Alexandria Events July 2017
FEATURED EVENTS:
4th
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Included in site fee; $20 for adults; $12 ages 6-11; free children ages 0-5
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
703-780-2000
www.mountvernon.org/july4
Observe an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens with a special keynote address, daytime fireworks, military re-enactments and a wreathlaying ceremony. Enjoy free birthday cake (while supplies last), a visit from General and Mrs. Washington and a performance by the National Concert Band during its “Red, White and Blue” concert. Spend a truly inspiring day at a truly inspiring place.
5th
First Thursday Del Ray
6-9 p.m.
Admission: Free; pets welcome
Along Mount Vernon Avenue
First Thursdays is a series of free outdoor street festivals along Mount Vernon Avenue in the spring and summer. Every first Thursday of the months of April, May, June, July, August and September the Del Ray Business Association features businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue, special events, food and music from 6 to 9 p.m. Each month has a different theme with activities for children, live music and a festive atmosphere.
7th
USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration
6-10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park
100 Madison Street
www.visitalexandriava.com/alexandria-birthday-celebration
Visitors celebrate America’s 242nd birthday and Alexandria’s 269th along the Potomac River waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park and enjoy live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, patriotic birthday cake, food vendors and a dazzling fireworks display.
8th
Apothecary Museum Geek Tours: Behind the Scenes
11 a.m.-noon
Admission: $15
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105 S. Fairfax Street
703-746-3852
www.alexandriava.gov/Apothecary
If the regular 30-minute tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum isn’t enough, this is the tour for you! This one-hour tour spends more time in the historic retail shop and laboratory of the old apothecary and is led by an expert guide.
12th
Second Thursday at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
6-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Every second Thursday visit until 9 p.m. and browse open studios and galleries, get to know the artists, and enjoy special programming throughout the building. Don’t miss the monthly lecture series, Torpedo Talks, at 8 p.m. in the Main Hall. This series features some of the contemporary art world’s best-known artists, art curators and art professionals.
13th
Alexandria After-Work Concert Series: The Ship’s Company Chanteymen
6-8 p.m.
Admission: $15 suggested donation to musicians
Lloyd House
220 N. Washington Street
Co-sponsored by the Office of Historic Alexandria and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, join us for monthly Friday-night concerts on the second Friday of the month. The July concert features the Ship’s Company Chanteymen. For more than a decade, the Ship’s Company Chanteymen have shared sea salts’ songs with tens of thousands all over the East Coast. Aside from being scurvy-free, they portray the musical part of nautical life in the 1700s and 1800s. Many of their songs originally set a pace to keep ship crews rowing in time or doing rhythmic chores such as turning a capstan. Some just filled long hours or lonely nights at sea. Simple and direct, wild and spirited, salty and rough as a North Atlantic gale, they reflected the sailors themselves. The practice of voicing rhythmic sounds while working may be as old as mankind and probably is intrinsic to human nature. With rollicking tunes and sing-along choruses, it’s also fun. Great music with a $15 suggested donation for the musicians. No ticket required – show up and enjoy the music! Beer and wine for sale, light refreshments available as well.
16th – 20th
Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp
July 16 through 20, 2018, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily
Admission: $400
Shuter’s Hill
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
703-746-4399
www.alexandriava.gov/archaeology
Help Alexandria’s City archaeologists excavate a real archaeological site! Learn professional excavating, recording and artifact processing methods. Uncover Alexandria’s buried past while protecting the City’s valuable historic resources. The camp is open to ages 12-15, but space is limited.
17th – 19th
Clio’s Kids: A History Mini-Camp
9 a.m.-noon
Admission: $115
The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street
703-746-4994
shop.alexandriava.gov
Each day of camp, themed “Alexandria: Then and Now,” learn about life in Alexandria past and present. Camp includes a visit to Friendship Firehouse Museum where we will form our own camp bucket brigade! Campers should come prepared for outside activities each day, including sturdy walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. The camp is for ages 5-7.
20th through Sept 2nd
“Illuminate” Exhibit at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Target Gallery presents Illuminate, a special glow-in-the-dark exhibition that is focused on the relationship between art and light. The lights will be turned off in the gallery, turning the viewer’s attention to the illuminated artwork whether it be through the lighting of video, light installation/sculpture or use of black light mediums.
21st
Cinema Del Ray Outdoor Movies
7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Mt. Vernon Recreation Center
2701 Commonwealth Avenue
Bring family, friends, neighbors and a blanket to watch these open-air movies including The Lion King, The Lego Batman Movie, Toy Story 3, Cars 3 and Coco at Cinema Del Ray, sponsored by The Jen Walker Team.
24th
Twilight and Tipple Tours at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House
Admission: TBD
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House
9000 Richmond Highway
www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org
This summer and fall we will be resuming our very popular “Twilight & Tipple Tuesday” tours, which take place once a month, and allow guests to enjoy libations from local partners, while taking tours of the Pope-Leighey house as the sun sets. This is a very special tour that only takes place in the warmer months. Come experience how the indoor light shines through Wright’s distinctive custom window cutouts in the twilight. Check our website for upcoming dates!
27th
18th Century Gaming Night
7-9 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
Admission: $10 per person
703-746-4242
Play games 18th-century style games popular during Hamilton’s day! Enjoy Shut the Box, Fox and Geese, Dice, and a special Cards Against Humanity: Tavern Edition from 7-9 p.m. Also hear stories of our young nation and see the room(s) where it happened! Cash bar with wine, beer, and specialty cocktail will be available. Cost is $10 cover per person. As America began as a nation during the late 18th century and emerged in the 19th century, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria as well as the new Federal City of Washington. The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents, including George Washington, and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history. Tavern keepers John Wise and John Gadsby hosted balls, performances, and meetings, and their accommodations were known as the best by travelers near and far. Tickets are available online at Shop.AlexandriaVA.gov/Events.
28th
Archaeology Workshop at Shuter’s Hill
1:30-3 p.m.
Admission: $10 donation
Shuter’s Hill
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
What did Shuter’s Hill used to look like? Each day of excavation uncovers more information. Take a tour of the site to learn how archaeologists can understand the original landscape, view archaeology in action and get the chance to sift through excavated soil.
The Real World Science Behind Harry Potter: Adults Only
6-9 p.m.
Admission: $20 per person
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax Street
www.alexandriava.gov/shop
Bring your friends for a fun night featuring your favorite series—“Harry Potter!” Explore the real world of “Harry Potter” with tour guides, make an herbal potion inspired by the wizarding world and raise a toast to Harry’s birthday with a magical cocktail. Cost is $20 per person and space is limited.
29th
The Real World Science Behind Harry Potter
1-4 p.m.
Admission: $6 per person
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax Street
www.alexandriava.gov/shop
In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is offering family-friendly tours that explore the real world of science and medicine behind J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Cost is $6 per person; children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. This event sells out, so purchase in advance! Event includes a photo booth—don’t forget your camera.