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Northern Virginia’s weekend calendar is packed from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19, with Southern rock, horses, community celebrations, spring gardening and a recital inspired by the history of women and witches.
Duane Betts brings Southern rock to Wolf Trap
Duane Betts and his band, Palmetto Motel, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road in Vienna.
The son of Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts, Duane Betts carries Southern rock traditions into his solo work. The shows will feature songs from his album Wild & Precious Life alongside Allman Brothers favorites including “Blue Sky” and “Jessica.”
Horse Expo welcomes riders and newcomers
Frying Pan Farm Park will host its Annual Horse Expo at 10 a.m. Saturday at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon.
The event is open to experienced riders and people just discovering the equestrian world. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, hear from expert speakers, browse horse-related products and services, and purchase food from local trucks.
Celebrate Reston returns to Lake Anne Plaza
Celebrate Reston, formerly known as Founder’s Day, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lake Anne Plaza, 1639 Washington Plaza in Reston.
The event marks its 22nd year while celebrating Reston’s 62nd anniversary. The “Live, Work, Play Bob Simon’s Way” gathering will include community performances, a book fair featuring local authors, exhibits, vendors, organizations and family-friendly activities.
Leesburg turns downtown into a spring showcase
The Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival will fill historic downtown Leesburg on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s hours are listed as 10 p.m. to 6 p.m., while Sunday’s festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual event features flowers, plants, landscaping displays, and gardening and outdoor-living products and services.
Visitors can also explore a rooftop beer and wine garden, a landscape display contest, three entertainment stages, festival food and the Garden Patch children’s area.
Reston recital explores the women behind witch legends
“Seasons of the Witch: Honoring Women & The Stories They Inspire” begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Leila Gordon Theatre, 2310 Colts Neck Road in Reston.
The recital examines stereotypes surrounding witches and contrasts those fictional portrayals with the lives of women described as unique individuals, healers and wise women. Its program blends multiple languages and musical styles with projected quotations, translations and poetry excerpts.
Three songs by award-winning Irish composer Fiona Linnane were commissioned specifically for the performance.