Dog Fest, Festival Of Frights, Trunk Or Treat Coming To MCC In October

MCLEAN, VA — From the McLean Pet Fest to the Festival of Frights, McLean Community Center is offering a variety of activities for community members of all ages in October.

Below are all the details provided by MCC. Unless otherwise noted, all activities are happening at the community center, which is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. Residents of MCC’s tax district, Small District 1A-Dranesville, are eligible for discounts on fees. Get the latest information on the center’s website.

McLean 5K/Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m. McLean Square Shopping Center, 6631 Old Dominion Drive $45 through midnight, Oct. 2

• CENTURY 21 New Millennium, The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce and other generous sponsors invite you to join the event hosts, McLean Community Center and McLean Community Foundation, for the McLean 5K Race. A certified course through McLean is designed to appeal to runners of all abilities. The proceeds from McLean 5K Race will benefit the McLean Community Foundation, a local charity that supports all things McLean, from fire trucks to playgrounds to social services. To register or for more information, visit mclean5k.com.

Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety and OCD, Thursday, Oct. 10, 7-8:30 p.m. Free admission

• The McLean Community Center is partnering with the Safe Community Coalition to present a free discussion series for parents. Join us for these “Mindful Exchange” discussion groups. Topics covered include identify anxiety and OCD symptoms, effective treatment approaches and local resources. The discussion will be facilitated by Robyne Davis MA, LPC, BC-DMT and Heather Tedesco, Ph.D.

McLean Pet Fest, Sunday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. New Location! McLean Community Center. Free Admission.

• Have fun on the McLean Community Center grounds and bring your furry friends (leashed please), enjoy the free music, Fido’s Bone Bar, a photo booth, pet tricks and demonstration shows. Find valuable pet-related resources including pet rescue, adoption, pet sitters, groomers, trainers and more. Great giveaways! Stay for lunch and enjoy the gourmet food truck offerings. Join the fun at the Pet Parade at 3 p.m. Costumes are welcome! Free parking at the Dolley Madison Library and the McLean Community Center.

Touch-A-Truck, Monday, Oct 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free admission

• Join us during the Fairfax County Public Schools’ holiday for this free event that gives kids and families 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 during our quiet hour from 9-10 a.m.

“The Remember Balloons,” Friday Oct. 18, 7 p.m. $20/$17 students and seniors/$15 MCC district residents.

• Based on the book of the same title by Jessie Oliveros. Illustrator: Dana Wulfekotte. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Choreographer: Dominic Moore-Dunson. Music: Theron Brown. Illustration: Dana Wulfekotte. James’ Grandpa treasures his balloons, each representing cherished memories—his wedding with Grandma, a fishing trip with James. When the balloons begin to drift away, James is devastated until he discovers he can share those balloons one by one. Through an energetic blend of American contemporary and social dance, “The Remember Balloons” is a heartwarming intergenerational tale that embraces the beauty of sharing family memories while delicately addressing memory loss.

MCC Governing Board Meeting: October 2024 Meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. All governing board meetings are open to the public.

• The board will vote on the FY2026 budget proposal. Tax district residents (Small District One A-Dranesville) who wish to speak during the public comment portion of the monthly board meeting may 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.

Festival of Frights & Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m. Free for all participants

• 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 wish to volunteer themselves and their vehicles for Trunk or Treat, please submit an email request to oldfirehouse@mcleancenter.org. Include your name and your trunk theme and submit your request by Sunday, Sept. 29. Volunteer hours are 4-8:30 p.m. Each vehicle will receive candy to distribute to the trunk or treaters. Volunteer spots are limited.

“SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure,” Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. $15/$12 students and seniors/$10 MCC district residents.

• This bilingual/bicultural musical uses traditional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores, who thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey that unravels the true meaning of Día de Muertos.

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.