Celebrate McLean Community Center's 50th Anniversary: Calendar

Press Release: McLean Community Center October Calendar

MCLEAN, Va. — The McLean Community Center (MCC) offers the following activities in October 2025. Please check the center’s website, mcleancenter.org, for up-to-date information. Residents of the center’s tax district, Small District 1A-Dranesville, are eligible for discounts on fees. All activities are held at the center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 22101, unless otherwise noted.

McLean 5k: Presented by The McLean Community Foundation

Saturday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m.

$45 registration fee by Oct. 1/$50 registration fee on Oct. 3 & 4

The McLean 5k is produced by the McLean Community Center and McLean Community Foundation with the generous support of our valued sponsors, CENTURY 21 New Millennium and The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce. The race features a certified course through the heart of McLean and is designed to appeal to runners of all abilities.

MPAartfest: Presented by The McLean Project for the Arts; supported by McLean Community Center

Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Free admission. McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd, McLean, VA 22101

Now in its 18th year, MPAartfest transforms Central Park into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of juried artists from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. MPAartfest 2025 will consist of a one-day fine art and craft show/sale featuring the work of more than 40 local and regional visual artists. This free event features contemporary art, two performance stages showcasing some of the DC-area’s best musical talents, four children’s art tents, food vendors, a yarn bombing installation (NEW this year!), and much more!

“The Bicycle Thief” Presented by The Alden - Performing Arts Movie

(1948, Italian with English subtitles)

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 1 p.m.

Free admission.

In post-war Italy, a working-class man named Antonio’s bicycle is stolen, endangering his efforts to find work. Together, Antonio and his son, Bruno, set out to find it. Recommended for audiences over 18 years old.

McLean Pet Fest: Bring your furry friends!

Sunday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free admission. McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd, McLean, VA 22101

Leash up your furry friends and join us! Enjoy great DJ music, Fido’s Bone Bar, the Bark-a-Lounge Beer and Wine Garden complete with a miniature pony to deliver goodies to your table. Take a picture with your pet at the professional photo booth–free! Meet the best in the business of pet-related exhibitors and find resources including pet rescue, adoption, pet sitters, groomers, trainers and more. Great giveaways! Stay for lunch and enjoy the gourmet food trucks. Join the fun for the Pet Parade at 3 p.m.—costumes are encouraged!

Touch-a-Truck: Explore your favorite vehicles!

Monday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-Noon

Free admission.

Join us on the Fairfax County Public Schools’ holiday for this FREE event that gives families and children the chance to see, touch and explore some of their favorite vehicles. Families and children can now come out to see and touch the trucks without all the noise, from 9-10 a.m. during our quiet hour.

“Theater of War”: Presented by The Alden - Performing Arts Movie

Thursday, Oct. 16, 1 p.m.

A behind-the-scenes look at The Public Theater’s production of Bertolt Brecht's “Mother Courage” starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline. Recommended for audiences over 13 years old.

The Sandwich Squeeze: Prioritizing Well-Being While Caring for All: Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with McLean Community Center

Thursday, Oct. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

Free admission. Registration is required.

Being part of the sandwich generation means you're often stretched thin, juggling the needs of your children and your aging parents. This can lead to overwhelming stress, guilt and exhaustion. Join our guided parent discussion, led by licensed mental health professionals, to explore effective strategies for managing these multifaceted responsibilities while safeguarding your own mental and emotional well-being.

The MCC Wayback Machine: 50th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

Free admission. Registration is not required.

McLean historian and former MCC Board member Carole Herrick will present a history talk highlighting the community efforts that brought about the creation of the center and its early history.

Monster Mash Party: Party like monsters!

Friday, Oct. 17, 7-9:30 p.m.

$35/$25 MCC district residents/$15 OFC members (must call to make payment)

Old Firehouse 5th-6th grader parties are themed and decorated accordingly. Free catered food and beverages will be distributed to participants. The parties feature a DJ, an open dance floor and a variety of activities. Preregistration is recommended. Parent volunteer opportunities available.

Community 50th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrate the MCC!

Friday, Oct. 18, 5-10 p.m.

Free admission. Registration is not required.

After a year-long celebration at the center and all about town, the McLean Community Center wants you to come out for our big 50th anniversary bash! Come dance through the decades with dance instructors and demonstrations on the hour, sip a signature mocktail or cocktail, enjoy fabulous foods, immerse yourself in our old school video games, enjoy our 50th anniversary video and engage in MCC trivia. There is so much fun planned for this once-in-a-lifetime special event!

Lightwire Theatre: “Dino-Light”: Presented by The Alden - Bringing the light!

Friday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

$25 Standard/$20 Seniors/$15 MCC district residents. Tickets on sale now.

Lightwire Theatre has been praised by audiences all over the world and was a semi-finalist on “America's Got Talent.” In "Dino-Light" a famous scientist’s special powers bring a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home (because of course it does!), it discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness! Lightwire Theatre creates unique entertainment experiences that utilize colorful, electroluminescent technology to tell captivating stories for audiences of all ages.

Old Firehouse’s Festival of Frights and Trunk or Treat: Calling all the spooky ghouls!

Saturday, Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m.

Free admission

Calling all families of ghouls and goblins! Come join the Old Firehouse in your best Halloween costumes for a night of live music, games, food, contests and tons of candy.

Families who would like to volunteer their time and vehicles for Trunk or Treat are encouraged to submit an email request to oldfirehouse@mcleancenter.org by Monday, Sept. 29. Please include your name and the theme of your trunk. Volunteer hours are 4-8:30 p.m. Each vehicle will receive candy to distribute to the trunk or treaters. Volunteer spots are limited.

CPR, First Aid, and AED: Respond and rescue!

Sunday, Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m.

$102 Standard/$82 MCC district residents.

This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults and children. Instructor: Respond and Rescue.

Climate Fresk Mural Workshops: The science behind climate change

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1-3:30 p.m.

Free admission. Registration is required.

These workshops on the science of climate change raise public awareness about the nature of the crisis. The objective is to accelerate the understanding of climate issues at the global level and contribute to the actions needed to preserve life on the planet. Climate Fresk is a French nonprofit founded in December 2018. It uses a collaborative applied game based on 44 cause-effect cards where participants draw a fresco or mural that summarizes the findings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This workshop will teach you the fundamental science behind climate change and empower you to take action. Instructor: Energy Economist.

October Meeting and Vote on FY2027 Budget: MCC Governing Board

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.

All Governing Board meetings are open to the public.

Tax district residents (Small District One A-Dranesville) who wish to speak during the “Public Comment” portion of the monthly board meeting are welcome to do so while attending the meeting, or may call the center in advance at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, to be placed on the speakers’ list.

For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit mcleancenter.org. For Old Firehouse activities, call 703-448-8336. For The Alden Box Office, call 703-790-9223.

The McLean Community Center, an agency of Fairfax County Government, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services and activities. We will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. To request special accommodations, call the Center 14 working days in advance of the event. To request this information in an alternate format, call 711.