Weekend Planner: Circus at Bull Run

Make the most of your Labor Day weekend by checking out these events happening locally this Friday through Monday. 

Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars

• Where: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
• When: Multiple showtimes Friday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 3
• Why Go: Excitement under the big top will include live animals, a human cannonball, trapeze artists, clowns and more.
• Price: Prices vary – see website for details.

• Where: Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, September 1 at 8 a.m.
• Why Go: This event is part of the Church’s International Festival, and funds raised will go toward the Shepherd’s Gate grant program to assist those in need. 
• Price:  $25 Registration fee; $15 for ages 14 and under

Alexandria Art Market

• Where: Del Ray Artisans, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy live music while you peruse original works displayed by local artists.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Battle of Ox Hill 150^th Anniversary

• Where: Ox Hill Battlefield Park, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. – 5p.m.
• Why Go: Commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Ox Hill with artillery demonstrations, soldier encampments, crafts for kids, live music and more.
• Price: FREE

• Where: Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton
• When: Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Get cozy with a blanket while you enjoy the movie “Bottle Shock” under the stars. Bottles of wine will be for sale, as well as a limited assortment of meats and cheeses. Adults only, please.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association’s Summer Chamber Music

• Where: The Lyceum, Alexandria
• When: Sept. 2 at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: The final summer chamber music series performance will feature pianist Carlos Ibay.
• Price: FREE

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series:

• Braddock Nights presents City of Fairfax Band “Alte Kameraden German Band” at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Friday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Slightly Something at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents OCEAN Orchestra at Mason District Park, Annandale. Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.

 Library Events:

• The World of Harry Potter at Centreville Regional Library, Centreville.  Now through October 4. For all ages. FREE.
• Wag a Tale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria. Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. For school age children. FREE – Appointment Required.
• Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Saturday, Sept. 1 beginning at 1 p.m. For ages 6 – 12. FREE – Registration Required.

Nature Highlights:

• Historic Kayak Tour to the Town of Occoquan at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton. Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. $10 per person.
• Tagging Monarch Butterflies at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Sept. 1 at 1 p.m. For ages 3 and up. $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Junior Naturalist at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday, September 1 at 1 p.m. For ages 7 – 12. $15 - $17 per person – Registration Required.
• Dino Extravaganza Puppet Show at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday, Sept. 1 at 3:30 p.m. For ages 2 and up. $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
• Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton. Saturday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. For ages 8 and up.  $30 per person – Reservations Required.
• All About Bats Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7:15 p.m. For ages 3 and up. $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
• Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria. Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. FREE.
• Pond Explore and Hike at Eakin Community Park, Annandale. Sunday, September 2 at 10 a.m. $5 - $7 per person – Registration required.
• Monarch Tag and Tea Party at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. For ages 3 and up. $15 - $17 per person – Registration required.
• Monday Bird Walk at Eakin Community Park, Annandale. Monday, Sept. 3 at 7 a.m.  FREE.
• Snake and Turtle Feeding at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Monday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. For ages 3 and up. $5 - $7 per person – Registration required.