Send announcements to cstaten@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6447. Deadline is Thursday for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. Events are free unless otherwise noted. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
Wednesday/Oct. 3
Balan, City Riots. Rock. $15 advance/$20 at the door. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Rodney Crowell with Elizabeth Cook. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Circus on Strings. Show by Sue Walls Puppets, 12:30 p.m. on the Vienna Town Green. Marionettes perform to music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. For information, call 703-255-6360.
Preschool Story Time. Stories and activities. Age 3-5 with adult. 1:30 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Adult Book Group. Organizational meeting. Bring a book you enjoyed or suggest a book you’d like to read; help plan the future meeting schedule. Adults. 7 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Cinema Chez Patrick. French film "Les Diaboliques" with Gallic drink and snacks. Adults. 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Thursday/Oct. 4
Putting the Animals to Bed. When evening shadows spread over the Kidwell Farm, it is time to put the animals to bed. Bring a flashlight or lantern for this twilight tour and learn how farm animals settle down for the night. Canceled if rain. For ages 3-6; must be accompanied by an adult. $4 prepaid reservations required. 7-8 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Ryan Montbleau Band, Gregory Douglass, John Francis. $12 advance/$15 at the door. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
John Gorka with Amilia Spicer. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $20. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Adult Book Group. Organizational meeting. Bring a book you enjoyed or suggest a book you'd like to read; help plan the future meeting schedule. Adults. 10 a.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Bee Healthy Puppet Show. Health Department puppets teach children about immunizations, hand-washing and exercise. Birth-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Spanish Chats. Informal refresher for people who want to practice Spanish. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. every Thursday at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
"History is Relative" opens at the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. Experience the history of 5 families who came together in Vienna's early history. Exhibit includes toys, civil war pieces, linens, railway mementos, and pictures. Hours are Wednesday through Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Contact the historic administrator at SJ@historicviennainc.org or 703-938-5187.
Friday/Oct. 5
Riverside Camping. 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, families can camp at Riverbend Park. Games, a night hike, s’mores, with coffee, juice and bagels in the morning. Meet at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Participating families should bring a tent and a picnic dinner, toasting sticks if needed for cooking. Reservations and advance payment required. Call 703-759-9018.
The Kennedys. $18. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Chad & Jeremy. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Adventure Club House: Bonding Time for Parents and Kids. Herndon Children's librarian discusses early literacy for infants and toddlers. Adults. 11 a.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Community Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Pokemon League. Learn and play! Age 5-18. 3 p.m. Fridays at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Saturday/Oct. 6
Light the Night Walk. 5:30-9:30 p.m., Reston Town Center Pavilion. Celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Register at 703-960-1100 or leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Star Wars Anniversary Celebration. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Wars with John Alvin: Legendary Cinema Artist. 2-6 p.m. at ArtInsights at Reston Town Center, 11921 Freedom Drive. His first one-man show this year will feature original Star Wars art by the official Star Wars Celebration poster artist. Exhibit through November, as sales allow. View additional art at johnalvinart.com.
Salamanders in Our Forests. Assist park naturalists with a salamander survey. Catch, identify and discover the secret lives of these amphibians. For ages 8 and up. $5 prepayment and reservations required. 10 a.m.-noon at the Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Scarecrow Making. Make a friend for the lawn at Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, noon-2 p.m. Bring pants, a shirt and a pair of pantyhose. $5 per scarecrow. Event repeats Oct. 7.
Jon and Ben Carroll. Soul/folk/pop. $10. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Jesse Malin with full band, Anthony Fiacco, Buddy Speir. Rock. $12. 9:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
The Nields. 7:30 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $16. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra. Music from the 1920’s, ’30s and ’40s, 8 p.m. at the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $34 general admission, $28 McLean district residents; get tickets through the box office, 703-790-9223, or Ticketmaster.
Opening Reception: Vienna Arts Society features photography, watercolor, and pottery by area artists. Reception 4-6 p.m. at the Vienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant St., Vienna.
Used Book Sale. A special collection by the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. All ages. No registration is required. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Manga Club. Manga, anime and Japanese refreshments. Age 12-18. 11 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Know Your Library. Tour of actual and virtual library resources. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. 2 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Moonlight Cabaret Singers. Music and dancing from 7:45 p.m.-midnight at the Reston Sheraton, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. Call Jerry Katz, 703-731-7792.
Square dance at the Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace St., Herndon. Every Saturday. $5 for 6 classes for seniors, $10 for others. Call 703-464-6200.
Sunday/Oct. 7
National Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, 3 p.m. at the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Free, no tickets required. Visit mcleancenter.org.
Out of the Darkness Community Walk. 8 a.m. registration; walk begins at 9 a.m. A journey of hope – to heal the losses of the past and help prevent suicide from taking more lives. Proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to fund research, education, survivor and awareness programs. www.outofthedarkness.com.
Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society has "A Little Show" previewing members’ 2007 blooms prior to the annual show, plus techniques on how to improve flowers for presentation. Meeting and show will be at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, 3 p.m. Free admission. Call Jim Dunne at 703-560-8776.
Hispanic Heritage Festival. Music, dance, arts and crafts, children’s activities, noon-5 p.m. on Herndon’s Town Green. Free.
Acoustic Jam. Bring an instrument or come by to enjoy this drop-in session at the Frying Pan country store. First and third Sundays of every month. 1-4 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Scarecrow Making. Make a friend for the lawn at Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, 1-3 p.m. Bring pants, a shirt and a pair of pantyhose. $5 per scarecrow. Event repeats Oct. 6.
Michael Fath Group, Peter and Alex. Rock/guitar. $15. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Monday/Oct. 8
Columbus Day. Library branches closed.
Arts Week Kick-Off Event. 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Free children’s program with a story-teller, singer and puppet show. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Tony Lucca, Keaton Simons, Curtis Peoples. Acoustic/pop/rock. $10. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Tuesday/Oct. 9
Historic Vienna, Inc. fall membership meeting. 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 127 Center St. S, Vienna. Paul Snodgrass, chairperson for the Jamestown 2007 Committee will speak about the 400th anniversary of Jamestown as well as his travels and experiences over his tenure as chair of the committee. Light refreshments will be served.
The Ropes, Lucky Day, E for Explosion, Siren’s Sister, Lejeune. Indie/rocks. $10. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Book Babies. Interactive story time for you and your child. Age 17-23 months with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Tuesdays for Twos. Stories, music and crafts. Age 24-35 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Knitting for Beginners. Supplies provided. Age 9-12. 4 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Family Story Time. Stories and activities to encourage reading aloud together. All ages. 7 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Wednesday/Oct. 10
Oktoberfest with the Great Falls Historical Society, 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Grance, 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Harvest dinner and entertainment from the Kings Park German Band. $15 per person. Visit http://gfhs.org.
Critters and Cookies. Explore the outdoors with a naturalist, then visit the nature center, relax, enjoy cookies and coffee, and meet other parents and children through free play. Each month highlights different exploration. Ages 2-4 years. $8 prepayment and reservations required. 2-2:45 p.m. at the Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Syd, Kill the Alarm, Down the Line. Acoustic/rock. $10. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
The Other Side of Mexico, Fran Reidelberger. Part of the travel and adventure film series at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. 8 p.m. $9/$7 McLean district residents. Visit mcleancenter.org.
Toddler Story Time. Age 2 with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Preschool Sing Along. Sing songs with Miss Belle. All ages. 10:30 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Story Time for Fours & Fives. Help your preschooler get ready to read with these fun stories and activities. Age 4-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Book Discussion. "Candide" by Voltaire. Adults. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Lunch Bunnies. Bring a snack and enjoy stories, songs and a video. Age 3-5 with adult. 11 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Preschool Story Time. Stories and a craft. Age 3-5 with adult. 2:30 p.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Community Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Art Quilts. Eileen Doughty's specialty is quilts with landscape designs. She will discuss her inspirations, techniques and materials and display original works. Adults. 7 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Thursday/Oct. 11
Braddigan "The Captive" CD release show, Trevor Hall. Acoustic/rock/reggae. $15. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Preschool Story Time. Ages 3-6. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Spanish Chats. Informal refresher for people who want to practice Spanish. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Girls Read! All-female book discussion. "Saffy’s Angel" by Hillary McKay. Age 8 & up. 7:15 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Friends' Book Discussion. "State of Denial" by Bob Woodward. Adults. No registration is required. 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Health Literacy Month. Conversations That Count: Talking With Your Doctor in Sickness and in Health.Asking the right questions could save your life! Helen Osborne, president of Health Literacy Consulting. Cosponsored by Inova. Call 703-204-3366 to register. Adults. 7:30 p.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Friday/Oct. 12
Marah. Rock. $15. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Takás Quartet, part of the Discovery Series and Founder’s Day Celebration. 8 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $35. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Book Sale. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Library. All ages. No registration is required. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560. Continues Saturday.
Pokemon League. Learn and play! Age 5-18. 3 p.m. Fridays at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Saturday/Oct. 13
Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department open house, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Games, fire-fighter dress-up, demonstrations, food. 9916 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.
Festa Vino di San Gennaro. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., northeast surface parking lot and park at Reston Town Center. General admission includes Italian cooking and wine demonstrations, Italian language lessons, games, entertainment, children’s activities. General admission $10, children under 12 free; $20 in advance/$25 onsite for admission and unlimited wine tasting. Call 800-830-3976.
Schooling Hunter Horse Show Series. Beginner horse show for walk, trot and canter. Classes includes hunters, ponies, equitation and more. Held indoors, rain or shine. Spectators attend free. Event repeats Nov. 10. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
McLean Symphony Orchestra Opening Night. "Earth, Sea and Sky": Pieces by McDowell, Grofe, Mendelssohn; featured piano soloist Branden Conway. 7:30 p.m. at the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for seniors, $12 ages 18 and under; call the box office at 703-790-0123.
The Suedes. Rock. $8. 1 p.m. matinee at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
ISSA (formerly Jane Siberry). $30. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Ingram Hill, Honor By August. Pop/rock. $10 advance/$13 at the door. 9:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Noel Paul Stookey. 7:30 p.m. at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road. $25. Visit www.wolftrap.org or call 703-938-2404.
Opening Reception: PhotoART, the League of Reston Artists annual judged photography exhibition at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery of the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Prizes will be awarded to winning artists at the reception, 2-4 p.m. Visit www.leagueofrestonartists.org.
Book Sale. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Library. All ages. No registration is required. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560. Begins Friday.
Saturday Story Time. All ages. 10:15 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Know Your Library. Tour of actual and virtual library resources. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. 2 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Reston Home Tour. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., self-guided tour of 5 private homes in Reston. Prices: $20 through Oct. 5, $30 Oct. 6-13. Tickets on sale at Reston Museum and other venues, visit www.restonmuseum.org.
Sunday/Oct. 14
Bluegrass Jam. Players and spectators welcome, 1-4 p.m. at Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza, Lake Anne. Call 703-435-9772.
Scarecrow Making Workshop. Adults and children can make their own scarecrow. Bring an outfit and a pair of pantyhose for each scarecrow. Outdoor event; canceled if rain. $7 prepaid reservations required for one scarecrow; $5 each additional scarecrow. 1-2 p.m. or 2-3 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
The Big Sit: Birds on the Move. Stop by as the Riverbend birding crew counts birds for this national event. Free; all ages. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Riverbend Park Visitors Ce nter, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
An Evening with Marshall Crenshaw. Pop/rock. $20. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Opening Reception: "Pet and Flower Portraits," oil and pastel work by Mirielle Molette, 2-4 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. The exhibit is already on display, and runs through Oct. 31. Contact Gloria Morrow at 703 476-4500 ext. 3000.
Monday/Oct. 15
Golf Tournament. Third annual tournament hosted by The Women’s Center, a non-profit organization, at Westwood Country Club in Vienna. Registration is at 9:30 a.m., with a continental breakfast, shotgun start at 11:30 a.m., lunch and cocktail awards reception at the conclusion of the tournament. Contact Vicki Kirkbride at 703-281-4928, ext. 226.
Book Club. 7:30 p.m. at Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza, Lake Anne. Call 703-435-9772.
An Evening with Frank Stallone. Blues/pop/rock. $20. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Wee Reads. Interactive story time for you and your child. Age 11-16 months with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Candy Craft. Celebrate Teen Read Week. Make and taste candy with Whispering Eden's Shannyn Snyder (Not for teens with peanut allergies.) Cosponsored by the Friends of the Dolley Madison Library. Age 12-18. 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Coffee House. Celebrate Teen Read Week at our teen coffee house. Play a game, meet new friends, or just hang. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Oakton Library. Age 12-18. 7 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Book Discussion. "Flint" by Paul Eddy. Adults. No registration is required. 7:30 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Tuesday/Oct. 16
Book Babies. Interactive story time for you and your child. Age 17-23 months with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Book Discussion Group. "Winesburg, Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson. Adults. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Wednesday/Oct. 17
Animal Feeding Time: Snakes. Meet an animal, do animal games and activities, and watch some animals being fed. Ages 3-5. $6 prepayment and reservations required. 2-2:45 p.m. at the Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
The City Veins, Zelos, Wonderjack. Rock. $18. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Toddler Story Time. Age 2 with adult. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
An Apple a Day. Stories and activities for the season. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Tails and Waggles! Stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Miss Belle's Sing-Along. Come to the Town Green and enjoy old favorites and original songs. Age 1-5 with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Evening Book Club. "Moo" by Jane Smiley. Adults. No registration is required. 7:30 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Thursday/Oct. 18
Dodona Manor tour with the Great Falls women’s club. Carpools leave at 10 a.m. Contact Donna Neuland at neuland@cox.net or 703-759-6233.
Po’ Girl, Hoots and Hellmouth. Roots. $12. At Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Preschool Story Time. Age 3-6. 10:15 and 11 a.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Tiny Tot Tales. Stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Story Time for Twos & Threes. Boost your toddlers' early literacy skills with these fun stories and activities. Age 2-3 with adult. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Flu Vaccinations. Shots $25 or Medicare Part B; must be 18 or older. Call Inova for details; 877-895-5284. Adults. No registration is required. 1-2:30 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Community Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean, 703-356-0770.
Spanish Chats. Informal refresher for people who want to practice Spanish. Adults. No registration is required. 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Guys Read! All-male book discussion. "Spellbinder: The Life of Harry Houdini" by Tom Lalicki. Age 8 & up. 7:15 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Friday/Oct. 19
"Children of a Lesser God" opening night. The first play of the McLean Community Players season runs at the Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Drive, McLean, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 3. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 students/seniors, and $10 for MCP members. Tickets may be purchased at the Alden Box Office or through Ticketmaster
Riverside Campfire: Raptors. Meet "Emmylou," Riverbend's resident red-tailed hawk and explore the world of raptors. S'mores provided. Come early and bring a picnic or toast hotdogs. Bring a toasting stick, blanket and flashlight. A family program; $3 per person, reservations and advance payment required. 6:30-7:30 p.m., meet at Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Civil War: The Battle of Balls Bluff. Explore the battlefield that on Oct. 21, 1861, sent the Union Army over the bluffs and into the Potomac River, crushing their advance into Virginia, and changing the tide of the early Civil War. Wear sturdy shoes for moderate walking and bring a bag lunch. Transportation provided from Riverbend Park. For adults; $34 prepayment and reservations required by Oct. 10. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Meet at the Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Luke Brindley Band, Dean Fields, Andrew Lipke. Singer/songwriter/rock. $10 advance/$12 at the door. 7:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Reception for teachers. 4-7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Tysons Corner Center. The event features authors Peter Van Buskirk and Amy Imbody, giveaways, offers and presentations on books for classroom use.
Terrific Twos. Stories and activities. Age 24-35 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088.
Game On. Runescape, DDR, pizza and soda. Age 13-18. 6 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Anime Cinema. Join your fellow anime otaku and screen Japanese animated films. Age 10 & up. 6:30 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405.
Saturday/Oct. 20
Autumn Adventure. Noon-4 p.m., Reston Town Center Pavilion. Hayrides, music, games, crafts, costume parade and contest, trick-or-treating. Held rain or shine. $5 per child or $20 per family. Proceeds benefit Reston Interfaith.
Sushi Classes. 2 p.m. at Obi Sushi, 1771 Library St., Reston. Learn the history and art of sushi making from the Sushi Chef. All materials provided. $50 per person. Reservations at 703.766.7874. obisushi.com.
Jazz, Blues and Brews. Live music, food and beverages. Free admission. 1-6 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza. Band schedule: 1-2 p.m. Adrian Duke, 2:20-3:20 p.m., J&B Blues Project, 5-6 p.m. Mykle Lyons Quintet. Beer, wine and food garden presented by Jasmine Café and Tavern on the Lake.
Sampling Night. Lake Anne Florist and Chesapeake Chocolates offers samples of flower of the month and "Virginia’s Finest" gourmet treats and hand-made chocolates, 11 a.m.-2 p .m. 11426 Washington Plaza, Lake Anne. Call 703-437-8686.
Farm Harvest Day. Milk a goat, shell corn, peel and press apples, meet farm animals, paint a pumpkin, enjoy farm games. $4. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Kidwell Farm, Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Riverbend Bird Stroll. Hike throughout the park's habitats in search of songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. Discover why Riverbend is an important stopover and nesting area for many birds. Beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars. Free program for adults, 8-10 a.m. Reservations required. Meet at Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Watershed Clean-Up Day. Be part of the International Coastal Cleanup in Virginia. Individuals, students, families, scouts and other community groups can help clear out the earth's arteries by collecting tires, bed springs, bottles, cans and other debris. Wear boots, old clothes and bring gloves. Trash bags provided. Meet at the Riverbend Park Visitors Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Call 703-759-9018.
Justin King and the Apologies, Ammar Malik. $8 advance/$10 at the door. 6 p.m. early show at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
The Cliks. Rock. $10 advance/$12 at the door. 9:30 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Homecoming Festival at Churchill Road Elementary School, to celebrate 50 years at 7100 Churchill Road, McLean. Opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m., activities 11 a.m.-3 p.m., including games and entertainment. Tickets are $3. Visit http://churchillroadpta.org/Anniversary or e-mail homecoming@churchillroadpta.org.
Book Sale. Choices for a variety of reading tastes. All ages. No registration is required. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405. Continues Sunday.
Toddle on Over! Enjoy books, fingerplays and songs with your baby. Age 15-23 months with adult. 10:30 a.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Pumpkin Tales for the Young. Join storyteller Gary Lloyd for stories and fun. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library. All ages. 10:30 a.m. at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, 703-790-8088. and 2:30 p.m. at the Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-689-2700.
Dog Parade! Celebrate Adopt-a-Dog Month. Parade your dog on the Town Green. Prizes if they come in costume! Cosponsored by Bark 'N Bubbles, the Council for the Arts of Herndon and the Herndon Fortnightly Club. All ages. 11 a.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Community Library, 768 Center St., Herndon, 703-437-8855.
Spooktacular! Mad Science is ready when you are for a ghoulishly and spook-taculary fun show. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Library. Age 5-12. 2 p.m. at the Great Falls library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-757-8560.
Know Your Library. Tour of actual and virtual library resources. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. 2 p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.
Rails to River Trail Walk, 1:30 p.m. Meet at Reston Museum for carpools to SkateQuest in Reston to begin a 2-mile fall color trek on the Rails to River Trail through Lake Fairfax Park. Call Reston Museum at 703-709-7700. $5 donation is requested.
Sunday/Oct. 21
Just Jumper Horse Show Series. Watch local residents compete for a blue ribbon in a variety of jumping classes. Held indoors, rain or shine. Spectators attend free. Event repeats Nov. 4. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Acoustic Jam. Bring an instrument or come by to enjoy this drop-in session at the Frying Pan country store. First and third Sundays of every month. 1-4 p.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Call 703-437-9101.
Robbie Schaefer. Music for children. $10 in advance/$12 at the door. Two shows, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Garrison Starr "The Girl That Killed September" CD release show. Roots rock. $10 in advance/$12 at the door. 8 p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com.
Artists Reception. Five Vietnamese artists will exhibit their work at Galerie Brigitte, 11411 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Oct. 18-Nov. 30. Reception includes demonstration of the artists technique.
Book Sale. Choices for a variety of reading tastes. All ages. No registration is required. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Community Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, 703-938-0405. Begins Saturday.