The Miraculous Magical Balloon
When: Aug. 10 – Oct. 8
Where: Multiple locations
If you weren’t able to wander around Paris this summer, Synetic Theater is bringing a slice of that city to a park near you. Expressed through pantomime and masks, The Miraculous Magical Balloon tells the story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk full of toys, tricks and surprises. Catch Synetic co-founder Paata Tsikurishvili in this series of free pop-up performances that will delight spectators of all ages. See website for show dates and locations and to reserve your free tickets.
EcoAction Arlington Energy Masters Happy Hour and Open House at Rocklands
When: Aug. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Rocklands Barbecue & Grilling Co., 3471 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Interested in helping local residents and the environment? EcoAction Arlington’s Energy Masters program trains volunteers to make energy- and water-efficiency upgrades in area affordable housing apartments. No handyman experience required, although Spanish or Amharic language skills are a plus. Learn more about volunteer opportunities (and snack on barbecue) during this happy hour event.
En Vogue at The Birchmere
When: Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
The trio behind hits such as “Free Your Mind,” “Never Gonna Get It” and “Whatta Man” (featuring Salt N Pepa) has sold more than 20 million albums. Catch current members Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis and Rhona Bennett at The Birchmere.
12th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale
When: Aug. 14-15
Where: Old Town Alexandria and Del Ray
Ready to refresh your fall wardrobe or grab some back-to-school duds for the kiddos? You’ll find more than 70 participating boutiques in this citywide sidewalk sale, which includes activations on King Street and in Del Ray. The weekend festivities also include pop-up street music, social media giveaways and free garage parking in Old Town.
Emily Fussner: Even a Parking Lot is Beautiful at Dawn
When: Through Aug. 28 (artist talk Aug. 14, 2 p.m.)
Where: Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Virginia Square)
Finding beauty in unlikely places is an artform that AAC resident artist Emily Fussner has perfected, in this case filling parking lot cracks with wet paper pulp and letting it dry before removing the form. During the casting process, the work becomes part of the environment as cars drive over it, condensing and strengthening it, and fractures in the landscape become beautiful. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a brittle bone condition, Fussner has an intimate relationship with fracture and healing. Her work references Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken ceramics with gold. Meet the artist and hear more about her work during an artist talk on August 14 at 2 p.m.
The Grandsons, National Chamber Ensemble and Rainbow Rock Band at Lubber Run
When: Aug. 13, 14 and 15
Where: Lubber Run Amphitheater, entrance at N. Columbus St. and 2nd St. N., Arlington
Lubber Run Amphitheater wraps up its summer concert series this weekend with a trio of not-to-miss performances. Hometown roots rockers The Grandsons take the stage Friday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. with their Americana sound. On Saturday, Aug. 14, Leonid Sushansky and the internationally-acclaimed National Chamber Ensemble will perform an evening of chamber music under the stars at 8 p.m. Bring the kids back on Sunday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. to see the Rainbow Rock Band, winner of a Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award for their debut CD, Meet the Rainbow.