Let Patch help you plan your weekend with our list of local events happening this Friday through Sunday. 

"The Grandest Congress” — The French and Indian War in Alexandria

• Where: Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Observe a reenactment of Major General Braddock’s meeting with five colonial governors at John Carlyle’s home in 1755.
• Price: FREE with a $5 suggested donation.

Magi Whirl 2012 Gala Public Show

• Where: Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria
• When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring the magical talents of Aldo and Rachel Columbini, Noland Montgomery, Gustavo Raley, Ken Scott and George Saterial.
• Price: Adults $15; Students 14 and under and seniors $10; Family pack $44.

MVCCT presents: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"

• Where: Carl Sandburg Middle School, Alexandria
• When: Beginning Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: This musical production, based on Mark Twain’s classic novel, will feature 55 local actors ranging from ages 8 to 18.
• Price: Tickets range from $10 to $12.

Prison Break 5K Run

• Where: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton
• When: Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon
• Why Go: Experience this unique race as you are chased, hounded and tracked through the former prison grounds. Proceeds to benefit the Lorton Arts Foundation.
• Price: $35 entry fee.

Mason Opera and Symphony Orchestra presents "H.M.S. Pinafore"

• Where: GMU Harris Theater, Fairfax
• When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
• Why Go: A night of music and laughs with this popular Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.
• Price: Tickets range from $15 to $20.

Moscow Festival Ballet presents: "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Cinderella"

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Fairfax
• When: "The Sleeping Beauty" on Friday at 8 p.m.; "Cinderella" on Saturday at 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy stunning music, costumes and dancing as the company performs two different fairy tale interpretations this weekend. 
• Price: Tickets range from $27 to $54 (tickets sold separately for each performance).

Mason Neck Horse Coalition's Saddle up for St. Jude Charity Ride

• Where: Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton
• When: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Proceeds from this scavenger hunt and trail ride will benefit St. Jude’s Research Hospital. The two-hour route will include Pohick Bay Regional Park and Gunston Hall Plantation.
• Price: Suggested minimum donation to participate is $25. 

Northern Virginia NTRAK Model Train Display

• Where: Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station
• When: Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Bring the family for an afternoon of watching and learning about N-Gauge model trains, presented by the Northern Virginia NTRAK group.
• Price: Adults $3; Children $1.

American Youth Philharmonic presents "Russian Storytellers"

• Where: GMU Center for the Arts, Fairfax
• When: Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Featuring selections by Liadov, Tcherepnin, Moussorgsky, Stravinsky and more under the direction of Daniel Spalding.
• Price: Adults $14; Students and seniors $10; Music Teachers admitted for FREE.

Library Events:

• Carrots and Peas at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria. Friday at 10:30 a.m. For ages 4 to 5 with adult. FREE. Registration required.
• Friends Book Sale at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Paws to Read at Lorton Library, Lorton. Saturday from 11 a.m. until noon. For ages 6 to 12. FREE. Registration required.
• Science to Amaze and Intrigue at Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 11 a.m. FREE. Registration required.
• African Tea Tasting at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 11 a.m. FREE. Registration required. 
• African Stories Under the Stars at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria.  Saturday at 2 p.m. For grades 3 to 8. FREE. Registration required.