Weekend Planner: Fireworks, Ice Cream and More

Patch has found a variety of local indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy this weekend. 

Free Kids Workshop

• Where: Home Depot (see website for locations)
• When: Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. – Noon
• Why Go: Home Depot provides free workshops for kids age 5 – 12 on the first Saturday of each month.  This month’s project is a working model of a Penske moving truck.  Participants will also receive an apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
• Price: FREE

Plantation Sleuth: Architecture Antics

• Where: Gunston Hall, Lorton
• When: Saturday, July 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Why Go: On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in July and August kids age 6 – 12 and their families can uncover clues and solve a mystery about this 18th century mansion. 
• Price:  Adults $9; Age 6 – 12 $6; Age 2 – 5 $2; Family Admission $25

Alexandria Art Market

• Where: Nicholas A. Colasanto Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, July 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Why Go:  Peruse a variety of original local artwork while you enjoy food and live entertainment.
• Price:  Admission is FREE

Free Crafts for Kids

• Where: Lakeshore Learning Center, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, July 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Lakeshore provides a free craft every Saturday.  This week’s project is a “Sunny Day Visor” that kids can decorate and wear all summer long.
• Price:  FREE

Fourth Annual Ice Cream Social

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, July 7 from Noon – 4 p.m.
• Why Go: This annual event benefits the Lorton Arts Foundation and the Workhouse Ceramics Program.  For your $15 donation you will receive a handmade ceramic bowl crafted at the Workhouse.  Firefighters are scheduled to appear, as well as pony rides, live music and food.
• Price: $15 per bowl

USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration

• Where: Oronoco Bay Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, July 7 from 4 – 10 p.m.
• Why Go:  Celebrate with children’s activities, birthday cake, food sales, live music and fireworks.
• Price: FREE

Patriotic Fireworks Show

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Saturday, July 7 at 9 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring blankets and chairs to watch this dazzling fireworks display.
• Price: FREE

Sweet Summer Music Tea Party

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Sunday, July 8 from 1 – 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy an English Tea while you listen to the sweet sounds of the hammered dulcimer, played by local musician Jody Marshall.  For age 13 and up.
• Price:  $27 per person – reservations required

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:

• Braddock Nights presents The Winstons at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield.  Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria.  Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Latin Ballet of Virginia at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents Blue Sky Puppet Theater at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Saturday, July 7 at 10 a.m.  FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Cartoon Johnny at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton.  Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents The United States Air Force’s “Singing Sergeants” at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale.  Saturday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents The Holmes Brothers at Mason District Park, Annandale.  Sunday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m.  FREE.

Library Events:

• Latin American Book Discussion Group at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday, July 7 at 7 p.m.  For adults.  FREE.

Nature Highlights:

• Field Trips – Birth of a Wetland at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Saturday, July 7 at 9:30 a.m.  For age 8 – 12.  $15 - $17 per person – registration required.
• Ranger Station Creations: Insects at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, July 7 at Noon.  Weekend parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Lively Ladybugs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday, July 7 at 1:30 p.m.  For age 1 – 3.  $5 - $7 per person – registration required.
• Mountain Bike Adventure at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Saturday, July 7 at 4 p.m.  For age 10 and up.  $5 per person plus $4 per vehicle parking fee – reservations required.
• Birding for Beginners at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria.  Sunday, July 8 at 8 a.m.  For age 11 and up.  $6 - $8 per person – registration required.
• Wagon Ride Expedition at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton.  Sunday, July 8 at 4:30 p.m.  $4 per person or $10 per family plus $4 per vehicle parking fee – reservations required.