Monday May 21, 2012 | May 2012 Issue

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Alexandria Events
August

Ongoing Events

Old Town Farmers Market
Date(s): 05/02/2009 (No End Date)
Recurring weekly on Saturday
Time: 5 a.m.-10 a.m.
Location: Market Square - 301 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4343
Admission: Free!
The nation's oldest farmers market offers a variety of vendors, including baked goods, cut flowers, live plants, and crafts.

West End Farmers Market
Date(s): 05/03/2009 - 11/22/2009
Recurring weekly on Sunday
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Ben Brenman Park 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria VA 22304
Phone: (703) 838-4343
This farmers market features locally grown produce, baked goods and the work of local artists.

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers' Market
Date(s): 06/03/2009 - 10/28/2009
Recurring weekly on Wednesday
Time: 3-7 p.m.
Location: King Street Gardens, 1806 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314
This small but high-quality farmers market takes place Wednesdays in King Street Gardens, across the street from the King Street Metro station. Offerings include produce from Virginina, Maryland and West Virginia.

Lantern Tours
Date(s): Through 08/28/2009
Recurring weekly on Friday
Time: 7p.m.-10p.m.
Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street
Contact: Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $5 per person
On Friday evenings after happy hour or dinner in Old Town, see the 18th century in a whole new light! Tour by candlelight with a costumed guide the historic tavern (c.1785) and City Hotel built in 1792 and see how guests experienced the site before the advent of electricity. Museum may be closed on some occasions, so call ahead to verify tour dates at 703-838-4242.

First Thursday in Del Ray
Date(s): Through 09/03/2009
Recurring monthly on the 1st Thursday
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Mount Vernon Avenue in charming Del Ray Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: (703) 683-2949
Admission: Free!
This family-friendly monthly celebration returns to Del Ray, with music, exhibitions from local organizations and businesses open late with special activities. This year's themes: May - Family & Friends Along the Avenue; June - Dog Days; July - Main Street Celebration; August - Health & Wellness on the Avenue; September - A Taste of Del Ray.

George Washington & His Generals Exhibition
Date(s): Through 01/10/2010
Recurring daily
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Admission: Adults $15; children ages 6-11 $7; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Historic Mount Vernon hosts a special new exhibition, “George Washington & His Generals.” For the first time, a collection of over 120 paintings, personal artifacts and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies who served under George Washington will be on display.

National Treasure Tour at Mount Vernon
Date(s): Through 10/31/2009
Recurring daily
Time: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Admission: $5 addition to Estate admission: adults, $15.00; children ages 6-11, $7.00; and children under 5 are admitted free.
The National Treasure Tour combines Hollywood and history, giving visitors stories about the filming and also information on how the behind-the-scenes locations were used during George Washington's time. Included in this approximately hour-long walking tour is the Mansion's basement and cornerstone, the setting for a pivotal scene in the movie. The National Treasure Tours are offered at the following times: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Sewn Together: The 18th-Century Women of Carlyle House
Date(s): Through 09/30/2009
Recurring daily
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-2997
Admission: $4 for adults, $2 for students, free for children 10 and under
Worn by a 17-year-old girl to her 1747 wedding…restyled and re-worn again and again until, finally, cut into dozens of pieces and given to that young girl’s descendants. Come learn the story of a dress and the women who wore it. From March-October, 2009, Carlyle House will focus its interpretation on the women who lived there. The highlight of the exhibit will be the recreated 1747 wedding dress of Sarah Fairfax Carlyle and the 1795 dress made by her daughter, Sarah Carlyle Herbert.

"Living Legends of Alexandria" Photo Exhibition
Date(s): Through 09/20/2009
Recurring daily
Time: 10a.m.-5p.m.
Location: Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum's Coldsmith Gallery, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4994
Admission: Suggested $2
This new photography exhibition featuring the work of Nina Tisara celebrates and documents individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. "Living Legends of Alexandria 2008-09" features photographs of 26 nominees with information about their work to improve life in Alexandria.


August Events

Carlyle Housewarming
Date: 08/01/2009
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Admission: Free!
The day that John Carlyle moved his family into this beautiful new home, his wife Sarah gave birth. During this annual open house, learn about Colonial midwifery and medicine.

Friendship Firehouse Festival
Date: 08/01/2009
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Friendship Firehouse
100 block of South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-3891
The Friendship Firehouse Festival celebrates the 234th anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company, founded in 1774. Enjoy birthday cake, craft and food vendors, and a special display of antique and modern firefighting equipment. Fun for kids of all ages! 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free!

Tavern Day at Gadsby’s Tavern
Date: 08/01/2009
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: Free!
Want to learn to dance like George Washington? Ever heard of a learned pig? Tours led by costumed guides, period music and light refreshments.

Soldier-Led Walking Tour
Date: 08/01/2009
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 West Braddock Road
Alexandria VA 22304
Phone: (703) 838-4848
Admission: Free!
A Union soldier in period uniform will lead walking tours of Fort Ward. The hour-long tour will introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th-century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War. Walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended.

Aretha Aretha Jazz Performance
Date: 08/08/2009
Time: 7p.m.-9p.m.
Location: Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Contact: Alexandria Black History Museum
Phone: (703) 838-4356
Admission: $20 person
Join Alexandria native Aretha Aretha and an outstanding band in a celebration of jazz! As the photography exhibition “The Fine Art of Jazz” comes to a close, let Aretha Aretha inspire you with the gift of song and the uniquely American jazz spirit.

Irish Festival
Date: 08/08/2009
Time: Noon-7 p.m.
Location: Waterfront Park
1A Prince Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 475-9415
Admission: Free!
Arts and crafts, Irish refreshments, and entertainment by the Maple School of Dance, Boyle School of Dance, Washington Scottish Pipes and Drums, O’Neill-James School of Dance, Culkin School of Dance,  The Flying Cows of Ventry and more.

18th-Century Dance Lessons
Date(s): 08/06/2009 & 08/13/2009
Recurring weekly on Thursday
Time: 7:30p.m.-9:30p.m.
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $12
In preparation for the Jane Austen Ball on August 15, learn 18th century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Cost is $12 per class or $30 for the series. Reservations are recommended.

Second Thursday Music @ the Athenaeum
Date: 08/13/2009
Time: 7p.m.-9p.m.
Location: Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 548-0035
Admission: $10.00
One Eye Closed featuring Les Thompson - visitors to Old Town won’t want to miss this end of the summer concert at the Athenaeum, an event presented by the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association and the Songwriters’ Association of Washington. Les Thompson a founder of the legendary Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band, played on their biggest hits, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “Mr. Bojangles.” The Athenaeum one block south of King and Lee Streets Trolley Stop. Tickets available at the door and at www.nvfaa.org

Jane Austen Ball
Date: 08/15/2009
Time: 8p.m.-11p.m.
Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 North Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $45 in advance
Step back to the time of Jane Austen at this late 1790s era ball. The evening will feature a variety of English country dances in the historic ballroom, live music, and “iced refreshments.” Period costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged. $45 advance, $50 at the door (if tickets are available). Reservations are required.

Gypsy
Date(s): Daily Through 08/15/2009
Time: 8p.m.
Location: Little Theatre of Alexandria
600 Wolfe Street
Alexandria VA 22301
Contact: LTA Box Office
Phone: (703) 683-0496
Admission: $19.50 - $22.50
This backstage tale of vaudeville entertainer-turned-stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and her overbearing mother Rose is a classic. Join Rose, June and Louise in their trip across the United States during the 1920’s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Gypsy is a gripping roadmap of the obsessions that draw people into show business and keep them there.

Family Dig Day
Date: 08/15/2009
Time: 1:30p.m.-3p.m.
Location: Alexandria Archaeology Site
Shuter’s Hill
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 838-4399
Admission: $5 per person
Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real “dig” located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a water bottle. Please, no sandals. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Advance reservations required. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 703.838.4399 to save your spot!

Live Music by The Reverie Jazz Trio
Date: 08/20/2009
Time: 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4565
Admission: Free!
The Reverie Jazz Trio will perform early jazz standards and forgotten favorites in a style reminiscent of a bygone era

One Love Community Festival
Date: 08/22/2009
Time: Noon - 8 p.m.
Location: Braddock Park
1005 Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, Virginia 22301
Wonderful festival with foods, crafts, entertainment and rides for kids including pony rides, a moon bounce and water slides. Located at the George Washington Middle School, Braddock Field. Music stops at 6 p.m.

Cambodian Community Day Festival 2009
Date: 08/23/2009
Time: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m
Location: Ben Brenman Park
4800 Brenman Park Drive
Alexandria VA 22304
Phone: (571) 218-9513
Admission: Free!
This festival celebrates the Cambodian culture with artistic performances, arts and crafts exhibits, folk games and sports, and live music.  Refreshments available.

War of 1812-Alexandria: A Town Occupied

Date: 08/29/2009
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-2997
Admission: Free!
During the War of 1812, Alexandria surrendered to a British naval force, paying a ransom of rum, tobacco, flour, cotton and sugar. Learn why with free lectures, tours and costumed re-enactors.

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