Fairfax County Weekender
Friday, July 27: Go for the Gold
Before you settle in for the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday night, go for the gold with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s Summer Olym-pets event. Dogs, cats, birds and other small animals will be showcased and families can adopt two cats or kittens for the price of one. All adopted shelter cats and kittens will also receive a free spay/neuter. A variety of canine companions will also be available to vie for first place in your heart and home. Noon to 6:30 p.m. (Tuesdays through Fridays, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Aug. 11). Fairfax County Animal Shelter. For more information call 703-830-1100.
Saturday, July 28: Viva Mexico!
Bring a picnic, comfy lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the sounds of traditional Mexican folk music as Mariachi Los Amigos takes the stage as part of the Mount Vernon Nights summer concert series. The group, founded in 1979, shares a passion for the lively sounds of mariachi music. 7 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information call 703-584-2900.
Also on Saturday:
Celebrating Begonia Diversity: Johanna Zinn, begonia aficionado, introduces you to the many varieties of begonia, their growing environments and strategies for successfully rooting these treasures. Take the starters home to expand your own tropical collection. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens. $18/person. Register online. For information call 703-642-5173.
The Widow Spy – My CIA Journey: Meet Martha D. Peterson, author of “The Widow Spy: My CIA Journey from the Jungles of Laos to Prison in Moscow.” Book signing to follow. 2 to 3 p.m. Kings Park Library. Free. For information call 703-978-5600.
Family Fun Concert Series – Rocknoceros: Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bernie are Rocknoceros, the Washington, D.C. area’s award-winning band that makes very cool music for children of all ages. Don’t miss this fun show. 10 a.m. Reston Town Square Park. Free. For information call 703-476-4500.
Sunday, July 29: Still Waters…
Explore the widest part of the Occoquan Reservoir with expert guides during Paddle the Occoquan. Tours will focus on the natural and cultural history of the reservoir. Both canoes and kayaks are available for these tours. Appropriate for ages 12 and above. Children ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Fountainhead Regional Park. For reservations (required) and more information call 703-250-9124.
Also on Sunday:
Farmers Market: From May to November, Fairfax County’s 11 farmers markets come to life with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, the fragrant perfume of cut flowers, savory artisan cheeses. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll find fresh eggs, meats and other edible delights along with gardening plants of all sizes. All products sold are produced by vendors within 125 miles of Fairfax County. On Sundays stop by the Lorton Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the county’s Farmers Market page for days, times, locations and more on all of the markets.
Summer Sunday Concerts – Kinobe: Born in Uganda, Kinobe is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer whose early abilities in traditional African music quickly garnered acclaim on the world stage. Enjoy his performance as part of the Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park series from the McLean Community Center. 5 to 6 p.m. McLean Central Park gazebo. Free. For information call 703-790-0123.
