Weekender Newsletter

Friday, Aug. 21 - Sunday, Aug. 23

Clear Our Shelters This Weekend

Friday, Aug. 21 - Sunday, Aug. 23, Hours Vary

Find your new best friend at our shelters this weekend. Adoption fees will be waived for all pets at our Michael R. Frey and Lorton campuses. Whether you are looking for dogs, cats or small animals like birds, reptiles or guinea pigs, your perfect match is waiting. If you choose to adopt a cat or dog that's 6 years or older, you will receive a $250 care credit at Pender Veterinary Centre.

Weekend-Long Events

Annual Begonia Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, Hours Vary

Discover and shop for a variety of begonias at this free annual show sponsored by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria. Explore colorful displays, terrariums and greenhouses.

Summer Entertainment Series

Friday and Saturday, Times Vary

Watch and listen to performances this weekend as part of our Summer Entertainment Series. Performances include Ocho de Bastos, Orquesta Tropikiimba, Stacy Brooks Band and HuDost.

Friday, Aug. 21 Events

Dinosaurs in Virginia: Footsprints Reveal an Ancient EcoSystem (1 - 2 p.m.) Join us at Dolley Madison Library in McLean to hear the story of dinosaurs based on fossils and footprints from Virginia. We'll discuss the species of dinosaur that lived across the eastern United States and the strange ecosystem they occupied. The event will also be held virtually for those who can’t make it in person.

The Train Display by Northern Virginia NTRAK (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Come see Northern Virginia NTRAK's model train display at Oakton Library. The train display is a miniature, handcrafted scene featuring detailed trains running along scaled tracks through lifelike landscapes. 

QPR Suicide Prevention Training (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

We'll cover the three steps anyone can take to help prevent suicide in this virtual training. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, how to intervene and where to refer someone who is in crisis.

Educación Financiera 101/ Financial Literacy 101 (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm.)

Learn ways to improve your finances and reduce stress in this bilingual financial 101 class at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. We'll cover the fundamentals of budgeting, understanding income and expenses, setting financial goals, improving credit and developing smart saving habits.

Hydroponics Workshop (2 - 3 p.m.)

Join us for a workshop at Pohick Regional Library in Burke to learn how to grow food using hydroponics, the practice of growing plants in nutrient-rich water. Learn about the lighting requirements, plant care and how to harvest food grown in your home.

Saturday, Aug. 22 Events

Springfield Bridge Walk (9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Celebrate the covenant between the community and Fort Belvoir Garrison at the annual Springfield Bridge Walk. Join us as we walk across the Veterans Bridge from Springfield Plaza to American Legion Post 176. The walk will end with a community celebration with vendors, refreshments and entertainment.

Nature Kayaking (10 a.m. - noon)

Paddle with a naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna that call Lake Fairfax Park in Reston their home. Find out what’s growing along the lake’s edge, who likes to wade in the water and what might be swimming beneath you. All equipment is provided. Registration is $45.

Create/Fold a Variety of Paper Airplanes (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Compete with friends to see whose paper airplane can fly the farthest at John Marshall Library in Alexandria. Work together to design, fold and launch your airplanes, then compare how far each one travels.

Historic Huntley House Tour (10:30 a.m. and noon)

Explore the vistas, voices and stories of Historic Huntley in Alexandria. The tour includes the unfurnished late Federal-style 1825 villa, farm outbuildings, stories from the Huntley community and a view of Hybla Valley. Registration is $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Back to School Bash (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Mark the end of summer reading and the return to school with us at Reston Regional Library. Enjoy activities, food trucks and all sorts of fun for the whole family.

Summer Reading Grand Finale and Book Signing (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Celebrate the end of summer reading with books, music and family fun activities at Kingstowne Regional Library. We'll be joined by local children's author Debora Brown.

Book Journaling Workshop for Beginners (3 - 4 p.m.)

Combine your love of reading with crafts at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. Learn to track your reading in this hands-on book journaling workshop. Supplies will be provided, but you can bring your own journal or notebook if you'd like. 

Starlight Cinema ‘Cars’ (6:30 - 10 p.m.)

Watch a movie under the stars with your family and friends at the Sully Historic Site in Chantilly. We’ll be showing the film "Cars." Don't forget to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs.

Sunday, Aug. 23 Events

Swap Meet Sunday: School Supply Swap (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.) Have extra school supplies at home? Bring them to our school supply swap at Chantilly Regional Library. Stop by to see if you can pick up any last-minute items for free before school starts.