Weekend: Concerts, Ice-Cream Making, Begonia Show + More

Planning your weekend? Don't forget there are plenty of things to do at Fairfax County parks. Here's a look at what's happening this weekend, courtesy of Fairfax County's "Weekender."

Friday, Aug. 26: Rock Steady

Gallagher, Stang, Lewis and Bullock with Eddie Hartness: “Eddie from Ohio” will join GSL&B as percussionist to entertain you with acoustic rock, from classic to modern day. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Also on Friday:

Dairy Days – Ice Cream Making and Butter : Discover the whey of the dairy! Participants churn butter, crank ice cream and play historic games for a taste of 18th-century life. Hourlong sessions held at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. Ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $7/person. Register online. House tour cost is separate. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Summer Stage at Reston Station – Pebble to Pearl: This group will have you rocking with their funk classics/rock/R&B and top 40 hits. From 5 to 7 p.m. in the open air plaza atop Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. All ages. Free. For information, call 703-476-4500.

Mount Vernon Nights Concerts: Although the need for gasoline got the Irish band Scythian started, it is their brand of rock that keeps them going. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grist Mill Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Alte Kameraden Band: AUG-toberfest, featuring the Blaskapelle Alte Kameraden Bavarian Band, will help end your summer in Octoberfest-style. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Saturday, Aug. 27: Best of Begonias

31th Annual Begonia Show and Sale: Feast your eyes at this show sponsored by the Potomac branch of the American Begonia Society. Be tempted with splashes of color and shape for homes and greenhouses that last long after frosts have put outdoor gardens to bed. Sale offers a wide variety of begonias, including subtropical species. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at Green Spring Gardens. Free; no registration required. For information, call703-642-5173.

Also on Saturday:

Begonia Topiary Standard Workshop: Learn to braid a cane (angel wing) begonia into a topiary standard for your home. Begonia expert Johanna Zinn will discuss what makes cane begonia different from other types and what requirements are needed to keep your plant thriving. After her talk, she’ll help you prune and braid a masterful begonia standard. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens. Adults. $35/person, plus a supply fee of $25/person. Register online for both program and supply fee. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Meadow Bug Hunt : The meadow is a-buzz with bugs but we’re not scared. Participants can capture and release amazing insects and other arthropods and earn the secret of this special meadow habitat. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. Insect jars and nets provided. Wear long pants and closed shoes; insect repellent is optional. Bring a field guide, if you have one. Ages 2 and up. $5/person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Starlight Cinema: “Home,” the story of an unlikely friendship between a loveable misfit from another planet and an adventurous girl will be shown outdoors (rated PG). Gates open at 6 p.m. with free games/activities/live entertainment 6 to 8 p.m.; movie begins at dark at 5860 Trinity Center Parkway. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Mount Vernon Nights: The Taters play a mix of power-pop, country and Americana similar to the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and Nick Lowe. From 7 to 8 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

American Indian Stories Campfire : Hear traditional American Indian stories and toast marshmallows. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Russian Cultural Heritage Night: Formed in 1997 as a small ensemble known as the Beltway Balalaika within the 60-piece Washington Balalaika Society, this group will highlight Russian music. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Ossian Hall Park. Free. For information, call 703-324-7469.

Sunday, Aug. 28: Be a Butterfly Buddy

Monarchs and More : Learn to identify monarch and other butterflies, discover their fascinating life cycle and assist with tagging monarchs, when available. Visit a monarch way station and native butterfly garden. Learn about the challenges of the monarch migration phenomenon and how you can make a difference. Due to the dramatic decline in the monarch butterfly population, wild monarchs may not be available for tagging. From 1 to 2 p.m. at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6/person. Register online. For information, call703-941-1065.

Also on Sunday:

Hands-on History : Drop off your children ages 4 to 11 and let them travel back in time with a costumed interpreter to explore the lives of 19th-century children. Activities include games, farm chores and toy making. Then the kids get to make something tasty. From 2:30 to 4 p.m. at E.C. Lawrence Park. $10/child. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Spotlight by Starlight: Hokum Jazz will entertain you with vintage blues, jazz and swing from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mason District Park Amphitheater. Free. For information, call703-324-7469.

Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.

The Fairfax County Weekender highlights a selection of county events taking place each weekend. Many more events and activities can be found at the Parks and Library pages, and elsewhere on the Fairfax County website. Additionally, the towns of Herndon and Vienna as well as the city of Falls Church offer many arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

PHOTO of Fairfax County's Burke Lake courtesy of fxva.com