Weekend: Coyote Campfire, Ride the Turkey Train + Flying Squirrels

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here’s a look at events taking place in Fairfax County; information courtesy of Fairfax County Weekender.

PHOTO of Turkey Train courtesy of Fairfax County; the Turkey Train is coming to Lake Fairfax Park Sunday in Reston.

Friday, Nov. 14: Dance Duet

Contemporary Dance Premiere of “Inconstancy”: The Alden’s Resident Contemporary Dance Company, Christopher K. Morgan & Artists, returns for its fourth annual season with an evening of mixed repertory featuring the world premiere of “Inconstancy,” a duet that asks if one can ever really be satisfied with what one has. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center (also on Saturday). $30/person; $15/senior or student. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-790-0123.

Also on Friday:

Meet the Author of “Babymouse and Squish”: Jennifer Holm is the Newbery-winning author of this popular series for kids. Books available for sale and signing. From 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center. Ages 6 to adult. Free; register online. For information, call 703-324-3100.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Howling Good Time

Coyotes Campfire: Satisfy your curiosity and your sweet tooth with one howling campfire. Listen to coyote calls, take a short hike and make s’mores as you learn about this wily canine. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Also on Saturday:

Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop : Participants ages 8 and up receive introductory training in the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics program. Workshop topics include the underlying concept of minimum impact recreation and the seven principles of Leave No Trace. From 8 to 11 a.m. at Riverbend Park. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Park Manager Walk and Talk: Join a free walk to learn about the wetland restoration project and the wildlife the park is known for. From 4 to 6 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. No registration required. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Astronomy Campfire : Enjoy a campfire and learn what ancient cultures saw in the stars as well as get advice on how to enjoy the Geminids meteor shower on Dec. 13. Make s’mores over the embers after hearing tales of the constellations. From 7 to 8 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Campfire Saturdays at Lake Accotink: Explore the woodlands and lakefront spots where wildlife hides and resides. Program ends with a cozy campfire and s’mores. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. $7/person. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Ballroom Social Dance: Put on your dancing shoes and join the monthly Ballroom Social Dance featuring complimentary refreshments and a cash bar. All skill levels welcome! Arrive early for a 30-minute mini-lesson on the tango from 7:30 to 8 p.m. The social dance is led by a professional ballroom instructor from 8 to 10:30 p.m. in the McGuire-Woods Gallery (second floor of W-16), Workhouse Arts Center. $10/person (Ballroom Social) and $5/person (mini-lesson). Mini-lesson tickets sold only at the door. Ballroom Social Dance tickets may be purchased online, by phone or at the door. For information call 703-584-2900.

DakhaBrakha: Reflecting fundamental elements of sound and soul, Ukrainian “ethnic chaos” band, DakhaBrakha creates a world of unexpected new music. The name means give/take in in the old Ukrainian language. Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African, Russian and Australian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s astonishingly powerful vocal range creates a transnational sound rooted in Ukrainian culture. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the CenterStage, Reston Community Center. $40/person. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Sunday, Nov. 16: All Aboard!

Ride the Turkey Train at Lake Fairfax: Ride Engine #62 of the Resources Railroad around and through the fall-colored forest as you hear about early Thanksgiving celebrations. See how Eastern Woodland Indians hunted and how their tools were made and create your own Thanksgiving-themed craft to take home. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park. Please bring non-perishable food to be donated to a local food bank. $6/person. Register online. For information or to make a reservation, call 703-471-5415.

Also on Sunday:

Flying Squirrels — Gliding in Tonight: Look for flying squirrels at roosting boxes. Learn how you can encourage flying squirrels to visit your yard. From 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

• Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.
• The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.
  
  
• A complete list of county calendars is also available online.
• To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187.
  
• TTY is 711 unless otherwise indicated.