Weekend in Fairfax County: Ghost Tracking, Scarecrow-Making and History at Huntley

Ready for the weekend? Fairfax County has all the doings going on in the county parks this weekend. Information courtesy of The Weekender:

Friday, Oct. 7: Survival Skills

Hidden Pond Survivor – Shelters: Learn wilderness survival techniques while exploring and hiking the trails as well as identifying nature dangers and helpful plants and animals. Topics vary. From 5 to 6 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Ages 6 to 12. $7/child. Registeronline. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Also on Friday:

Delicious Dairy at Historic Huntley : Churn your own delicious butter and taste fresh cheese you can make at home. Discover how Historic Huntley, once a summer home for the wealthy, became a dairy farm. House tour included. From 1 to 2 p.m. at Historic Huntley. Ages 2 and up. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

“Rocky Horror Show” : Richard O’Brien’s modern classic musical tribute of the golden age of Sci-Fi “B Movies” will run as a live show Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30 from 8 to 10 p.m. (5 to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays) in the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. Mature content/adult humor. $30/adult, $25/senior or military and $20/student with ID. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Saturday, Oct. 8: Pressing Fun

Family Fun – Leaf Critter Crafternoon : We’ve been busy pressing leaves for a family fun collage project. Create animal images from different leaf shapes, glue and wiggly eyes. From 1 to 2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Also on Saturday:

Double Murder Ghost Investigation: Ghost investigator, spiritual medium and author Rob Gutro will present a case from his Maryland ghost tracking group where the team investigated a home reporting paranormal activity. Not for the faint of heart! From 10 a.m. to noon at George Mason Regional Library. Ages 13 and up. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

Scarecrow Making Workshops: Make a “friend” at Colvin Run Mill. Bring pants and shirt, plus an old pair of pantyhose (for head and body). We supply the stuffing and know-how. Sessions run from noon to 12:45 p.m. and 1 to 1:45 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill. $6/scarecrow; pay at site. Buy pantyhose at site for $1. No reservations required. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Indie Author Open House: Drop in to meet local independent authors, learn how to can get published, make connections and link to readers. Book sales and light refreshments. From noon to 2 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library. Adults. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-938-0405.

Bulbs for Every Season: Master gardeners from Green Spring Gardens Speakers Bureau will discuss best gardening practices and preparation for bulbs. From 1 to 2 p.m. at George Mason Regional Library. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-256-3800.

Poetry Society of Virginia: Poetry readings by published authors Bill Glose, a former paratrooper and author of three poetry collections, and professor Henry Hart of the College of William and Mary. From1 to 4:30 at Martha Washington Library. Adults and teens. Free; register online. For information, call703-768-6700.

Politics at the Movies – “The Candidate”: In this election season, come see Robert Redford as an idealistic young lawyer who is persuaded to run for the Senate against an apparently unassailable incumbent. From 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Rated PG. Adults. Free; no registration required. For information, call 703-689-2700.

Second Saturday Art Walk: Tour seven unique studio buildings to see the work of visual artists, while enjoying light refreshments and music. From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-584-2900.

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet: This multiple Grammy Award winner will take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a soul-satisfying musical recipe. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the CenterStage, Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. $50/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-390-6167.

Sunday, Oct. 9: Happy Feet

Sunday Afternoon Dance: Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to foxtrot, swing, cha-cha and waltz. Music selection ranges from golden oldies to today’s more modern dance selections. Door prizes and light refreshments add to the fun; partners not required. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center – Hunters Woods. Ages 18 and up. $10/person. Pay at door. For information, call 703-390-6157.

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.