Weekender Newsletter

Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5

Things to Do This April

The start of a new month brings warmer weather and can't-miss activities throughout the county and region. From petal-peeping and nature walks to live music and festivals, there's something for everyone. See Visit Fairfax's round-up of exciting April activities.

Friday, April 3 Events

Wonder Wagon: Mobile Nature Center (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.) Step into a world of environmental exploration with the Wonder Wagon at Kings Park Library in Burke. This innovative mobile nature center is packed with engaging activities from bug-catching to birdwatching.

Red Cross Blood Drive (11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Help save lives by participating in the Red Cross blood drive at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale. Sign up to make a blood donation appointment. 

Boardgames and Bird Walk (1 - 4 p.m.)

Hone your birding skills and learn to play our favorite bird-themed board game, Wingspan, at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. We'll play a round or more of this game and take a bird walk in the park. Registration is $15. 

Jonathan Austin - Magic and Fun (2 - 3 p.m.)

Join us at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library for magic, surprises and laughs galore. Magician Jonathan Austin will perform close-up magic, share interesting gadgets and showcase amazing juggling. 

Lost in Oz with REscape (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Can you break out of Oz? Work together to solve "The Wizard of Oz"-themed puzzles in this fun, engaging escape room at Kings Park Library in Burke.

All About Owls Campfire (7:30 - 9 p.m.)

Learn to identify barred owls from other native owls while enjoying a campfire and toasting marshmallows at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Registration is $12.

Saturday, April 4 Events

Discover Your Path Expo - NCS Open Hire Event (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) Join Neighborhood and Community Services for a free career and resource fair at The St. James in Springfield. Explore career paths, education options and tools to help you succeed. Activities include workshops, speed networking, resume writing, interview coaching and more.

Spring Discovery Hike (10 - 11:30 a.m.)

Jump into spring with a guided nature hike along one of the many trails at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Find early spring flowers, observe tadpoles and turtles in Carper's pond or catch a glimpse of bald eagles. Registration is $12.

Spring Fest (10 a.m. - noon)

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with spring-themed arts and crafts, an egg hunt, entertainment and Easter Bunny photos at the McLean Community Center.

Baskets and Bunnies - Amusements Only (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Hop into spring fun at Burke Lake Park. Enjoy a whirl on the carousel, ride the miniature train, get egg-cited with crafts and games, and play a round of mini-golf. Online tickets are $20. 

Dementia Man: An Existential Journey (2 - 3:30 p.m.)

Come to the Oakton Library to watch, "Dementia Man, An Existential Journey," an award-winning autobiographical story of a man who faces his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Life, the Universe and Everything: A String Theory Way (2:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Join us for a talk with scientist and author Dr. Howard Jeffrey Bender about the String Theory, including applications in biology, astronomy and physics, at Chantilly Regional Library.

Plant Swap (3 - 4 p.m.)

Bring your cuttings, seeds, seedlings, transplants and supplies for a community plant swap at Sherwood Regional Library in Alexandria. Please ensure plants and cuttings are pest-free and avoid bringing invasive species.

Live Jazz at the Library (4 - 5 p.m.)

Come see a jazz quartet led by pianist Alfred Yun perform live at Centreville Regional Library. Yun draws inspirations from K-pop, traditional Korean music, hip hop, techno and more. 

Campfire Night Hike - Predators at Night (6 - 7:30 p.m.)

Enjoy a night hike and learn about nocturnal hunters at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Listen to owl and coyote calls and try to catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s'mores around the campfire. Registration is $12.

Status update: Fairfax County Public Library branches and offices are closed for Easter.

Sunday, April 5 Events

Spring Wildflowers and Bald Eagles Family Walk (9:30 - 11 a.m.) Join us for a wildflower scavenger hunt and eagle watching walk at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. A spotting scope and binoculars will be available for viewing the bald eagles in their nest. After, we'll return to the visitor center for bluebell crafts. Registration is $12.

Trail Buddy (All Day)

Explore 334 miles of trails across the county. Use the Trail Buddy app to find your next spot to walk, hike or bike.

Remembrance - Enslaved Lives at Sully (1 - 2 p.m.)

Learn about the lives and legacy of the people enslaved at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly from the 1700s to the Civil War. This tour includes a walk into the original outbuildings, main house and representative housing for the enslaved. Registration is $10.

Upcoming Events

Bluebells at the Bend Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrate the Virginia Bluebells that carpet the early spring forest at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Enjoy wildflower walks, live animals, exhibitors, live music, kids crafts and food. Registration is $10 online. Learn more.

Earth Day Fairfax Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join us at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston for an Earth Day celebration. Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through interactive activities and games. Enjoy vendors, food trucks, a craft beer garden, local bands, free giveaways and farm friends. 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.