Alexandria, VA – The forecast looks nice again this weekend: full of sunshine and in the eighties. You can’t be it. Seems fall is late to arrive. There were plenty of events in last week’s column. Hope you enjoyed a few of them. Here’s what’s happening over the next few days.
Alexandria’s Annual Dog Swims
Saturday, September 20–Saturday, September 21
Friday: Charles Houston Rec Pool
901 Wythe Street
4-7 p.m.
Saturday: Old Town Pool
1609 Cameron Street
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Let the dogs rule the pool. Bring man’s (and woman’s best friend to either location to participate in the annual tradition. Dogs must weigh under 50 pounds. Reservations are required. Check out this Zebra article for more info.
PARK(ing) Day Event
Friday, September 20
9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Throughout Alexandria
Learn about the importance of green spaces in urban areas. The city will briefly turn parking spaces into “parklets” for the curious to explore. This is not only happening in our city. It’s a worldwide event! So come out and take part. Refreshments will be served.
Rock of Ages Music Benefit
Friday, September 20
Showtime: 8–9:30 p.m. ($10 donation suggested)
Del Ray Artisans
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Enjoy free live music! All donations go to Rock of Ages Music, a Del Ray organization providing music lessons to students who are cannot afford them.
17th Annual King Street Art Festival
Saturday, September 21–Sunday, September 22
Day One: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Day Two: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (FREE)
Old Town
Starting on Washington Street and extending to the Waterfront
Enjoy this outdoor art gallery, which features the work of more than 200 artists from across the country. Enjoy music, activities, and more.
Second Annual Beer & Wine Torpedo Garden
Saturday, September 21–Sunday, September 22
Day One: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Day Two: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (FREE)
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
A companion to the King Street Art festival. Enjoy looking at displays on all three flours while tasting pours from Port City Brewery, Lost Boy Cider, and Sonoma Cellar. Check out this article in the Zebra about the 45th year of art in the Torpedo Factory.
Arts on the Horizon 5K Fundraiser
Saturday, September 21
8–11 a.m. ($25 for adults, $5 for kids)
Fort Hunt Park
8999 Fort Hunt Road
The second annual 5K supports Arts on the Horizon, a nonprofit theater for kids up to six years old. The fundraiser is fun for the whole family. To register, click HERE.
The War of 1812 in Alexandria: A Walking Tour
Saturday, September 21
10 a.m.-12 p.m ($10 per person)
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
Take a walk while you learn about places in Old Town that played a role in the War of 1812. Wear comfortable sneakers. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Classic Car Show
Saturday, September 21
All Day! (FREE)
Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum
201 S Washington Street
See Packards cars from the 1930s through the 1950s! For more info, click HERE.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market
Saturday, September 21
8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mt Vernon & Oxford Avenues
If you live in Del Ray, you have a famers’ market right in your neighborhood. There are plenty of vendors offering great produce and other goods. To learn more, click HERE.
Old Town Farmers’ Market
Saturday, September 21
7 a.m.–12 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Enjoy the weekly farmers’ market, held at Market Square, for more than 260 years. Buy various edibles, including vegetables and fruits. You can also purchase paintings, flowers, and more. The variety of goods may surprise you. To learn more, click HERE.
Cinema Del Ray Presents “The Incredibles 2”
Saturday, September 21
Showtime: 7 p.m. (FREE)
Mount Vernon Recreation Center
2701 Commonwealth Avenue
“The Incredibles 2” is the final showing of the 2019 season. Movie begins at sundown. View the trailer HERE.
Jane Austen Ball
Saturday, September 21
8–11 p.m. ($45 reservation required)
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N Royal Street
Dance the night away at this 1790s-era ball! For more info, click HERE.
Alexandria Historic Breweries Tour
Saturday, September 22
2–4:30 p.m. ($28 per ticket)
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
323 S Fairfax Street
Here is your opportunity to explore alleyways, repurposed buildings, taverns, and more that played a part in Alexandria’s brewing businesses hundreds of years ago. The tour will be led by historian Garrett Peck, author of “Capital Beer: A Heading History of Brewing in Washington, D.C.” Tickets are on sale at the Alexandria Visitor Center. An optional happy hour will follow the tour with a cash bar.
“Downton Abbey” Theme Tour
Sunday, September 22
2–3 p.m. ($10 per person)
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
In anticipation of the major motion picture, Lee-Fendall is hosting another “Downton Abbey”-themed tour. If you are a fan, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. For tickets and more info, click HERE.
No Sew Zipper Workshop with Ann Weaver
Sunday, September 22
12–2 p.m. ($50 per person)
fibre space
1319 Prince Street
Learn how to attach zippers to sweaters from an expert. For more info, click HERE.
