Entertainment

Great Falls, Virginia: Landmarks of Local Aspirations

Capturing and preserving the ever-evolving story of our the village.

There are certain old-timers in Great Falls whose families are filled with memories that span generations and even centuries in this area, connecting them deeply with the local story.

Afternoon with the Madisons

Interactive play “An Afternoon with the Madisons” was shown exactly 200 years from the date that British soldiers set Washington D.C. ablaze to give locals a history lesson at the free event at McLean Community Center’s Alden Theater Sunday.

Celebrate Great Falls searching for volunteers

In an effort to drum up volunteers, Celebrate Great Falls is making some changes soon. A more membership driven service and a new event under its wing - the Turner Farm Independence Day fireworks - it hopes to drive the number of people willing to donate their time to make CGF’s events happen.

A Summer Snow Day at Town Center

Hundreds of happy pups got to frolic in the snow last weekend at Reston Town Center. Petco hauled 20 tons of snow to the town center plaza to give local pets and pet owners a Summer Snow Day to give back to the community and raise awareness for local animal shelters.

Fall for the Book in September

Local book festival with something for everyone.

Your opportunity to be part of a literary celebration is about to arrive. The annual Fall for the Book Festival begins on Sept. 11. It is a week-long, multi-venue affair with free events at locations throughout Fairfax County, and beyond.

The Great Falls Farmers Market - Where Saturdays are Local

Please know that you have a standing invitation to join us every Saturday morning (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the parking lot next to the Wells Fargo Bank for a spirited community event, the Great Falls Farmers Market – immediately following Cars & Coffee.

Middle Eastern Food Festival Returns for 22nd Year

Festival hosted by Holy TransfiguratiMelkite Greek-Catholic Church features, food and sweets, family activities and traditional culture.

Food and festival-lovers alert! The annual Labor Day weekend Middle Eastern Food Festival is upon the McLean/Vienna area once again. And if you’ve wondered how a Northern Virginia foodfest can go through 200 pounds of lamb, 400 pounds of beef, 450 pounds of chicken, 180 pounds of butter and 12,000 pieces of sweets, this is your opportunity to find out.

A Prime Location

Popular businesses drive customers to gift shop.

Is it at the town center or the shopping center? Burke residents know. The Picket Fence is at the Burke Town Center, next to a newly-opened Sweet Frog, a Giant grocery store, a BB&T bank, a dry cleaner and a Starbucks. Owner Billie Thomas believes that The Picket Fence is situated in a prime location.

For the Birds

Burke store helps bring nature closer to home.

Is it true that when one holds a bird in one’s hand, the bird gets so nervous it dies? No, said Steve Pyne, owner of the Wild Bird Center in Burke. This is the type of expertise and more that customer Kathy Morris can rely on when she comes in the store.

Cycle Fest Set for Sept. 14

The community is invited to the 5th Annual Northern Virginia Cycle Fest ride on Sunday, Sept. 14. Cycle Fest benefits the Wounded Warrior Project and Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA).

Lake Anne Jazz Festival on Aug. 30

Lake Anne’s Jazz and Blues festival has grown a lot since it started eight years ago. The free festival, which features D.C. - area world class musicians, local wine and beer as well as temporary public art, will take place Aug. 30 from 2 to 8 p.m.

‘It’s Nice to Shop Outdoors’

Farmers Market at Government Center is a hit with the customers.

Whether customers are looking for juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, coconut cupcakes or homemade ice cream, they’ll find all those things and more at the farmers market at the Fairfax County Government Center.

‘Beach Party’ in Great Falls

The piano students of Artstars Studio were excited about learning and practicing music for their "Beach Party" recital held recently. Selections included "Palm Tree Serenade" by Lynn Olson, "Sandcastles" by Martha Mier, and "Moonlit Tides" by Randall Hartsell.

Local Elementary School Artists Exhibit at Starbucks Great Falls

Grab a cup (iced, of course) and enjoy with an erupting volcano, snowcapped peaks, joyful portraits, complicated landscapes and tiny prints.

McLean Fall Community Flea Market to Be Held Sept. 13

Bargain hunters can find precious treasures and save on a variety of household items at the McLean Fall Community Flea Market. Sponsored by the McLean Community Center, the sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the parking garage at 1420 Beverly Road (behind the Giant Shopping Center). Admission to the sale is free.

The Connection