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CURRENT EVENTS IN ALEXANDRIA |
April 1 - December 31 |
| September 11 - November 15 "Ah, That Jack and Jill!" Exhibition Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4356 Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jack and Jill of America with the Alexandria Black History Museum! This exhibit will highlight Metropolitan area chapters while honoring the organization's history and mission to enhance the lives of children. Using photographs, chapter records and the memories of members themselves, the exhibition shows how Jack and Jill empowers children and builds strong African-American communities. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $ Entrance Fee |
| September 20 - November 11 "Picnic" by William Inge Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.thelittletheatre.com 703/795-0659 Join us for the Little Theatre of Alexandria's production of William Inge’s Pulitzer winner. A Labor Day picnic turns into a life-changing event as Madge, the local beauty, must decide between Allen, who offers wealth and security, or Hal, who offers love and uncertainty. This powerful summer romance won the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Shows at 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun. $ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required |
| September 27 - November 9 Primary Colors The Athenaeum 201 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035 The Athenaeum Gallery is alive with "Primary Colors!" Betsy Anderson and Murney Keleher’s bright abstract paintings, monotypes, and mixed media pieces interpret landscapes, nature, and everyday rituals. Opening Reception on Sunday, September 28, at 4:30 p.m. Free! |
| October 4 - December 31 "Dr. Seuss For President" Art Exhibition P & C Art Gallery Old Town 212 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.pcart.com 703/549-2525 Coinciding with the historic 2008 U.S. presidential election, this unusual show features Dr. Seuss’s rarely seen political work, including the first release of “Knotty Problem,” a cartoon on the issue of taxes and Capitol Hill created by Seuss in 1942; the first print of the “Triple Sling Jigger” from Seuss’s “Butter Battle Book”, and four environmentally friendly prints from “The Lorax”. Free! |
| October 7 - November 2 Alive With Color Torpedo Factory Art Center Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28 105 N Union St Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org 703/838-4565 Ute Conrad and Ursula McKinney’s mini-show celebrates the intensity and ever-lasting beauty of enamel colors. They are vibrant and differ from the colors used in any other medium; bringing out their full appeal is part of the challenge of enameling. Free! |
| October 7 - November 9 Fall Garden Delights Torpedo Factory Art Center Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery, Studio 18 105 N. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/potomac_crafts.htm 703/838-4565 A celebration of the harvest and the colors of the fall garden, interpreted in fiber. Jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited. Free! |
| October 16 - November 9 Pearl Bailey - By Request MetroStage 1201 N. Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.metrostage.org 703/548-9044 In her new tribute to Pearl Bailey, award-winning singer/actor Roz White has chosen many of Pearl Bailey’s “Most Requested Songs,” which she recorded for Columbia Records at the height of her career, and has built an evening of marvelous music and memorable stories. This musical world premiere celebrates Pearl and her musical magic as the audience is transported to a late 1940’s nightspot by this “Ambassador of Love.” Roz White has appeared at MetroStage many times; she won a Helen Hayes Award for Bessie’s Blues.$ Entrance Fee |
| October 22 - November 23 Finding Equilibrium Torpedo Factory Art Center Target Gallery 105 N. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/targetnews.php 703/838-4565 This year’s Open Exhibition winner is Tennessee sculptor and professor Travis Graves. Graves’ work consists of actual logs that are displayed using visually uncomfortable balancing acts. Using lead and magnets, some of his work makes the obviously heavy logs feel weightless, with some pieces floating in space or frozen in motion as they appear to be exploding from the wall in multiple pieces. Reception: Second Thursday Art Night, November 13, 6-8pm;Gallery Talk: Travis Graves, 7pm during reception. Free! |
| October 27 - November 30 Plates & Platters, Large & Small Torpedo Factory Art Center Target Gallery 105 N. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope.htm 703/838-4565 The Kiln Club presents a variety of plate forms, from sushi plates, and platters for serving food, to decorative display pieces. Free! |
| November 3 - November 17 Tavern Toddlers Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242 A special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers! Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Themes change monthly. $10 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or purchase a 5 week pass for $35. $ Entrance Fee |
| November 4 - November 30 Fusion Torpedo Factory Art Center Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28 105 N Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/enamelists.htm 703/838-4565 Enamel work relies on intense heat to fuse the enamel to the metal. Sometimes the power and nature of that heat are embodied in the works. This All Members show features the heat of the process.Free! |
| November 6 - November 20 18th-Century Dance Lessons Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242 In preparation for the Governor’s Ball on November 22, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $12 per class; $30 for the series of three. Reservations recommended. $ Entrance Fee |
| November 7 - November 30 "Bead It! 3" The Del Ray Artisans Nicholas A. Colasanto Culture Center 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria (Del Ray), VA 22301 , VA 22301 www.TheDelRayArtisans.org 703/838-4827 Opening reception 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, November 7. The Del Ray Artisans present this juried show with prizes awarded for the best in each of the three categories: Handmade Bead, Wearable Bead Art and Non-Wearable Bead Art. The show will also include the Bead It Marketplace where visitors may purchase unique bead art to take home at the time of purchase. Free! |
| November 8 Swordsmen's Rendezvous Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242 En garde! Experience this unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. Price is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Tours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and reservations are required.$ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required |
| November 8 Walking Tour in Honor of Veteran's Day Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site 4301 W. Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22304 www.fortward.org 703/838-4848 In honor of Veteran's Day, Fort Ward Museum offers soldier-led tours of the historic site at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about the history of Fort Ward, construction of Civil War forts, and soldier life in the Defenses of Washington. The tour is led by a Union Civil War soldier, who carries an artillery haversack of reproduction aiming and firing tolls used to fire a cannon. Free! |
| November 8 Felt Jewelry Workshop The Del Ray Artisans Gallery Nicholas A. Colasanto Culture Center 2704 Mt. Vernon Avenue Alexandria (Del Ray), VA 22301 www.thedelrayartisans.org/dra_workshops.htm 703/838-4827 A Workshop in conjunction with the show "Bead It! 3" titled “Felt Jewelry”, on Nov. 8, from 10am to 4pm. Barbara Brecher will teach the art of making felt bead. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more information and to register online. $ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required |
| November 8 Community Shopping Night Ten Thousand Villages 915 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 villagesofalexandria.com 703/684-1435 Community Shopping Night Shop at Ten Thousand Villages from 6-8 pm and 20% of the sales will be donated to the ALIVE! Child Development Center. ALIVE! is a consortium of 41 Alexandria congregations that provides emergency housing and food assistance for needy residents. The Child Development Center provides quality day care for low-income families. Free! |
| November 11 Veteran's Day at Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens South end of the GW Parkway 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Mount Vernon, VA 22121 www.MountVernon.org 703/799-5203 In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty or retired military. Special activities include a free patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers and a special wreathlaying by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Veterans are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb. All veterans receive free flags. $ Entrance Fee |
| November 11 Veteran's Day Program Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.alexblackhistory.org 703/838-4399 Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country with this annual program featuring speakers, music, and dramatic presentations. Sponsored by the museum, Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage and American Legion Post 129. Reservations requested. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free! |
| November 13 Second Thursday Art Night, Naked November Nights Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm 703/838-4565 Browse open studios, interact with the artists, and enjoy refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. 6-9 p.m. Free! |
| November 13 Second Thursdays - The Bowmans The Athenaeum 201 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035 Sarah’s lyrics and vocals range from reminiscently droll to poignantly sublime. Coupled with skillful cello and guitar playing. Claire is an artful fiddler and evocative vocalist to match. Together, the twins’ harmonies sound as if they come simultaneously from one astonishing voice. Hear the Bowmans at thebowmansmusic.com. Performance at 7 p.m. Admission $10 at the door or www.nvfaa.org. $ Entrance Fee |
| November 13 - January 4 Portraits of Nature The Athenaeum 201 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035 The Washington Society of Landscape Painters and The Nature Conservancy partner to present a magnificent collection of oil, acrylic, and watercolor scenes of The Nature Conservancy’s protected properties. Free! |
| November 14 - 16 Historic Alexandria Antiques Show & Sale Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Historic District Alexandria 625 First Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.HistoricAlexandriaFoundation.com 703/549-5811 More than 40 dealers offering fine examples of antique furniture and decorative accessories, glass, ceramics, textiles, rugs, silver, clocks, nautical items, prints, paintings, folk art, jewelry, fashion accessories and more. Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $ Entrance Fee |
November 15 |
| November 15 "O' Thankful Voice" presented by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center 3001 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311 www.alexsym.org 703/548-0885 The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of thanks of the season with composers classic and contemporary. Featuring: Mozart's "Piano Concerto #21" with Yuliya Gorenman, piano; and Wilder's "Suite for Horn and Strings" with Amy Horn, French Horn. 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$80. $ Entrance Fee |
| November 15 The Beaded Bead Workshop The Del Ray Artisans Gallery Nicholas A. Colasanto Culture Center 2704 Mt. Vernon Avenue Alexandria (Del Ray), VA 22301 www.thedelrayartisans.org/dra_workshops.htm 703/838-4827 A Workshop in conjunction with the show "Bead It! 3" titled “The Beaded Bead” workshop will feature instructor Paulette Baron teaching the basics of peyote stitch beads. November 15th, 2008 10am - 1pm. $ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required |
| November 15 Community Shopping Night Ten Thousand Villages 915 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.villagesofalexandria.com 703/684-1435 Community Shopping Night Shop at Ten Thousand Villages from 6-8 pm and 20% of the sales will be donated to the U.S. Committee for the UN Development Program, whose mission is to find ways that U.S. corporations and individuals can support UNDP projects. Free! |
| November 16 Portraits of Nature The Athenaeum 201 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.nvfaa.org 703/548-0035 Opening Reception 5-7 p.m. The Washington Society of Landscape Painters and the Nature Conservancy partner to present a magnificent collection of oil, acrylic, and watercolor scenes of the Conservancy’s protected properties. These works will be on exhibit November 13-January 4, 2009. Free! |
| November 16 Coffee, Critique, and Conversation Torpedo Factory Art Center Multiple Exposures Gallery, Studio 312 105 N Union St Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/multiple_exposures.htm 703/838-4565 Join Multiple Exposures Gallery for this free event during FOTOWEEK/DC. Bring in a new set of images, photographs you have questions about, or a completed portfolio and engage in a friendly and helpful dialogue about your work. To secure a place, call the gallery at 703-683-2205 after November 1. Session 1: 10:30am - 12:45pm; Session 2: 12:45pm - 3pm. Free! | Reservations Required |
| November 20 - December 21 "Isn't It Romantic" MetroStage 1201 N. Royal Street Alexandria , VA 22314 www.metrostage.org 703/548-9044 MetroStage favorite Jimi Ray Malary returns with this new musical tribute featuring the songs from Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and George and Ira Gershwin. Direct from the Stackner Cabaret at Milwaukee Rep, Mr. Malary will be joined by Lori Williams, another MetroStage favorite. “(Jimi Ray Malary) has a versatile baritone voice with the control to whisper through tender passages, the power to raise the roof. He connects with the audience,” says the Milwaukee Journal Sentine. l$ Entrance Fee |
| November 20 - January 31 Stones and Bones - Arctic Inspired Work Torpedo Factory Art Center Studio 307 105 N Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/artists/sigethy_a2.htm 703/838-4565 Glass sculpture artist Alison Sigethy presents a show of new works inspired by her recent trip to the Arctic and the fascinating stones found there. Alison invites you to join her for the show’s reception and view the work in her third floor Torpedo Factory studio. Reception: November 20, 6 - 9 p.m. Free! |
| November 22 Governor's Ball with Patrick Henry Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.gadsbystavern.org 703/838-4242 Join us for a special evening with Governor Patrick Henry at a ball in his honor. Taking place in 1786, Gov. Henry will be welcomed at a special pre-ball reception, 7 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature a variety of English country dances, live music, dessert collation, gaming, and cash bar. Period costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged. Special reception and ball ticket $75 each. Ball is 8 to 11 a.m.; tickets for the ball only $45 in advance; $50 at the door (if tickets are available). Reservations are required. $ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required |
| November 22 St, Mary's 2008 Christmas Bazaar St. Mary's School 400 Green Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703/535-1527 Miracles on Green Street! The Annual Christmas Bazaar is a wonderful St. Mary's School tradition with more than 60 exhibitors/vendors, Santa's Workshop Crafts, Gingerbread Houses, Bake Sale and Christmas Cafe, Flea Market/Kids' Closet, Children's Games and Prizes, Visit with Santa/Photo Keepsake, Yesterday's Books Sales, and Holiday Cinema. Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free! |
| November 24 - January 2 Holiday 2008 Ornament Show Torpedo Factory Art Center The Art League Gallery, Room 21 105 N Union St Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/artleague.htm 703/838-4565 Get into the holiday spirit with The Art League. Free! |
| November 28 City of Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting Market Square in front of historic City Hall 301 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.AlexandriaVA.gov 703/838-4844 Musicial entertainment with greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus. 7-9 p.m. Beforehand, check out the Upper King Street tree lighting at 6 p.m. in King Street Gardens, at the intersection of King Street and Diagonal Road. Free! |
| November 28 - December 14 Mount Vernon by Candlelight Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens South end of the GW Parkway 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Mount Vernon, VA 22121 www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000 "Mrs. Washington" hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. A newly-formatted tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters from the Washingtons' world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon. "Mount Vernon by Candlelight" is the only time of year when the estate is open to the public for special evening tours. Mount Vernon's modern buildings include merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9 p.m. $18 for adults, $12 for youth. Tickets are available at Mount Vernon's Ford Orientation Center or at MountVernon.org starting November 1. $ Entrance Fee | Reservations Required |
| November 28 - January 6 Christmas at Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy South end of GW Parkway Mount Vernon, VA 22121 www.MountVernon.org 703/780-2000 Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for "Christmas at Mount Vernon," a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Exciting additions this year include a dozen themed Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Ronald Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas 1787! The popular tradition continues on opening the rarely-seen third floor of the Mansion and inviting visitors to meet the charming "Mrs. Washington." Schedules may vary for dancing and "Mrs. Washington." $ Entrance Fee |
| November 29 Scottish Heritage Preview The Lyceum 201 South Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.alexandriahistory.org 703/838-4994 Come celebrate Alexandria’s Scottish heritage at Alexandria’s History Museum, a week before the Scottish Walk. Meet Scottish Tartan Day leaders and learn about Scottish breeds of dogs while enjoying bagpipes, highland dancing, historical re-enactors and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free! |