Join the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown as the shops celebrate the annual Georgetown French Market!

Superb shopping complimented by the scent of fresh coffee and the sounds of strolling musicians immerse the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown every spring with the 10th annual Georgetown French Market coming up at the end of April.  The 2013 Georgetown French Market will be held Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 5pm.  

This event takes place along upper Wisconsin Avenue, NW, between P Street and Reservoir Road, and features over 35 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and galleries offering savings up to 75% off designer goods, art and antique home furnishings. Whimsical mimes, strolling musicians, arts & crafts with Alliance Francais and live art demo by Art Soiree will offer fun and entertainment for the whole family. Click here for a full list of participating stores and their fabulous offers.

note: I am on the judging panel for this event - so thought I'd share! Hope to see you there!

Girls and boys 12 and under are invited to don their most original, most humorous or best international-theme home-made Easter bonnet creation and walk in the Fair Oaks Children's Easter Bonnet Parade contest on Saturday, March 23 from 10 am to 11:30 am.

Judges will award three grand prizes: most original home-made Easter bonnet creation; most humorous home-made Easter bonnet creation; and, best international-theme home-made Easter bonnet creation. Each winner will receive a $100 Fair Oaks Mall American Express® Gift Card.

The Fair Oaks Children's Easter Bonnet Contest will be held in the Grand Court of Fair Oaks Mall, adjacent to the spring gardens with the Fair Oaks Easter Bunny. Girls and boys 12 years of age and under, along with a parent or legal guardian, must first register with a photo release on Saturday, March 23 any time between 10 am and 11 am prior to joining the parade and contest. Winners will be announced at 12 noon on Saturday, March 23, with winners’ photos displayed through March 30 at the Fair Oaks Customer Service Center.

A continental breakfast will be served for all Fair Oaks Children’s Easter Bonnet Parade contest entrants, and each entrant will receive a special Fair Oaks Privilege Card discount for photos with the Easter Bunny in his spring gardens.

The American Express® Gift Card may be used at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Cards. No ATM cash withdrawal. Some limitations apply, including restriction on use of the Gift Card at cruise lines or for recurring billing. See Cardholder Agreement for complete details. Card cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law. The American Express Gift Card is issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation.

Art Underground will celebrate its launch on Saturday, March 16 with an open house and free mega paint-off hosted by ArtJamz from 6pm – 10pm at 2100 Crystal Drive. This event will be an energetic opportunity for the public to get a taste of the newest arts and cultural destination in the area with tours of brand new artist studios (Studios Underground) the Gallery Underground curated by the Arlington Artists Alliance, music, beverages, and snacks. Stop by and you can also catch Synetic’s latest installment of its famous silent Shakespeare series, The Tempest, at 8 PM (visit www.synetictheater.org for tickets).

The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Vornado/Charles E. Smith and the Arlington Artists Alliance (AAA), is transforming five blocks of Crystal City’s interior retail space into a vibrant arts and cultural destination with galleries, studios, interactive exhibits and activities, performance and classroom spaces, and a host of special events. This effort will create a powerful new incubator for the arts that will further activate and support Crystal City businesses and retail by attracting additional exposure, visitation, business and opportunities.

Art Underground is a collection of arts programming that will initially include:

• Studios Underground: an outlet for local artists to create, practice and showcase their talents while providing an engaging cultural experience for area residents, employees, visitors and guests.
• Gallery Underground (formerly the Northern Virginia Art Center): a showcase of original artwork by regional artists with monthly rotating exhibits to excite the imagination, stimulate creativity, and encourage repeat visitation.
• FotoWalk Underground: in partnership with FotoDC, FotoWalk is a yearlong, 1000-foot, 150-image gallery that changes every six months.
• Synetic Theater: the premier American physical theater, fusing dynamic art forms – such as text, drama, movement, acrobatics, dance and music.
• Special Events: Art Underground will host and present ongoing activities and events, including monthly ArtJamz sessions.

The Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) will hold its third Arts for Autism gala and fashion show on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, and it is well on its way to selling out.

Saturday, February 2, 2013, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Clarendon Ballroom
3185 Wilson Blvd.
 Arlington, VA 22201

This unique event enlists model-fundraisers from the local fashion community and educational institutions to post their pictures on the Arts for Autism website prior to the gala and promote it to friends and family seeking donations and support.  The model-fundraisers then get to walk the runway at the gala wearing fine apparel provided by local designers and retailers.  Those walking the runway include current and aspiring models, and high school students earning community service and classroom credit.  Students from McLean High School, Marymount University and Tysons Corner Center’s Classroom on the Mall program are among those who have helped plan the event.

Beyond the fact it's a good cause that furthers ASNV’s mission to support local families who have been touched by autism, the gala is also a fun and fashionable event held at a beautiful, first-class venue. The gala reception features an art show and a series of brief performances and remarks by people in autism community and local elected officials, followed by a New York-style fashion show with model fundraisers walking down the runway to the sounds of a dee-jay wearing the latest fashions provided by local retailers, designers and boutiques.

The gala is open to members of the local media who register in advance.  It is a high-profile event that offers great visuals and the opportunity to mingle with an affluent, fashion-conscious audience.  We promise a great evening with gourmet food and drink, and a friendly audience supporting a worthy cause. 

Autism is the nation’s fastest-growing intellectual disability, and autism prevalence rates have grown to 1 in every 88 children in the United States.  In Virginia, the number of autistic students in state schools increased 15 percent between 2010 and 2011, and has grown every year since the state began collecting this data.  The looming surge in the number of adults on the spectrum will create unprecedented demand to help this growing population, since there are currently few supports for autistic adults who have aged out of the school system.  ASNV serves families touched by autism in the Northern Virginia area by providing a full range of services and supports.

2nd Thursday of each month • 6-9pm • Free

Browse open studios and galleries, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments at this free event held on the second Thursday of each month at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Enjoy special programming and exhibition receptions throughout the year. Drop by on your way to dinner, or make an evening of it!

Visit the Torpedo Factory's website for more information.

Friday, Nov. 16: It's a Dee-Light! Begin the holiday season early with the spectacular display at Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights. Imagine the beauty of Meadowlark's renowned gardens transformed into a winter wonderland, including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights. Marvel at the two-story animated fountain, stroll past the Gingerbread Village and explore the beauty of nature like you've never seen it. Timed admission tickets are required. Dress for the outdoors! The walking path is .6 miles long. Stay for the animated Lakeside Lights show and enjoy "light" refreshments. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:15 (through Jan. 6). Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. $13/adults, $8/children ages 8 to 12. Tickets available online. For more information call 703-255-3631.

Also on Friday:

Jokeslingers Comedy Tour: Live stand up comedy featuring Alex Moore, a comedic giant who has appeared on “My Name is Earl,” “MadTV,” and “The View." Also featuring comedians Brian Kerns, from “Last Comic Standing” and Adam Dodd, a musical comic who has performed on “Ryan Seacrest Live,” MTV, and VH1.  Due to material, all patrons must be 18 years old to attend the performance. 8 and 10 p.m. (Also on Saturday.) Workhouse Arts Center. $20/person. For more information call 703-584-2900.

Saturday, Nov. 17: Just a Taste

Taste the flavors enjoyed by woodland American Indians in the 1600s while sitting communally around the fire during American Indian Foods Tasting & Tea. Listen to stories about local animals and enjoy traditional games. Make a game to take home. Participants age 4 and above are welcome. 2 to 3 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $15/person. Register online. For information call 703-941-1065.

Also on Saturday:

Hot Club of San Francisco: “Cinema Vivant”: Playful, engaging and so utterly charming that this is their third time at the Alden, Hot Club of San Francisco recreates the French Gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club de France with original compositions and renditions of hot jazz classics. HCSF has a traditional Hot Club instrumentation of guitar, rhythm guitar (replacing drums), violin and upright bass. HCSF will blend their usual concert with screenings of short silent films that they will accompany. Ladislaw Starewicz was a pioneer of stop-action animation and created films that clearly influenced the popular animated movies of today. Come enjoy an unusual evening of elegant jazz manouche and rarely seen silent shorts. 8 p.m. McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. $25/person. ($18/McLean Community Center district residents.) For information call 703-790-0123.

Living History: Featuring reenactors portraying the 17th Mississippi Infantry. There will be infantry drill and musket firing demonstrations along with portrayal of Civil War camp life. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bull Run Regional Park. Free.  For information call 703-631-0550.

Family Fun - Thankful, Thoughtful, Thanksgiving: With Thanksgiving soon upon us, respect your body with good nutrition. Explore creative recipes which incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Try a healthy Thanksgiving treat and learn the story behind the Thanksgiving that we celebrate today. Participants age 5 and above are welcome. 2 to 3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Date Night Ballroom: Start the evening with a dance lesson (cha-cha) and then open dance, food and fun. Dress is casual. All skill levels are welcome. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and a cash bar in the Workhouse Gallery. Dance lesson begin at 7:30 p.m. Open dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center. $10/person. ($5/mini-lesson.) For information call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Nov. 18: Face the Music

Appalachian Flyer has been picking from D.C. to West Virginia since 2007. Join them for a rousing show at the Bluegrass Barn. Doors open 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center. $12/person in advance, $15/at door. For more information call 703-437-9101.


Also on Sunday:

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great:  In 1972, young adult author Judy Blume penned the story of 10-year-old Sheila Tubman. Still a popular children's novel 40 years later, "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great" is the story of Sheila's adventures, fears and mishaps at a summer day camp with her courageous new friend Merle "Mouse" Ellis. The book's cast of colorful characters come of age in ArtsPower National Touring Theatre's musical production. 2 to 3 p.m. McLean Community Center's Alden Theatre. $15/person. ($10/McLean Community Center district residents.) For information call 703-790-0123.

Snowflake Stampede: A 2.5-mile fun run or walk for holiday enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy a special preview of the Festival of Lights on foot, and take a picture with your favorite display. All participants will receive a free t-shirt. Strollers and pets on a leash are welcome. Bring a non-perishable food item and receive a coupon for $5 off your next visit to the Bull Run Festival of Lights. Event is limited to the first 500 registrants. Check in at 4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. start.) Bull Run Regional Park. $15/adults, $10/children 12 and under, free/ages 2 and under. To register (required) or for more information call 703-352-5900.

via Fairfax County Newswire. Information was correct at time of publication.  Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.  A complete list of county calendars is also available online. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187 TTY 711. 

On Saturday, 8 December 2012 at 5 PM, Gainesville Ballet School will proudly present A Children’s Nutcracker at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia. 

Over 100 students from local public, private and home schools will be among those to dance in the 2012 performance. 

Tickets for the 7th annual ballet performance start at $15, with discounts for seniors, students, scouts and children under age four. 
Tickets are available on the ballet school’s web site: www.gainesvilleballetschool.org. 

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will be in Chantilly, December 7-9 at the Dulles Expo Center. The festival boasts 300 top artisans, children’s entertainment and live music. This December weekend is the perfect opportunity for visitors to shop the latest holiday trends for the home, garden or wardrobe, and find to some unique items for people on their holiday gift list.

This award-winning festival is truly a family affair; the interactive puppet theater keeps children delighted, while live music and gourmet goodies are enjoyed by the whole family. A signature of the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is the live-demonstration of iron forging, papermaking, stone sculpting and other media by the master craftspeople themselves.

More information about the Festival can be found here.

Not sure what to do with the kids the day after Thanksgiving? Bring them to the DCJCC  at 11 am for a special performance:  Woody Sez for Kidz. Come early for a special craft project.

WOODY SEZ: The Life & Music of WOODY GUTHRIE
November 8 – December 2 * including weekday matinees and a Kids Show!   

Celebrate the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie, the creator of American classics like “This Land is Your Land” and “The Ballad of Tom Joad!”  This boisterous retelling of the life of America’s troubadour blends musical numbers, scenes from Guthrie’s life and excerpts from his progressive newspaper column. The infectious and moving piece brings to life a true American hero, who proudly declared he would “always be there whenever working folks fight for their rights.”

Friday, November 23 at 11:00 am --- Special Woody Sez for Kidz performance.  
45 min long.  Recommended for ages 3 and up.  

Also join DCJCC at 10:00 am to start the holiday season with a craft project for all ages.  We’ll be decorating holiday gift bags for the DCJCC’s December 25th Day of Service project Help brighten a homeless person’s day when they receive their holiday gift in a personalized gift bag!

To purchase tickets, click here.

Friday, Nov. 9: Fired Up  Join a naturalist for an evening of outdoor fun at the Thanksgiving Family Campout. Bring a picnic or food to cook on the fire (skewer cooking only) and enjoy a culinary sampling of traditional Thanksgiving foods. Listen to American Indian stories and go on a night hike. Bring sleeping bags, tents, flashlights and food. Light breakfast provided. Ages 3 and above are welcome. 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.  Riverbend Park. $18/person. Register online. For information, call 703-759-9018.

Also on Friday:

An Evening with Rosemary Wells: Meet Rosemary Wells, author and illustrator of popular children's books including the Max and Ruby series. Books available for sale and signing. Adults and children welcome. Register each child and adult separately. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium. Free. Register online. For information call 703-324-3100.

Saturday, Nov. 10: Gardens, By George!

Enjoy a beautifully illustrated presentation looking at the lives of the founding fathers and how their attitude toward plants, gardens, nature and agriculture shaped the United States during Founding Gardeners. Join Andrea Wulf, award-winning historian and author of "Founding Gardeners" and "Brother Gardeners" for this fascinating look at how plants, politics and personalities intertwined as never before. A book signing and reception follow the program. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Green Spring Gardens.$20/person. Register online or call 703-222-4664. For information call 703-642-5173.

Also on Saturday:

New Moon Night Hike: Come on a night hike and join the nocturnal wildlife at the park. Explore nature’s nighttime communication and animal senses and experience the night environment in a unique way. Come gain new added confidence on how to navigate comfortably in the dark and have fun with sensory awareness activities that help us overcome fear of the darkness through knowledge of and familiarity with it. Although participants may bring a flashlight, the hike will be mostly in the dark. Clothing for nighttime climate and closed-toe shoes recommended. Ages 8 and above are welcome. 6 to 8 p.m. Potomac Overlook Regional Park. $5/person (suggested donation). For reservations (required) or more information call 703-528-5406.

36th Annual McLean Antiques Show & Sale: An exceptional group of dealers representing American, English and European antiques, decorative accessories, furniture, folk art, porcelains, silver, paintings, prints, linens, Oriental carpets and rugs. A glass repair service will be available on-site. Refreshments available for purchase. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.) McLean Community Center. $7/person.  For information call 703-790-0123.

2nd Saturday Art Walk: Showcasing the diverse work of more than 100 visual artists in a unique historic venue, creating an atmosphere that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of this creative community. Guests can tour seven studio buildings, mix and mingle with artists and buy original works of art, all while enjoying light refreshment and music. The social atmosphere of the monthly art walk makes it the perfect destination for a date night or girls night out, as well as for art collectors and art appreciation groups. 6 to 9 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information call 703-584-2900.

Sunday, Nov. 11: Face the Music

The Music Friends of the Fairfax County Public Library present National Symphony Orchestra Artists in Concert. Natasha Bogachek, violin, and Dasha Gabay, piano, of the National Symphony Orchestra, will perform works by Saint-Saens, Faure, Wieniawsky, Massenet and Ravel. 3 p.m. McGuire Woods Gallery in Building W-16 at the Workhouse Arts Center. Free. For information call 703-584-2900.

Also on Sunday:

Flying Squirrels: Gliding in Tonight: Join a naturalist and look for flying squirrels at roosting boxes. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Ages 4 and above are welcome. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $6/person. Register online. For information call 703-941-1065.

The Changing Shape of Fashion: Collector and exhibitor Caroline Hottenstein shows her fabulous collection of antique dresses, bodices, outerwear, trimmings and more. Take the opportunity to examine exquisitely hand-crafted pieces up close as she explains the changing shape of female form and fashion during the 19th century. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Historic Green Spring. $30/person (includes a full English tea). Program only: $10/person. For reservations or more information call 703-941-7987.

via Fairfax County Newswire. 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. A complete list of county calendars is also available online. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187 TTY 711.