Weekender Newsletter

Friday, Feb. 6 - Sunday, Feb. 8

Chief Vs. Chief Adoption Bowl

All Weekend Long, Hours Vary

Get ready for an electrifying showdown. Our Animal Service's Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl waives adoption fees for dogs at our Michael R. Frey and Lorton campuses. Fire Chief John Butler and Police Chief Kevin Davis will each lead a team of canine players. The team with the most adoptions wins.

Weekend-Long Events

Chocolate Lovers Festival

Friday - Sunday, Times Vary

Get ready for the most delicious event of the year. The City of Fairfax is hosting its annual Chocolate Lovers Festival in Old Town Fairfax. Enjoy a variety of chocolate events and delights.

Black History Month Events

Friday - Sunday, Times Vary

A variety of engaging events are happening this weekend to celebrate Black History at parks, libraries and community centers. Highlights include historic site tours and author discussions. 

Friday, Feb. 6 Events

Olympic Movie Matinee - 'Miracle' (3 - 5:30 p.m.)  The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics takes place this evening. To celebrate, join us for a showing of "Miracle" at Kings Park Library in Burke. The film tells the true story of the U.S. men's ice hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union during the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Friends of Reston Library Mystery Sale (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Come to the Reston Regional Library and shop for mysteries and thrills. We've got something to keep you warm (and awake) during the cold, dark days.

Blind Date with a Book (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Stop by the Herndon Fortnightly Library to select your date, check it out and unwrap it. It may or may not be love at first sight.

Stroller Strides (10:30 a.m. - noon)

Join us at Kingstowne Library for a stroller-based indoor workout for moms and caregivers, with fun engagement activities in for little ones. Children under 6 must remain in a stroller, while kids 6 and older can enjoy an activity table.

Teen DIY: Bath Bombs (4 - 5 p.m.)

Teens, indulge in self-care and science by creating your own bath bombs at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. There will be a different scents and color options to choose from.

Saturday, Feb. 7 Events

Lunar New Year Celebrations (Times Vary) Celebrate Lunar New Year with crafts, music, trivia and lion dance performances at several of our library branches. Lion dances are traditionally performed to bring good luck for the new year.

Custom Valentine Making (10 - 11:30 a.m.)

Bring your smocks and creativity to Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon to make your own valentines. Craft animal-themed pun and historic-style cards. Materials will be provided.

Biology of the Despised (10 - 11 a.m.)

Join us at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield to challenge misconceptions about misunderstood animals like snapping turtles, nonvenomous snakes and spiders. Registration is $9.

Chinese Culture Club (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Explore Chinese history, art, music and culture through a variety of activities at Oakton Library. Activities will be in English and Chinese Mandarin. All Chinese language levels are welcome.

LEGO Extravaganza (10:30 a.m. - noon)

Join us for a LEGO extravaganza at Pohick Regional Library in Burke. Activities include kids' free build, a tower building contest and LEGO giveaways.

Washington Gardener Seed Exchange (12:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Washington Gardener Magazine is co-hosting the annual seed exchange at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria, featuring lectures and a seed swap. Bring your extra seeds to swap and leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends and expert planting advice.

Going Green Workshop - Clean Conscience (1 - 4 p.m.)

Learn how to read labels, spot greenwashing tricks and become a savvy sustainable shopper in this interactive workshop at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Craft your own personal care products with simple, natural ingredients. Registration is $28.

Adult Crafting: Flameless Decoupage Candles (2:30 - 4 p.m.)

Create cozy candles using Mod Podge and decorative napkins at Great Falls Library. Materials will be provided.

Animal Pajama Party (6:30 - 7:15 p.m.)

Put on your pajamas and come to the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale to hear bedtime stories, meet animals and say goodnight to the center's animals. Bring your favorite stuffed animal along. Registration is $10.

Sunday, Feb. 8 Events

Penguins and Polar Bears (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.) Learn about penguins, polar bears and other animals who enjoy the chilly temperatures at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Build and race penguins and create a snowman. Registration is $8.