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Weekend Planner: Bed Racing, Volunteering, and the Kentucky Derby

Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6.

Posted Fri, May 4, 2012 at 3:58 pm ET

Let Patch help you plan your weekend with our list of events happening throughout the area this Friday through Sunday.

Where: Various Locations, Alexandria
When: Friday, May 4
Why Go: Join your neighbors in helping various non-profit organizations for this annual community service event. Please check the website for complete information about how you can participate.
Price: Volunteers are encouraged (but not required) to raise a minimum of $50 in pledges.

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m.
Why Go: This modern dance company is made up of GMU students ready to begin their professional careers.
Price: General admission is $15; Students, Staff, and Seniors $10

Where: John Marr Drive, Annandale
When: Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. - Noon
Why Go: This highly anticipated yearly event raises funds for Virginia Special Olympics.
Price: FREE

Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
When: Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m.
Why Go: Families are invited to create works of art using natural objects found at Green Spring Gardens. Take home a painted creation of your own.
Price: $6 - $8; registration required

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Saturday, May 5 at 4 p.m.
Why Go: The New Dominion Chorale and Orchestra includes a 200-voice chorus, a 50-piece orchestra, and several world-renowned soloists.
Price: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $5

Where: Collingwood on the Potomac, Alexandria
When: Saturday, May 5 from 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: Watch the Kentucky Derby in style while sipping mint juleps and wearing your favorite hat or bowtie.
Price: $100 Patron Ticket; $80 Individual Ticket

Where: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria
When: Sunday, May 6 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Why Go: CROP Hunger Walks raise money to help feed children and families around the world and right here in the United States. The Mount Vernon route is 1.6 miles long.
Price: Donations accepted

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Sunday, May 6 at 7 p.m.
Why Go: Featuring performances by the winners of the 2012 concerto competition. Proceeds from the concert will support music scholarships.
Price: Adults $20; Students and Seniors $15

Library Highlights:

African Tea Tasting at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria. Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m. FREE – registration required.
The Great Zucchini at Duncan Branch Library, Alexandria. Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m. FREE.
Used Book Sale at John Marshall Library, Alexandria. Saturday, May 5 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Read to the Dog at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Saturday, May 5 starting at 1 p.m. For ages 6 – 12. FREE – registration required.

Nature Programs:

Off Trail Birding at South Kings Highway at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Saturday, May 5 at 7 a.m. For adults. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Safari Saturday-Spring at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Saturday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 – 7. $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
Makin’ Tracks at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. Parking fee is $4 per vehicle.
Dinofest in Nature Playce at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. For ages 3 – 9. $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
Wetlands Awareness Day at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Sunday, May 6 from Noon – 3 p.m. For all ages. FREE (some activities may require a small fee).
Buggin’ Out at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. Parking fee is $4 per vehicle.

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