The McLean Community Center (MCC) offers the following activities in April 2025. Please check the center’s website, mcleancenter.org, for up-to-date information. Residents of the center’s tax district, Small District 1A-Dranesville, are eligible for discounts on fees. All activities are held at the center, located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 22101, unless otherwise noted.
Spring Fest
Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m.-noon
Free Admission
Join your neighbors as we celebrate the changing of seasons with spring-themed arts and crafts, entertainment and the opportunity for your child to take a photo with our costumed bunny. Make sure you bring your camera as an Old Firehouse staff member will be on hand to take a photo of you and your family.
The Alden’s 2025 Youth Production
“Stuart Little”
Adapted by Joseph Robinette. Based on the book by E.B. White. Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, 2 p.m.
$10/$7 students and seniors/$5 MCC district residents
It’s the 80th anniversary of E.B. White’s beloved classic about a mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family. This one-hour version will see Stuart though adventures, life lessons and funny moments that make up the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s” world. The Alden’s yearly youth production features actors age 10-16 who live in McLean and are supported by theater professionals including a director, stage manager, designers and technical staff.
Presented by The Alden – Foreign Language Film
Arab American Heritage Month Selection
“The Time That Remains”
United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, France; directed by Elia Suleiman). In Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles
Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 10, 1 p.m.
Writer/director Elia Suleiman’s funny and fraught film that explores life among the Israeli Arab community from 1948 to the present day. Shot largely in homes and places in which Suleiman’s family once lived, the film recounts the saga of the filmmaker’s family in subtly hilarious vignettes. An intimate and semi-biographical portrait of Palestinians living as a minority in their own homeland. Rated PG-13, runtime 109 min. Foreign Language Films are programmed for adult audiences unless otherwise noted.
Help Save Lives!
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, April 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
McLean Community Center is helping the American Red Cross with Diverse Blood Donations! It is urgent for donors of all ethnicities to support patients in need. Join us and support the community with your lifesaving blood donation. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: “McLeanCC” to schedule an appointment. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
Produced by the McLean Community Center
McLean Earth Day – Act Locally
Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m.-noon
Free Admission, registration required.
Only for residents of Dranesville Small District 1A.
This drive-through environmental action event is designed to provide McLean residents with an opportunity to divert items from the landfill and create a healthier planet through reusing, recycling and replenishing. The event includes document shredding (up to five file boxes–no clips please), bike donations, recycled art display, bulk and household item donations, paint collection and recycling and more. Don’t leave without your free gifts of a tree whip and pollinator seeds.
Old Firehouse Spring Break Trip
Wonderfly Arena
Monday, April 14, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
$90/$80 MCC district residents
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this trip departs from/returns to MCC.
Hop into the human hamster ball, test your archery skills with arrow tag or just relax in virtual reality. Wonderfly Arena has something for all ages and skill levels. Admission and lunch are provided. Bring additional money as desired. A signed waiver is required.
Old Firehouse Spring Break Trip
Indoor Waterpark
Tuesday, April 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
$100/$90 MCC district residents
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this trip departs from/returns to MCC.
Let’s go swimming! Join us as we head to an indoor waterpark. What’s better than going down water slides or relaxing in a lazy river/wave pool? Water park admission and chartered transportation are included in the fee. Bring at least $20 for lunch and a towel and dry clothes for the ride home. Additional money for snacks and souvenirs can be brought as desired.
Old Firehouse Spring Break Trip
Dave & Buster’s
Wednesday, April 16, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
$70/$60 MCC district residents
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this trip departs from/returns to MCC.
Eat, drink and play games! Dave and Buster’s is one of the best dining and entertainment attractions around. Buffet lunch and game card are included. Bring money for additional ticket games as desired. A signed waiver is required.
Old Firehouse Spring Break Trip
Busch Gardens
Thursday, April 17, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
$100/$90 MCC district residents
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this trip departs from/returns to MCC.
Fly on the Griffon, search for the Loch Ness Monster or speed through the Alpengeist. Admission and chartered transportation are included in the fee. Bring $25 on a debit or credit card for lunch and additional money for snacks and souvenirs as desired. Busch Gardens is a cashless park!
Presented by The Alden – Performing Arts Movies
Spring Break Selection
“The Spongebob Musical: Live On Stage!”
Thursday, April 17, 1 p.m.
Free admission
SpongeBob fans young and old, join the spring break fun at Bikini Bottom! Catchy songs and fun characters create a theatrical party full of heart and humor, where the power of optimism really can save the world. Rated TV-G, runtime 114 minutes. Family friendly. Specially designed for families with young children.
Old Firehouse Spring Break Trip
Autobahn Go Kart
Friday, April 18, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
$90/$80 MCC district residents
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this trip departs from/returns to MCC.
Experience a thrill like no other while driving an electric pro-style go kart, then refuel with a delicious meal. Race, admission and lunch are included in the fee. All participants must have an additional waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Bring additional money as desired.
A Special Event
Spring Community Parking Lot Sale
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Free admission
Shoppers will find bargains galore at this community sale of more than 50 sellers, including a limited number of commercial venders and flea market dealers. The sale offers a wide variety of new and gently used household goods, electronics, furniture, clothes, appliances, “attic treasures” and other items suitable for every budget. Check out the Kids’ Corner, a special area of the sale where children ages 3-15 can increase their math and entrepreneurial skills while selling toys, clothes, games and other items.
MCC Governing Board
April 2025 Meeting
Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m.
All Governing Board meetings are open to the public.
Tax district residents (Small District One A-Dranesville) who wish to speak during the “Public Comment” portion of the monthly board meeting are welcome to do so while attending the meeting, or may call the center in advance at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, to be placed on the speakers’ list.
Old Firehouse Family Events
Family Fun Bingo
Friday, April 25, 7-9:30 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC district residents
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this event will be held at MCC.
Join us for an evening of fun and excitement! Everyone can enjoy free popcorn, and winners will take their pick of prizes! Preregistration is recommended.
MCC Youth Ambassador Program
Park Clean-Up
Saturday April 26, 10 a.m. – noon
Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Va. 22101
Join MCC’s youth board members and Youth Ambassadors for a cleanup at Lewinsville Park. Whether you’re looking to earn volunteer hours or simply want to give back to your community, this is the perfect chance to help. Meet up on the porch of the house at the back of the park. Follow the main path from the parking lot to the tennis courts. Presidential Volunteer service hours will be available.
Old Firehouse Center
Sensory Day
Saturday, April 26, 1-4 p.m.
Free admission
Please Note: Due to construction at the Old Firehouse, this event will be held at MCC.
Challenge your senses! This unique and fun event, supporting Autism Awareness Month, will provide ALL who attend a sensory exploration through taste, smell, sound, sight and touch. This event is free and open to ALL.
Presented by The Alden
Tutti Frutti Productions:
“Underneath a Magical Moon”**
Sunday, April 27, 4 p.m.
$15/$12 students and seniors/$10 MCC district residents
Through her open window, Wendy Darling normally gazes out at the night sky dreaming of blue lagoons, magical moons and the imagined stories she can tell. But tonight, like no other, has magic in the air…underneath a Magical Moon set in the backyard where Wendy and her brothers are camping out. There’s a full moon and Wendy just can’t get to sleep so she begins to tell her brothers a story. Join us for this enchanting, reimagined story of “Peter Pan,” told by Wendy, as we fly into a fantastical world of adventure, where the impossible seems possible and if you close your eyes and believe, you really can make anything happen.
** American Sign Language interpreters will provide translation for the performance.
Presented by The Alden
Macdonald Finals
Wednesday, April 30, 8 p.m.
Free admission
Annually, the McLean Community Center recognizes the hard work and talent of young performing artists through the James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition. Three prizes (1st – $1,200; 2nd – $800, and 3rd – $400) are awarded in each of four categories: Dance, Theater, Instrumental Music and Vocal Music
For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit www.mcleancenter.org. For Old Firehouse activities, call 703-448-8336. For The Alden Box Office, call 571-296-8385.
About McLean Community Center
The McLean Community Center, an agency of Fairfax County Government, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services and activities. We will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request special accommodations, call the Center 14 working days in advance of the event. To request this information in an alternate format, call 711.
