Fairfax County Weekend: MLK Day Celebration, Lego Building, World War II History + More

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Although forecasters are calling for wintry weather this weekend, if there's a lull, be sure to take advantage and get out. Here's a look at some local events, courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, Jan. 13: Nocturnal Nature

Animal Pajama Party: Put on your PJs and come to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and wish them goodnight. Bring your favorite stuffed animal with you from 7 to 7:45 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 2 to 6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $6/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Also on Friday:

Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions Program: Learn about foreign policy issues in a seminar atmosphere from 1 to 3 p.m. at Great Falls Library. Adults. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-757-8560.

Campfire Fridays - Winter: Come out for a night of campfire, s’mores, animals and more with new programs each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, Jan. 14: Calls of the Wild

Sing or Tweet or Growl: Animals compete in song and other vocalizations for a variety of reasons. Come discover surprising animal calls, past and present, and join in the chorus from 2 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 to 9. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $7/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Also on Saturday:

Minhwa – Korean Folklore Painting: Learn to use lines, shapes and a simple color palette to create a beautiful piece to share or keep from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library. Ages 16 and up. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

The Ugly Duckling: It’s hard being different. When a strange egg shows up in Mama Duck’s nest and hatches, a very ugly duckling is born. After many failed attempts to fit in, the ugly duckling sets out on a journey to find his true place in the world and realizes he must learn to love himself before he can discover who he really is. From 1 to 2 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. Ages 4 and up. $15/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

You Can Build It! Build your dream house. Experiment with different building materials (e.g., Legos) to build pediments, walls, arches and lintels, and learn something new about eggs. Make a paper house and take home a piece of decorative plaster. House tour included. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Huntley House. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Global Climate Change – Evidence, Impact and Mediation: Award-winning meteorologist and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) senior research scientist Dr. Arnold Gruber will present what experts know about climate change and what can be still done to mitigate this global concern. From 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Kings Park Library. Adults and teens. Free; register online. For information, call 703-978-5600.

Winter Tree ID: Learn winter tree identification basics and go for a hike to practice new skills from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 12 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

German POWs in America: Find out more about the German POWs held in the U.S. during World War II. Many were held right here in Fairfax County. From 2 to 4 p.m. at Kingstowne Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-339-4610.

DaVinci Drone and Coders Meet-Up: Learn about building, maintaining, customizing and coding drones from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Great Falls Library. All ages and levels. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-757-8560.

The Giver: Jonas’ world is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver – to receive and keep the memories of the community. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life – and the hypocrisy of his safe world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, grow wise and take control of your own destiny. From 4 to 5 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. Ages 9 and up. $15/person. Buy ticketsonline. For information, call 703-790-0123.

11th Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.: The Reston Community Orchestra will perform Elegy and Sinfonia, as well as toe-tapping selections by Gershwin and Ellington from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in theCommunity Room, Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. Free; donations welcome. For information, call 703-476-4500.

The Pursuit of Harmony: Join renowned Jewish American songwriter Michael Hunter Ochs and award-winning Muslim Palestinian peace activist/songwriter Alaa Alshaham for an evening of music and conversation. You’ll be inspired as these two improbable friends retrace their steps between Israel and Palestine with personal stories, stunning photographs and exclusive video from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The CenterStage, Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. $10/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-390-6167.

Sunday, Jan. 15: Remembering MLK Jr.

MLK Day Celebration – Chuck D: Best known as leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group, Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of a debut album in 1987. Chuck D is a go-to voice for insight on technology, politics, rap and soul music, and race in America. Few artists have such a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the intersection of popular culture and politics. Hear him from 1 to 2 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. $20/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Also on Sunday:

Orienteering Workshop: Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. Come learn how to use a compass, read a topographic map and navigate orienteering courses from noon to 2 p.m.at Burke Lake Park. Ages 8 and up. $25/person. A compass is required. Register online. For information, call 703-323-6600.

Winter Lecture - How Plants Got Their Stripes: Plantsman Joseph Tychonievich will share the science and secrets behind variegated and patterned leaves from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $10/person in advance; $12/person at the door. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Dino Puppet Show & Activities: Dinosaurs once roamed the earth. Enjoy a dinosaur puppet show and learn fun fossil facts from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 3 to 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $7/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

PHOTO via Wikimedia