This Weekend: The Sounds of Summer

RUTHIE & THE WRANGLERS PHOTO COPYRIGHT MICHAEL G. STEWART (191)

Editor’s note: The following information is provided by Fairfax County Weekender, from Fairfax County:
Friday, Aug. 7: Lotsa Laughs

Cool Cow Comedy – Stewart Huff: His knack for embracing the foibles of humanity and his refreshing originality make Stewart Huff as likeable as he is hilarious. A storyteller at heart, he will entertain you with his clever material and personal wit. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the W3 Theatre, Workhouse Arts Center. Due to material, show is for those 18 years and up. $12/person in advance; $15/person at the door. Buy tickets online. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Also on Friday:

The New Columbia Swing Band: Showcasing music by Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. From7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Alt Washingtonia: Like cowbells? How about yodeling, musical saw and mountain dulcimer? This Bavarian group also will perform traditional Alpine dances. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Mount Vernon Nights Concert: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution is a 10-piece group that blends New Orleans party music, soul, roots rock and good upbeat gospel. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Big Joe Maher Band: Specializing in a kind of shuffle-heavy, swing-based blues you can dance to, Big Joe will entertain. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Royal Lake Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Saturday, Aug. 8: Beary Good Fun

Teddy Bear Picnic : The teddy bears will be having their picnic! Children ages 3 to 8 can bring a teddy bear for stories, songs, games and snacks for humans and bears. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $10/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Also on Saturday:

The Great Zucchini: Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer performs a colorful magic show. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Fizzical Fairytales: There’s something for everyone to laugh at with this unlikely pair who beat the odds to defeat a nasty dragon. From 10 to 11 a.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Rocknoceros: This sensational three-man band will perform original children’s songs and much-loved favorites. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call703-324-7469.

Blue Sky Puppet Theater: “The Three Not So Little Pigs,” an updated adaption where the pigs play with remote control cars and guitars and the wolf is a vegetarian, will delight kids of all ages. From 10 to 11 a.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Visit a fire truck: Come check out a fire truck up close and hear all about being a firefighter from the team at the Great Falls Fire Station. From 10 a.m. to noon at Great Falls Library. Free. Registeronline. For information, call 703-757-8560.

Pond Life : Meet a naturalist by Walney Pond and find out who is living under the water at the pond’s edge. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Wear boots that can get wet. $5/person. All family members must register. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

2nd Saturday Art Walk: Tour seven unique studio buildings to see the work of over 100 visual artists, while enjoying light refreshments and music from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free admission. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Starlight Cinema: The whole family will enjoy the animated feature “How to Train Your Dragon 2” with voices by Cate Blanchett and Gerard Butler. Rated PG. Gates open at 6 p.m.; movie starts at dark at 5860 Trinity Center Parkway. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Mount Vernon Nights Concert: Enjoy the rich harmonies of Robin and Linda Williams, favorites of “A Prairie Home Companion.” From 7 to 8 p.m. to the Quad at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

European Polka and Waltz Night: The Continentals will have you kicking up your heels to polka and gliding to the waltz. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Evening Stroll :Explore the park at dusk when a naturalist takes you on a tour of the woods and wetlands to watch and listen for beavers, owls and other nocturnal residents. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park. Ages 6 and up. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Sunday, Aug. 9: Corny Pancakes

Pancakes at the Mill : Meet at Cabell’s Mill for brunch to make corn pancakes and learn about the mill. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. atE.C. Lawrence Park. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-827-0609.

Also on Sunday:

Stars on Sunday Concert Series: This week’s concert features rock/pop artist Mark Scott. 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. For information, call 703-584-2900.

Spotlight by Starlight: Rockin’ roots music from Ruthie and the Wranglers. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

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.