The Connection

May

Thursday-Sunday/May 28-31

Herndon Festival. Thursday: 6-10 p.m. Friday 5-11 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn Street, Herndon. Four day outdoor festival with three entertainment stages, a carnival, two fireworks displays, Kid’s Alley with children’s art area, arts and craft show and more! All ages. Visit www.herndonfestival.net for more information.

Friday-Sunday/May 29-31

Workhouse Carnival and Arts Party. 5 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Rides, games, music, vendors, food and family fun and will take place on the south side of the Workhouse campus. This event will raise funds in support of the Workhouse’s arts, education and history programs. Admission to the carnival is free, including the live entertainment and film screening, however rides and vendors will require additional fees and tickets. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

Friday/May 29 - Aug. 28

Herndon Friday Night Live! 6:30 p.m. 777 Lynn Street, Herndon. Listen to great music on Friday nights during the summer. Visit herndonrocks.com/schedule.php for more.

Saturday/May 30

Arts & Crafts Fair. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dranesville Church of the Brethren, 11500 Leesburg Pike, Herndon. Silent Auction, homemade desserts and fine china light lunch. Funds will support a comprehensive emergency response and recovery program to assist the Nigerian families made homeless and suffering by the attacks of Boko Haram. The response will include temporary shelters, emergency food, household supplies, clean water and sanitation, and trauma healing programs helping to bring peace to Nigeria.

Saturday/May 30-Sept. 5

Reston Concerts on the Town. 7:30-10 p.m. Reston Town Center. The 25th season is extended through September 5 and kicks off with swing/jump blues favorite Big Joe & the Dynaflows. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy live music in the Pavilion Saturday nights. Free. Rain or shine. Presented by Reston Town Center and Reston Town Center Association. Alcohol permitted at restaurants only. Concert information: 703-912-4062 www.restontowncenter.com/concerts.

Saturday-Sunday/May 30-31

Great Falls Artfest on the Green. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Great Falls Village Green. Great Falls Studios Spring Art Show and Sale under the big tent and a few little tents, too. A plein air competition and quick draw. With prizes and a reception, Sponsored by Arts of Great Falls. Then, a grand finale “Blues Explosion” to close the weekend and start the always popular season of Concerts on the Green by Celebrate Great Falls. For complete schedule and updates visit http://www.greatfallsart.org/artfest/

Springfield Days. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m., South Run Park, 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield. Springfield Days is a community wide celebration that includes a 5K run, “Pet Fest” and car show. Visit www.springfielddays.com for more.

Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. A fun-filled day with food, musical entertainment and more. Visit www.vintagevirginia.com for more.

Sunday/May 31- Aug. 16

Great Falls Concerts on the Green. 6-8 p.m. Great Falls Village Centre Green. Come out on Sundays and listen to some live music. Full schedule list: http://www.celebrategreatfalls.org/concerts-on-the-green/.

Sunday/May 31- Aug. 30

Stars on Sunday Concert Series. 3 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Featuring a lineup of performances that showcase the diversity of talent and culture in Northern Virginia. Concerts are free to attend and are perfect for families, a special date or a relaxing afternoon of music and dance.

Sunday/May 31

5K/10K Races. 7:30 a.m. . Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn Street, Herndon. A race that takes you through historic downtown Herndon during the Herndon Festival weekend. Both races are USATF Certified. For registration and information visit www.herndonfestival.net.

Avenue of Art. 1-5 p.m. Church Street in Vienna. Church Street becomes a pedestrian plaza with dozens of artists selling their original art and jewelry. There will be free art demonstrations, children's projects, face painting, caricatures, photo opportunities, food and wine. Music by the Difficult Run String Band. 703-319-3971. www.ViennaArtsSociety.org.

Cardboard Regatta. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield. Witness the cardboard boat creations race along Lake Accotink’s shoreline at 2 p.m. $4 vehicle fee. Call 703-569-0285 or email julie.tahan@fairfaxcounty.gov. Visit www.springfielddays.com for more.

June

Monday/June 1

Great Falls Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Hidden Creek Golf & Country Club Reston. Join for a morning or afternoon round of golf and support our three Great Falls elementary schools while you are at it. Individual golfers are $175 and foursomes are $600. Opportunities for sponsorships available! For more information: www.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Friday-Sunday/June 5-7

Celebrate Fairfax! Festival. Friday: 6 p.m.-midnight; Saturday: 10 a.m.-midnight; and Sunday: 11 a.m.-7p.m. Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Musical performances, rides, games and food. Call 703-324-3247 or visit www.celebratefairfax.com/.

Saturday-Sunday/June 6-7

Women Unplugged Weekend. 8 a.m. Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Unplug and spend the weekend outdoors. Saturday kayak from Algonkian Park to Riverbend and have an outdoor dinner with a bonfire. Spend a night under the stars in your tent or in our Nature Center. Sunday explore birds, edible plants, and learn to shoot a bow and arrow. Bring a bagged lunch and water bottle for Saturday's trip; all other meals are provided. Meet at Riverbend at 8 a.m. on saturday. Program ends at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Women only. Register at http://parktakes.fairfaxcounty.gov/.

Saturday/June 13

Taste of Annandale. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tom Davis Drive in central Annandale, between Columbia Pike and John Marr Drive. The first-ever Taste of Annandale will showcase local restaurants during a daylong family-friendly celebration aimed at building community spirit, engaging young people, and promoting local businesses. Other activities include a 5K “Diamond Dash” Fun Run; multicultural music, dance, and other live entertainment; a chili cook-off pitting Fairfax County police officers against firefighters; and a children’s corner with performances, storytelling, and other activities.

Saturday-Sunday/June 13-14

2nd Lake Anne Chalk on the Water Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Chalk on the Water is a two-day street-painting festival where participants will create amazing street art. Festival goers can purchase a “plot” of brick space on the plaza and paint to their hearts delight whatever flows from their imagination. Cost for spaces are $5 for children, $10 for adults, and $15 for professional artist. Individuals can register at www.chalkonthewater.com. Only 100 spaces/plots are available for this event. Participants have a chance to win cash prizes for various categories, awarded by notable community judges. The festival will also include food, a live DJ, a wine garden.

Sunday/June 14

Love Your Body Yoga Festival. Yoga studios and wellness centers of Northern Virginia will be offering classes, services, and information on ways to care for your body, along with live entertainment and activities for children. Donations to participate in classes benefit Cornerstones. Presented by Beloved Yoga. www.belovedyoga.com.

Lake Anne Summer Film Festival: My Big Fat Greek Wedding. 8 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. The free outdoor festival will take place each month on selected Sunday’s and will feature some great flicks from classic to comedy. Grab a date, the family or a group of friends, bring the lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy flicks under the stars.

Thursdays/June 18-Sept. 3

Take a Break Concert Series. 7-9 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 11404 Washington Plaza W, Reston. On Thursdays, take a break with this outdoor concert series. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/take-a-break.shtml for weekly lineup.

Friday-Sunday/June 19-21

Taste of Reston. Friday: 3-11 p.m.; Saturday: noon-11 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Carnival games and rides with a family fun zone. Visit www.restontaste.com for more.

Saturday/June 20

Clifton Wine Festival. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Children’s Park, 7140 Main St., Clifton. Visit historic Clifton, with wine, food, music and arts and crafts to make it a celebration. Rain or shine. Visit www.cliftonwine.com for more.

Wednesdays/June 24-Aug. 19

Frying Pan Farm Arts in the Parks. 10-11 a.m. Frying Pan Farm Park Amphitheater, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon. Entertain children, teach them the importance of protecting our natural resources, introduce them to live entertainment in an informal kid-friendly atmosphere, and forge a connection between kids and parks. Call 703-437-9101.

Friday-Sunday/June 26-July 5

World Police & Fire Games. Thousands of athletes from 70 countries will converge in Fairfax County for 10 days of competitions. Entertainment and activities will be hosted by Reston Town Center during the games. Fairfax2015.com

Saturdays/June 27-Aug. 22

Burke Arts in the Parks. 10 - 11 a.m. Burke Lake Park Amphitheater, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Entertain children, teach them the importance of protecting our natural resources, introduce them to live entertainment in an informal kid friendly atmosphere, and forge a connection between kids and parks. Call 703-323-6601.

Lake Fairfax Arts in the Parks. 10 - 11 a.m. 1400 Lake Fairfax Park, Reston.. Entertain children, teach them the importance of protecting our natural resources, introduce them to live entertainment in an informal kid friendly atmosphere, and forge a connection between kids and parks. Call 703-471-5414.

July

Saturday/July 4

Herndon 4th of July Celebration. 7 p.m. Bready Park at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. A family-fun event featuring games, arts and craft activities, bingo, food face painting, balloon artists, and fireworks. Visit www.herndon-va.gov for more.

Great Falls 4th of July Celebration & Parade. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5K Walk Run, Blood Drive, Little Patriot Parade, and floats, horses, antique cars and pets making a loop in the Main Parade. Fireworks start after dusk. http://www.celebrategreatfalls.org/4th-of-july-celebration-parade/

Vienna 4th of July Festival and Fireworks Show. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Live musical entertainment, arts and crafts for kids, antique and classic car show and fireworks. Visit www.viennava.gov for more.

Fairfax’s Independence Day Celebration. 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. in the Downtown Fairfax Historic District. Independence day parade, historical tours, games, entertainment and fireworks. Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/independence-day-celebration

Fridays/July 10-Aug. 28

Braddock Nights Concert Series. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield or Royal Lake Park, 5344 Gainsborough Drive, Fairfax. Listen to musical performances in the great outdoors. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/ for location and schedule.

Saturday/July 11

Obon Festival. 5:30 -9 p.m. Highlighting Japanese culture at Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 6500 Lakehaven Lane, Fairfax Station. Visit www.ekoji.org for more.

Sunday/July 12

Lake Anne Summer Film Festival: E.T. 8 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. The free outdoor festival will take place each month on selected Sunday’s and will feature some great flicks from classic to comedy. Grab a date, the family or a group of friends, bring the lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy flicks under the stars.

Saturday/July 18

Clifton Film Festival. 7 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Enjoy live music, food and original films under the stars. During the event there will be two awards ceremonies, student's awards will be given during intermission and the 19+ category at the closing of the festival. For more information, please visit cliftonfilmfest.com

Saturday-Sunday/July 18-19

Claude Moore Colonial Farm 1771 Market Fair. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Sit in the shade and savor roast chicken and spicy sausages, enjoy dancing and singing with the fiddler, test your water color and writing skills with Mr. Andrews at the Stationer. Visit http://1771.org for more.

Friday/July 19

2015 Tour de Tysons Bicycle Races. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Jones Branch Drive, Tysons Corner. Ten bicycle races, food trucks and vendors. The Tour de Tysons is a fun experience for the whole family — compete or simply enjoy. Visit www.tysonspartnership.com for more.

August

Saturday/Aug. 8

Silver Line Music & Food Truck Festival. 12-9 p.m. Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons. Admission is free, over 20 food trucks and fun.

Sunday/Aug. 9

Lake Anne Summer Film Festival: West Side Story. 8 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. The free outdoor festival will take place each month on selected Sunday’s and will feature some great flicks from classic to comedy. Grab a date, the family or a group of friends, bring the lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy flicks under the stars.

Sunday/Aug. 30

Lake Anne Summer Film Festival: Jazz on a Summer’s Day. 8 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. The free outdoor festival will take place each month on selected Sunday’s and will feature some great flicks from classic to comedy. Grab a date, the family or a group of friends, bring the lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy flicks under the stars.

29th Annual Pakistan Independence Day Festival. Noon. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. The Pakistan Independence Day Festival includes musical performances, rides and games. Visit www.pakistanfestivalusa.com for more.

September

Saturday/Sept. 5

Lake Anne Jazz Festival. 2 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront), 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. Showcasing a variety of talented local emerging artista and national jazz performers. Beer garden on site. Visit http://lakeanneplaza.com/event/9th-annual-lake-anne-jazz-festival/.

Monday/Sept. 7

Herndon Labor Day Festival. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn St., Herndon. Great music, a craft show, food, 12 wineries and micro-brews and culinary demonstrations. Visit www.herndon-va.gov for more.

Saturday/Sept. 12

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.

Saturday-Sunday/Sept. 12-13

Burke Centre Festival. Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Conservancy Festival Grounds, 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke. Enjoy face painting, food, rides, and other amusements at the Burke Centre Festival. Visit www.burkecentreweb.com for more.

Sunday/Sept. 13

Lorton’s Fall Festival. 11 a.m. at Lorton Station Town Center. Enjoy a magic booth, pumpkin painting, photo booth, games, prizes and more. Visit www.lortonstationtowncenter.com/calendar-of-events.html

Saturday/Sept. 19

Dulles Day Plane Pull. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Dulles International Airport, Dulles. The 2014 Dulles Day Family Festival & Plane Pull is a full day of excitement with airplane and auto exhibits, the children’s zone and bus pull, varied displays and activities, vendors, food and entertainment. Visit www.planepull.com for more.

Saturday-Sunday/Sept. 27-Oct. 3

Fairfax’s Fall for the Book Festival. 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy literature and hear authors give readings at the Fall for the Book Festival. Visit www.fallforthebook.org for more.

Saturday/Sept. 26

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