Weekender Newsletter

Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11

Mother's Day Celebrations

Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11, Times Vary

Celebrate Mom this weekend for Mother's Day. Check out upcoming events for the whole family including trivia, Mother's Day tea and more: 

• Friday and Saturday: Mother's Day Lovebugs: Passive Craft at the Thomas Jefferson Library in Falls Church (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

• Saturday: Mother's Day Trivia: How Well Do You Know Your Mom? at the John Marshall Library in Alexandria (4 - 5:30 p.m.)

• Sunday: Mother's Day Tea at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria (1 - 3 p.m.)

• Sunday: Animal Moms and Babies at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale (1:30 and 3 p.m.)

Weekend-Long Events

Empty the Shelters Fee-Waived Adoption Event

Friday - Sunday, Hours Vary

Adopt a new furry friend this weekend without paying a fee! Our Animal Shelter is partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation for the national Empty the Shelters adoption event. All adoption fees are waived for pets at our Michael R. Frey and Lorton campuses.

The Journey Back: A Virtual Reality Experience

Saturday and Sunday, Times Vary

Experience the virtual reality exhibition "The Journey Back" at the Centreville Regional Library, sponsored by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. This exhibit uses cutting-edge technology to take visitors on a journey through concentration camps with Holocaust survivors.

Friday, May 9 Events

Get Ahead with a Better Resume (4 - 5 p.m.) Craft a better resume for a job, internship or scholarship in this workshop at the Richard Byrd Library in Springfield. Learn strategies and writing techniques to compose a compelling resume. This engaging workshop, presented by Colonel Carla D. Bass, is based on her multiple award-winning book, "Write to Influence!"

Ice Cream at Historic Huntley (noon - 1:30 p.m.)

Make and enjoy hand-cranked ice cream at the Historic Huntley House in Alexandria. Discover how ice cream and Huntley follow a similar path from elite luxury to family fare. Registration is $10.

Help Your Child Succeed: How Speech and Hearing Affect Their Future (4 - 5 p.m.)

Join us for a free workshop at the Herndon Fortnightly Library for parents who want to learn about speech and hearing development. Experts will share signs, tips to support your child and early intervention options. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and connect with other parents.

Campfire Wagon Ride (6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.)

Join us for an after-hours experience at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon as day turns to night. Register for a wagon ride time and enjoy the bonfire after your ride. Registration is $10.

Saturday, May 10 Events

Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration (noon - 4 p.m.) Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community at Mason District Park in Annandale. Enjoy traditional performances, engaging activities, delicious food and inspiring stories that honor AAPI heritage.

Intro to Kayaking (9 - 11 a.m.)

This class is perfect for beginners or for those who want to learn how to paddle more efficiently. Learn about kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices and safety gear at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. On the water, learn to move the boat in every direction using different strokes and maneuvers. Registration is $43.

Pedal with Petals (8 a.m. - noon)

Join Tysons Community Alliance at Westbriar Elementary School for a free fun-filled day of biking through Tysons. Choose between a 2-mile beginner or a 9-mile intermediate ride. After riding, enjoy a festival filled with vendors, food, music and lots more.

Forest Bathing Walk in the Gardens (10 a.m. - noon)

Take a slow, meditative guided walk around Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria. This forest bathing walk will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and enhance mood and creativity. Registration is $35.

Wildflowers Walk and Craft (1 - 2 p.m.)

Learn what makes wildflowers so important in our ecosystem at Burke Lake Park. Identify various seasonal flowers and the insects that rely on them. At the end of the class, make a floral craft to take home. Registration is $8.

Bark N’ Park (1 - 4 p.m.)

Bring your four-legged friends for a paw-some afternoon at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Sniff out local vendors, jam to live music, browse the Mobile Mini Thrift and enjoy fetch fun.

FCPL Fix-It Clinics (1 - 5 p.m.)

Bring broken or damaged items that need repair to Fix-It Clinics at our libraries. Fixers skilled in various types of repairs can bring your items back to life for free. Participating branches include Chantilly Regional, City of Fairfax Regional, Kingstowne, Sherwood Regional and Thomas Jefferson.

Geocaching by Boat (3:30 - 6:30 p.m.)

Kayak or canoe along the Potomac River in search of hidden treasure at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Use a GPS receiver to navigate the waters then dock at the islands to find geocaches. Registration is $43.

Twilight Boardwalk Stroll (7:15 - 9:15 p.m.)

Join a park naturalist for a guided walk along the forested paths to the wetland and experience Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria as it transitions from day to night. Watch and listen for nocturnal residents such as beavers and owls. Registration is $10.

Sunday, May 11 Events