
As we approach Labor Day, we’re in an in-between time that for some means cherishing the last moments of summer freedom and for others means diving headfirst into all the autumn staples. So this week, families can watch one last movie under the stars and head to a local farm to start picking apples and sipping cider.
Apple Gala & Fresh Cider Fest
Sept. 2-24
For many, the arrival of Labor Day means the conclusion of summer and the beginning of fall (even though the first day of fall isn’t technically until Sept. 22), and with that change comes picking apples, sipping cider and eating pumpkin-spiced everything. Celebrate all of that at Great Country Farms’ Apple Gala festival, which kicks off Sept. 2 and runs every weekend through the entire month. // Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont
Mommy/Daddy & Me: Yummy Dinner
Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-noon
At this cooking class, parent and child (3-5 years old) will learn how to make barbecue chicken hand pies. // Cookology: 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling
Wednesday Wonders
Sept. 6, 10-10:45 a.m.
Every Wednesday, the nature experts at Potomac Overlook Regional Park help kids learn more about their environment through a story, a live animal exhibit and crafts. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington
Saturday Morning with The Great Zucchini
Sept. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Kids will be wowed by The Great Zucchini’s interactive Saturday morning magic show at Jammin Java. // Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. W., Vienna
Virginia Indian Festival
Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Learn more about American Indian culture at this annual festival at Riverbend Park, where tradition will be explored through storytelling and crafts (like jewelry and pottery). There will also be demonstrations on shooting bows and arrows and making stone tools. // Riverbend Park: 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
Family Dig Day
Sept. 9, 1:30-3 p.m.
Pretty much every child who’s seen Jurassic Park has wanted to be an archaeologist at one point or another, right? Let your child explore that passion while searching for artifacts at Alexandria Archaeology Museum. // Alexandria Archaeology Museum: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
Movies Under the Stars
Sept. 9, 7-9 p.m.
Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center’s summerlong outdoor movie series concludes on Saturday with a screening of The Lego Batman Movie. // Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center: 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge