Weekend: Campfires, Wagon Rides, Bluebells + More

PHOTO: Lake Accotink Park photo courtesy of Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA --

Friday, April 15: Friday at the Farm

Frying Pan Fridays : Delve into a different side of your favorite farm park on a stress-free adventure that includes hands-on activities and short hikes. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park. Topics vary each month. Ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Also on Friday:

Twilight Hilltop Tour : Historic Huntley sits high upon a hill overlooking Hybla Valley and Huntley Meadows Park. It’s a dramatic setting made more stunning by the setting sun. Adults are invited for a special tour to see the property in a different light. From 7 to 8 p.m. at Historic Huntley. Light refreshments will be served afterward. Dress appropriately for the weather. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Saturday, April 16: Arrgh!

Pirate Fest at Lake Fairfax : Sing sea chanteys, learn nautical skills and experience the life of a sailor as you make your way around our port town. Dress as a pirate and enter our costume contest, as well as shop for treasures. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-471-5414.

Also on Saturday:

Bluebells at the Bend Festival: Come see Virginia bluebells carpeting the forest and putting on a spectacular display. The festival features wagon rides, face painting, animals, wildflower walks, music and a moon bounce. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverbend Park. $5/person; no charge for children ages 2 and under. Pay at site. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Workshop – Ikebana Flower Design : Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arrangement. Learn its rich symbolism and fundamentals at this workshop and take home your own arrangement. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 16 and up. $35/person, plus a $25/person supply fee. Register for both program and supply fee. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Vegetable Gardening 101 : Horticulturalist and Longwood Gardens instructor Nancy Bell will show you the basics of planting and maintaining a home vegetable garden. Learn about plant selection, tools, plant rotation, pest control and more. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $18/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Edible Landscape Design : Horticulturalist and Longwood Gardens instructor Nancy Bell will show you how to make your edible garden productive and beautiful by designing it with companion flowers and plants. You’ll learn how to incorporate attractive plant supports that echo your design and keep the garden looking tidy. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $18/person. Registeronline. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Campfire Saturdays – Lake Accotink Spring: Guided by a naturalist, you learn where wildlife hides and resides and then end up with a cozy campfire. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Meet at the marina. Bring whatever you like to roast; s’mores provided. Topics vary. Ages 3 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.

Mystery Night – Mesa Verde Murder: When murder is discovered during a party in Mesa Verde National Park, it's up to the guests to solve the case. Interview the suspects, gather clues and figure out whodunit. From 7 to 10 p.m. at Dolley Madison Library. Refreshments served. Adults. Free; register online. For information, call 703-356-0770.

Evening Walk : Adults are invited to join naturalist PJ Dunn to hike the trails after dark, looking and listening for owls, beavers and other night animals. From 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Ballroom Social Dance: Put on your dancing shoes and come out for an evening of social ballroom dance led by an instructor. Bring a friend, a date or a group and enjoy a casual, fun night out. All skill levels welcome. Mini-lesson on the West Coast swing, 7:30 to 8 p.m. Social dance led by a professional ballroom instructor from 8 to 10:30 p.m. McGuire-Woods Gallery (second floor of W-16),Workhouse Arts Center. $10/person (Ballroom Social) and $5/person (mini-lesson). Mini-lesson tickets sold only at the door. Ballroom Social Dance tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind: With the New York Neo-Futurists’ attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes, this is theatre for people who want to be part of the action, who love a rush of adrenaline, take a little of everything from the buffet and are, well…a little strange. From 8 to 9 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. $25/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call703-790-0123.

Sounds of the Night Campfire : Participants ages 4 and up will learn to identify nocturnal animal calls and enjoy stories of local creatures. From 8 to 9 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $6/person. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Sunday, April 17: Psst...Want to Hear a Secret?

Hitching a Ride Through Huntley : Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to uncover some of the top-secret history at the park. Participants will take a wagon ride through time on the wilder side of the park to discover its role from World War II through the Cold War. Meet at the South King’s Highway parking lot. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. or 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 4 and up. $7/person. Registeronline. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Also on Sunday:

Bluebells and Bloodroots : Adults will learn to identify beautiful spring ephemerals and discover the folklore that has grown up around them as you walk along the banks of the Potomac River. From 1 to 3 p.m. at Riverbend Park. Meet at the visitor center. Canceled if it rains. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Concerts at The Alden: Now in its 40th season, this classical music series features professional musicians who have won international recognition for their artistry. From 3 to 4 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center. Free; no ticket required. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Bird Watching Club : Look up, listen carefully and discover the amazing birds that inhabit the park. Kids ages 5 to 11 meet once a month to develop birding skills that will last a lifetime. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. $5/child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

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.