Weekend Planner: Nova Idol, 'The Mikado' and Kites

Spring has sprung! How will you enjoy it this weekend? Let Kingstowne-Rose Hill Patch help you plan with our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

NOVA Idol 

• Where: NOVA Alexandria Campus, Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall
• When: Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: The top ten finalists will face off to win the title of "NOVA Idol" at this annual singing competition. There will also be a separate category featuring three area high school students.
• Price: NOVA students, faculty, and staff are free. General admission is $10.

Virginia Opera: The Mikado

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: The Virginia Opera presents this popular comedy by famed duo Gilbert and Sullivan. The performance will be sung in English with English supertitles. Arrive 45 minutes early for a pre-performance discussion.
• Price: Tickets range from $44 - $86

Clifton Dinner Theater presents "Maid for Dogs"

• Where: Clifton Town Meeting Hall
• When: Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: You'll enjoy a relaxing dinner, followed by a stage production that involves a murder mystery at a birthday party.
• Price: $35 - tickets include dinner and show

Beads of Courage Challenge

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center Building W-7, Lorton
• When: Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Area glass artists will be crafting beads to benefit Beads of Courage, which is a non-profit organization that helps children battling serious illness. Stop by to show your support and to observe the bead-making process.
• Price: Admission is FREE

Springfield's Cutest Dog Contest

• Where: Whole Foods Market, Springfield
• When: Saturday, March 24 from 12 - 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring your canine friend to the store for a photo op and doggie treat bag. Gift card prizes will be awarded to the top three winners by March 28.
• Price: $10 donation to the Whole Planet Foundation

Gunston Hall Kite Festival

• Where: Gunston Hall Plantation, Lorton
• When: Saturday, March 24 from 12 - 5 p.m.
• Why Go: This annual event includes kite flying, games, puppet shows, food, spring plants, used books, and more.
• Price: Adults $10; ages 6-18 $6; ages 2-5 $2.  Family admission $25.

National Capital Area Cake Show

• Where: NOVA Annandale Campus, Ernst Community Cultural Center
• When: Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 25 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Cake decorators, cake bakers, cake lovers - this event is for you.  Everything you've ever wanted to know about cakes and cupcakes in one weekend.
• Price: Adults: 1-day $12, 2-day $17; Students and Seniors: 1-day $8, 2-day $12

Harlem Globetrotters

• Where: GMU Patriot Center, Fairfax
• When: Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: The famous Harlem Globetrotters are sure to impress with their unique brand of basketball.
• Price: Tickets range from $19 - $144

Vintage Fashion Show

• Where: The Carlyle Club, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: Models will display fashions from the 1920s through the 1950s.  There will be a reception featuring light refreshments, as well as a cash bar.  Presented by the Art Deco Society of Washington.
• Price: Tickets range from $25 - $45

George Mason University Singers and Women's Chorale Concert

• Where: Providence Presbyterian Church, Fairfax
• When: Sunday, March 25 at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring selections by Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
• Price: FREE

Library Events:

• Friday Friends Book Club discussing The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan at Burke Center Library, Burke.  Friday, March 23 at 4 p.m.  For ages 8-12.  FREE - registration required.
• Martha Washington Library Friends Book Sale at Martha Washington Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Meet Fantasy Author Michael Sullivan at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m.  For teens and adults.  FREE.
• All Alexandria Reads at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m.  For all ages.  FREE

Nature Programs:

• Got Butter? at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, March 24 at 12 p.m.  For all ages.  Parking fee is $4.
• Live Sharks, Rays and More at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, March 24 at 2:30 p.m.  For ages 4 and up.  $6-$8 per person - registration required.
• Stoneybrooke Twilight Hike at Stoneybrooke Park, Alexandria.  Saturday, March 24 at 5 p.m.  For ages 6 and up.  $6-$8 per person - registration required.
• Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m.  For ages 4 and up.  $15-$17 per person - registration required.