Fresh produce, good dogs and live music are coming to the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center this summer.
The mall has announced an extensive lineup of events for the next few months, highlighted by the introduction of the Giving Garden, a 500-square-foot urban farm that was installed on the Plaza Wednesday night (May 15).
Created in partnership with MicroHabitat, a Canada-based urban farming company, the garden will be active in May through October and support over 50 kinds of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Starting May 31, live harvests will be held at 2 p.m. every Friday with live music and tastings, a press release says.
The Giving Garden will get a grand opening celebration today (Friday) on the Plaza (1961 Chain Bridge Road) from 2-4 p.m. The event will include a tour, “garden-themed” refreshments, live music, and remarks by representatives from MicroHabitat, Fairfax County, mall owner Macerich and the nonprofits Hands on Harvests and Food for Others.
Food for Others, which assists residents in need throughout Northern Virginia, will receive three harvests a month delivered directly from the farm to its distribution center in Merrifield (2938 Prosperity Avenue). The farm will also give one harvest a month to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, whose participants will learn about sustainability and pick out crops to take home during regular guided harvests.
“This program will help Club kids learn more about nutrition and growing their own food while also helping the community learn more about our ‘ALL IN’ campaign,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington President and CEO Gabrielle Webster said, referring to the organization’s ongoing campaign to raise $7 million for future programs.
Outside of the urban farm, Tysons Corner Center is bringing back several activities that will be familiar from summers past, including free concerts, game nights and Paws on the Plaza.
Summer Concert Series: Double Features (June 1, June 15 and July 20)
There will be two live performance sets on each date, with the first band at 4-6:30 p.m. and the second from 7-9 p.m.
“The series will feature local bands such as Party Fowl, Cazhmiere, Billy Twilde, and more,” the press release says. “Come out and enjoy takeout and cocktails from our restaurants while jamming to your favorite groove!”
Paws on the Plaza (Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
The 3rd annual Paws on the Plaza will feature a dog park and splash pad, pet vendors, a dog food truck, a beer bar for humans, a free photo booth and caricatures, giveaways, and rescue groups with dogs available for adoption. New for this year is a “Confidence Course” run by trainers from event sponsor Becky’s Pet Care.
There will be live music from 4-6 p.m., and confirmed vendors include K9 Mastery, Woofbowl, Dogtopia and Pet Grand Hotel.
Game Night Thursdays (June 13-Aug. 22, 5-7 p.m.)
DC Fray will host a rotating series of games every Thursday on the Plaza, including cornhole tournaments, bingo and ping pong. There’s no cost to participate, and prizes will be awarded.
Wellness Sundays (May 19-Aug. 25)
Every Sunday, the Plaza will have complimentary fitness sessions led by instructors from Fabletics, Under Armour, Eat.Yoga.Drink. and The St. James. The full schedule can be found the mall’s website.
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