Weekender Newsletter

Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25

Memorial Day Weekend Events 

This Memorial Day and every day, we honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect ours. As the unofficial kickoff to summer, it's also an opportunity to enjoy the freedoms they safeguarded. Check out Visit Fairfax's list of Memorial Day weekend events.

Weekend-Long Events

The Water Mine and Our Special Harbor

Saturday - Monday, Hours Vary

The Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston and Our Special Harbor at Franconia Park open Saturday. The family water park and spray grounds offer slides, flumes, sprays, showers, floatables and more.

Farmers Markets

Friday - Sunday, Hours Vary

Shop for a variety of fresh produce, flowers, locally made goods and more at our markets this weekend. SNAP is accepted at the Reston and Lorton Farmers Markets.

Friday, May 22 Events

Playdate Cafe (Times Vary) Bring your child up to age 5 to play, read and meet new friends at several of our library branches. Caregivers will have an opportunity to socialize as well.

Second Chance Seed Library (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Pick up a few packets of vegetable, fruit, herb or flower seeds for your garden at the John Marshall Library in Alexandria. Have extra seeds? Drop them off at the information desk.

Chair Yoga for Adults (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Find stability, alignment and integrity through seated stretches and safe movement at Great Falls Library. Sessions are taught by a certified yoga instructor.

Crochet Ami (4 - 5:30 p.m.)

Join us at Pohick Regional Library in Burke to learn to crochet and connect with other stitchers. Make granny squares, Amigurumi and more.

Saturday, May 23 Events

The Buzz on Bees (5 - 6 p.m.) Buzz through the ins and outs of a bee colony at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Learn about the park's history of bees, how colonies thrive and grow and watch as we open the bee boxes. End the evening with a sweet taste of honey. Registration is $9.

Free Child Safety Seat Inspections (8 - 10:30 a.m.)

Sheriff deputies will check to ensure your car seat is installed properly on the fourth floor of the Adult Detention Center and Courthouse Parking Garage B in Fairfax. Each year, deputies find that most car seats are installed incorrectly.

LEGO in the Library (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Kids ages 4 to 18 can build their own creations with LEGO bricks at Great Falls Library. All materials must stay at the library, so bring a camera to capture your masterpiece. Please leave your LEGO bricks at home.

Own Your Space: Self-Defense for Confidence and Safety (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

In this series, learn how to spot red flags, use your voice and body to stay safe, and practice self-defense moves in a supportive and upbeat setting at Kings Park Library in Burke. Come ready to move and have fun.

Historic Huntley House Tour (10:30 a.m. and noon)

Explore the vistas, voices and stories of Historic Huntley in Alexandria. The tour includes the unfurnished late Federal-style 1825 villa, farm outbuildings, stories from the Huntley community and a view of Hybla Valley. Registration is $8.

Draw Your Own Trading Card Workshop (2 - 3 p.m.)

Join illustrator and comic book artist Orion Zangara for a class on how to make your own trading card at Reston Regional Library. This workshop is for children ages 6 to 12.

Layers of Flavor: Exploring Indonesian and Southeast Asian Spice Pastes (2 - 3:30 p.m.)

Local cookbook author Patricia Tanumihardja will discuss Southeast Asian spice pastes, their ingredients, techniques and history at Dolley Madison Library in McLean. See, smell and taste fresh and dried herbs and spices. Using a mortar and pestle, she will demonstrate how to make a spice paste from her cookbook.

3D Printing Basics (3:30 - 4:30 p.m.)

Learn how to create a simple and personalized 3D object using TinkerCAD at Centreville Regional Library. After, submit a 3D printing request to the library. Laptops will be provided or you may bring your own.

Sunday, May 24 Events

Feeding Day (10 - 11 a.m.) Join a naturalist as they demonstrate how we feed our site display animals at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Help serve dinner. Make a birdfeeder to take home, and search for worms and insects. Registration is $12.

Tysons-Pimmit Walk-in Tech Help Desk (10:15 - 11:30 a.m.)

Tech Help Desk volunteers are ready to assist you at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. Get help with eBooks, phones, tablets, searching the internet, uploading resumes, email and more. Consultations typically last 15-20 minutes.

Science for Kids: Paper Airplanes (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Following the scientific method, test different types of paper airplanes at Pohick Regional Library in Burke. We'll track how each plane flew and wrap up with a discussion at the end. For children ages 6-8.