Community Corner

Koo-Koo + Blood Drive + FY2026 Budget + Block Party: MCC In September

McLean Community Center has scheduled a variety of activities for September, including a parking lot sale and the Old Firehouse Block Party.

McLean Community Center has scheduled a variety of activities for September, including a parking lot sale and the Old Firehouse Block Party.
McLean Community Center has scheduled a variety of activities for September, including a parking lot sale and the Old Firehouse Block Party. (Michael O'Connell/Patch)

MCLEAN, VA — With discussions over the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, a block part to celebrate the Old Firehouse’s 34th anniversary and a Fall Community Parking Lot Sale, September will be a busy month at the McLean Community Center.

MCC is located at located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. In McLean. Residents of Small District 1A Dranesville are eligible for discounts on fees for events offered by MCC. For the latest information about the following events, visit MCC's website. The information below was taken verbatim from an MCC release.

MCC Governing Board: Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole on the FY2026 Budget
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m.
All Governing Board meetings are open to the public.
The McLean Community Center Governing Board is holding two public meetings in September to discuss the center’s fiscal year 2026 budget. The board invites residents of Dranesville Small District 1A, who pay a real estate surcharge to support the center, to attend the meetings. At the Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole, MCC Finance Committee Chair Kathleen Cooney Porter and the full board will examine the proposed FY2026 budget as presented by MCC staff. Public comment is reserved for the second meeting, the FY26 Budget Public Hearing, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Help Save Lives! American Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
McLean Community Center is helping the American Red Cross with Diverse Blood Donations! It is urgent for donors of all ethnicities to support patients in need. Join us and support the community with your lifesaving blood donation. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: "McLeanCC" to schedule an appointment.
Old Firehouse Center Family Event: Snack and Paint Night
Friday, Sept. 13, 7-9 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd. $15/$10 MCC district residents
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, love snacks or just want to get your hands dirty with some paint, come on down to the Old Firehouse for our Snack & Paint Night. Led by a professional art teacher, you will be able to create your own masterpiece with your family while having tons of fun doing so. All materials and snacks are included in the fee. Preregistration is recommended.
Community Event: Fall Community Parking Lot Sale
Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free admission. MCC Parking Lot
Join your friends and neighbors at the best sale of the season! Shoppers will find fabulous bargains offered by 50 vendors, including household items, electronics, clothing, music, books, children’s items, and collectibles. Visit Kids’ Row, where 5- to 15-year-olds sell their gently used treasures—toys, games, sporting equipment, and other items. Shoppers can enjoy music by a live DJ, and apple cider donuts, hot cider and coffee by Mamas Donut Bites. Presented by The Alden
Koo Koo
Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd. $15/$12 students and seniors /$10 MCC district residents
Often described as the Beastie Boys meets Sesame Street, Koo Koo is a dance party for the senses. Lifelong friends and collaborators Bryan and Neil tour the globe delighting fans with their high-energy music, infectious positivity and interactive live show. With an emphasis on crowd participation and building a raucous, hyper-active atmosphere, a Koo Koo show must be seen to be believed. Very limited seating will be available, as this performance is meant to be enjoyed as a dance party.
Celebrating 34 Years of Community Service: Old Firehouse Block Party
Saturday, Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd.
Free admission
Come celebrate the Old Firehouse’s 34th Anniversary. From 1990 to 2024, OFC has served the community—first as Fairfax County’s first fire station and now through programs for youth, such as the After School Program and 5th & 6th Grader Dances. This open house/festival features a variety of free games, crafts, music, food, amusements, giveaways and more! Don’t miss it!
MCC Governing Board Meeting
Public Hearing on FY2026 Budget + Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m.
All Governing Board meetings are open to the public.
The FY2026 Budget Public Hearing gives residents an opportunity to review MCC’s FY2026 proposed budget. Small District 1A-Dranesville residents can prepare and provide verbal and/or written comments at the hearing. Residents who wish to speak at the “Public Comment” portion of the hearing are asked to call 703-790-0123, TTY:711, to have their names placed on a speakers’ list; however, signing up is not required.
Welcome the Change of Season: Harvest Happenings
Saturday, Sept 28, 10 a.m.-Noon
Free admission
Celebrate autumn with your family locally! Harvest Happenings is an indoor-outdoor festival with live entertainment, a petting zoo, crafts and games. Patrons can visit our pumpkin patch and purchase a pumpkin to decorate.
For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit mcleancenter.org. For Old Firehouse activities, call 703-448-8336. For The Alden Box Office, call 703-790-9223.

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