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.

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.

October 2009 Events

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

"The Foreigner"
Date(s): Through 10/03/2009
Recurring daily
Time: Wed - Sat at 8pm and Sun at 3pm
Location: Little Theatre of Alexandria The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria VA 22301
Contact: Box Office
Phone: (703) 683-0496
Admission: $16.50-$19.50
Meet Charlie, a tremendously shy Englishman who has a pathological fear of speaking to strangers. When his friend invites him to a fishing lodge for a getaway, Charlie pretends to be a foreigner who cannot understand English in order to keep him from facing his fear of strangers. Taking advantage of the fact that he won’t understand, those at the lodge confide in him. Charlie discovers not all is what is seems and he must find a way to save the day without blowing his cover. In this hilarious farce, Charlie not only becomes privy to secrets both dangerous and frivolous, he also discovers an adventurous extrovert within himself.

Tavern Toddlers
Date(s): Through 11/16/2009
Recurring weekly on Monday
Time: 10:30a.m.-12p.m.
Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact: Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $7 for group of 3, 5-week pass for $30
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.

First Thursday: The Arts Build Communities (Sneak Preview)
Date(s): 10/01/2009 - 10/01/2009
Time: 6p.m.-9p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 855-2584
Admission: Free!
“The Arts Build Communities” is a statewide theme established by Virginians for the Arts Foundation. The message is the same, regardless of the medium: The arts strengthen our communities, lift our spirits and build a better quality of life for all. In this all member show, Del Ray Artisans reflect on the positive impact of art through a variety of media. Visit the gallery and enjoy the experience!

Live Music by KUKU
Date(s): 10/01/2009 - 10/01/2009
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria
Admission: Free!
KUKU performs uniquely soulful and captivating music inspired by his African heritage. Often singing in his native Yoruba tongue, this self-taught musician has enchanted audiences throughout the Washington, DC area.

The Arts Build Communities (Opening Reception)
Date(s): 10/02/2009 - 10/02/2009
Time: 7p.m.-9:30p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 855-2584
Admission: Free!
Members will present an exhibition of their artwork which reflects on the positive impact of art through a variety of media. The show runs October 2 through October 25. “The Arts Build Communities” is a statewide theme established by Virginians for the Arts Foundation. The message is the same, regardless of the medium: The arts strengthen our communities, lift our spirits and build a better quality of life for all.

Apothecary Open House
Date(s): 10/03/2009 - 10/03/2009
Time: 1p.m.-5p.m.
Location: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Contact: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Phone: (703) 838-3852
Admission: Free!
This year’s Open House includes free tours, hands on activities, and more! Learn about the curative properties of the plants in your own yard and discover the important role the apothecary played in early Alexandria.

History Scavenger Hunt
Date(s): 10/03/2009 - 10/03/2009
Time: 1p.m.-4p.m.
Location: Alexandria Archaeology 105 North Union Street, #327, Alexandria VA 22314
Contact: Alexandria Archaeology
Phone: (703) 838-4399
Admission: Free!
A special Archaeology Month activity! Identify artifacts that bring Alexandria’s past to life! Kids, take part in this Virginia TimeTravelers passport “Stories of a Nation” patch program.

Artist Trading Cards Swap: Things Found in Dozens
Date(s): 10/04/2009 - 10/04/2009
Time: 2p.m.-4p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 283-0399
Admission: Free!
In anticipation of the November exhibit by the Del Ray Dozen photographers, the theme for the ATC cards will be "Things Found in Dozens" (think eggs, donuts, etc.). Participants should bring a small box or bag of their own art supplies to make their cards in the theme. ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) are 2.5" x 3.5" works in any medium and are traded among artists. Please RSVP to Theresa Kulstad at (703) 283-0399 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Directions at www.thedelrayartisans.org

Blessing of the Pets
Date(s): 10/04/2009 - 10/04/2009
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Christ Church 118 N. Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-1450
This special service takes place at 3 p.m. in the beautiful churchyard of historic Christ Church.

Open Life Drawings
Time: 2p.m.-5p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 836-1468
Admission: $8 for members / $10 for non-members
Open Life Drawing continues on selected Wednesdays this fall at the Del Ray Artisans gallery. These open life drawing/painting sessions operate on a drop-in basis so there is no need to register in advance. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to work from our live models. October 7, 2-5 pm October 21, 2-5 pm November 11, 2-5 pm November 18, 2-5 pm If you have any questions, please contact Katherine Rand at 703.836.1468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Second Thursday Music @ the Athenaeum
Date(s): 10/08/2009 - 10/08/2009
Time: 7p.m.-9p.m.
Location: Athenaeum Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 548-0035
Admission: $10.00
Superb original songs by a guitar player who brings the Blue Ridge Mountains to you, this is Andrew McKnight. "With a voice reminiscent of Don McLean, McKnight traverses from old-time Appalachian tunes to contemporary folk & blues...” says the Boston Globe. "His voice itself is one that you can literally listen to for hours, savoring its mellow sound like a fine mountain wine," says the Times-Standard of Arcata, CA. Presented by NVFAA & SAW at the Athenaeum 1 block south of the King and Lee streets Trolley Stop.

“Traces of the Trade” Film Screening
Date(s): 10/10/2009 - 10/10/2009
Time: 4:30p.m.-6:30a.m.
Location: Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4356
Admission: Free!
This film follows the disturbing journey of discovery into the history and “living consequences” of slavery. Katrina Browne discovered her slave-trading ancestors from Rhode Island were not an aberration. Rather, they were the most prominent actors in the North’s vast complicity in slavery, buried in myths of Northern innocence. Browne and other descendants, traveled from Rhode Island to Ghana to Cuba and back, revisiting the Triangle Trade of the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history.

Alexandria Arts Safari
Date(s): 10/10/2009 - 10/10/2009
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4565
Admission: Free!
A festival of hands-on arts and crafts activities for children plus archeological fun.

Tools of the Soldier’s Trade: Civil War Firearms Program
Date(s): 10/10/2009 - 10/10/2009
Time: 1p.m.-3p.m.
Location: Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria VA 22304
Phone: (703) 838-4848
Admission: Free, donations welcome
Discussion and demonstration of advances in firearms and munitions technology from the early stages of war through Appomattox. Learn how changes in Civil War weaponry influenced military tactics beyond World War I. Display of reproduction weapons and ammunition, plus firing demonstration.

"A Defenseless Alexandria in 1814" Lecture
Date(s): 10/14/2009 - 10/14/2009
Time: 7p.m.-8:30p.m.
Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $12
Join Carole Herrick, local historian and author of "August 24,1814: Washington in Flames," as she chronicles Alexandria's role in the War of 1812. Reception and book signing following the lecture. Copies of her book will also be available at a discounted price. Doors open at 7 p.m., lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. $12 per person, $10 for GTMS and volunteers.

Vicki Grant, Ceramic Artist Trunk Show
Date(s): 10/16/2009 - 10/18/2009
Recurring daily
Time: 5p.m.-8p.m.
Location: Arts Afire Glass Gallery 1117 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-9785
Admission: Free
The artist has worked in the field of design for over 30 years and is a graduate of University of Maryland School of Architecture. Her wall tiles and whimsical pots are unique and outstanding in their complexity and unusual textures. This show will introduce her new "Story Tiles" incorporating sound.

Craft Fair in the Garden
Date(s): 10/17/2009 - 10/17/2009
Time: 10a.m.-4p.m.
Location: Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 548-1789
Admission: $1
Start your holiday shopping early with this outdoor craft fair. Vendors will feature beautiful handcrafted items, including jewelry, fabric arts, furniture, and paintings. This event will also include a bake sale and a used book sale. Come stock up on craft books, fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and more! All in great condition.

Fall Harvest Family Days
Date(s): 10/17/2009 - 10/18/2009
Recurring daily
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon VA 22121
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Admission: Included with regular admission
Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days. The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, bee keeping demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price this weekend only.

La Fête de Lafayette
Date(s): 10/17/2009 - 10/17/2009
Time: 7p.m.-10p.m.
Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact: Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $65/$50
Join Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society at this wine party in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, the hero of the American Revolution. Sample delicious selections of old world French and new world Virginia wines and morsels! Meet General Lafayette "in person" as he recalls his 1824 grand tour of the United States, including a memorable banquet at Gadsby's Tavern. Bid on silent auction treasures or enter a raffle for a "grand prix." Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Ice Well. After-five attire requested; reservations required. Tickets are $50 a piece for GTMS members and $65 each for non-members.

UpBeat OffBeat Auction: A Whacky Celebration of Creativity
Date(s): 10/17/2009 - 10/17/2009
Time: 7p.m.-10p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans The Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 489-9851
Admission: $15 in advance/$20 at door
The UpBeat OffBeat Auction is a much-anticipated event featuring a live auction of home furnishings “extremely made over” by local artists, and a silent auction of artwork—all accompanied by live music and refreshments. Preview at the DRA gallery on First Thursday (10/1, 6 – 9 pm) during Art on the Avenue (10/3, 10 – 6 pm). The preview continues through 10/16. Tickets available online at www.TheDelRayArtisans.org, at the gallery or by calling 703.838.4827.

Open Life Drawing at Del Ray Artisans
Date(s): 10/21/2009 - 10/21/2009
Time: 2p.m.-5p.m.
Location: Del Ray Artisans Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 836-1468
Admission: $8 for DRA members and $10 for non-members
Open Life Drawing continues on selected Wednesdays this fall at the Del Ray Artisans gallery. These open life drawing/painting sessions operate on a drop-in basis so there is no need to register in advance. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to work from our live models. October 7, 2-5 pm October 21, 2-5 pm November 11, 2-5 pm November 18, 2-5 pm If you have any questions, please contact Katherine Rand at 703.836.1468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bike the Alexandria Heritage Trail
Date(s): 10/24/2009 - 10/24/2009
Time: 10a.m.-1p.m.
Location: Alexandria Archaeology Bike & Roll Shop, 1 Wales Alley, Alexandria VA 22314
Contact: Alexandria Archaeology
Phone: (703) 838-4399
Admission: Free!
Celebrate Archaeology Month by cycling the Alexandria Heritage Trail! Meet at Bike and Roll Bike Shop at 1 Wales Alley for a guided tour of the Alexandria Heritage Trail. The route includes hills and street cycling. Helmets are required and children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Please call 703.838.4399 for further details.

Death Comes to Carlyle
Date(s): 10/24/2009 - 10/24/2009
Location: Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-2997
Experience a re-enactment of Colonel John Carlyle's 1780 funeral, and view his coffin, followed by a funeral procession and interment at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. A ghost tour of Old Town is included in the admission price. Reservations are required.

Del Ray Halloween Parade
Date(s): 10/25/2009 - 10/25/2009
Time: 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location: Mount Vernon Avenue from Bellefonte to Hume avenues in the heart of historic Del Ray, Alexandria VA 22301
Phone: (703) 684-3535
Admission: Free!
More than 2,000 children, plus pets in costume, turn out for this Del Ray tradition. Music, prizes for best costume, best pet costume, best stroller plus music. Refreshments include grillled hot dogs available for sale.

"Cemetery Art" Lecture
Date(s): 10/28/2009 - 10/28/2009
Time: 7p.m.-8:30p.m.
Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact: Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Phone: (703) 838-4242
Admission: $12
Get in the Halloween spirit with Dwight Young from the National Trust for Historic Preservation as he explores the history of cemetery design in America! You’ll see cemeteries as outdoor art galleries after this informative and entertaining look at the beautiful, surprising and bizarre structures and symbols of funerary art. Doors open at 7 p.m., lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. $12 per person.

Alexandria Historical Society Lecture: “The Great Decision"
Date(s): 10/28/2009 - 10/28/2009
Time: 7:30p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 683-2636
Admission: Free!
Cliff Sloan, the co-author of "The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court," will tell the exciting story of Marbury v. Madison, probably the most important Supreme Court decision in the history of the United States. (The case established the idea that courts may oversee other branches of government.) But it is also an Alexandria story with three of the four plaintiffs and their attorney being Alexandrians, and important events leading up to the case taking place in Alexandria.

"Poe in Alexandria"
Date(s): 10/30/2009 - 10/31/2009
Recurring daily
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-4994
For Halloween, actor David Keltz recreates Edgar Allan Poe’s visit to Virginia in 1849. The performance includes recitations from classic works such as “The Raven,” “Annabel Lee,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and many others. Admission fee.

Doggie "Happy Howloween" Costume Contest
Date(s): 10/29/09
Time: Registration: 4:30p.m.-5:30p.m.; Judging 6:00p.m.-7:30p.m.
Location: Hotel Monaco Alexandria - 480 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-6080
Admission: Free, with a $10 suggested donation to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Hotel Monaco Alexandria’s popular doggie costume contest is back with awards -- including an overnight stay in NYC -- in the following categories: most glamorous get-up, best-dressed couple and the “top dog” award. Judges this year include Mayor Euille and Tina Leone, President and CEO of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Due to space constraints, registration will end at 100 dogs, so please arrive as early as possible.

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