Weekend Planner: Vintage Fashion Show, Idol and Cakes

Spring has sprung! How will you enjoy it this weekend? Let Patch help you plan with our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday.

Vintage Fashion Show

• Where:
• When: Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: Models will display fashions from the 1920s through the 1950s.  There will be a reception featuring light refreshments as well as a cash bar. Presented by the Art Deco Society of Washington.
• Price: Tickets range from $25 to $45.

NOVA Idol

• Where: NOVA Alexandria Campus, Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall
• When: Friday at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: The top 10 finalists will face off to win the title of "NOVA Idol" at this annual singing competition. There will also be a separate category featuring three area high school students.
• Price: NOVA students, faculty and staff are free. General admission is $10.

Virginia Opera: The Mikado

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Friday at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: The Virginia Opera presents this popular comedy by famed duo Gilbert and Sullivan. The performance will be sung in English with English supertitles. Arrive 45 minutes early for a pre-performance discussion.
• Price: Tickets range from $44 to $86.

Clifton Dinner Theater presents "Maid for Dogs"

• Where: Clifton Town Meeting Hall
• When: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Why Go: You'll enjoy a relaxing dinner followed by a stage production that involves a murder mystery at a birthday party.
• Price: $35 tickets include dinner and show.

Beads of Courage Challenge

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center Building W-7, Lorton
• When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Why Go: Area glass artists will be crafting beads to benefit Beads of Courage, which is a nonprofit organization that helps children battling serious illness. Stop by to show your support and to observe the bead-making process.
• Price: Admission is FREE.

Springfield's Cutest Dog Contest

• Where: Whole Foods Market, Springfield
• When: Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring your canine friend to the store for a photo op and doggie treat bag. Giftcard prizes will be awarded to the top three winners by March 28.
• Price: $10 donation to the Whole Planet Foundation.

Gunston Hall Kite Festival

• Where: Gunston Hall Plantation, Lorton
• When: Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
• Why Go: This annual event includes kite flying, games, puppet shows, food, spring plants, used books and more.
• Price: Adults $10; ages 6-18 $6; ages 2-5 $2. Family admission $25.

National Capital Area Cake Show

• Where: NOVA Annandale Campus, Ernst Community Cultural Center
• When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Cake decorators, cake bakers, cake lovers—this event is for you.  Everything you've ever wanted to know about cakes and cupcakes in one weekend.
• Price: Adults: One-day pass $12, two-day pass $17; Students and Seniors: One-day pass $8, Two-day pass $12.

Harlem Globetrotters

• Where: GMU Patriot Center, Fairfax
• When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: The famous Harlem Globetrotters are sure to impress with their unique brand of basketball.
• Price: Tickets range from $19 to $144.

George Mason University Singers and Women's Chorale Concert

• Where: Providence Presbyterian Church, Fairfax
• When: Sunday at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring selections by Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
• Price: FREE.

Library Events:

• Friday Friends Book Club discussing "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan at Burke Center Library, Burke. Friday at 4 p.m. For ages 8 to 12. FREE. Registration required.
• Martha Washington Library Friends Book Sale at Martha Washington Library, Alexandria. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Meet Fantasy Author Michael Sullivan at Kings Park Library, Burke.  Saturday at 2 p.m. For teens and adults. FREE.
• All Alexandria Reads at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 2 p.m. For all ages. FREE.

Nature Programs:

• Got Butter? at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday, March 24 at 12 p.m.  For all ages.  Parking fee is $4.
• Live Sharks, Rays and More at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Saturday at 2:30 p.m. For ages 4 and up. $6-$8 per person. Registration required.
• Stoneybrooke Twilight Hike at Stoneybrooke Park, Alexandria.  Saturday at 5 p.m. For ages 6 and up. $6-$8 per person. Registration required.
• Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale.  Sunday at 2 p.m. For ages 4 and up. $15-$17 per person. Registration required.