Wondering what to do with your weekend? Let Patch help you plan with our list of local events happening Friday through Sunday.
Knights of Columbus Bingo Night
- Where: Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus No. 5998, Alexandria
- When: Friday. Early Bird Games at 7 p.m., regular games at 8 p.m.
- Why Go: The Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus host BINGO on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Refreshments will also be available for purchase at the snack bar.
- Price: See website for details.
Theater Night for Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
- Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria
- When: Friday at 8 p.m.
- Why Go: This special performance of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" will raise funds for the Gadsby’s Tavern Ice Well Restoration project. A wine and appetizer reception will begin at 7 p.m., and there will be a small silent auction and desserts during intermission.
- Price: Tickets are $35.
- Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
- When: Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
- Why Go: Learn about all the different varieties of begonias and how to make them thrive. Take some “starters” home to add to your collection.
- Price: $18 for Fairfax County residents, $20 for non-residents.
- Where: The Little Theatre of Alexandria
- When: Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. (Various showtimes through Aug. 18).
- Why Go: Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller tells the tale of Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, and his plans for revenge in 19th century London. Please be aware that this production contains some mature themes.
- Price: Tickets range from $22 to $27.
- Where: , Alexandria
- When: Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
- Why Go: This family event will feature music, dancing, children’s activities, a health fair and traditional arts and crafts from South America and Central America. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
- Price: There is an entrance fee.
Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:
- Braddock Nights presents Project Natale at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Friday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Mount Vernon Nights presents The Atomic Swing Club at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Spotlight by Starlight presents Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group at Mason District Park, Annandale. Friday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Arts in the Parks presents Blue Sky Puppet Theater at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station. Saturday at 10 a.m. FREE.
- Arts in the Parks presents Pirate Jack at Mason District Park, Annandale. Saturday at 10 a.m. FREE.
- Arts in the Parks presents The GoodLife Theater Puppet Show at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Saturday at 10 a.m. FREE.
- Mount Vernon Nights presents Mariachi Los Amigos at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Saturday at 7 p.m. FREE.
- Spotlight by Starlight presents Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
- Spotlight by Starlight presents NAYAS at Mason District Park, Annandale. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
Based on a cursory look at what I could find about the Festival (not much) and old city memos detailing all special event costs in Alexandria, I think the money goes somewhere as a fundraiser (to the Tenant and Workers group? - which is also the sponsor) and to the City to pay for event-related costs and permits. See this 2008 memo to Krupicka, et al. http://alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/budget/info/budget2010/memos/Budget%20Memo%2053%20Special%20Events.pdf Again, based on just a cursory glance, the Arlandria festival was the most expensive NET to the city. Chiralagua Festival L Arlandria Tenants & Workers United $30,094 - Total Cost $12,885 - Paid to City $17,209 - Net City Cost.
The Ballyshaners, organizers of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, will be hosting it's fundraiser on Saturday, August 11 from 11:00-7:00 at Waterfront Park (between King and Prince St.). In addition to paying the City for the majority of the expenses, the day is intended to help cover the costs associated with the parade (police, viewing stage, permits, etc.). Our BEER sales are a major portion of our fundraiser. Yes, with the proper permits from the City and ABC, temporary permits are issued. I encourage everyone to attend.