10 Things to Do in September

Summer may be winding down but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. From community events to a variety of classes and fun activities, September is filled with plenty of opportunities for you to explore something new, spend quality with the family, and get outside and enjoy the last weeks of summer. Here are 10 things you can add to your September to-do list!

Celebrate a New Trail Bridge Opening – Thursday, September 10
Come check out the new Rocky Branch Bridge at Broad Run Trail as we officially open the bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, September 10 at 10:00 am. View directions and more details. (Closest parking will be near 12940 Hunting Cove Place, Bristow, VA 20136)

Get Artsy! – Saturday, September 12 
Prince William County is a proud co-sponsor of this year's Arts Alive! Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Arts Alive! is a free family-friendly event that showcases performances and visual arts from across the region, and this year includes a special headliner performance by political satire comedy troupe Capitol Fools. Enjoy activities for kids and adults alike; performances on multiple stages; hands-on makerspace and crafts; a Karaoke Café; spoken word poetry readings; Bubbles and Beach Balls Dance Party; a Book Nook featuring guest readers; food trucks; a wine and beer garden (21+); vendor village presenting local artist work for sale; and more! Come out and celebrate your local arts community! The event runs from 10 am - 5 pm and is free. No tickets are required.

Attend a Free Wellness Workshop – Friday, September 18
Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center has partnered with George Mason University for this FREE wellness event for those ages 55+. Attendees will be provided with a wellness assessment you can use to consult with your primary care provider. Event runs from 9 am - 2 pm and is free but advance registration is required.

Learn Some History – Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13
Mark your calendars to attend World War II weekend at Rippon Lodge and commemorate the Greatest Generation during this two-day event (11 am - 3:30 pm both days.) View military equipment, armaments and historic military vehicles. Explore how citizens at home supported the war effort while viewing original WWII artifacts. Tours include information about Admiral Richard Black, a WWII veteran, survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the last owner of Rippon Lodge. Tickets are not required.

Send the Kids for a Night Out – Friday, September 18
Kids Night Out is a fun-filled evening designed to give children ages 5-12 an adventure and excitement while parents enjoy some time off! This program is held at Veterans Memorial Park from 6 pm - 9 pm and is packed with activities such as games, music, and arts and crafts. Children will have the opportunity to play, socialize and explore in a safe, supervised environment, all while enjoying snacks and refreshments. Perfect for children who love meeting new friends and trying new things, this program is an energetic, creative, and interactive experience they won't want to miss! Register your child for Kids Night Out today. ($25 fee)

Enjoy a Movie in the Park – Friday, September 18
Come join us for a FREE family movie night in the park at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center. Toy Story 5 will be playing. No tickets needed. Bring your lawn chair or blankets for seating on the lawn. We will have popcorn and water. Feel free to also bring snacks to enjoy. Alcohol is not permitted at this event. A parent or guardian must attend with children under the age of 16. Movie will begin at dusk (approximately 8:15 pm.)

Learn Archery with Your Family – Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20
Are you looking for an excellent learning activity for your whole family? Come to the park, enjoy the outdoors and learn archery. This program focuses on archery fundamentals, teaching each participant range rules, bow and arrow safety, correct form, and stance. USA Archery-certified instructors will provide training. All equipment is provided. Adult/child participation is $35 a person. Register for archery today. October dates are also available.

Sell or Shop at Our Yard Sale – Saturday, September 19
Come shop at our community yard sale at Pat White Center at Ben Lomond. You never know what treasures you might find! Or if you’re interested in selling, we provide you with a spot and we locally advertise the event. Used household items only. No commercial sales, live flowers, or food and drink sales are allowed. Space size 10' x 20'. You must reserve space in advance, and spaces will be assigned. Call 703-792-8320 or reserve your space online.

Visit the Mobile Library – Thursday, September 24
The PWC Mobile Library will be at Rollins Ford Park on September 24 from 2 - 4 pm. Borrow books, DVDs, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and more from Prince William Public Libraries' Mobile Library. Plus, join us for FREE, family-friendly activities! 

On the Mobile Library, you can also register for a library card; check out and return library materials; and get more information about library services.

Enjoy Some Live Music Outdoors – Friday, September 25
Come join us for the last Fridays at 5 event for the year! Kick off your weekend with some live music, dancing and fun for the whole family. Diamond Alley Band will be performing and delivering a powerhouse mix of funk, soul, pop and rock favorites, crowd-pleasing dance hits that keep audiences engaged from the first song to the encore. There will be local food trucks, and beer and wine will be available for purchase for adults 21+. Event is held at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza (1 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge.)

Find even more in Leisure magazine or download our PWC Recmapper app to explore all that we have to offer.