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.
<cal1>Thursday/July 24
<cal2>Mexican Cultural Heritage Night. Discover Mexico’s cultural heritage through music and dance ranging from Aztec to Mariachi to contemporary. 7:30 p.m. Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Free. Call 703-324-7469.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of George Etheridge, showcasing the country’s best young musicians. 7:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-324-7469.
Friday Flicks. Bring lunch and enjoy stories and a short movie. Birth-5 with adult. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. 703-971-0010.
<cal1>Saturday/ July 26
<cal2>"I Love You More Than Rainbows" author Susan Crites signs copies of her children’s book, 2-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Barnes & Noble, Fair Lakes Promenade. Call the store at 703-278-0300.
Sunset Cruise. 8-9 p.m. Cruise the shoreline of Lake Accotink and admire the sunset. Interperative history of the area included in tour. Beverages served. $5 per person. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Free. Call 703-569-0325.
Dog Day Afternoon. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Treat you canine companion to a cruiser on a pontoon boat with glimpses of ducks, geese and other wildlife. $5 per adult, $3 per child; reservations required. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-0325.
Reel In And Release Fish at Lake Accotink Park. Families will learn the ins and outs of the catch-and-release fishing technique and how this sustainable method benefits the lake. Lake Accotink Park is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield. Bring poles and tackle or borrow equipment from the park. Please use only barbless hooks. $15 per child; accompanying adults free. The program is suitable for children six years and older. Prepaid reservations required. Call 703-569-0285 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accotink.
<cal1>Thursday/July 31
<cal2>Archie Edward’s Blues Night. Piedmont Blues blending elements from Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Influenced by ragtime, country string bands, traveling medicine shows and popular songs of the early 20th century. 7:30 p.m. Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
A Day at the Beach with Under the Sea. See creatures you'd find at the shore and learn about sand, waves, tides and sun. Age 6-12. 10:30 a.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
A Day at the Beach with Under the Sea. Learn about sand, waves, tides and sun. Age 6-12. 2:30 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Call to register 703-339-7385.
Lutindo. Traditional African music, dance and stories. 2:30 p.m. All ages. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
Nature Detectives: Cool it. 10-10:45 a.m. Children ages 3-5 learn how animals stay cool in summer. Story, activity, crafts. $5 per child. Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Call 703-768-2525.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 1
<cal2>Friday Flicks. Bring a lunch and enjoy stories and a short movie. Birth-5 with adult. 12 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
Ones at a Time. Short stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 2
<cal2>Martial Arts: A Family Affair. Learn how martial arts can be a great experience for every member of the family. Program includes martial arts demonstrations by students from Bushido Studios. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Kayak with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. 7-10 a.m. Launching from Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton.
Bullet Boys with Bucket, Baby Jayne, Another Empty Box and more. 8 p.m. Age 21+; $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 3
<cal2>Suspyre, Odin's Court, Dark Empire, Wisteria and more. 5:30 p.m. All ages; $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
Huntley Meadows Offers Family Walks for Spanish Speakers. 3-4:30 p.m. Bring Spanish-speaking friends and family to stroll the 1 1/2-mile trail at Huntley Meadows Park with an interpreter in English and Spanish. The park has a rich history to share with participants walking along flat trails and a wooden boardwalk over the fresh-water wetland. After the walk, explore the exhibits in the Visitor Center. Free. Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Call 703-768-2525.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 4
<cal2>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
Clowning Around. Learn all about being a clown in celebration of National Clown Week. Hands-on balloon activities will be included. Age 8-12. 1 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610
What’s the Matter? Chemistry with fizz, foam and flash presented by Maryland Science Center. Age 6-12. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055
Inova Blood Drive. Photo ID required. Appointments preferred: call 1-866-256-6372. All ages. 2-7 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. 3 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 5
<cal2>The Dog Days of Summer. Stories and activities. 10:30 a.m. Age 2-5 with adult. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 6
<cal2>Anime Night. Come watch anime movies and discuss your favorites. Age 13-18. 6 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
A Day at the Beach with Under the Sea. See creatures you'd find at the shore and learn about sand, waves, tides and sun. Age 6-12. 2:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Discover Art. Art bingo, reader's theater and craft fun. Age 6-12. 3 p.m. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Call to register 703-339-7385.
Keith Caputo (lead singer of Life of Agony) and more bands. 7:30 p.m. All ages; $11 in advance, $13 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 7
<cal2>Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night. Celebrate Peru’s cultural heritage with dancing, poetry reading, music, crafts and food. 7:30 p.m. Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale. Free. Call 703-324-7469 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
Let's Play Games Around the World. Learn how to play games that kids from different countries around the world play. Age 6-12 2:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Daytime Book Discussion Group. "Ciao America" by Beppe Severignini. 12:15 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
"Cheaper by the Dozen," 7:30 p.m. Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria. $7 per adult; $4 per child, student, or senior citizen Groups of ten or more may receive a $1 discount per ticket if orders are placed by July 31st. Contact Gina Smithers at Smithersgm@aol.com or 703-577-3966.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 8
<cal2>Falls Church Concert Band. A diverse set of concert, popular and patriotic tunes in the 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. Noon. John Marshall Library. 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call to register 703-971-0010.
N8apalooza 2. 5 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.
"Cheaper by the Dozen," 7:30 p.m. Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria. $7 per adult; $4 per child, student, or senior citizen Groups of ten or more may receive a $1 discount per ticket if orders are placed by July 31st. Contact Gina Smithers at Smithersgm@aol.com or 703-577-3966.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 9
<cal2>Metal Church, Division, Not-Liable, Tranquil Terror and more. 8 p.m. Age 21+; $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
"Cheaper by the Dozen," 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria. $7 per adult; $4 per child, student, or senior citizen Groups of ten or more may receive a $1 discount per ticket if orders are placed by July 31st. Contact Gina Smithers at Smithersgm@aol.com or 703-577-3966.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 11
<cal2>Sunny Stories. 10:30 a.m. Stories to make smiles. Age 24-35 months with adult. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Court, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. 7 p.m. John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-971-0010.
Sunny Stories. Stories that make you smile. Age 24-35 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
The Nicolo Whimsey Show. Nicolo the Jester shares his juggling, clowning and comedy. Age 6-12. 10:30 a.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. 3 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call 703-451-8055.
Book Chat. Stop in to share current favorites or hear what other people are reading. All ages. 4 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield. Call to register 703-451-8055.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 12
<cal2>Lighters and Matches Are Tools for Grown-ups Only. A puppet show presented by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Participants will receive a helmet, activity book and parent brochure. Age 3-7 with adult. Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Call to register 703-339-7385.
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 13
<cal2>Lunch Bunnies. Bring lunch and the fun will be supplied. Age 1-5 with adult. Noon. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call to register 703-339-4610.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 14
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 15
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 16
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 18
<cal2>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
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 19
<cal2>Mother-Daughter Book Discussion. Join us for a lively 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
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 20
<cal2>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
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 21
<cal2>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 your 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
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 22
<cal2>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 your lunch and join us for stories and a short movie. Birth-5 with adult. 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.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 24
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Monday/Aug. 25
<cal2>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
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 26
<cal2>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
<cal1>Wednesday/Aug. 27
<cal2>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 on your work. 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
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 28
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 29
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Saturday/August 30
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Sunday/August 31
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Saturday/September 6
<cal2>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.
<cal1>Monday/September 8
<cal2>The Ashley Fister Cole Foundation 6th 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.
<cal1>Friday/September 12
<cal2>Kix with ZO2, Baby Jayne, Gate 1, Rival Tribe. 7:30 p.m. Age 21+; $27 in advance, $30 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 13
<cal2>Kayak with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Launching from 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton.
Bamboo with P.I. 7 p.m. All ages; $70. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<cal1>Monday/September 15
<cal2>Sigh with Zimmers Hole, Unexpect Ecliptic, more. 6:15 p.m. All ages; $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.
<cal1>Saturday/September 20
<cal2>Battle of the Bands: $1000 Grand Prize, $300 second place, $100 third place. 12:15 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.
Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. $10 for the first event; additional events $1. The NVSO will run from Sept. 20-Oct. 2, for 50 year olds and up. Events include track and field, swimming, tennis, pickleball, golf, miniature golf, bowling, billiards, basketball, bait casting, frisbee throw, shuffleboard, bunco, chess, cribbage, duplicate bridge, team line dancing and more. Track and field events will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St., Arlington. A health fair will also be held on opening day, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Other events, beginning Mon., Sept. 22, will be held at various locations in the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. Registration deadline Sept. 5; registration forms are available at senior centers. Call 703-228-3600 ext. 9996 or visit www.novaseniorolympics.com.
<cal1>Sunday/September 28
<cal2>Amorphis with Leaves Eyes, Samael, Virgin Black, The Green Evening Requiem. 6:30 p.m. All ages; $20 in advance, $23 at the door. Jaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. Call 703-569-5940 or visit www.jaxxroxx.com.