Labor Day Weekend in the Parks
Well, here we are — Labor Day weekend. While this might be the “unofficial” end of summer, there’s no end of fun things to do at your Fairfax County Parks.
Friday
- It’s an Art: A diverse range of media is featured in Blurring Boundaries, opening at the Workhouse. The show brings together works by the Han-Mee Artist Association, a nonprofit organization consisting of Korean-American artists who have immigrated to the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area, over the last four decades. Organized by curator Julie Jungsil Lee, the exhibition includes works by 34 artists in painting, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, metal (art), fiber art, mixed media and video art. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Through Sunday, Sept. 23. A public reception takes place on Saturday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.) Workhouse Arts Center’s McGuireWoods Gallery. Free. For information call 703-584-2900.
- Ocean Orchestra: From mystical Celtic vocals to the stirring skirl of the pipes, Ocean is Celtic music for “Ancient Moderns.” Called “nothing short of spellbinding” by The Washington Post, Ocean is a who’s who of internationally known musicians, led by composer Jennifer Cutting (accordion and keyboards) and featuring Lisa Moscatiello (vocals and guitar), Steve Winick (vocals), Zan McLeod (guitars and bouzouki), Cheryl Hurwitz (fiddle), Tim Carey (highland bagpipes), Rico Petruccelli (bass) and Danny Schwartz (drums). Blending the timelessness of tradition with the power of pop, Ocean creates a Celtic cocktail that will make the generations join hands and dance. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. Additional series performances on Friday include Slightly Something at Grist Mill Park and city of Fairfax Band Alte Kameraden German Band at Lake Accotink Park. More information is available online.
Saturday
- Brother Against Brother: The 150th anniversary of Fairfax County’s only Civil War battle will be commemorated with artillery demonstrations, period music, presentation of colors, speeches, wreath laying and living history interpreters during the Battle of Ox Hill/Chantilly Civil War Sesquicentennial Event. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ox Hill Battlefield Park. Free. Event parking is at the Fairfax County Government Center only. Free shuttle bus service will be provided throughout the day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 703-324-8702.
- Dino Extravaganza Puppet Show: Enjoy puppet shows and activities featuring dinosaurs and walk with a naturalist to find hidden clues from the Jurassic era along the trail. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $5/person. Register online. For information call 703-941-1065.
- Moonlight Kayak Tour at Pohick Bay: Join volunteer trip leader Scott Stewart for an exciting adventure on the water of the Pohick Bay marsh. Glide on the water by kayak while enjoying views of bald eagles, great blue herons and other wildlife. No experience necessary. Ages 8 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Pohick Bay Marina Boat Rentals. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pohick Bay Regional Park. $30/person. For information and reservations (required) call 703-339-6104.
Sunday
- Back to the Grind: The miller will be grinding grain and the blacksmith will fire up the forge at the Colvin Run Mill for a look at how things like flour, cornmeal and grits were produced and how steel was forged during the mill’s heyday. Grain grinding takes place from noon to 3 p.m., conditions permitting. The blacksmith will be at work from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call ahead to confirm. Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. Mill tours are $7/adult, $6/student 16 and older with ID, and $5/child or senior. For information call 703-759-2771.
Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.
