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Weekend Planner: Festivals, Concerts and More

Patch has found a variety of events for you to choose from as you make your weekend plans.

Posted Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm ET|Updated Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 4:36 pm ET

Where: Waterfront Park, Alexandria
When: Saturday, August 11 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Why Go: Celebrate Irish culture with live music and dancing, arts and crafts, food and much more.
Price: Admission is FREE

Where: John Carlyle Square Park, Alexandria
When: Saturday, August 11 from Noon - 4 p.m.
Why Go: This event, sponsored by Whole Foods Market Old Town, will feature back to school raffles, vendors, face painting, an art contest, live music and more.
Price: Admission is FREE

Where: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria
When: Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Experience the late 1790s with this event featuring English country dances, live music, “iced refreshments” and more. Period costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Price: Tickets are $45 in advance

Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
When: Sunday, August 12 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy a full English tea while you learn about the “risqué” side of Victorian life through postcards, photos and prints. For ages 18 and up.
Price: $27 per person – Reservations Required

Where: Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale
When: Sunday, August 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Why Go: This summer performance concert combines contemporary dance with classical technique, including flamenco, ballet and modern dance.
Price: Tickets are $20

Free Concerts:

Braddock Nights presents Johnny Cash Tribute Band, Jed Duvall at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Friday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
Mount Vernon Nights presents Guy Mendilow Band at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
Spotlight by Starlight presents Hula Monsters at Mason District Park, Annandale. Friday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
Arts in the Parks presents Rocknoceros at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station. Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m. FREE.
Arts in the Parks presents The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s OTO Brass Quintet at Mason District Park, Annandale. Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m. FREE.
Mount Vernon Nights presents The United States Air Force Band “Airmen of Note” at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Saturday, August 11 at 7 p.m. FREE.
Spotlight by Starlight presents Korean Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale. Saturday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
Spotlight by Starlight presents Clifton Williams and the Blue James Band at Mason District Park, Annandale. Sunday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. FREE.

Library Events:

Fun Flicks at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Friday, August 10 at 10:30 a.m. For all ages. FREE – Registration Required.
Friends Book Sale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria. Saturday, August 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Nature Highlights:

Mammal Mania – Herbivores at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Friday, August 10 at 4 p.m. For ages 6 - 8. $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
Beginning Nature Photography at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, August 11 at 10 a.m. Weekend Parking is $4 per vehicle.
Geology Rocks at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday, August 11 at 2 p.m. For ages 5 - 13. $6 - $8 per person – Registration Required.
GPS Adventure at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, August 11 at 4 p.m. Weekend Parking is $4 per vehicle.
Kayak Tour at Pohick Regional Park, Lorton. Sunday, August 12 at 8 a.m. For ages 12 and up. $30 per person – Reservations Required.
Treemendous! at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Sunday, August 12 at 11 a.m. For ages 2 - 5. $5 - $7 per person – Registration Required.
Mammals of Mason Neck at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Sunday, August 12 at Noon. Weekend Parking is $4 per vehicle.
The Marsh at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Sunday, August 12 at 4 p.m. Weekend Parking is $4 per vehicle.