Weekend: Concerts, Beach Party, Puppet Show + More

PHOTO: Cathy Ponton King performs Saturday night at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Photo courtesy of King

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Although the weather forecast is for sweltering temperatures this weekend, there is still plenty of fun scheduled around Fairfax County. Here's a look at events going on at county parks and facilities, courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, July 22

• Piano Pleasure: Jeff Little Trio: With few exceptions, piano does not play a prominent role in Appalachian music but Jeff Little is a remarkable exception. Enjoy his distinctive two-handed style. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Dairy Days: Churn butter, crank ice cream and play historic games for a taste of 18th-century life. Ice cream and butter will be made at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Children must be accompanied by an adult. House tour tickets will be available on site for an additional cost. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.
• Summer Stage at Reston Station – Alfredo Mojica & Friends: Move with Alfredo Mojica & Friends’ energetic salsa classics as well as spirited bachata, merengue, jazz and other Latin grooves.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.
• Mount Vernon Nights Concerts: If you’d like some world jazz, international acoustic quartet Vernneau will fit the bill. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Cathy Ponton King: This longtime Fairfax County resident has two acclaimed CDs featuring her original blues, swing, ballads and soul. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Saturday, July 23

• Nocturnal Nature: Evening Stroll: Come for a relaxing stroll through the park at dusk. A naturalist takes you on a tour of the woods and wetlands to watch and listen for beavers, owls and other nocturnal residents. From 8 to 10 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 6 and up. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.
• Native American Archery: For food and defense, archery was an important part of life for Native Americans. Learn how to make a bow and arrow, then take aim and shoot. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Ages 8 to 12. $8/child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588
• Jammin’ Beach Party – with Cody and Bj: While Cody & Bj sing “Hanging Ten,” surfers get to show their surfing talents on Bj’s surfboard! Traveling from Hawaii to the Bahamas, volunteer singing leaders help everyone do their part in “The Islands.” How low can you go while doing the limbo to “Limbo Time”? From10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library. All ages. Free. Register online. For information, call 703-971-0010.
• Dairy Farming at Walney – Ice Cream: Explore Walney’s dairy farm history while touring the ice house and ice pond. Try your hand at ice-making tools and pick up an ice block. Make and eat hand-cranked ice cream. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.
• Blue Sky Puppet Theater: Come hear “Rufus,” the story of a shy little dog and the characters he meets, including a walrus, a dentist and Banana Man, while looking for a good home. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Feast for Young Ears – Fairfax Symphony: One of the Fairfax Symphony’s passions is to bring classical music to young people. From 10 to 11 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Mr. Jon & Friends: This energetic family concert is all about fun, movement and laughter.From 10 to 11 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Mad Science – Preschool 123: This spelling-binding show introduces children to the principles of vibration and chemistry. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Mount Vernon Nights: Founded by former members of the four Washington, DC, military bands, the National Concert Band of America will perform a variety of big band music for the enjoyment of all ages. From 7 to 8 p.m. to the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• The Hall Brothers: Don’t miss vintage American roots, country and rock ‘n roll featuring Wammie Award winner Chick Hall on lead guitar. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Arrowbrook Centre Park. Free. For information, call703-324-7469.
• Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night: Enjoy traditional Bolivian dance and music. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Sunday, July 24

• For Bats' Benefit: Build Your Own Bat House: Bats help eat mosquitoes and pollinate plants, but they are having a hard time. Help these important animals thrive by building a bat house to hang in your yard. From 10 a.m. to noon at Riverbend Park. Ages 3 and up. $8/person. Everyone must register. Register online. $15 per bat house will be paid to the instructor on the day of the program. For information, call 703-759-9018.
• Wagon Ride – Birds, Butterflies & Blossoms: Take a wagon ride scavenger hunt through the meadow to search for birds and butterflies and meet a friendly animal up close. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Riverbend Park. Ages 2 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.
• Satisfaction: This band is internationally acclaimed as the most authentic cast and production show honoring The Rolling Stones. From 5 to 6 p.m. in McLean Central Park (parking available at the Dolley Madison Library or McLean Community Center). Note: Alcohol is not permitted in McLean Central Park. Free. For information, call 703-790-0123.
• Spotlight by Starlight: The United States Army Blues, the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army will delight listeners. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

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 Countywebsite. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.