On Oct. 4, McLean Central Park will transform into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of a diverse group of juried artists at MPAartfest from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 468 Dolley Madison Blvd.
Ongoing
“Figuratively Speaking.” Friday-Sunday through Oct. 11 at 1st Stage in Tysons, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. Portraits and figures in watercolor and mixed media by Deborah Conn. Tickets: $15-$30. www.1ststagetysons.org.
Paintings of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists. Through Nov. 7 at McQuire Woods Gallery, Bldg 16, The Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat.: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday: 12-5 p.m. The exhibition brings together some of the area’s top painters in watercolor, acrylic and mixed media, presenting 100 original works including landscapes, florals, still life and abstracts.
“No Spring Chicken.” Through Oct. 11 at NextStop Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. This one woman comedy presents a poignant and funny look at pregnancy at 40. Visit http://www.nextstoptheatre.org/ for show timings.
“Ephemeral” Exhibition at GRACE. Through Nov. 14 at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Explore the nature of non-permanent, three-dimensional works addressing the concept of ephemerality. Presented in conjunction with the Washington Sculptors Group. restonarts.org
Colors of Life Exhibit. Through Oct. 30 at Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Color is a major inspiration for Reston-based fiber artist Anne Smyers, and a central feature in her vibrant work, which will be featured at the Hunters Woods branch of Reston Community Center from. Her solo show Colors of Life highlights several series: recent works in her signature “floral landscapes” style, created by layering flowers into fanciful landscape designs; and a five-element series inspired by the concept of unity and healing intrinsic to traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Reston Station Movie Nights. Saturdays starting Through Nov. 1. 7-10 p.m. at Reston Station Metro Plaza, 11389 Reston Station Blvd., Reston. Reston Station's “Watch Under Our Stars,” a six-week fall family-friendly movie series. Films start at sunset. The plaza area is lined with concrete pavers, so attendees are encouraged to bring low chairs or cushions. http://www.restonstation.com/RSmovieNightPoster.pdf.
“Images of Fall.” Saturday-Sunday through Nov. 5 at Reston Art Gallery & Studios, 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston. An exhibit of fine art photography by Kathy Kautter. Recognized for her “good eye”, Kautter captures colors and textures in her favorite topics of flora, leaves, trees, and water. Also an accomplished painter, Kautter’s specialty in photography has grown with her fascination for the colors and light of nature.
Thursday/Oct. 1 - Saturday/Oct. 3
Annual Fall for the Book Festival. George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. A week-long, multiple-venue, regional festival that brings together people of all ages and interests. Featured authors are National Book Award winner Tim O’Brien and “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon. Visit www.fallforthebook.org.
Friday/Oct. 2
Upside Down Inside Out Reception. 7-9 p.m. Vienna Art Center, 15 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. VAS members will interpret their thoughts and ideas with this crazy theme. Reception to meet the artists and see the show is free and open to the public, all are welcome. Visitors can also view small items of original art for sale, scarves, jewelry, notecards etc., all hand made by VAS artists – great for gifts.
Dinner in the Sukkah. 6:15-8:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Emeth (CBE), 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. Family-friendly services at 7:30 p.m. New/prospective members, don’t bring a thing; please RSVP to 703-860-4515 ext 101. CBE members and regulars, please sign up to bring a potluck dish: http://bethemeth.org/sukkot-potluck.
Movie Night in the Campground. 7-9 p.m. Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Join in the fun of Movie Night by watching Ghostbusters at the Campground at Burke Lake Park this fall.
An Afternoon with Tim Federle. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Tim Federle, author of books for middle graders including Better Nate Than Ever and its sequel, Five, Six, Seven, Nate! Books available for sale and signing.
Friday-Sunday/Oct. 2-4
Cabaret Series: Notorious! 8-9:30 p.m. 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Cabaret of this month welcomes audience with a story containing wicked villain and best songs, and fills the audience with laughter. Tickets: $25-$30. www.workhousearts.org.
Saturday/Oct. 3
“Sleeping Beauty.” 2 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. $10-$15.
St. Francis Country Fair. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The entire community is invited to the St. Francis Country Fair, featuring entertainment (live music, puppets, magic), kids' games and activities, a silent auction, treasure trove, used books, quilt auction, and much more. Local food trucks will be selling lunch items.
Beyond the Teabag: Exploring Single Origin Black Teas. Historic Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Taste the diversity of black teas from around the globe and learn to identify the tea styles used in black blends and why they taste so different. Is it a Chinese black, from one of India's varied terroirs, Sri Lanka or even Africa? Taste some treats made with tea as an ingredient, and take home some tea samples to try your own hand at blending. With Certified Tea Specialist Laurie Bell of Great Falls Tea Garden. Advance reservations and payment ($30 each) required through the Mill at 703-759-2771.
Oktoberfest Vienna. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Historic Church Street, Vienna. Enjoy beer, wine, food, music, kids activities and more. Visit http://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=670 for more.
Oakton Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Year round. Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. www.smartmarkets.org/
Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Year round. Great Falls Village Centre, 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. www.celebrategreatfalls.org/FarmersMarket.html.
Vienna Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Faith Baptist Church Parking Lot, 301 Center Street South, Vienna. www.viennafarmersmarket.com.
Reston Regional Library 30th Anniversary Celebration. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Music, refreshments, balloon art, face painting and door prizes for the whole family.
Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma. 5 p.m. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston. Celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. Children's games, food from local restaurants, live music and entertainment until the 2-mile fundraising walk begins. Information and registration: lightthenight.org/nca
Art in the Courtyard. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lorton Station Town Center, 8998 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Artists from the Workhouse Arts Center, the Torpedo Art Factory and artists from Historic Occoquan will be featuring their works including paintings, jewelry, sculpture, photography, blown glass, pottery, wood work, and even digital artwork. Each artist will display and sell their work from booths lining the Courtyard. Festival guests will have the opportunity to talk to the artists, get to know them, and ask questions about their stories and inspirations.
Country-Western Dance. 7:30-10 p.m. The Salvation Army, Fairfax Corps, 4915 Ox Road, Fairfax. Couples and singles welcome. $5-$12. www.nvcwda.org.
Concerts from Kirkwood Season Opener. 3 p.m. Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Parkway, Springfield. New York-based pianist Martin Soderberg presenting an exciting program of music by Spanish and Latin composers.
Music, Fun and Faith Fest. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke. This will be a family fun day of musical performances by musicians and ministers from the 10 Northern Virginia UU congregations, a “preach-off,” food, fun, a bounce house. face painting, games, prizes, and lots of stuff for the whole family in a carnival atmosphere. $5.
Teen Writers Club. 2 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Do you enjoy writing fiction, poetry, non-fiction and/or memoirs? Join us for sharing, discussion and feedback of works in progress. Teen volunteer facilitates.
Cool Cow Comedy Presents: Lucas Bohn. 7-8:30 p.m. & 9-10:30 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Host and comedian Rahmein Mostafavi leads the evening show by presenting a guest, Lucas Bohn, who was awarded received an award for Best of the Fest at the Detroit Comedy Festival. www.workhousearts.org.
Saturday-Sunday/Oct. 3-4
Fall for Fairfax KidsFest. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Northern Virginia’s largest family fall festival includes more than 100 interactive activities, a full kids’ carnival, exhibits and programs focusing on education, sport and fitness, the environment, public safety and personal health.
Fall Book Sale. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Avenue East, Vienna. Hardbacks $2, trade paperbacks $1, pocket paperbacks 50 cents, kids books 25 and 50 cents. Cash only. All proceeds benefit the community library.
Sunday/Oct. 4
Tysons Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 8400 Westpark Drive, McLean. Sundays, through Nov. 15. www.tysonspartnership.org.
Julie Lythcott-Haims Book Signing. The former Dean of Freshman at Stanford University, will speak and sign copies of her book “How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success.”
Colors of Life Opening Reception. 3-5 p.m. Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Color is a major inspiration for Reston-based fiber artist Anne Smyers, and a central feature in her vibrant work, which will be featured at the Hunters Woods branch of Reston Community Center from Oct. 1 - 30, 2015. Her solo show Colors of Life highlights several series: recent works in her signature “floral landscapes” style, created by layering flowers into fanciful landscape designs; and a five-element series inspired by the concept of unity and healing intrinsic to traditional Chinese acupuncture.
HernDOG Bark Bash. 12-3 p.m. Bready Park, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon. HernDOG Bark Bash is a free event for dog lovers with three hours of four-legged fun. The event will feature agility demonstrations, owner and dog team contests, adoptions, an off leash area and wide variety of dog themed vendors. Entry to HernDOG Bark Bash is free but fees may apply to vendor products or services. Friendly, leashed, and vaccinated dogs (and their owners) are welcome.
A Double Murder Ghost Investigation. 2 p.m. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Paranormal investigator, medium and author Rob Gutro will share a case from the files of Inspired Ghost Tracking of Maryland, where the team investigated a private home reporting paranormal activity. Book sale and signing. Register online or call 703-689-2700. Adults.
The Chuck Wagon Gang. 2 p.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Sterling Road, Herndon. The Chuck Wagon Gang has been providing the very best in 'grass roots' Gospel music for over 75 years having recorded over 800 songs and sold 40 million records world wide to date. They have marvelous four part harmony in a style that is both simple but very distinctive and ever so pleasant to listen to.
Railroad Technology Exhibit. 1-4 p.m. Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Contributions by local inventors since the early days of railroading and "futuristic" concepts, still being used today, will be highlighted. Artifacts from the Museum's collection will also be on display. $2-$4.
Monday/Oct. 5
Barrel & Bushel and American Craft Beer Present Seasonal Tasting. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Barrel & Bushel, 7901 Tysons One Place, Tysons Corner. The event will include seven individual tastings of seasonal beer paired with a signature dish from Barrel & Bushel including 72-hour pork belly lollipops, chorizo sliders, hot fried chicken sliders, pub burger sliders, mean beans and more. Tickets to the tasting are $25 at the door and pre-registration is encouraged in order to reserve a spot in advance. Pre-register for the event by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-craft-beer-event-with-tom-bobak-tickets-18554821972.
Tuesday/Oct. 6
Pasta! Torah! Event. 6-7:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Emeth (CBE), 12523 Lawyers Road, Herndon. Celebrate Simchat Torah with CBE! Pasta Dinner 6 p.m., service and dancing with the Torah 6:30 p.m. No Charge. RSVP by Oct. 1; http://bethemeth.org/pasta-pasta-torah-torah or 703-860-4515 ext.101.
Tai Chi. 10 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Come experience the benefits of tai chi. Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement. Adult.
Wednesday/Oct. 7
October Coffee. 11 a.m. McLean Project for the Arts, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. The McLean Newcomers and Neighbors, a social club founded in 1969, will host their October coffee. The director will give a short presentation on the current exhibit, a multi-media exhibition featuring works by D.C.-based artist and musician Robin Rose. It is open to prospective members. www.McleanNewcomers.org.
Read! Build! Play! 10:30 a.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Read a story, build with DUPLOs, and play with friends! Age 3-5 with adult.
Thursday/Oct. 8
Claude Moore Colonial Farm Cajun Barbecue and Silent Auction Fundraiser. 6-9 p.m. Pavilions of Turkey Run, 6310 Colonial Farm Road, McLean. The menu features dry rubbed, slow cooked pork barbecue, grilled marinated chicken, farm to fork vegetables including zucchini, squash and broccoli, cole slaw and tossed salad, and warm peach cobbler. Cash bar features cold beverages including wine, beer and soft drinks. Event also features a silent auction. live music, 18th century dancing and beer tasting. Tickets: $25-$35. www.1771.org/fundraiser
Vienna Arts Society Monthly Meeting. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Vienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. VAS Monthly Meeting will feature Anabela Ferguson, who will discuss her process for restoring paintings to their original state. Ferguson, is a jack of all trades--she paints, she restores, she frames, and she teaches. Ferguson, was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, where her grandfather and grandmother were nationally renowned artists. She is a third-generation impressionist artist, having grown up surrounded by art.
2nd Annual NOVA Pride Multifaith Worship Service - The Faithful Road; A Shared Journey of Gratitude and Commitment. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton. Join with people of faith to gather in gratitude for gains in LGBT civil rights, the opening of doors of a growing number of faith communities, and to celebrate the 2nd Annual Northern Virginia Pride Festival. www.unityoffairfax.org. Elizabethf@pofev-nova.com
Storytime Yoga. 4:30 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Join us for stories, stretching and simple yoga poses. Bring a mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.
Friday/Oct. 9
Romance Lovers. 7 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Join this new book group to discuss Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl. Rad every romance subgenre, from historical to paranormal to contemporary.
Friday-Saturday/Oct. 9-10
Wolf Trap Campout. 10 a.m. Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Campers will learn to be comfortable with the outdoors, have fun, make new friends, and build confidence, all while not venturing too far from home. Under the leadership of senior Boy and Girl Scouts, campers set up and sleep in tents, cook food in Dutch ovens, take nature hikes, make campfire s’mores, and enjoy a variety of fun and educational events with special guests. Attendance is capped at 48 campers, so register your camper today at http://fowt.info/campers/. Registration fee is $30. Camperships are available to cover the fee for hardship circumstances.
Friday-Sunday/Oct. 9-18
Point A to Point B. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. It’s just another day at the Lab, but today’s particular assignment has the two employees scratching their heads: a ball keeps appearing from a spot labeled “Point A” and needs to travel to “Point B.” The catch is that the ball can never travel the same way twice! As the two co-workers – one a careful scientist, the other an athletic risk-taker – begin to solve the puzzle together, they explore different modes of transportation in new, wonderful, and exciting ways. Tickets are $9 for children and adults and can be purchased online at www.ArtsOnTheHorizon.org or at the door on the day of the performance.
Saturday/Oct. 10
Oktoberfest Bazaar and Craft Fair. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Hunger Church, Charles Wesley United Methodist Church, 6817 Dean Drive, McLean. Handcrafted jewelry, silk floral arrangements, baked goods and loads of crafts. Free crafting and activities for children while you shop.
Community Sale. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Historic Pleasant Grove, 8641 Lewinsville Road, McLean. The sale will feature antiques and vintage items, housewares and more, as well as homemade baked goods. www.HistoricPleasantGrove.org.
Dance for Everyone. Colvin Run Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Dancing to the TMD Band. TMD is a group of 11 R&B'ers that have kept their fans in Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis partying since 1992. Pre-dance lesson in East Coast swing from 7-8 p.m. $20.
McLean Symphony Orchestra. 7:30-9:30 p.m. McLean Community Center, Alden Theater, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Mozart, and R. Rodgers – Sound of Music Symphonic Highlights. Tickets: $15-$20. http://www.mclean-symphony.org
Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Year round. Great Falls Village Centre, 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. http://greatfallsfarmersmarket.org/
A Musical Journey Through Latin America. 2 p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Guitar Duo David Grimes and Michael Anthony Nigro to perform at the Great Falls Library. The program will feature solos and duos from Greece to Latin America by composers Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Gerardo Támez, Julio César Oliva, Jorge Cardoso, Manos Hatzidakis and many others.
Community Irish Dancing. 7-10 p.m. Frying Pan Park Visitors Center, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon. CCE Community Irish Ceili and Set Dances are Called by Marilyn Moore, Accompanied by Old Pitch and Friends. Newcomers are welcome...please come early. Wear flat, comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. Dances start out easy and work their way up. $15 per person; $35 family maximum.
Wade in the Water: Songs of Freedom, Faith and Friendship. 4:30 p.m., Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Join singers from Mosaic Harmony, The Reston Chorale and the Senior Choir of historic Shiloh Baptist Church in a unity concert of inspirational African-American music, from traditional spirituals to contemporary gospel. Tickets: $20-$25. www.restonchorale.org.
Expressions Portrait Exhibit Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m. ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon. ArtSpace Herndon’s 7th Annual Expressions Portrait Exhibit features the competition’s finalists. Competition judge and renowned artist Judith Peck will announce winners of the competition during the Awards Reception. The exhibit includes 25 stunning and diverse portraits in various mediums were selected from 125 submissions by 67 artists. http://www.artspaceherndon.com/expressions-portrait-exhibit-2015/. 703-956-6590.
Fall Festival in Old Town Historic Fairfax. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 10209 Main Street, Fairfax. What started out as a small market for artisans has grown to a festival with over 400 arts, crafts and food vendors, children’s activities and entertainment for all ages. Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/fall-festival.
Burke History Day. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Burke Fire and Rescue Department, 9501 Old Burke Road, Burke. Burke's "Famous, Infamous, and Persons of Interest" will be featured at the annual Burke History Day. Join for exhibits, talks and children's events to learn about the rich history of this vibrant community.
Fairfax Ferns Garden Club Flower Shop. 12:30-4 p.m. Fairfax City Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. The Fairfax Ferns Garden Club will have a Small standard Flower Show that will have flower design and horticultural exhibits.
One-Man Shows. 5-8 p.m. The Frame Factory, 212 Dominion Road, NE, Vienna. Figurative artists Joseph Sheppard Rogers and David Cochran showcase their work during simultaneous one-man shows. Food, drinks, music. 703-281-2350.
Friday-Saturday/Oct. 10-11
Oktoberfest Reston. Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Featuring the best in autumn brews with delicious fare from area restaurants. Enjoy food, wine, beer, and live entertainment.
Sunday/Oct. 11
Concerts at the Alden. 3 p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Pianist Petronel Malan, in collaboration with Music Friends of the Fairfax County Public Library will perform in a recital.
Clifton Day. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Town of Clifton, corner of Main Street and Chapel Road. The town’s annual arts and crafts fair. Informative luncheon, along with door prizes, delicious food, complementary child care and new friendships.Reservations call 703-922 6438 or e-mail: SpringWmConn@yahoo.com.
T-TRAK Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road. Table Top N gauge model trains will be on display and running.
Classical Guitarists David Grimes and Michael Nigro in Concert. Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Register online or call 703-689-2700. Adults, older teens.
Reston Pumpkin 5K & Kids' Pumpkin Dash. 8:15 a.m. Reston Town Center Pavilion and Streets. Get off the couch and get ready to run with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce at Oktoberfest Reston. Participants are encouraged to debut their Halloween costumes and join in the fall fun with the whole family. Information and registration: oktoberfestreston.com
Monday/Oct. 12
MPAartfest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. McLean Central Park, 468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. The park is transformed into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of a diverse group of juried artists. Visit www.mpaart.org.