<b>September 2010
<b>Sept. 7
</b>Annual Doggie Day Swim. 4-7 p.m. At the Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St., Alexandria. (Rain Date: Wednesday, Sept. 8). There is a nominal fee for dog admission. All dogs should wear current vaccination tags or proof of vaccinations must be shown. Call 703-746-5447 or e-mail jannie.wray@alexandriava.gov.
<b>Sept. 11-12
</b>8th Alexandria Festival of the Arts. Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Old Town from Washington St. to the unit block of King St. Cosponsors: City of Alexandria and Howard Alan Productions. Call 703-746-5418 or visit 8th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts. Visitalexandriava.com
<b>Sept. 17
</b>Supper Under the Stars. 5-7:30 p.m. King St. Gardens Park, 1806 King St., Alexandria. Featuring the music of Al Williams & Friends, and cuisine from Mango Mikes Restaurant. Sponsors: Old Town Professional Business Association. Call Carol Suplee 703-969-6820 or David Martin at 703-683-0333 or e-mail david@goldworksusa.com
<b>Sept. 18
</b>Alexandria Story Festival. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jefferson Houston School Ball Field, 1501 Cameron St., Alexandria. Sponsor: Wright To Read. Contact Leigh Hoyer 703-299-9855 or e-mail hoyer@wrighttoread.org.
<b>Sept. 18-19
</b>18th-Century Colonial Market and Fair at Mount Vernon. More than 70 juried artisans demonstrate their crafts and sell their wares, with Colonial music, entertainment, including fire-eaters and grave robbers, and hearty food. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Sept. 18-19. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>Sept. 25
</b>Paws in the Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Montgomery Park. 901 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Sponsor: Old Town North Community Partnership. Contact Elizabeth Frommer at 703-835-8066 or e-mail efrommer@mreproperties.com.
<b>Sept. 25
</b>Annual Tour of Historic Alexandria Homes. Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour some of the city's most beautifully restored and decorated homes. Old Town. Call 703-683-5544 for information, 703-461-9492 for tickets or visit www.thetwig.org.
<b>Sept. 25
</b>Seaport Day 2010. Sept. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate the city's seaport heritage with model-boat building, boat rides, food and exhibits. At Seaport Center at the Torpedo Factory, Robinson Terminal, 2 Duke Street. Free. Sponsored by Bittersweet Snack Shak and Potomac Riverboat, Waterfront Weiners, and Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Treats. Call 703-549-7078 or visit www.alexandriaseaport.org.
<b>Sept. 26
</b>Dash For Dad! 8 a.m. 10K to Fight Prostate Cancer. Eisenhower Avenue, 206 Swamp Fox Rd, AMC Theater Parking Lot. Sponsor: National Prostate Cancer Coalition. Call Tracy Amish 202-303-3111 or e-mail tracy@zerocancer.org.
<b>Sept. 26
</b>Old Town Doggie Walk. 9 to 11 a.m. Old Town area (orderly sidewalk walk). Cosponsors: Capitol Heel, the Alexandria Health Department and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. For information, call Robert Mahoney at 703-836-7643, e-mail bobby@capitol-heel.com, or visit www.doggewalke.com
<b>October 2010
<b>Oct. 1-3
</b>Mount Vernon Estate's Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. Features live entertainment, re-enactments, and tours of seldom-open wine cellar vaults. This evening event celebrates the history of wine making by the founding fathers. Set for Oct. 1-3 from 6-9 p.m. Advance tickets suggested. $30. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>Oct. 2
</b>Art on the Avenue. Multicultural arts festival celebrating diversity through the arts in the Potomac West community. Artists and artisans of all kinds discuss and demonstrate their work. Also features tastings from restaurants and musical performances. Mount Vernon Avenue from Bellefonte to Hume Avenue. Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. For information, call Pat Miller at 703-683-2570 or e-mail pmiller1806@comcast.net.
<b>Oct. 2
</b>YMCA Alexandria “Get Your Move ON” 5k Run. 8 a.m. to noon. Eisenhower Ave. at the Cameron Run Great Wave Pool Park. Sponsor: YMCA Alexandria. Contact: Melissa Gaskins at 703-838-8085 or e-mail at mgaskins@ymcadc.org.
<b>Oct. 9
</b>The Charity Charge 5k. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Eisenhower Ave. at the Cameron Run Great Wave Pool Park. Sponsor: Gifts in Kind International. Contact Colleen Clark at 703-299-7554 or e-mail cclark@giftsinkind.org
<b>Oct. 10
</b>George Washington Birthday 10K Classic. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. At Eisenhower Avenue. Sponsor: George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. Call 703-991-4474 or visit washingtonbirthday.org.
<b>Oct. 14-17
</b>Northern Virginia Fashion Week. At Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St. (Schedule varies). Sponsor: NOVA Fashion Week. Call Tianthony Andrew Roby at 800-900-7501 ext. 43 or e-mail at Andrew@novafashionweek.com
<b>Oct. 16
</b>Family Fall Festival. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Armistead Booth Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd., Alexandria. Sponsor: City of Alexandria. Call the Events Hotline at 703-746-5592 or the Special Events Office at 703-746-5418.
<b>Oct. 16
</b>Craft Sale at Hollin Hall Senior Center on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Over 30 crafters, silent auction, bake sale, lunch and more will be featured. Free. 703-765-4573.
<b>Oct. 17
</b>Bishop Ireton 5k Fun Run. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eisenhower Ave. at the Cameron Run Great Wave Pool Park. Sponsor: Bishop Ireton Booster Club. For information contact Bill Simmons at 751-212-5169 or e-mail at kellerj@bishopireton.org.
<b>Oct. 23
</b>Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. 8:30 a.m. Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. 206 Swamp Fox Rd, AMC Theater Parking Lot. Sponsor: INOVA Foundation/ Office on Women. Call 703-746-3213 or e-mail angela.johnson@alexandriava.gov
<b>Oct. 23-24
</b>Fall Harvest Family Days at George Washington’s Gristmill, on State Route 235, near Route 1. Oct. 23-24, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Create cornhusk dolls, learn about candle-making and see how the gristmill works. An on-site bake sale will offer fresh-baked goods, sandwiches and beverages. Free. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>Oct. 24
</b>Salvation Army 125th Anniversary. 4-6 p.m. Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria. Sponsor: The Salvation Army. Contact Cpt. Ken Argot at 703-836-2427 or e-mail at Kenneth.Argot@uss.salvationarmy.org
<b>Oct. 24
</b>14th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. 4 p.m. At Mt. Vernon Ball Field, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Sponsor: Delray Business Association. Call Gayle Reuter at 703-684-3535 or e-mail gayle.reuter@mail.house.gov
<b>Oct. 30
</b>2nd Annual Ofrenda Parade. 7-7:45 p.m. At Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria. Sponsor: Art Outlet and Torpedo Factory. Contact Henrik Sundqvist at 571-214-9994 or e-mail at info@artoutlet.org.
<b>Oct. 30
</b>Death at the Carlyle House. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. At John Carlye House, 121 N. Fairfax St. to the Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Sponsor: Alexandria’s Footsteps to the Past. For information, call Jim Bartlinski at 703-549-2997.
<b>November 2010
<b>Nov. 4-6
</b>Historic Alexandria Antiques Show & Sale. $15 admission. Features dealers from around the country as well as preview party, appraisals, lecture and tea. At a new venue this year: The GW Memorial Masonic Temple. Nov. 4 preview 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11-8 p.m.; Saturday 11-6 p.m.; Wine & Cheese party Saturday 7-10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Call 703-549-5811 or visit www.funside.com.
<b>Nov. 11
</b>Veteran's Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits free all active duty or retired military. Visitors are invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb and join the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution at a 2 p.m. wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our nation's veterans. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>Nov. 14
</b>Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Walk/Run. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. At Eisenhower Ave., 206 Swamp Fox Rd., AMC Theater Parking Lot. Sponsor: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Call Laura Higgins at 203-652-0238 or 203-229-0464.
<b>Nov. 25
</b>35th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler. 10 a.m. At Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave., Alexandria. Sponsor: Delray Business Association. Call Paul Coleus at 703-933-0520 ext. 203 or e-mail paul@waterfordinc.com.
<b>Nov. 26
</b>Annual City Tree Lighting Ceremony. 7 p.m. At Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria. Sponsor: City of Alexandria. Call the Events Hotline at 703-746-5592 or the Office of Special Events at 703-746-5418.
<b>Nov. 26-28
</b>Mount Vernon by Candlelight. Learn about the Washington family's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and tour the home by candlelight. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Nov. 26-28, Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12 and Dec.18-19 from 5-8 p.m. Adults: $18, children 11 and under: $12. Call 703-780-2000. www.mountvernon.org
<b>Nov. 27
</b>Annual Scottish Preview at the Lyceum, 201 S Washington St., Nov. 27 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring Scottish culture in Alexandria. This annual event honors Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with activities, performances and demonstrations. Call 703-838-4994. www.virginia.org
<b>December 2010
<b>Month of December
<lst>Holidays at Mount Vernon. Nov. 26- Jan. 6. The Washington family's seasonal entertaining is interpreted daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day; themed Christmas Trees, gingerbread demonstration, historic chocolate demonstration. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-780-2000.
<b>Dec. 4-5
</b>Campagna Center's 40th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. 10:30 a.m. Parade honors Alexandria's Scottish heritage with more than 100 Scottish clans dressed in tartans and playing bagpipes, living history reenactment units, dog clubs and antique cars. Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. and Dec. 5, from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Other Christmas Walk activities include a Taste of Scotland, sale of greens, musical performances, children's events, Christmas Marketplace. Parade is free. Call 703-549-0111. www.scottishchristmaswalk.com or visit campagnacenter.org.
<b>Dec. 4
</b>Annual Holiday Parade of Boats. Alexandria's harbor lights up when brightly lit sailing and power leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront. Saturday, Dec. 4 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-5005 or visit www.visitalexandriava.com.
<b>Dec. 4
</b>Holidays on the Avenue. The Del Ray neighborhood kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday tree lighting at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Its luminaria display, with entertainment, stretches from Commonwealth to Monroe avenues along Mount Vernon Avenue. 6-9 p.m. Free. Parking lot at Nick Colasanto Art Center, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-683-2570 or visit www.visitdelray.com.
<b>Dec. 4
</b>Ornament Decorating Workshop. Dec. 4 from 1-4 p.m. at the Archaeology Museum, 3rd floor Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Decorate an artifact-shaped, take-home dough ornament. Free. Reservations suggested. Visit 703-838-4399.
<b>Dec. 5
</b>Toys for Tots. 1-5 p.m. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria. The 36th annual benefit square and round dance for the United States Marine Corps’ Reserve Toys for Tots drive. Donation (per couple) is a new unopened toy for a minimum $10 contribution. A toy contribution may be dropped off at the Exhibit Hall before 3 p.m.
Cosponsors: Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Advertising contributed and program supported by National Capital Area Square Dance Leaders Association and Washington Area Square Dance Cooperative Area.
Call the Events Hotline at 703-746-5592 or the Special Events office at 703-746-5418.
<b>Dec. 10-11
</b>Plantation Christmas & Yuletide Christmas Dinner. Celebrate the season with a tour of the candle-lit house, cider by the glowing fire, open-hearth cooking demonstrations, and carriage rides. Buffet of Yuletide fare also available. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton. Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Dec. 11, 4:30p.m. , 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. www.gunstonhall.org. Call 703-550-9220.
<b>Dec. 11
</b>Christmas in Camp Open House. $2 donation. Learn how the holiday was observed during the Civil War with living history interpreters, period music and light refreshments. 4301 W Braddock Road Dec. 11 from noon-4 p.m. Call 703-838-4848 or visit www.fortward.org.
<b>Dec. 11
</b>Alexandria Holiday Cheerleading Invitational. 11 a.m. At T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St., Alexandria. Sponsor: Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Call 703-746-5407 or e-mail mac.slover@alexandriava.gov.
<b>Dec. 11-12
</b>Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of the holiday season at festively decorated historic sites in Old Town Alexandria. Tours are self-guided and highlight the social, musical and sentimental aspects of the holidays in 18th- and 19th-century Alexandria. Light refreshments served; trolley available between sites. Dec. 11-12, tours are from 5-9 p.m. $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6-17. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.historicalexandria.org.
<b>Dec. 31
</b>First Night Alexandria. Family-oriented, alcohol-free New Year's celebration with music, performing arts and fireworks at midnight. King and Washington streets and throughout Old Town. Dec. 31 from 7 p.m.-midnight. Call 703-838-5005. E-mail adorman@firstnightalexandria.org or visit firstnightalexandria.org.
<b>January 2011
<b>Jan. 17
</b>Lee Birthday Celebration. The Lee Birthday Celebration on Jan. 17 honors Revolutionary War Colonel "Light Horse Harry" Lee and his son, Confederate General Robert E. Lee, with a tour of the house with guides in period costume. Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. Call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org.
<b>January
</b>Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest Exhibition and Awards. A juried exhibition featuring the artwork of Alexandria elementary school students (grades 1-5). Students' artwork illustrates the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent movement. The exhibition is on display at City Hall through February. The program is presented by the Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage, Inc. and the Alexandria Black History Museum. Free. Call 703-838-4356.
<b>February 2011
</b>Black History Month In Alexandria. A month-long series of events celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of African-American Alexandrians. Alexandria Black History Resource Center, 638 N Alfred St. Call 703-838-4356.
<b>February
</b>Walking with Washington. See the sites associated with George Washington on this two-hour walking tour. 301 King St., Market Square. Sundays in February, 1:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4399 or visit www.washingtonbirthday.net.
<b>Feb. 19
</b>George Washington Classic 10K Race. Feb. 19 at Eisenhower Avenue east of the Holiday Inn. Rain or shine. Call 703-991-4474 or visit www.washingtonbirthday.net.
<b>Feb. 19
</b>Birthnight Banquet & Ball. Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m. Tavern fare, toasts to George Washington and 18th-century dancing. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St. Advance reservations required. $100 ticket includes banquet and ball, $50 ticket for ball entrance only. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.washingtonbirthday.net.
<b>Feb. 19
</b>Revolutionary War Encampment. Feb. 19. Ongoing living history presentations and Civil War skirmish reenactment. Fort Ward Park, 4301 W Braddock Road. Free. Call 703-838-4848.
<b>Feb. 19-20
</b>Breakfast With George Washington. Feb. 19-20. Join Gen. Washington for a sample of his favorite breakfast, "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey," while supplies last. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>Feb. 19-21
</b>George Washington Birthday Celebration weekend Feb. 19-21. A city-wide celebration for Alexandria's favorite son. Call 703-991-4474 or visit www.washingtonbirthday.net.
<b>Feb. 21
</b>Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon. Feb. 21. Admission is free to George Washington's home with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by musical performances. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>Feb. 21
</b>George Washington Birthday Parade. The largest parade honoring the first president and Alexandria's hometown hero features marching bands, floats, military and reenactment units, Masonic groups, equestrian entries, antique cars and, of course, George and Martha Washington, throughout Old Town Alexandria. Monday, Feb. 21 from 1-3 p.m. Free. Call 703-991-4474 or visit www.washingtonbirthday.net.
<b>March 2011
</b>Annual Needlework Exhibition. March 1-31. The largest and most prestigious needlework exhibit in the country. View amateur and professional stitchery at the plantation George Washington gave to his granddaughter, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis Lewis. Woodlawn Plantation, 9000 Richmond Highway, Mount Vernon. Call 703-220-2082 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org.
<b>March 6
</b>St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade. Join the festivities, including the Fun Dog Show, Classic Car Competition and the 23rd Annual Alexandria St. Patrick's Parade. Old Town Alexandria. Free. Call 703-237-2199 or visit www.ballyshaners.org.
<b>March 20
</b>Swordsmen’s Rendezvous. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. See re-enactments and learn how to handle a sword. Entry fee. Visitor call 703-838-4242.
<b>April 2011
<b>Annual Historic Garden Tour of Alexandria. This tour features a mix of private and public properties. Call 703-838-5005 or visit www.VAGardenweek.org.
Great Rum Punch. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Enjoy different concoctions while taking part in an auction. $50/person. Reservations required. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
<b>May 2011
</b>Mount Vernon's Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. This elegant evening celebrates the history of wine and highlights the successes and failures of our Founding Fathers' wine-making endeavors. The evening also features live entertainment, reenactments and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<b>June 2011
</b>Juneteenth Commemoration. Juneteenth celebrates the joyous day in African-American history when slaves in Texas first learned of their emancipation. Family-oriented celebration includes music, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, entertainment and food. 900 block Wythe St. Free. Call 703-838-4356.
<b>July 2011
</b>An American Celebration at Mount Vernon — An Independence Day celebration held on July 4th. An all-day celebration at the home of George Washington, with wreath-laying, the National Concert Band of America, an 18th-century style celebration and free birthday cake for all. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
U.S. and Alexandria Birthday Celebration. Observe the 256th birthday of Alexandria and the 230th birthday of the country with a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. Evening culminates in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" with the firing of cannon. Grand finale fireworks. Oronoco Bay Park, Union and Madison Streets. Free. Call 703-883-4686 or visit www.alexsym.org.
Carlyle Housewarming. Music, refreshments and costumed interpreters bring Carlyle House alive, recalling when John Carlyle and his bride Sarah Fairfax moved into their newly-built mansion in 1753. Carlyle House Museum and Historic Park, 121 N Fairfax St. Free. Call 703-549-2997 or visit www.carlylehouse.org.
<b>August 2011
</b>Ethnic Festivals in August. Each festival shares the culture of its people through entertainment, food and arts & crafts. Festivals are coordinated with co-sponsoring organizations and occur rain or shine. Irish Festival, Cambodian Community Day, American Indian Festival. Call 703-883-4686.
</b>Tavern Day At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. A day of tavern life with displays, activities and programs. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St. Free. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
</b>Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival. See antique fire-fighting equipment, crafts, displays and live music with special treats for children. Food and beverages available. 107 S. Alfred St. Free. Call 703-838-4994.