Thursday/Sept. 28
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest. Annual event runs through Oct. 1. Celebrating German Oktoberfest tradition, the event is free and open to the public. Includes crafts bazaar, polka music, a German army band, German foods and beverages and carnival rides. Visit www.belvoirmwr.com. Continues through Sunday.
Friday/Sept. 29
Free Fun Friday. Come by Ramsay House Visitors Center, at 221 King St., for samples from Hard Times Café, noon-2 p.m. on the porch overlooking the garden. Call 703-838-5005.
Saturday/Sept. 30
Seaport Days. Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s family day with boat-building and rides, children’s activities and a selection of boats on display. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Waterfront Park. Free, reservations required for boat building. www.alexandriaseaport.org or 703-549-7078.
Gulf Coast Relief Run, Oronoco Bay Park, 9 a.m. Pacers Running Stores and James Carville and Mary Matalin have teamed up for a second year to raise money for hurricane victims in New Orleans and disaster relief in Alexandria. Proceeds will be split between Friends of New Orleans and Alexandria Red Cross. Look for details or register at www.runpacers.com, or at Pacers, 1301 King St.
Pet Blessing at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road, 10 a.m. To celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Trinity’s pastor Scott Davis will individually bless each pet, who will receive a personalized certificate commemorating the blessing. The church will also hold a flea market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Neighborhood Plant Clinic. The Fairfax County master Gardeners Association gives tips and strategies for taking care of plants, 10 a.m. at Kings Park, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Adults. 703-978-5600.
SUNday/OCT. 1
Birds, Trees and Flowers: Autumn Nature Walk. Local naturalist Gary Knipling explores the wildlife during a nature walk at Gunston Hall. There is a good chance you’ll even encounter a bald eagle! 2-4 p.m. Wear appropriate foot gear for a round trip of approximately 1.5 miles on moderate terrain. Included in admission of $8, $7 for seniors, $4 for students, free for children 5 and younger. Reservations requested. www.gunstonhall.org 703-550-9220
Ongoing
The Basic Gardening Series: Gardening is not rocket science … but there are a few tricks to the trade. The Green Spring Master Gardeners will guide beginning gardeners on a journey that never ends, but gets richer with each passing season.
Green Spring Master Gardeners are sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension and supported by the Fairfax County Park Authority. These intimate, informal classes reveal gardening basics. $11. Fridays: Oct. 13 and 27, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Green Spring Fall Bulb Sale. The Friends of Green Spring invite their annual fall bulb sale runs through Oct. 21. Unusual varieties, selected by staff, will be available in The Garden Gate Shop.
Attend the special bulb lecture (Oct. 14) to learn about bulbs, bulb design and planting techniques. Proceeds from the sale support the Friends of Green Spring and the horticultural and educational mission of Green Spring Gardens. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Garden Stroll & Tea: Spend a relaxing afternoon and have tea in the garden. This is the perfect introduction to the mission and history of Green Spring Gardens. The bi-monthly guided tours of 20 demonstration gardens are followed by a full English tea. This is great for individuals or groups. These seasonal tours run alternate Thursdays, through Oct. 19. $24, 1-3 p.m. For reservations, call Historic Green Spring at 703-941-7987. Visa or Mastercard accepted.
Doggie Happy Hour: Bring a four-legged best friend and socialize at the world-famous doggie happy hour. 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through October in the courtyard of Holiday Inn Select, 480 King St. Visit www.doggiehappyhour.com or call 703-549-6080.