Concerts, Campfires and Comedy This Weekend at Fairfax County Parks

Friday, June 24: Fire Up

Campfire Fridays – Summer : Come along for a night of campfire, s’mores, animals and more in a monthly program this summer where you’ll explore a different topic and park area each Friday. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Ages 3 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Also on Friday:

• Creek Adventure Wagon Ride : Bring the whole family for a wagon ride. Wear shoes that can get wet and an adventurous spirit to explore the Rocky Run. From 7 to 8 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 2 and up. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.
• Goodnight Walk – Owls : Learn to recognize the calls and features of local owls, make a craft and enjoy a night hike with a naturalist. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.
• Mount Vernon Nights Concerts: Memphis Gold, a throwback to the blues men of the past, will entertain you. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Lysette Titi “Oweleo”: Lysette is a triple-threat artist and songwriter. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Saturday, June 25: Jazzy Tunes

Jazz Masters with John Eaton: Jazz pianist, musicologist and humorist John Eaton focuses on Cole Porter in this popular continuing education program with hilarious commentary and elegant renditions of jazz standards, both popular and obscure. From 1 to 2 p.m. to The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. $12/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

• Also on Saturday:
• The Great Zucchini: The funny and magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and laughs are guaranteed. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Burke Lake ParkAmphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Global Arts – Korean Dance and Music: Come experience the varied beauty of Korean culture, a gift to your eyes and ears. From 10 to 11 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• 123 Andrés:123 Andrés, one of the most exciting voices on the children’s music scene, will have everyone singing, dancing and learning in Spanish and English. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• The grandsons, jr.: This kids’ band version of DC-area roots rock superstars, The Grandsons, will delight the whole family with an upbeat mix of rock, swing, R&B, country and Latin music. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Seldom Scene: Widely acclaimed as “America’s greatest bluegrass band,” Seldom Scene will delight listeners. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Arrowbrook Centre Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Mount Vernon Nights: The U. S. Army Blues began as the Army Dance Band to entertain soldiers and civilians in the battle zone during World War II. Since then, it has evolved into the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army. From 7 to 8 p.m. to the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night: Enjoy the exotic and diverse beauty of Taiwanese culture, dance and music. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Evening Walk :Join naturalist PJ Dunn to hike the trails after dark, looking and listening for owls, beavers and other night animals. From 8 to 10 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Adults. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, June 26: Leaf Life

Life in the Leaf Litter : Join a park naturalist for a hike and exploration of the forest floor to uncover the diversity of soil organisms and the crucial role that invertebrates play in helping forests stay healthy. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. atRiverbend Park. Ages 8 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Also on Sunday:
Spotlight by Starlight: Founded by former members of the four Washington, DC military bands, the National Concert Band of America will perform a wide variety of Big Band music. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

• Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.
• The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

(PHOTO: Barred Owl photo courtesy of Fairfax County; information courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender.)