Weekender Newsletter

Friday, Feb. 21 - Sunday, Feb. 23

Black History Celebrations at Our Libraries 

Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23, Hours Vary

Our libraries are hosting several events this weekend to celebrate Black History Month. Learn about the rich history and transformative journey of jazz music, explore Frederick Douglas' Cedar Hill House, listen to African folktales and meet local author Glory Edim.

Weekend-Long Events

Friends of Kings Park Library Special Sale: Elementary Education

Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Stop by the Kings Park Library for a special elementary education book sale. Books will be focused on the teaching and education of elementary school students.

Paper Plate Panda Craft

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Celebrate everyone's favorite black and white bear with a simple craft at the Thomas Jefferson Library. Make an adorable panda to take home. Supplies will be available near the information desk. 

Friday, Feb. 21 Events

'Unite, Uplift and Celebrate!' (5 p.m.) Join county leaders for a Black History Month celebration at the Fairfax County Government Center. The theme for this year's event is Building on a Legacy. Enjoy local performances, interactive activities, enlightening discussion and light refreshments with your neighbors.

Passport to Fun (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

Travel the world while exploring different languages and cultures through crafts and games with the Chantilly High School French Honor Society at the Chantilly Regional Library.

Campfire Fridays (6 -7:30 p.m.)

Join us for an evening campfire the whole family can enjoy at the Hidden Pond Nature Center. Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. End the evening with s'mores. Registration is $10. 

Saturday, Feb. 22 Events

Sheep to Shawl Series: Raising Sheep - Things Ewe Never Knew (2 - 5 p.m.) Find out where your clothes come from through Pohick Regional Library's Sheep to Shawl series. We'll kick off the series with Lisa Pregent, senior manager of livestock at George Washington's Mount Vernon, who will discuss how the estate's rare breed of sheep are bred, cared for and sheared.

Black History Month at Community Centers (Times Vary)

Bring the family and join us at the Sully, James Lee and Gum Springs community centers as we celebrate Black History Month. We will have live performances, food, face painting and resource tables for the community.

Paper Craft and Chat (10 a.m. - noon)

Join us for social interaction, artistic inspiration and friendly collaboration at the Martha Washington Library. Beginner and expert scrapbookers, card makers and paper crafters welcome. Please bring your own supplies.

Spanish Conversation Group (10:15 - 11:15 a.m.)

Practice your Spanish language conversation skills with a native speaker at the Kings Park Library. Basic knowledge of Spanish is required.

Remembering Metilda - Growing Up Enslaved (1 - 2 p.m.)

Learn about Metilda, an enslaved 14-year old girl who came to live at Colvin Run Mill. Discuss her life at the mill and the house. Examine what history tells us about the lives of enslaved children, their work and families. Registration is $8.

Making Ice and Ice Cream at Walney (2 - 3 p.m.)

Crank ice cream as you discover how ice was harvested and stored in the 19th century farm at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Registration is $9.

Fireside Family Fun (3 - 4 p.m.)

Bring a cozy blanket or sleeping bag and huddle up by the fireplace to listen to a winter-themed story while you sip on hot cocoa at Riverbend Park. Create a cool craft based on the story's theme. Registration is $9. 

Campfire Saturdays – Stargazing (5:30 - 7 p.m.)

Enjoy a stroll along the shores at Lake Fairfax Park and learn about the constellations, their stories and the night sky. Identify the stars with a telescope. End the program with s'mores around the campfire. Registration is $10.

Sunday, Feb. 23 Events

Stolen History (1 p.m.) Throughout history, artifacts have been taken from their countries of origin. Hear about cultural treasures stolen by souvenir takers, relic smugglers and antiquities traffickers at Green Spring Gardens. A traditional British afternoon tea will be served in the Historic House following the lecture.

Scavenger Hunt Adventure at the Lake (10:30 - 11 a.m.)

Join a naturalist at Burke Lake Park to learn about nature. Then go on a scavenger hunt adventure to find different objects around the lake and collect a prize. Registration is $8.

Paths of Freedom Seekers (3 - 4 p.m.)

Listen to stories of African Americans who were forced to live and work on the farm at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Learn how enslaved communities and freedom seekers have forged a path of resiliency throughout American history. Registration is $8.

Winter Bird Walk (4 - 5 p.m.)

Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for Lake Accotink Park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. Registration is $8.

Flying Squirrel Campfire (7 - 8 p.m.)

Enjoy an evening around the campfire while toasting marshmallows over the embers and learning about flying squirrels that live in our area at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Registration is $8. 

Upcoming Events

Women in History Costume Party Saturday, March 1, 2 - 4 p.m. Celebrate Women's History Month with a costume party at the John Marshall Library. Come dressed like a woman from history. Enjoy socializing, making paper dolls and playing a game of women's history bingo.  Learn more.

Astronomy Festival Saturday, March 8, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy guided star gazing, looking through the telescope and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire at Turner Farm Park. Participate in activities and games throughout the evening. Learn more.

Weather and Event Status

Weather and other reasons may impact the events listed above. View the weather forecast.

Be sure to check the links for each event's status. You may also view department operating status information. 

Looking for more events? Find additional activities on our Events Calendar.

To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711.