Alexandria Calendar of Events
1st through Oct 9th
Blackberry Daze
Admission: $55 for Wednesday-Thursday 8 p.m. and Sunday 7 p.m.; $60 for Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 3 p.m.
Metro Stage
1201 N. Royal St.
703-548-9044
USA Today called Blackberry Daze by Ruth P. Watson & Thomas W. Jones II, “A powerful deeply moving story of triumph and tragedy, love and family…a journey straight into the center of the human heart.” The play, which runs September 1-October 9, 2016, features music by William Knowles.
9th
Gentleman Distiller: Whiskey Tasting & Dinner
6:30-9:45 p.m.
Admission: $125 per person
George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill
5513 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
703-780-3383
The evening begins with a reception at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, where guests will get a firsthand look at how whiskey was produced in Washington’s time. The event continues on the estate with a brief talk by Mount Vernon’s resident distiller, followed by a whiskey tasting and seated dinner at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
10th
2nd Annual Alexandria 9/11 Heroes Run
9 a.m. (patriotic opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m.)
Admission: $25 (family 4 pack for $80); volunteers and spectators are free
Carl Sandburg Middle School
8428 Fort Hunt Rd.
202-846-6819
www.TravisManion.org/tmf_911run_race/911-heroes-run-alexandria
The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and in the wars since. Join us to raise awareness and honor the fallen. The 9/11 Heroes Run 5k +1M fun run/walk welcomes runners and walkers of all levels and of all ages. Events take place all over the world, on or near September 11th, and are 100% organized by local community volunteers. It is the perfect opportunity for your community to personally come out and thank your local veterans, their families, and first responders in an annual, fun, and family-friendly environment!
10th
Civil War Artillery Day
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Fort Ward
4301 West Braddock Rd.
703-746-4848
Learn about the role of artillerymen at a fort in the Defenses of Washington from reenactors portraying the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, a unit stationed at Fort Ward during the Civil War. Activities include cannon firing demonstrations, camp life and equipment display. Program is weather-dependent.
10th through Oct 1st
Steel Magnolias
Admission: $22
Little Theatre of Alexandria
600 Wolfe St.
703-683-0496
Sometimes friendship is all you need. Steel Magnolias features a group of Louisiana women as they bond and gossip at a local beauty shop while following the marriage and motherhood of one of the customer’s daughters. Playwright Robert Harling’s poignant, sassy, and quick-witted play made its 2005 Broadway debut after the successful 1989 film version. Come join these women as they make their way over life’s many hurdles together. Winner of The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “People’s Choice” survey.
11th
George Washington Patriot Run
Admission: $50 per runner; $10 for spectator tickets at the finish line
Mount Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Hwy.
703-780-2000
Dash through history during the George Washington Patriot Run 10K and 5K, which finishes at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. A children’s “Fun Run” will take place near the finish line in the historic area.
11th
Presidential Salon with James Madison
3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 (adults); $10 (students)
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal St.
703-746-4242
https://shop.AlexandriaVA.gov/Events.aspx
Join President Madison as he discusses and engages guests about political and personal issues of 1816. Reservations are recommended.
17th
Scottish Heritage Outlander Day at Carlyle House
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Tours $5
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St.
703-549-2997
Visitors are invited to tour this beautiful 18th century house museum, dating back to the days of John Carlyle (and Jamie and Claire in Outlander) and attend a day of programming on Scottish culture. Events include a Highland dance performance and a concert by the Devil’s Tailors, and Scottish storytelling and vendors. Tours of the museum will include references to Outlander, the popular book series and television show.
17th
Scottish Heritage Outlander Day Tea at Carlyle House
Noon and 2:30 p.m.
Admission: $40
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St.
703-549-2997
Do you love the Outlander books and/or the television show? Then join us for tea on the Magnolia Terrace. Celebrate Scottish heritage at the oldest stone house in Alexandria, home of John Carlyle. Admission includes tea, plus a special Outlander-accented tour of the museum. Advanced reservations are required for the tea.
17th
1st Annual Barley & Music Festival
September 17, 2016 from noon-6 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend, $15 for 5 drink tickets
John Carlyle Square
300 John Carlyle Street
http://www.BarleyMusicFest.com
A new hops, beats and bites themed event will debut in Alexandria when the 1st Annual Barley & Music Festival transforms the John Carlyle Square Park with craft brews from artisanal breweries, live entertainment, and food vendors including Carluccio’s, Ada’s Kitchen on Wheels, Gordon Biersch Brewery and UNO’s Pizzeria. Attendees will be able to sample beer from regional craft breweries such as Starr Hill, Devil’s Backbone, Bold Rock Hard Cider and Troeg’s Independent Brewing. Cheers!
17th
Cinema Del Ray Outdoor Movies: Kung Fu Panda 3
Fun begins at 7 p.m.; film begins at dusk
Admission: Free
Mt Vernon Recreation Center
2701 Commonwealth Ave.
Bring family, friends, neighbors and a blanket to watch these open-air movies at Cinema Del Ray, now in its 11th season.
17th & 18th
14th Annual King Street Art Festival
17th – 10 a.m.-7 p.m
18th – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
King St.
Between Washington to Union Streets
703-746-3301
www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/ArtFest
At this popular art festival, King Street from Washington Street all the way to the Potomac waterfront is transformed into a gallery filled with art from more than 250 artists from the U.S. and abroad. Visitors can purchase original artwork, participate in hands-on art activities at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and enjoy a scoop of ice cream at The Art League’s Annual Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser.
17th & 18th
Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: included in general admission ($20 adults; $10 youth)
Mount Vernon Estate
703-780-2000
Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and much more. “General Washington” will be on hand overseeing the festivities: 18th-century entertainment including music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale on site. Costumed interpreters will be demonstrating the 18th-century chocolate-making process using an authentic colonial recipe! Colonial Market & Fair takes place rain or shine.
24th
Alexandria Seaport Day
12 noon-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Waterfront Park
1A Prince St.
703-778-0977
www.AlexandriaSeaport.org/Events
Alexandria Seaport Day is an annual community event celebrating the mission and programs of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation and Alexandria’s maritime heritage. Enjoy children’s activities, a wooden boat display, nautical activities, boat rides, live music, local restaurants providing food, beer and wine, local boutiques and ASF’s annual “Anything that Floats” race!
24th
75th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: $40 in advance; $45 day of
Old Town Alexandria
703-823-1273
For the 75th annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, the public can step inside and get a glimpse of six gorgeous homes and gardens in Old Town Alexandria, all within walking distance of one another. On tour day, start at the Twig Shop at 106 N. Columbus Street to exchange your ticket for the map and brochure. All proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.
30th – October 8th
2nd Annual Alexandria Live Music Week
Admission: Varies by venue
Various locations throughout Alexandria
703-439-8487
The 2nd Annual Alexandria Live Music Week, presented by Alexandria Live and On Tap Magazine, is a citywide music event featuring Alexandria’s diverse music scene and musicians, as well the clubs, bars, restaurants, shops and venues that feature and promote live music in Alexandria. There will be over 50 participating venues and over 300 performances, including a full schedule of music during Del Ray’s Art on the Avenue. Venues include Alexandria’s legendary The Birchmere, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, Bilbo Baggins, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Nick’s Night Club, The Durant Arts Center, Daniel O’Connell’s, La Tasca, FireFlies, Chadwicks, MetroStage and many more. The event will include national acts such as The Funky Meters and El DeBarge and renowned local bands such as The Free Flowing Musical Experience, Judge Smith, Janna Audey, Farley Granger and legendary Irish guitarist Rocky Guttman. Other events include a children’s music program, German oompah music, jazz, acapella, bluegrass, blues, R&B, and much more. Also, look for a music-themed motion picture viewing party courtesy of the Alexandria Film Festival.
Oct 1st
21st Annual Art on the Avenue
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Mount Vernon Ave.
Del Ray
www.VisitDelRay.com
Art on the Avenue is a multicultural arts festival celebrating our community’s diversity through the arts in the Del Ray neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia. This festival is held on the first Saturday in October, rain or shine.
Every year, over 50,000 visitors stroll down Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues. People are greeted by over 300 artists (jewelers – silversmith & beaders, woodworkers, pottery makers, soap crafters, glass makers, unique painters, sculptures, fabric artists), musicians (Irish, folk, rock n’ roll, country and more), and food vendors (hot dogs, BBQ, Indian, crab cakes, chocolate bananas dipped on a stick, and homemade cider donuts). Activities for children include stuff your own scarecrow, paint a pumpkin, lotus flower design and weave screen art to name a few.