“Although we are launching and hosting the festival, and Brandylane and Belle Isle Books’ authors are participating, the event is not just for our authors,” according to Brandylane president, Robert Pruett. “We want this annual event to represent authors from across the state. We also want vendors of excellent local Richmond cuisine, and literary-inspired crafters from around the state to join us this October 20th to support literacy.”

Volunteers are needed to assist with upcoming events in Old Town Manassas - History Weekend or Bands, Brews & BBQ or Walk to End Alzheimers. House of Mercy has a great need for food donations. Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers. SERVE needs groups to provide weekend meals at the shelter. Two groups need volunteers to teach adults how to read - training provided. Washington Nationals need mentors for Youth Baseball Academy.

The Master Gardener program, hosted by the Prince William Virginia Cooperative Extension, is looking for volunteers who want to learn and become experts on gardening.

Flying Circus Aerodrome will host its annual hot air balloon extravaganza. Gates will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19 for the early balloon flights and the aerodrome stays open until dark. Balloons will only fly in the early morning and evening when the winds are light. More than a dozen hot air balloons will be flying.

Love animals? Pet care takers needed on weekend evenings in Dumfries Like crafts? Volunteer needed to teach a craft weekly at Manassas Senior Center. Male mentors asked for Youth For Tomorrow in Bristow. Like to cook? Large group of volunteers asked to purchase, prepare and serve brunch or dinner on select dates for up to 90 residents at SERVE shelter in Manassas.

Volunteers needed to help with Manassas History Weekend, teach crafts and sign language to seniors, deliver Meals on Wheels, help write resumes. distribute school backpacks and mentor boys. among others.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and Master Gardeners are offering a free presentation on “Good Bugs Bad Bugs in Our Garden” on Tuesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at Fauquier Extension Office, 24 Pelham Street, Warrenton.

The first-ever Poplar Forest Folk Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The one-day festival, celebrating one of Jefferson’s favorite passions, will feature some of Virginia’s best Americana and folk music bands—blue grass, old-time and Americana—on a stage in the backyard of Jefferson’s favorite hide-away.

The Third Annual Grace Episcopal Car & Truck Show will be on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the church, 6507 Main St., The Plains, VA. There is no admission charge. Proceeds benefit the Rise Against Hunger food packing event in November at Grace Church.

Watch hundreds of numbered rubber ducks drop from a bridge and race along the Occoquan Rive when you visit Occoquan on Saturday, July 7, at noon for the annual Duck Splash race.