Weekend in Fairfax County Parks: Fine Arts Fest, Campfire, Bat Fest + More

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Here's a look at what's going on this weekend in Fairfax County parks, courtesy of The Weekender:

Friday, Sept. 9: Boppin' at the Metro Stop

Summer Stage at Reston Station – Chaise Lounge: Jazz, lounge, swing, big band and pop – Chaise Lounge has all these musical styles covered. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the open air plaza atop Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. All ages. Free. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Also on Friday:

Animal Pajama Party: Put on your favorite pajamas and come to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and wish goodnight to the center’s live animals. Be sure to bring your favorite stuffed animal or cuddly toy with you. From 7 to 7:45 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 2 to 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $6/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Saturday, Sept. 10: Fall for Plants

Fall Garden Day – Plant Sale and More: Fall is a great time to plant and Green Spring Gardens is hosting numerous local plant and garden craft vendors to satisfy your gardening needs. A silent auction, bake sale, live music, kids’ activity tent and food add to the festivities. Come and support one of Virginia’s most innovative public gardens. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Free admission. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Saturday:

Virginia Indian Festival: The 2016 festival includes eight American Indian tribes from Virginia including the Rappahannock dancers and drummers. Enjoy hands-on activities, live demonstrations and pottery and crafts for sale. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverbend Park. Ages 3 and up. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Music in the Life of President Lincoln: Watch a screening of the documentary "Music in the Life of President Lincoln" produced by the Virginia Chamber Orchestra. A Q&A will follow the film. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the City of Fairfax Regional Library. All ages. Free; register online. For information, call 703-293-6227.

Fine Arts Festival: Interact with 150+ artists exhibiting contemporary fine arts and crafts, jewelry and handcrafted furniture, as well as enjoy live music, food and drinks. From 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Workhouse Arts Center. On Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., explore the annual education open house with a variety of demos, performances and hands-on activities. Free admission. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Creating Fall Beauty in the Garden: Master gardeners from the Green Spring Gardens Speakers Bureau will discuss best planting practices for a beautiful autumn garden. From 1 to 2 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

Walney Time Travel – Peach Cobbler Campfire: Bring your appetite and learn about 18th- and early 19th-century residents as interpreters dressed in period attire demonstrate cooking a peach cobbler using a Dutch oven. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Fine Arts Festival Opening Night Party: Mingle with the artists and enjoy festive cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the opening of the Fine Arts Festival. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. $35/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Sept. 11: Reston's Founder

Robert Simon – In His Own Words: Local author Kristina Alcorn spent two years interviewing Robert Simon and recording the little-known stories of his life. Join her as she recounts her journey with Reston's beloved founder and the writing of her book, “In His Own Words: Stories from the Extraordinary Life of Reston’s Founder.” Books will be available for sale and signing. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-689-2700.

Also on Sunday:

Spinning Spiders: Spiders can be a bit scary — until you really get to know them and the wonderful things they can do! Oh what a tangled web they weave! Spiders surprise and sometimes scare people. Join us to learn how valuable spiders are in our world and how to enjoy them from a distance. From 2 to 2:45 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 2 to 5. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Bat Fest: Wildlife rehabilitator Leslie Sturges presents (and feeds) live local bats and discusses the challenges they face. Join us as we go looking for bats flying overhead and track them with a sonar bat detector. Discover the many benefits of bats through games, crafts and a woodland fun fact hike. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $7 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

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.

A complete list of county calendars is also available online.

To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187.

TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.

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