Spring Garden Market, Brew Bash, & Farewell to Earp's Ordinary

Plus, National Library Week events go beyond books across Fairfax County | A preview of the weekend ahead and things to do in Fairfax County

Author

Matthew Knoedler
April 10, 2025

Hey gang, Matt here!

If you’re heading Out & About this weekend, you may want to keep that umbrella handy. Those spring showers will kick off what’s shaping up to be a busy weekend across Fairfax County. (But, if you’re like me, you’re okay with that free car wash and keeping the grass green.)

In Alexandria, those spring showers are already leading to May flowers with the Spring Garden Market on tap this weekend. Plus, it’s National Library Week — where you can find things to do at your local library, from books to — yes, even tai chi.

The food and drink scene is brewing up some pretty tasty events this weekend — where you can snag some Cajun food and craft beer, enjoy a “brew bash,” and much more.

Plus, a farewell to a Fairfax music venue, and how to catch the last Capitals home game of the regular season. (Can Ovi hit 900 career goals by the end of the season?)

In this week’s newsletter:

  • Spring Garden Market in Alexandria, National Library Week in Fairfax County

  • Mustang Sally’s 9th Anniversary Brew Bash, Aslin hosts Earth Daze

  • Farewell to Earp’s Ordinary, BalletNova in Tysons

  • “Green Reston,” family-friendly hike and campfire in Chantilly

  • Capitals close regular season home schedule, Nats on the road

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Let’s dive in!

Cheers,
Matt

A message from us

Things To Do

Spring markets, cherry blossom festivities wrap up, National Library Week, and much more! 🌸

  • Spring Garden Market in Alexandria

    • The American Horticultural Society is hosting its 2025 Spring Garden Market on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 at the scenic River Farm in Alexandria. Shop for specialty plants and herbs, garden-themed art and books, tools and garden accessories and more. Cost: $5 per person or $20 per car (including all passengers). The event runs 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m. each day.

      • 7931 East Boulevard Dr., Alexandria

  • Blossom Fest at Springfield Town Center

    • The annual event in Springfield is back once again with dozens of exhibitors ready to fill the lot between JCPenney’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods on Saturday, April 12 from 11:00a.m.-5:00p.m. This free family-friendly event also has live entertainment, music, food trucks, activities, and more.

      • 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield

  • ‘Center in Bloom’ at Tysons Corner Center

    • It’s the final weekend for “Center in Bloom” at Tysons Corner Center, which runs through Sunday, April 13. The weeks-long event rings in the cherry blossom celebration across the DMV. Enjoy blossom-themed shopping and curated food menus along with special events and much more.

      • 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons

  • Fairfax County Public Libraries Celebrate “National Library Week”

    • National Library Week runs this week, April 6-12, so we have pulled a few fun events — from books and beyond — happening at branches across Fairfax County. (Check out the “Families & Kids” section for kids events at the library.)

  • The Nation’s Gun Show at Dulles Expo Center

    • The Dulles Expo Center hosts The Nation’s Gun Show this weekend, running Friday, April 11-Sunday, April 13. A variety of firearms will be on sale and on display through the weekend, including rifles, shotguns, historic firearms, and more. Tickets start at $15 for adults with a three-day pass available for $25.

      • 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly

Food & Drink

A busy weekend across the Fairfax County brewery scene, both for fun and for a good cause! 🍻♻️

  • Mustang Sally Brewing’s 9th Anniversary Brew Bash

    • A jam-packed day of food, drinks, and fun is on tap at Mustang Sally Brewing in Chantilly on Saturday, April 12. Doors open at 11:00a.m., and events scheduled include the Virginia Artisan Craft Fair, “Cajun Crawl” including smoked alligator and BBQ, pickle vendor pop-up, trivia, comedy, and of course, beers and special releases throughout the day.

      • 14140 Parke Long Ct., A-C, Chantilly

  • Aslin Beer Co. Hosts Earth Daze

    • Aslin’s Herndon location is celebrating Earth Daze, "an Earth Day-related extravaganza," together with Clean Fairfax on Saturday, April 12. It’s a one-stop shop, of sorts, to recycle some unwanted items, check out sustainability workshops, shop from local vendors, dog adoption, and enjoy Aslin’s Earth Daze Beer Release Party. The event runs 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

      • 767 Elden St., Herndon

  • Wine, Mimosa, and Fondue Festival at Shipgarten

    • Enjoy a wide sampling of food and drinks at this tasty festival at Shipgarten in McLean. The fun runs Saturday, April 12 from 1:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Admission to this event is free and includes activities such as a water pong tournament, hula hoop competition, and more.

      • 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean

  • Big Easy Dinner at Fair Winds Brewing Company

    • The Lorton brewery is cooking some New Orleans favorites on Thursday, April 10 with their Cajun food and craft beer pairing. The five-course Cajun-inspired dinner includes five 5oz. pours of Fair Winds beer, plus a welcome pint upon arrival. Tickets: $50. Check in begins at 5:45p.m. with dinner at 6:00p.m.

      • 7000 Newington Rd., Suites K-L, Lorton

  • Bike to the Breweries

    • Caboose Brewery hosts “Bike to the Breweries,” its seasonal kickoff event along the W&OD Trail on Saturday, April 12 starting at 8:30a.m. Participating breweries include Caboose, Aslin, Old Ox, and more. The final celebration ends at Caboose at 1:00p.m. Learn more about how to join the ride in the link above.

      • 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna

Go Out & About Together

Music, Arts, & Entertainment

From ballet to the final weekend at Earp’s Ordinary in Fairfax, here are some of the top performances this weekend in Fairfax County! 🎶

  • BalletNova Performs at Capital One Hall

    • BalletNova brings to life a dazzling performance of the classic Don Quixote at Capital One Hall for two performances this weekend, Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. Tickets: $35.

      • 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons

  • Broadway Showcase: A Chorale Tribute to Disney Magic at GMU

    • From ballads to show-stopping hits, enjoy the sounds of Disney set to the energy of a Broadway performance during the George Mason University Chorale’s annual Broadway Showcase. Shows are scheduled Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12. General public tickets are $20, senior tickets are $15, and students are $5.

      • 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax

  • Comedy Night at Reston Community Center

    • The Resonance Improv Alliance will host Comedy Night at Reston Community Center Hunter Woods on Friday, April 11 at 7:00p.m. This is the group’s first community show, which highlights the talents and work of local improv comedians. Tickets start at $10.

      • 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston

  • Earp’s Ordinary Hosts Final Performances This Weekend

    • The Fairfax City live music hotspot is set to close on Sunday, April 13. But, fans can enjoy the “Farewell to Earp’s Ordinary” six-band set on Saturday, April 12 with showtime starting at 1:00p.m. Tickets are $25.

      • 10420 Main St., Fairfax

  • John Grant Performs at Wolf Trap

    • Indie singer-songwriter John Grant takes the stage at Wolf Trap on Friday, April 11. His work includes collaborations with legendary artists Elton John and Sinead O’Connor, among others. Showtime: 8:00p.m. Tickets start at $41.

      • 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna

Families & Kids

From the pool to the park to the public library, it’s a busy weekend ahead for the kiddos! ⬇️

  • Aqua Egg Hunt in Herndon

    • A unique and fun Easter Egg hunt at the Herndon Community Center pool for the “Aqua Egg Hunt” on Saturday, April 12. Kids race to collect as many eggs as they can within the time limit. Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and includes one parent and one child.

      • 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon

  • Blossom Bash at Children’s Science Center Lab

    • Kids can mark the end of the cherry blossom season with a celebration mixing together science and culture in Fairfax on Saturday, April 12. Tickets: $15.

      • 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax

  • “Green Reston” at Reston Community Center

    • Celebrate Earth Day early in Reston on Saturday, April 12 for “Green Reston,” an eco-friendly, family-friendly event. Families can also participate in the Green Reston Scavenger Hunt, which we featured in last week’s newsletter.

      • 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston

  • Spring into Action: Full Moon Nature Hike & Campfire

    • Enjoy a night under the stars and around the campfire in Chantilly on Saturday, April 12 from 7:30p.m.-9:00p.m. A naturalist at the Woodlands Stewardship Education Center will lead this family-friendly outdoors event. Cost: $12. Ages 6+. Families can register online.

      • 5301 Walney Rd., Chantilly

  • Family Storytime to Celebrate National Library Week

    • Kids can celebrate National Library Week with Family Storytime at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library on Saturday, April 12 from 10:30a.m.-11:00a.m. Ages 5-under. Space is limited but registration is not required.

      • 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

      • MORE: Looking for more family-friendly library events? Check out these storytime events in Oakton, Springfield, McLean, Annandale, and Alexandria among other events throughout the area.

Sports & Recreation

Each weekend, we run down the schedule as our local pro and college sports teams take the field (or court, ice, etc.) if you’re interested in hitting the big game.

News & Notes

  • 🏀The Washington Wizards wrapped up their home regular season schedule on Wednesday. They close the season with games at Chicago and Miami this weekend.

  • ⚾️The Washington Nationals are on the road for a three-game set at Miami this weekend.

  • ⚽️The Washington Spirit hits the road to play Racing Louisville on Saturday.

  • 🏈The D.C. Defenders visit the St. Louis Battlehawks in UFL action on Sunday.

Home Games

  • 🏒NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals

    • Thursday, April 10 at 7:30p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

  • ⚽️MLS: Cincinnati at D.C. United

    • Saturday, April 12 at 7:30p.m., Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

  • 🏒NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals

    • Sunday, April 13 at 6:00p.m., Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Fairfax County Fun Fact of the Week

Did you know: River Farm — the site of the Spring Garden Market featured above — was previously owned by George Washington. Today’s smaller River Farm is located on the northernmost division of Washington’s original property.

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Thanks for reading! See you next week.

Matt Knoedler
Publisher, Out & About Fairfax