Weekend: The Seldom Scene Free Concert Friday Night at Grist Mill Park

(Editor’s note: Information is courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender.)

Friday, July 17: Starry Starry Night

Goodnight Walk – Night Sky: Learn the wonders of the night sky and enjoy a story and craft. From 8 to 9 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Bring one flashlight per family and dress for an outdoor walk.$6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Also on Friday:

Cinema Under the Stars – “Mamma Mia!”: Pack your blankets for a night of fun with family and friends! During Family Fun Hour (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.) there will be music, trivia contests, door prizes for costumes (inspired by the movie’s Greek isle setting, wear your “island casual” attire) and games to play. A la carte beer and wine available for purchase. Due to Virginia ABC regulations, guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onto the campus. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. on the Quad at the Workhouse Arts Center. Suggested donation: $5/person; children under 9 free; buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Kings Park Band: The dedicated volunteer members of this concert band carry on the tradition of free public concerts, playing their big band sound. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Tom Paxton: Considered a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, Paxton also celebrates the bonds of family, friends and community. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Mount Vernon Nights Concert: Seldom Scene has long been one of the most progressive bluegrass bands. Its members are regarded as legendary figures in the acoustic music world. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

The Capital Focus Jazz Band: Capital Focus is dedicated to the preservation of traditional New Orleans jazz. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Royal Lake Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Saturday, July 18: Best Fishes

Fishing by the Stream: Meet at Cabell’s Mill to go fishing along Rocky Run stream. Learn about native fish and get tips on techniques. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Beginners welcome. Bring your own fully rigged fishing poles; worms provided for bait. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages 4 and up. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-827-0609.

Also on Saturday:

Workshop – Cement Cloth Planter: Make a unique garden container out of draped fabric and cement. From9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Ages 18 and up. $27/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

The YOJO Show – Choose to Read: A kids comedy show that’s lots of laughs with a great message. Our big fuzzy friend, YoJo, initially has a bad attitude about reading. He would rather spend his time watching TV and playing video games. But after several comic mishaps, YoJo learns that not only is reading very important, but it also can be lots of fun! From 10 to 11 a.m. at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Scalawags Singalong for Young Pirates: Hear traditional and new seafaring music with stories about real pirates and how they lived. From 10 to 11 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Fizzical Fairytales: There is something for everyone to laugh at in this fun-filled, spectacular production involving an unlikely pair who beat the odds together to defeat a nasty dragon. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

The Goodlife Theater Puppets: Little Red rides a rocket to the Grandma Planet with a basket of goodies. Can a space wolf be far behind? From 10 to 11 a.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Historic Huntley Summer Social: Enjoy refreshing lemonade and period games, as well as build a kite or try your hand at making hand-cranked ice cream. From 1 to 4 p.m. at Historic Huntley. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $8/person; children under 4 are free. Register online or pay at site. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Cool Cow Comedy Presents Carmen Lynch: The NYC-based comedian has been on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” a semi-finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and has performed several times for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Carmen also has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Inside Amy Schumer.” A la carte cash bar, soft drinks and concessions are sold before each performance. Due to material, all patrons must be 18 to attend. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m. in the W3 Theatre at the Workhouse Arts Center. $20/person in advance; $25/person at the door. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Mount Vernon Nights Concert: The Sidleys, Cal Everett and an all-star band will perform the Who’s Next album and other Who classics. From 7 to 8 p.m. on the Quad at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

KanKouran: The dance and music group will provide dazzling, culturally enriching performances of traditional West African dance and drum. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free admission. For information, call703-324-7469.

Johnny Cash Tribute Band: Jed Duvall brings back the music and style of the legendary “Man in Black.” From7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Arrowbrook Centre Park. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Campfire Fun – Summer Stories: Hear old-fashioned tall tales and roast marshmallows around a campfire. From 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Canceled in case of rain. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Sunday, July 19: Capitol Comedy

Spotlight by Starlight: The Capitol Steps will delight with their hilarious brand of political satire. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free admission. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Also on Sunday:

Grinding the Grain: Visit the mill as they grind the grain from noon until 3 p.m.Grain grinding demonstration: $7/adults, $5/child or senior, $6/student age 16+ with ID. Pay at site. Free woodcarving lessons from the Northern Virginia Carvers for ages 12 and up. Nominal charge for wood blanks. Colvin Run Mill. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Stars on Sunday Concert Series: This week’s concert features Rocknoceros, family pop/rock entertainers.While you’re there, visit the farmers market, open on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and pick up locally grown fruits, veggies, meats and more. Concert runs from 3 to 4 p.m. on the Quad at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free admission. For information, call 703-584-2900.