Bus Pull, live music, car show, military and civilian aircraft displays, business exhibits and children's games and entertainment. Teams must raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in the plane pull; cost for the children's bus pull is $10. Visit www.planepull.com or call 703-359-4301.
LOUDOUNPALOOSA. Noon-11 p.m., Belmont Country Club, 43675 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. Loudoun Summer Music Fest's end of summer barbecue. Featuring food from Original Steakhouse, Famous Dave's, Buffalo Wing Factory and Carolina Brothers BBQ and performances from Dreamscapes Project, Lloyd Dobbler Effect, No Second Troy, Lionize, Justin Trawick, Getaway Car, Kelly Bell Band, Blackjacks, The Speaks and "Best of" Tri-State All Stars. Cost: general admission advance $15, at the door $20. Visit liveatbelmont.com for tentative playing schedule.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 7
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 8
<cal2>GOLF CLASSIC. The 2008 National Capital Golf Classic, at the Golf Club at Lansdowne, 44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne. Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society's to fight prostate cancer and supports research programs in the National Capital Region. For tickets or corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Beth Sartwelle at 202-483-2600 or beth.sartwelle@cancer.org. Single-player sponsorship begins at $1,750. Visit www.NationalCapitalGolfClassic.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 11
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 12
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Bowie, Md., to tour the Radio and Television and the 1745 Georgian-style Belair Mansion museums; lunch on own at food court or bring bag lunch. Cost: $11 for members, $13 for nonmembers, includes transportation with free tours, donations at sites optional. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
BROADLANDS LIVE. 5:30-9:30 p.m., Hillside Park at the Old Stone House, 42935 Waxpool Road. Features Bad Luck, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Scott's New Band, 7-9:30 p.m. Visit www.broadlandshoa.org.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features gamer night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 13
<cal2>FLICKS IN THE STICKS. 8:15 p.m., at the Nature Center, Broadlands. Bring a picnic dinner; free popcorn and drinks available. Movies begin shortly after sundown, time listed is an estimate. For movie details visit www.broadlandshoa.org. Rated PG, 92 minutes.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 15
<cal2>MUSEUMS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the Lincoln Cottage and the Smithsonian National Postal Museum; lunch on own. Cost: $19 for members, $21 for nonmembers, includes transportation and both tours. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 17
<cal2>THEATER TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to The Toby's Dinner Theater in Columbia, Md., to see "The Producers." Cost: $54 for members, $56 for nonmembers, includes transportation, show, buffet lunch and tip. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 19
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features gamer night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 20
<cal2>SENIOR OLYMPICS TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Arlington for the opening ceremony and track-and-field events of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics; bring bag lunch. Cost: $6 for members, $8 for nonmembers, includes transportation and free admission. Moderate walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 22
<cal2>MUSEUM TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Arlington to visit the Newseum; lunch on own. Cost: $26 for members, $28 for nonmembers, includes transportation and admission. Extensive walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Wednesday/Sept. 24
<cal2>CASINO TRIP. The Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace, 21060 Whitfield Place, will take a trip to Charles Town, W.Va. Includes slots and simulcast horse racing; lunch on own. Cost: $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers, includes transportation and $5 cash back, subject to change. Minimum walking. Call 703-430-2397 for departure and return times and locations.
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 26
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Hip-Hop Groove. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 27
<cal2>LURE OF LOUDOUN GALA. 6:30 p.m., River Creek Club, 43800 Olympic Blvd., Leesburg. The Loudoun Museum is hosting the second Lure of Loudoun Gala. A cocktail reception kicks off the night, followed by dinner and dancing. Individual tickets are $200 and sponsor opportunities range from $1,000-$10,000. For tickets, call the Museum at 703-777-7427 or e-mail bfriedmann@loudounmuseum.org.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 3
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Hip-Hop Groove. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 5
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 10
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features art night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 15
<cal2>GOLF FUND-RAISER. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, 41601 Raspberry Drive, Leesburg. The Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association Foundation is hosting a charity auction and golf classic fund-raiser. Day includes golf tourney and clinic, silent and live auction and a dinner. Call Wendy Ferrigno at 703-771-2170, Ext. 24 or visit www.LCVAFoundation.org to participate or sponsor.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 17
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features art night. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 18
<cal2>COURT AND MARKET DAYS. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Downtown Leesburg. Take a step back in time and embrace and celebrate Leesburg history at this annual event. Stroll the streets of historic downtown Leesburg and visit the many traders and demonstrators on hand or watch the court case re-enactments. Includes children's activities, food vendors and live entertainment. Contact Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 24
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Halloween dance party. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For middle schoolers.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 31
<cal2>TEEN CENTER. 7-10 p.m., After-Hours Teen Center, Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. Features Halloween dance party. All teens attending the teen center must have a permission slip, signed by a parent or guardian, on file. Download the permission slip at http://library.loudoun.gov go to Teen Scene, Events, Hanging Out Rocks. For high schoolers.
<cal1>Sunday/Nov. 2
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 14
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.
<cal1>Sunday/Dec. 7
<cal2>MONTHLY BREAKFAST. 8 a.m.-noon, Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, 20688 Ashburn Road. Breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy and biscuits, hash browns, coffee and juices. Features monthly themes and Kids Activity Corner; apparatus bay area is open to children of all ages. Cost: adults $6, ages 3-8 $4, under 3 free and seniors $5. Call 703-729-0006.
<cal1>Friday/Dec. 12
<cal2>FURRY FRIDAY. 5-7 p.m., Sterling Community Center, 20 Enterprise St., Sterling. Once a month, animals from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be at the Sterling Community. Bring the whole family for a real "happy hour" with animals looking for new homes. Visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.