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Weekend Planner: Mount Vernon Nights Concert Series Begins

Check out these local events from Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3.

Posted Thu, May 31, 2012 at 1:53 pm ET|Updated Thu, May 31, 2012 at 1:55 pm ET

There are plenty of local events to choose from this weekend, including the start of the Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series.

Where: Various Springfield area locations
When: Now through Sunday, June 3
Why Go: This annual weekend of events includes a carnival, walk/run race, “Party in the Park,” cardboard boat regatta and more.
Price: Fees vary – most events are free

Where: Petco, Burke
When: Saturday, June 2 from Noon – 2 p.m.
Why Go: Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training is a local non-profit organization that helps place Golden Retrievers in their new homes.
Price: $25 application fee

Where: Market Square, Old Town Alexandria
When: Saturday, June 2 from 1 – 6 p.m.
Why Go: Celebrate Armenian heritage with an afternoon full of food, live music, cultural exhibits and more.
Price: Admission is free

Where: Harris Theater, GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Why Go: The program will feature more than 100 students from the Curriculum Ballet Program, which includes dancers ranging in age from 4 – 18. The performance will include excerpts from Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, and other popular ballets.
Price: Tickets are $22

Mosaic Harmony presents “Something to Sing About”

Where: Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria
When: Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m.
Why Go: Mosaic Harmony is an interfaith, multicultural choir based in the DC area. This spring fundraiser will include a silent auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.), as well as a reception following the performance.
Price: Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; kids 12 and under are free

Where: Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria
When: Sunday, June 3 at 8 a.m. (registration begins at 7 a.m.)
Why Go: Proceeds will go toward providing free surgical treatments in developing countries for arthritis of the hip and knee.
Price: Adults $35; children under 12 are $15

Fourth Annual Taste of Del Ray

Where: Lot behind Virginia Commerce Bank at Mt. Vernon and E. Oxford avenues, Alexandria
When: Sunday, June 3 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Why Go: Food lovers will enjoy sampling from each of the 15 featured local restaurants. Celebrity chef Rock Harper will select the Judge’s Choice Award. All ticket holders will get a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Price: Adults $10; children under 12 are $5

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m.
Why Go: Featuring guest pianist AnnaMaria Mottola. Selections to include music by Gershwin, Mozart, Strauss and more.
Price: Adults $14; students and seniors $10; free admission for music teachers

Spotlight by Starlight presents The Big Chimney Band at Mason District Park, Annandale. Friday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Free
Mount Vernon Nights presents Daryl Davis at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Free
Mount Vernon Nights presents The Johnny Artis Band at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Free
Spotlight by Starlight presents Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale. Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. Free
Spotlight by Starlight presents City of Fairfax “Concert Band” at Mason District Park, Annandale. Sunday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. Free

Library Events:

Wee Got the Beat! at Burke Centre Library, Burke. Friday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. For children age 2 with adult. Free – registration required.
Food Allergy Awareness at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria. Saturday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m. For teens and adults. Free – registration required.
Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Saturday, June 2 starting at 1 p.m. For ages 6 – 12. Free – registration required.

Nature Highlights:

Clean the Bay Day/National Trails Day at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, June 2 from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m./10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Weekend parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
Safari Saturday – Spring at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Saturday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 - 6. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Safari Saturday – Fishing at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Saturday, June 2 at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 - 7. $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
Historic Kayak Tours to the Town of Occoquan at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton. Saturday, June 2 at 11 a.m. $10 per person – reservations required.
Stoneybrooke Reptile Talk and Safari at Stone Mansion, Alexandria. Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. For ages 6 – 12. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Family Fun: Wildlife Habitat Workshop at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale. Saturday, June 2 at 2 p.m. For ages 5 and up. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Hidden Oaks’ Treasures Hunt at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday, June 2 at 2 p.m. For ages 3 and up. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.

Stoneybrooke Bug Hunt at Stone Mansion, Alexandria. Saturday, June 2 at 3:30 p.m. For ages 6 – 12. $6 - $8

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