Weekend Planner: Dr. Seuss, Live Music, and Chocolate

What will you do this weekend?  Let Patch help you decide with our list of various local events happening this Friday through Sunday. 

 Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday:

• Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, March 2 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  FREE – Registration required.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! at Martha Washington Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, March 3 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  FREE – Registration required.
• Dr. Seuss’ Birthday: Read Across America at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m.  FREE. 
• Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Extravaganza at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, March 3 from 2 – 3:30 p.m.  $6 - $8 per person – Registration required.

Basic Gardening: Veggies in Small Places

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Friday, March 2 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Want your own vegetable garden but don’t think you have the space?  Learn how you can grow the foods you love in any size home or yard. 
• Price:  $10 for Fairfax County residents; $12 for non-residents

 Chocolate Lovers Festival

• Where: Various locations in Fairfax
• When: Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4
• Why Go: A weekend of chocolate-themed fun for the whole family.  See website for complete details. 
• Price:  Prices vary; most events are FREE.

 Studio 3 Theatre: “Sinbad: The Untold Story”

•  Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Beginning Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Why Go: Studio 3 specializes in theatrical productions for kids of all ages.  In this play children will follow the adventures of Sinbad with sword fights, magic carpet rides, and more. 
• Price:  Tickets are $8 for children under 12; $12 for adults – Reservations recommended.

Local Library Book Sales

• John Marshall:  Saturday, March 3 from 12 – 4 p.m.
• Kings Park:  Ongoing Sale
• Lorton:  Ongoing Sale

 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

• Where: Begins at the intersection of King and Alfred streets in Alexandria
• When: Saturday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Come for an early Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Old Town Alexandria.

• Price:  FREE

Family Fun: Feathers in Flight

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Saturday, March 3 from 2 – 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy a nature hike as you watch for birds returning from their winter migration.  Learn about the birds that make this trip each year.  For ages 5 and up.
• Price:  $6 for Fairfax County residents; $8 for non-residents – Registration required.

ArtNotes: Sior-Og Irish Band

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, March 3 at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: A performance by this local Irish band includes Celtic music, traditional folk tunes, and step dancing.
• Price:  Tickets are $10 – Reservations recommended.

Ballet Folklorico De Antioquia

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: Don’t miss your chance to see this authentic Colombian dance ensemble on their first U.S. tour.  Arrive 45 minutes early for a pre-performance discussion.
• Price:  Tickets range from $23 - $46

 Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Sunday, March 4 at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Conducted by Eugene Tzigane, and featuring cellist Amit Peled.  Enjoy an afternoon with this world-renowned German orchestra.  The program includes music by Grieg, Brahms, and Victor Herbert.  There will be a pre-performance discussion beginning at 3:15 p.m.
• Price:  Tickets range from $25 - $50