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Community Corner

Weekend Planner: Spring Concerts, Book Sales, and Gardening

Events happening Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22

What will you do this weekend?  Check out our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday. 

U.S. Navy Band Chamber Ensemble

  • Where: Annandale United Methodist Church, Annandale
  • When: Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Why Go: The Harbor Winds Clarinet Quartet’s repertoire features a variety of music, from classical to jazz.
  • Price:  FREE

NOVA Annandale Symphony Orchestra Spring Awakening Concert

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  • Where: Ernst Community Cultural Center, NOVA Annandale Campus
  • When: Friday, April 20 at 8 p.m.
  • Why Go: Featuring selections by Mendelssohn, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, and more. 
  • Price: Regular admission $15; Seniors and Students $10; Children FREE

Mason Dance Company Spring Concert

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m.
  • Why Go: Don’t miss Mason’s own modern dance company in their spring performance.
  • Price:  Regular admission $15; Students, Staff, and Seniors $10

Carlyle House Annual Garden Day Herb and Craft Sale

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  • Where: Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria
  • When: Saturday, April 21 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Why Go: A family-friendly event where you can select plants and herbs for your garden.  Kids will enjoy period activities, games, and entertainment.  Gardening experts will be on hand to offer advice. 
  • Price: Garden Day admission is FREE  (Carlyle House tours regular price)

Mason Neck Eagle Festival

  • Where: Mason Neck State Park, Lorton
  • When: Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Why Go: Activities to include canoe tours, guided hikes, hayrides, animal shows, live music, and more. 
  • Price:  FREE

 

Japanese Art and Culture Day

  • Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
  • When: Saturday, April 21 from Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Why Go: Enjoy a variety of Japanese artistic and cultural demonstrations such as flower arranging, Sumi-e painting, tea tasting, sushi preparation, origami, and more.
  • Price:  Admission is FREE

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Broadway Lights

  • Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Saturday, April 21 at 8 p.m.
  • Why Go: This orchestra is comprised of 60 DC area musicians.  Featuring compositions by John Williams, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more.
  • Price:  Tickets range from $23 - $46

Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Imperfection

  • Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
  • When: Sunday, April 22 at 1 p.m.
  • Why Go: Learn about the Japanese philosophy of “making do” at this garden tea-tasting event.
  • Price:  $25 - $27; registration required

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert

  •  Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
  • When: Sunday, April 22 at 4 p.m.
  • Why Go: The Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will combine their talents for this special performance.  With selections by Shostakovich, Hindemith, Holst, Dello Joio, and more.
  • Price:  Adult admission $15; Students and Seniors $10

Library Highlights:

  • Terrific Trucks! at Burke Centre Library, Burke.  Friday, April 20 at 11 a.m.  FREE – registration required.
  • Semi-Annual Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale.  Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 22 from Noon – 5 p.m.  
  • Book Sale at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 22 from 1 – 5 p.m.  
  • Mike Rose: The Magic of a Book at John Marshall Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE – registration required.
  • Art Safari at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 21 at 11 a.m.  For all ages.  FREE.   
  • Global Youth Service Day at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m.  
  • Local Author: Tansill Johnson at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m.  For ages 2 – 7.  FREE. 

Nature Highlights:

  • Goodnight Walk: Owls at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.  For ages 4 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
  • Native Plants for the Home Garden at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Saturday, April 21 at 9:30 a.m.  For adults.  $15 - $17 per person – registration required. 
  • Bonsai Basics at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale.  Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m.  For adults.  $15 - $17 per person – registration required.
  • Beneath Ancient Seas: Digging Dinosaurs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m.  For ages 8 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
  • Park Manager Walk and Talk at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Saturday, April 21 at 4 p.m.  For ages 12 and up.  FREE.
  • Barred Owl: Stream Valley Hunter at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m.  For ages 4 and up.  $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
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