Not sure what to do this weekend? Check out Patch’s list of events happening in our area this Friday through Sunday.

Run for Shelter 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run

• Where: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Madison Building, Alexandria
• When: Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m.
• Why Go: Proceeds from this event will go to Carpenter’s Shelter, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness.
• Price: Registration is $40 for the 10K and $20 for the fun run.

Civil War Balloon Corps Living History Event

• Where: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, Alexandria
• When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Why Go: This living history re-enactment will feature Civil War aeronaut Thaddeus Lowe and his netted gas balloon. Please be advised, this event is weather dependent.
• Price: FREE.

Hollin Hills Home and Garden Tour

• Where: Hollin Hills neighborhood, Alexandria
• When: Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
• Why go: If you love architecture, "Mad Men," and all-things modern, you'll want to check this out to see stellar examples of design at the biennial event.
• Price: $25, cash or checks only. Students are $10 with school identification. 

Mount Vernon Spring Garden Sale

• Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria
• When: Now through May 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Why Go: This annual sale has everything you need for your garden, including plants grown at Mount Vernon. The sale is located on the sidewalk outside the shops. Admission is not required.

Healthy Strides Community 10K, 5K and Fun Run

• Where: Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station
• When: Saturday. 10K and 5K start at 7:30 a.m.; fun run starts at 8:45 a.m.
• Why Go: Enjoy the scenery at Burke Lake as you run or walk the race of your choice. Jogging strollers are allowed in the 5K.
• Price: Registration is $30 for 10K and 5K; fun run is FREE for ages 5 through 12.

Run for the Children 10K Race and 3K Run-Walk

• Where: Fairfax County Courthouse, Fairfax
• When: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Proceeds to benefit Fairfax CASA, which provides safe and stable homes for abused and neglected children.
• Price: Registration is $35 for ages 18 and up, and $20 for under 18.  

Mocktails Tasting Party

• Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale
• When: Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Learn how to mix a variety of non-alcoholic beverages perfect for spring and summer entertaining. 
• Price: $22 to $24. Registration required. 

Virginia Ballet Company presents "Swan Lake"

• Where: NOVA Annandale Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale
• When: Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.
• Why Go: Don’t miss this interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s romantic and mysterious classic in four acts. 
• Price: Tickets range from $20 to $30.

Library Highlights:

• Used Book Sale at Pohick Regional Library, Burke. Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
• Moose on the Loose at Burke Centre Library, Burke. Friday at 11 a.m.  For ages 3 to 5. FREE. Registration required.
• Preschool Storytime at John Marshall Library, Alexandria. Friday at 11 a.m. For ages 3 to 5. FREE. Registration required.
• Friday Friends Book Club at Burke Centre Library, Burke. Friday at 4 p.m. For ages 8 to 12. FREE. Registration required.
• Get Puzzled at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria. Saturday, all day.  FREE. 
• Barrett Book Sale at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   
• Children’s Story and Crafts at Burke Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday at 3 p.m. FREE.  
• Ezibu Muntu Dance Group at Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria.  Saturday at 3 p.m. FREE.   

Nature Programs:

• Basic Gardening: Attracting Pollinators at Green Spring Gardens, Annandale. Friday at 1:30 p.m. For adults. $10 to $12 per person. Registration required.  
• Ponderings - Spring at Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Friday at 4:30 p.m. For ages 6 to 11. $6 to $8 per person. Registration required. 
• Follow a Trail at Mason Neck State Park, Lorton. Saturday at 2 p.m. For all ages. Parking is $4 per vehicle.
• Songs of the Night Campfire at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Saturday at 7:15 p.m. For ages 4 and up. $6 to $8 per person. Registration required.
• May Day Baskets at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Sunday at 2 p.m. For ages 3 to 9. $6 to $8 per person. Registration required.