Weekend Planner: Civil War Day, Kentucky Derby Party and More

Let Patch help you plan your weekend with our list of events happening locally this Friday through Sunday.

• Where:
• When: May 4 & 5 at 7 p.m.; May 5 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: It's the theatre department's spring production, and features special flying effects are produced by ZFX Flying Effects, Inc.
• Price: Tickets for the evening performances are $10 general admission.  Children age six and under and senior citizens may purchase discount tickets to the evening shows.  Tickets for Saturday's matinee are $8 general admission for all ages.  This performance will be ASL interpreted.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

• Where:
• When: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: It's the theatre department's spring production.
• Price: Tickets are $12 and may be purchased online or at the door.

Mason Dance Company May Concert

• Where: , Fairfax
• When: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: This modern dance company is made up of GMU students ready to begin their professional careers.
• Price:  General admission is $15; Students, Staff, and Seniors $10

Fairfax Civil War Day

• Where: Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Why Go: The event continues Fairfax City’s activities commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, and features re-enactors, activities, and demonstrations.
• Price: Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child age 12 and younger.  Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Historic Blenheim Estate. Free parking and shuttle service are provided at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run.

 Annual Bed Race

• Where: John Marr Drive, Annandale
• When: Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. - Noon
• Why Go: This highly anticipated yearly event raises funds for Virginia Special Olympics.
• Price: FREE

 Family Fun: Art is in the Air

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: Families are invited to create works of art using natural objects found at Green Spring Gardens.  Take home a painted creation of your own.
• Price:  $6 - $8; registration required

 New Dominion Chorale and Orchestra: Mendelssohn’s ELIJAH

• Where: , Fairfax
• When: Saturday, May 5 at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: The New Dominion Chorale and Orchestra includes a 200-voice chorus, a 50-piece orchestra, and several world-renowned soloists.
• Price:  Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $5

 Bowties and Belles

• Where: Collingwood on the Potomac, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, May 5 from 4 – 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Watch the Kentucky Derby in style while sipping mint juleps and wearing your favorite hat or bowtie.
• Price: $100 Patron Ticket; $80 Individual Ticket

 Mount Vernon CROP Hunger Walk

• Where: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, May 6 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
• Why Go: CROP Hunger Walks raise money to help feed children and families around the world and right here in the United States.  The Mount Vernon route is 1.6 miles long.
• Price:  Donations accepted

27th Annual Open House and Heritage Festival

• Where: Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington
• When: Sunday, May 6, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Why Go: The event will include music, entertainment, food, community exhibits, games, and more for all ages.
• Price: Free admission.

 Mason School of Music Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choirs Young Masters Concert

• Where: , Fairfax
• When: Sunday, May 6 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring performances by the winners of the 2012 concerto competition.  Proceeds from the concert will support music scholarships.
• Price:  Adults $20; Students and Seniors $15

 Library Highlights:

• African Tea Tasting at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m.  FREE – registration required.
• The Great Zucchini at Duncan Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m.  FREE. 
• Used Book Sale at John Marshall Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, May 5 from Noon – 4 p.m.
• Read to the Dog at , Burke.  Saturday, May 5 starting at 1 p.m.  For ages 6 – 12.  FREE – registration required.

 Nature Programs:

• Off Trail Birding at South Kings Highway at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Saturday, May 5 at 7 a.m.  For adults.  $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
• Safari Saturday-Spring at , Springfield.  Saturday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m.  For ages 3 – 7.  $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
• Makin’ Tracks at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m.  Parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
• Dinofest in Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m.  For ages 3 – 9.  $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
• Wetlands Awareness Day at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, May 6 from Noon – 3 p.m.  For all ages.  FREE (some activities may require a small fee).
• Buggin’ Out at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m.  Parking fee is $4 per vehicle.