Saturday, September 27

Bluegrass Concert

Bluegrass legend Bill Emerson and the Sweet Dixie Band raise the rafters at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center from 8 to 9 p.m. Hear this award-winning musician and his new band as they strum old favorites and future classics. Seating is general admission and doors open at 7 p.m. The cost is $15 per person .Prepaid reservations recommended. To purchase tickets, call 703-437-9101.

Saturday, September 27

Mason District Park Fall Festival

Crafts, live entertainment, puppet shows and clowns are just part of the attractions at this year’s festival. Fun seekers can also enjoy police and fire demonstrations and children’s activities including moon bounces and pony rides. In addition, crafters will be displaying and selling their wares. Live entertainment includes popular local bands between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free; tickets may be purchased for individual rides. Craft Vendors must register in advance by calling 703-256-7717. Rain date is Sunday, September 28. For information, call 703-941-1730.

Saturday, September 27

Sunset Cruise – Last one!

Admire the sunset and relax as you cruise the beautiful shoreline of Lake Accotink from 7 to 8 p.m. You may spot a heron settling in for the night or a deer coming down to water’s edge for a late drink. An interpretive history of the park is included in the tour. Beverages served on board. Reservations are required for this adult cruise. The cost is $5 per person. To reserve, call 703-569-0285.

Saturday, September 27

Mantis Mayhem!

Learn about mantises and other insects from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Cub Run RECenter. This program is suited for children ages three and older with an adult. Reservations are required. The cost is $3 per child and $2 per adult. To reserve, call 703-817-9407

Saturday, September 27

Spying on Spiders

Explore spider anatomy and prey-catching tactics and identify several local spider families at Cub Run RECenter from 3 to 4 p.m. This program is suitable for children three years and older with an adult. Reservations are required. The cost is $3 per child and $2 per adult. To reserve, call 703-817-9407.

Saturday, September 27

Final Dog Day Afternoon Cruise!

Treat your canine companion to a special cruise aboard Lake Accotink Park’s pooch-friendly pontoon boat from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. One dog per person is allowed. The cruise is appropriate for ages eight and older. Prepaid reservations are required. To reserve, call 703-569-0285.

Saturday, September 27

What Wood Is That?

A wood and finishing expert demonstrates how to recognize the leading varieties of wood by their color, grain and texture at Historic Green Spring from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn about veneers, laminates and re-finishing, as well as basic wood care and maintenance, repair and restoration. The cost is $25 per person. To register, call 703-941-7987.

Saturday, September 27

Fall Festival

The Fall Festival, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, is a fundraiser filled with adult and family activities, including the lecture Remarkable Trees of Virginia by author Nancy Hugo, a silent auction and an expanded plant sale, including local artisans specializing in garden art and crafts. Proceeds help acquire plants for the garden and add to the park’s educational efforts. Fees vary for individual activities. Lecture: $20.

Saturday, September 27

Ice Cream Making

Don’t miss the last chance of the season to see how ice cream was made in the past and to help hand-crank a delicious batch of ice cream at Colvin Run Mill from noon to 4 p.m. Ice-cream is available for $1 per cup. For information, call 703-759-2771.

Saturday, September 27

Harvest Moon Concert

EVENT CANCELLED
Enjoy music on the lawn at Sully Historic Site from 5 to 8 p.m. Jericho Bridge fills the air with bluegrass songs at 5 and 7 p.m. At 6 p.m. Tim O’Kane presents his unique, sing-along sound playing mostly Irish music, but also classic acoustic standards. Bring a picnic supper and toast marshmallows at the fire. Take a ride on the hay wagon. The cost is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Saturday, September 27

Tagging Monarch Butterflies

Learn to identify monarch butterflies at Hidden Oaks Nature Center from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Assist a naturalist in tagging live monarchs and release them as they begin their southwest migration. Make a symbolic monarch to “migrate” to a child who lives in the Mexican communities surrounding the butterfly reserves. This program is suitable for children ages five and older. Prepaid reservations are required. The cost is $6 per person. To reserve, call 703-941-1065.

Saturday, September 27

Predators and Prey

The predator-prey relationship is a complex and vital part of a habitat. Meet some of Riverbend Park Nature Center’s exhibit animals from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Then go a field to search for signs of animal activity. Prepaid reservations required. The cost is $5 per child. This program is suitable for children ages 7 to 12 years. To reserve, call 703-759-9018.

Saturday, September 27

Fall Birds and Bagels

Enjoy an early morning walk at Huntley Meadows Park from 8 to 11 a.m. and search for resident and migrating birds. Enjoy continental breakfast at the visitor center. Binoculars and field guides recommended. Reservations are required. The cost is $6 per adult. To reserve, call 703-768-2525.

Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28

War Comes to Walney

Experience Civil War camp life recreated by the 42nd Virginia Infantry Regiment at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Glimpse the daily routine of the soldiers who once camped at Walney and in Centreville. Young recruit candidates can participant in military drill and learn hands-on about the lives of young men and women during the war. This is a free event. For information, call 703-631-0013.