Weekend: Brewfest, Tom Paxton Concert, Starlight Cinema

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Looking to get out and about this weekend? See what's going on in Fairfax County parks, information courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender:

Friday, Aug. 12: Gather Round the Campfire

• Campfire Fridays-Summer: Come out for a night of campfire, s’mores, animals and more from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Ages 3 and up. $8/person. Register online. For information, call 703-569-3464.
• Also on Friday:
• Summer Stage at Reston Station – Shane Gamble Band: For country rock from the 1970s to today, come hear the Shane Gamble Band 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: Come hear Rain Follows the Plow, a “Dust Opera” which captures the experiences of those who lived through the Dust Bowl of the 1930s from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Tom Paxton: As a voice of his generation, Tom Paxton addresses issues of injustice and inhumanity and celebrates the bonds of family, friends and community from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District ParkAmphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• The Back Roads Band: You can hear one of the Washington area’s top retro honky-tonk bands from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Saturday, Aug. 13: First Annual Brewfest

• BrewFest: In partnership with Celebrate Fairfax, Visit Fairfax and Fairfax County Government, the Workhouse is presenting its inaugural BrewFest featuring nearly 100 craft brews by 30 breweries. The day will include a dozen bands performing on three stages, numerous food trucks, lawn games and of course, the Workhouse artists will be in their galleries, which will be open for exploration. The evening concludes with a free Mount Vernon Nights Concert by The Claire Lynch Band (see below). From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at theWorkhouse Arts Center. General Admission: $30/person; VIP: $40/person; Hop Star: $75/person; and parking $15/vehicle (free parking with shuttle from Vulcan Materials). Note: Final day to purchase VIP and Hop Star tickets is Aug. 11. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-594-2900.
• Also on Saturday:
• Animal Search with a Naturalist: Early morning is the one of the most active times in the park. With an expert naturalist, see which creatures, feathered or furred, are in the forest. You’ll discover a hidden forest filled with animal signs, emerging native plants and even a few invaders. Bring open eyes, questions, binoculars and field guides, if you wish. From 8 to 9 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Ages 2 and up. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.
• Global Arts – Russikye Musikanti: Immerse yourself in Russian folk tradition with dance and songs from 10 to 11 a.m. at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Rocknoceros: This sensational three-man band will perform original children’s songs as well as much-loved favoritesfrom 10 to 11 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• The Singing Lizard: Liz combines original and traditional children’s music with electronic, pop and dance genres from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• 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 Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Useful and Edible Plants and Trees: Come learn about many uses for native plants and trees in the wilderness or in your own backyard. Find out which plants are safe to eat and which to avoid. Learn the right weeds and trees to help start a fire, get a drink, find a meal, make a rope, stop an itch or heal a wound. Explore the park’s trails, fields and forests, and see what Mother Nature is growing just for you. Bring water, a snack and rainwear. Wear suitable outdoor clothes and hiking boots/shoes. From 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine at Burke Lake Park. Ages 10 and up. $24/person. Register online. For information, call 703-323-6600.
• Civil War Encampment Weekend: Federal and Confederate troops recreate Civil War daily life as re-enactors demonstrate the various work of the army. Skirmishes each day include infantry, artillery and cavalry. Visit the weekend encampment and discover a soldier’s lifestyle during this turbulent time in America’s history. Enjoy live music and a fashion show. House tour includes artifacts rarely on exhibit belonging to the Haight family, mid-19th century residents. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Sully Historic Site. $9/adult; $7/senior or child. Pay at site. For information, call 703-437-1794.
• Delicious Dairy at Historic Huntley: Churn your own butter and taste fresh cheese you can make at home. Discover how Huntley, once a summer home for the wealthy, became a dairy farm. Tour of the historic house included. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Huntley. Ages 2 and up. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.
• Garden Tour and Ice Cream Social: Stroll Green Spring’s vibrant summer gardens with a Master Gardener docent. Then come into the Historic House for an ice cream social, a traditional gathering dating back to the 18th century. Enjoy a variety of delicious ices, served with toppings, garnishes and a touch of nostalgia. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 13 and up. $12/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-7987.
• Fishing by the Stream: Join a naturalist and go fishing along Rocky Run stream. Learn about native fish and receive tips on equipment and techniques. Beginners welcome. Bring your own fully rigged fishing poles; worms provided for bait. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Meet at Cabell’s Mill. Ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.
• Starlight Cinema: Watch the movie “Inside Out” outdoors! After young Riley is uprooted, she has to learn how to navigate a new city, house and school. Rated PG. Gates open at 6 p.m. with free games/activities/live entertainment from 6 to 8 p.m. and movie begins at dark at 5860 Trinity Center Parkway. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Mount Vernon Nights: The Claire Lynch Band is a creative force in acoustic music. Hear them push the boundaries of bluegrass music from 7 to 8 p.m. to the Workhouse Arts Center. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• All About Bats Campfire: Several bat species flit about in the Virginia sky. Look for them as you head to a campfire to learn fun bat facts and lore, plus enjoy an American Indian story of how bats got their wings. Toast marshmallows over the embers. From 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Canceled in the event of inclement weather. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.
• The Nitehawks Swing: For some high energy jump and jive tunes, enjoy the big band sound of The Nitehawks Swing from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Arrowbrook Centre Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night: Santi Budaya presents Indonesian dances from Java, Bali, Sumatra and other islands in this rich presentation with lavish costumes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.
• 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. atHuntley Meadows Park. Ages 6 and up. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, Aug. 14: Magical Rain Forest

• Rain Forest Puppet Show: Explore the magical rain forest through a puppet show starring a trio of lizards and their friends. Enjoy rain forest activities such as bird watching, puddle jumping and a chameleon craft from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 3 to 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5/child. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.
• Also on Sunday:
• 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.
• Spotlight by Starlight: For some traditional bluegrass, catch Wayne Henderson with Jeff Little and Helen White from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free admission. 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.

PHOTO: Tom Paxton's latest effort, "Redemption Road," courtesy of the artist

Information courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender