Patch has found a wide variety of local events for you to choose from as you make plans for the upcoming weekend.  

Encore Stage and Studio presents "The Pirates of Penzance"

• Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, Arlington
• When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. (Shows through July 29)
• Why Go: This popular Gilbert and Sullivan comedy musical about a young pirate apprentice is recommended to families with kids age 6 and up.
• Price: Adults $15; children, students and seniors $10.

Christmas in July

• Where: Participating Union Street Businesses, Alexandria
• When: Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Celebrate Christmas a bit early this year with arts and crafts, games, food, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and much more.
• Price: Admission is FREE. There will be a charge for some items and activities.

WMPA Summer Chamber Music Series Concert

• Where: The Lyceum, Alexandria
• When: Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association is offering free concerts on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. This weekend’s performance will feature cellist Douglas Wolters with music by Bach, Carl Friedrich Abel and Haskell Small.
• Price: FREE.

Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances:

• Braddock Nights presents The United States Air Force Band “Strolling Strings” at Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Friday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Tommy Lepson Band at Grist Mill Park, Alexandria. Friday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Wil Gravatt Band at Mason District Park, Annandale. Friday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents The Grandsons, Jr. at Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station. Saturday at 10 a.m. FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents The GoodLife Theater Puppet Show at Mason District Park, Annandale. Saturday at 10 a.m. FREE.
• Arts in the Parks presents DinoRock Puppet Show at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Saturday at 10 a.m. FREE.
• Mount Vernon Nights presents Jah Works at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Saturday at 7 p.m. FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night at Ossian Hall Park, Annandale. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.
• Spotlight by Starlight presents The Capitol Steps at Mason District Park, Annandale. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. FREE.

 Library Events:

• Fun Flicks at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Friday at 10:30 a.m. For all ages. FREE. Registration required.
• Introduction to Digital Books and Audiobooks at Burke Branch Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 11 a.m. 
• Rocknoceros Presents: Colonel Purple Turtle at Chantilly Regional Library, Chantilly. Saturday at 2:30 p.m. FREE. Registration required.