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Weekend Planner: Herbs, Crafts and Japanese Art

Things to do this weekend in Northern Virginia.

Posted Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 9:20 pm ET|Updated Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 9:39 pm ET

What will you do this weekend? Check out our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

Where: Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria
When: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: A family-friendly event where you can select plants and herbs for your garden. Kids will enjoy period activities, games, and entertainment. Gardening experts will be on hand to offer advice.
Price: Garden Day admission is FREE (Carlyle House tours regular price).

Where: Annandale United Methodist Church, Annandale
When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: The Harbor Winds Clarinet Quartet’s repertoire features a variety of music, from classical to jazz.
Price: FREE

Where: Ernst Community Cultural Center, NOVA Annandale Campus
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Featuring selections by Mendelssohn, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Grieg and more.
Price: Regular admission $15; Seniors and students $10; Children FREE

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Why Go: Don’t miss Mason’s own modern dance company in its spring performance.
Price: Regular admission $15; Students, staff and seniors $10.

Where: Mason Neck State Park, Lorton
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Activities include canoe tours, guided hikes, hayrides, animal shows, live music and more.
Price: Parking fee is $4 per vehicle.

Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
When: Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy a variety of Japanese artistic and cultural demonstrations such as flower arranging, Sumi-e painting, tea tasting, sushi preparation, origami and more.
Price: Admission is FREE.

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Saturday at 8 p.m.
Why Go: This orchestra is comprised of 60 D.C.-area musicians. Featuring compositions by John Williams, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more.
Price: Tickets range from $23 to $46.

Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
When: Sunday at 1 p.m.
Why Go: Learn about the Japanese philosophy of “making do” at this garden tea-tasting event.
Price: Tickets range from $25 to $27; registration required.

Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Sunday at 4 p.m.
Why Go: The Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will combine their talents for this special performance. With selections by Shostakovich, Hindemith, Holst, Dello Joio and more.
Price: Adult admission $15; Students and seniors $10.

Library Highlights:

Terrific Trucks! at Burke Centre Library, Burke. Friday at 11 a.m. FREE. Registration required.
Semi-Annual Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library, Annandale. Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Book Sale at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Mike Rose: The Magic of a Book at John Marshall Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 10:30 a.m. For all ages. FREE. Registration required.
Art Safari at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 11 a.m. For all ages. FREE.
Global Youth Service Day at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 2 p.m.
Local Author: Tansill Johnson at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Saturda at 2 p.m. For ages 2 to 7. FREE.

Nature Highlights:

Goodnight Walk: Owls at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Friday at 7:30 p.m. For ages 4 and up. $5 to $7 per person. Registration required.
Native Plants for the Home Garden at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale. Saturday at 9:30 a.m. For adults. $15 to $17 per person. Registration required.
Bonsai Basics at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale. Saturday at 1 p.m. For adults. $15 to $17 per person. Registration required.
Beneath Ancient Seas: Digging Dinosaurs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday at 2 p.m. For ages 8 and up. $5 to $7 per person. Registration required.
Park Manager Walk and Talk at Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria. Saturday at 4 p.m. For ages 12 and up. FREE.
Barred Owl: Stream Valley Hunter at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Sunday at 2 p.m. For ages 4 and up. $5 to $7 per person. Registration required.

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