Visit Discerning Destinations, large fine art photography pieces on canvases of beautiful destinations in Europe and the US. Lillis Photography images have a mission: to capture both the rare and the everyday scenes and to present them in an unusual way.
Enjoy an indoor hanami (flower viewing) in the Torpedo Factory Art Center and revel in all things cherry blossom. Artists show and make work inspired by the popular pink and white blooms. Find a bevy of activities and performances to enjoy this regional celebration in Alexandria. 703-746-4590. Free
Spring, 1755: Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America, landed in Alexandria on March 26th to assume command of all North American military forces. He lodged at the grandest dwelling in town, Carlyle House. While staying at Carlyle House, Braddock convened a meeting of five colonial governors. Among Braddock’s objectives was to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Carlyle called this gathering “the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent.” Visitors to the Carlyle House will experience Braddock’s visit and the French and Indian War firsthand through costumed interpreters. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. 703-549-2997
Ever wanted to know how a book is made? Come attend this workshop and leave with your very own masterpiece! This book-making workshop will cover the basic sewing and board attachment processes with some time set aside at the end for cover design. Supplies will be provided. Attendees must register! Email [email protected] or call 703-746-1751
Enjoy gallery talks, artist receptions, music, live performances, hands-on artmaking and three floors of open artists’ studios at the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s monthly Late Shift event. Look toward the future with a night of new and innovative art and ideas. Meet up-and-coming talent during Target Gallery’s opening for the 2019 Emerging Artists exhibition. Explore Mirror Mirror, a new temporary public art installation at Waterfront Park by SOFTlab, a New York-based design studio led by artist and architect Michael Szivos. 703-746-4570 Free.
Join the Old Town Boutique District for a morning of Easter fun. While little ones are busy searching for a big Easter egg hidden within each of boutique, moms and dads can shop the beautiful selection of spring clothing, shoes, jewelry, home decor, doggie toys and more. Receive a raffle ticket with your purchase(s) to be entered in a drawing to win fabulous items from local businesses.
The Friday Morning Music Club free concert at the historic Lyceum features a diverse and talented group of musicians. Classical music lovers of all ages are welcome! Music includes a variety of classical works performed by accomplished musicians. With support from the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Office of the Arts. 703-746-4994
Cellospeak Presents the Tapestry Cello Ensemble, a recently formed group of professionals who enjoy each other’s company, and who are passionate about exploring the growing repertoire for cello chamber music. For the past five years, each member has taught at Cellospeak, a summer workshop for adult amateur cellists. It is from the delight of performing together that Tapestry was founded, sharing original music and creative arrangements of masterworks from the Renaissance, American Song Book, Tangoes, classical themes, and Broadway. Tapestry members have performed in many international music centers, played under some of the most acclaimed conductors, taught at colleges and universities throughout the Mid Atlantic area, and studied with some of the most important cellists of our time. $20 adults; $15 seniors/children (under 18)
April 19: 3 pm; April 20: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm; April 21: 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco St.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt returns to Alexandria on Easter weekend. Once again, the museum’s garden will be filled with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Easter eggs, including two prize eggs! Other activities include games, crafts, temporary tattoos, refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Every participating child will receive an Easter Egg! All children of elementary school age or younger (children and infants aged 0-12) are eligible to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy our other activities. 703-548-1789 $15 for children ages 1-18; $5 for adults; infants free
For architecture buffs, Architecture Week presents a week of activities, including tours, lectures, exhibits, and family activities planned by local architects. Architecture Week is held every April as part of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) nationwide celebration of our built environment. AIA Northern Virginia will offer a wide variety of architecture-themed events from April 20-28, 2019, including the always popular walking tour of Old Town Alexandria, focusing on historic churches this year, an exhibit of award-winning buildings at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and family activities including a Scrap City and scavenger hunt through Old Town. To learn more, visit aianova.org/architectureweek.php. Prices vary depending on the event; Old Town Walking Tour is $10
Lenny Harris Memorial Fields at Braddock Park 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Join the City of Alexandria and partners for this family-friendly event! Enjoy educational exhibits, demonstrations, live music, tent talks on environmental topics given by local experts, and hands-on activities based on the event theme, “Climate Change – Take Action.” Admission is free, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit alexandriava.gov/EarthDay to learn more about the event, or to sign up to be an exhibitor or volunteer.
This special bus tour begins at Mount Vernon with an exclusive viewing of Mount Vernon’s Lives Bound Together exhibition, on slavery at George Washington’s plantation. Exhibit curators will conduct the tour. Afterward, visitors will walk to Mount Vernon’s Slave Cemetery for a site talk by archeologists, followed by a lunchtime lecture (box lunch provided). After lunch, guests will board a bus to Alexandria and visit Freedom House Museum, once part of the headquarters for the largest domestic slave trading firm in the United States, and then on to Alexandria’s Contraband and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, the burial ground for over 1700 contrabands (escaped slaves). The tour will conclude at Mount Vernon at 4 p.m. The tour will go rain or shine and has extended periods of walking over uneven terrain. Tickets available at https://shop.alexandriava.gov/$40
This guided walking tour of Robert E. Lee sites in Alexandria’s Historic Old Town will address the complicated legacy of the Confederate general’s life in Alexandria, his hometown from the age of five. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. Tour space is limited, so the purchase of tickets in advance is highly recommended. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. 703- 548-1789 Free for members. $10 in advance, $15 at door
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Alexandria Library Sit-In, the first known sit-in of the civil rights era, the library will screen films that celebrate black history and civil rights. The bloody attacks of protesters in Selma in 1965 led to the historic protection of all Americans’ right to vote. The film explores a cherished family story of Selma and the current state of voter suppression in America.
Fifty one years ago, the nation watched in horror as bloody images of police attacks on civil rights protesters in Selma, Alabama aired on television. John Witeck was a sophomore at the University of Virginia when he saw the graphic coverage of Bloody Sunday, and when Dr. King called for supporters to travel to Selma to march for justice he packed his bags and journeyed south. Fifty one years later, John and his nephew Brian Jenkins (Director) traveled back to Alabama to document John’s story of Selma, the fight for voting rights, and the evolution of the Voting Rights Act; the law that prevented voting discrimination and protected every American’s right to vote. In 2013, this monumental protection for all Americans earned by the blood of heroized civil rights advocates was struck down by the Supreme Court. Alabama and many other states have since passed new types of restrictive voting laws that those who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King fought so hard to overcome.
What goes better with wine than chocolate? Join Potomac Chocolate on the Magnolia Terrace for an evening of locally made chocolates paired with delicious wines. There will also be small snacks that guests can enjoy between their wine and chocolate. Tours of the house will run from 6:30 pm-7 pm with the tasting being promptly at 7 pm. Tickets are available online. Ages 21 and over only. Registration required, no refunds. $40 Tickets.
Enjoy live music, English Country dancing and a seasonal dessert collation. Regency costume optional; after-five attire encouraged. Reservations are required. Those not familiar with this style of dancing should complete at least one full class to become accustomed to the figures and language for the ball. $45 per person. Tickets available online at www.alexandriava.gov/shop
Step back in time during one of the largest Revolutionary War re-enactments in the region! Watch hundreds of Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate. Throughout the weekend, learn more about life in the 18th century, discuss military techniques, and watch battle re-enactments. Wander through the encampment and meet the soldiers. This family-friendly event features a youth muster on the bowling green and even meeting General Washington. Included in general admission.
