Ongoing
Baseball Boat to Nationals Park. Through Sept. 26 at various times. Leaves from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Baseball fans can avoid heavy traffic and cruise along the Potomac to Nationals Park. Tickets are $20 one-way and $25 round-trip, Monday-Thursday, $28 roundtrip Friday-Sunday. Visit www.potomacriverboatco.com.
Sidney Xunnian Zhang Exhibit. Through Sept. 26 at The Monroe Gallery, 2017 I St., NW, Washington, D.C. Chinese artist and Virginia resident Sidney Xunnian Zhang depicts the Alexandria waterfront and Old Town in much of her work. Admission to the gallery is free. Visit www.artsclubsofwashington.org/galleries for more.
Fred Eberhart Photography Exhibit. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. through Sept. at Broadway Gallery, 5641-B General Washington Drive. Photographer Fred Eberhart focuses on local Virginia landscapes. Free. Visit www.broadwaygalleries.net.
“The Ring of Fire.” Through Oct. 5, gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; 12-6 p.m. Sunday at The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Indonesian American artist Wijati Soemantoro expresses her emotional response to the natural disasters she experienced while growing up in the most seismically active zone in the world, the Pacific Ring of Fire. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org.
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery Juried Show: “What I Did On My Summer Vacation.” Through Oct. 18, 10-5 p.m., 10-9 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Studio 18. View summer vacation-themed artwork. Admission is free. Visit www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com.
“Angel Soldier Dance Sublime.” Through Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Target Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. View work exploring femininity and masculinity by female artists from Maine’s Blue Hill Peninsula. Free. Visit torpedofactory.org.
Athenaeum Invitational Exhibition. Through Oct. 25, during gallery hours at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Works inspired by the song “Don’t Fence Me In,” by Cole Porter, will be on display. Free. Visit nvfaa.org.
“Artifact” Exhibit. Through Oct. 25, gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, and during performances at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 East Campus Drive. In this exhibit artist J.T. Kirkland integrates the painted gesture with the naturally occurring textures or “gestures” in the wood. John James Anderson will also share the space. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu.
Doggy Happy Hour. Tuesdays through Oct. at 5-8 p.m. at Jackson 20, 480 King St. Enjoy discounted drinks and treats with one's dog. Free. Visit www.jackson20.com.
“Seven Deadlies.” Through Oct. 31, Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Sculptor Karen Swenholt explores lust, sloth, greed, gluttony, wrath, envy, and pride. Free. Visit www.convergence.org for more.
Water Taxi to the National Mall. Through Nov. 1, at various times at Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Cruise from Old Town to D.C. on the Miss Sophie, while stopping to view some of the area's attractions. Tickets are $28 roundtrip and $14 one-way for adults. Children under 12 are $16 roundtrip and $8 one-way. Visit www.potomacriverboatco.com/.
“Painting the Line, Drawing the Paint.” Through Nov. 8 at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive. This show that will include works by Ann Schlesinger, daughter of Jim and Rachel Schlesinger. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu for more.
Mount Vernon in 3-D: Then & Now. Through Nov. 20 during regular operating hours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway. Visitors will have the chance to travel back in time, and in 3-D, to see how the estate appeared more than 100 years ago through a special photography exhibition. The exhibition is included in the regular admission fee of $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, $9 for youth and free for childre younger than 5. To view the historic stereoview images as well as the modern 3-D anaglyphs, visit www.mountvernon.org/3D.
Young at Art Juried Art Show. Through Nov. 20, Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m. at Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. Artists 55 and older can contribute their artwork for the exhibition. On Thursday, Aug. 20, artists can bring their work to the Durant Center from 10 a.m.-noon to be registered and displayed. Artists must fill out a Entry and Artist/Lender Agreement and pay an entry fee of $20 for up to three works of art, $5 for any additional pieces. Entry forms can be found at www.seniorservicesalex.org or by calling Mary Lee Anderson at 703-836-4414, extension 111.
“Not-So-Modern” Jazz Quartet Performance. Thursdays through Dec. 31, 7:30-10 p.m. at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Ave. Not So Modern Jazz Music plays music from the glory days of traditional jazz, including tunes from traditional Dixieland and the Swing era. Free. Visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more.
VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital Art Show. Through Jan. 31 at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St. The artwork is on display in waiting areas and examination rooms as a part of Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls program. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more.
Friday/Sept. 25
Supper Under The Stars. 6-9 p.m. at King Street Garden Park, 1806 King St. Find jazz, chili, cupcakes and an open bar. Tickets are $30. Call 703-683-0333.
Saturday/Sept. 26
St. Luke’s Annual Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Mount Vernon. Connect with old friends and neighbors. Cold drinks and luncheon items from the St. Luke’s grill will be available, along with a bake sale featuring cakes, pies, cookies and brownies. Also fresh produce from a nearby farm, entertainment by a guest guitarist and two local pianists, a moonbounce, face-painting and games. Visit www.saintlukeschurch.net or call 703-765-4342 for more.
Native Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Church of St. Clement parking lot, 1701 N. Quaker Lane. Find 10 vendors from four states selling native perennials, shrubs, and trees for sun or shade. Free to attend. Call 571-232-0375 or visit www.northernalexandrianativeplantsale.org for more.
74th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. For the 74th annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, the public may visit six historic homes and gardens in Old Town Alexandria, all within walking distance of one another. Proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital. Tickets are $35 through Sept. 25 and may be purchased online. Thereafter, tickets are $40 and may be purchased at The Twig’s Thrift Shop, 106 N. Columbus St. Visit www.thetwig.org/homes-tour for more.
Batman Day. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Check out the new Batman teen series, Gotham Academy and wear a Batman costume or t-shirt. Enter for a chance to win a 2015 Jim Lee Batman signed exclusive Diamond edition action figure. Free. Call Terri Hayne at 703-299-9124 for more.
3rd Annual Community Celebration and Business Expo. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parkers Lane. Learn more about the community and local businesses. Take part in the chili cook-off, cute baby contest, ugly dog contest and scavenger hunt. Free to attend. Visit www.mtvernon-leechamber.org.
Coach to Cure MD Football Watch Party. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at T.J. Stone’s, 608 Montgomery Ave. This national charity was started by Old Town Alexandria resident Brad Todd. Local football fans will gather to cheer on their favorite coaches and raise money for research toward a cure. Free to attend. Email Elizabeth Todd at elizabeth@theshoehive.com for more.
Seaport Day. 12-6 p.m. at Waterfront Park. Annual festival featuring three live bands, new restaurants Carluccio's and Blackwall Hitch, local beer and wine, children's activities, chowder cook off, wooden boat display, nautical displays, Anything that Floats race and more. Free. Visit www.alexandriaseaport.org for more.
50th Anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Civil Rights Movement Reception. 2 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Special remarks will be made by Professor Janelle Wong, director of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland. Guests may view a traveling exhibit “Remembering 1882: Civil Rights Under the Shadow of the Chinese Exclusion Act.” The exhibit will be on display for a week in the museum’s Watson Reading Room of Alexandria Black History Museum. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org for more.
“Nancy Clancy” Book Signing. 4 p.m. at Hooray for Books! 1555 King St. Jane O'Connor, author of the Fancy Nancy picture book series and Nancy Clancy chapter book series, will be at Hooray for Books! to present and sign her latest Nancy Clancy title “Soccer Mania.” In the spirit of the book, children are encouraged to come dressed in their sports uniforms. Free. Visit www.hoorayforbooks.com.
Sunday/Sept. 27
Simpson Park Gardens Fall Open House. 1-3 p.m. at 420 E. Monroe St. Master Gardeners who maintain this demonstration garden welcome visitors to the garden for a display of what’s in bloom, with emphasis on native plants and plants for pollinators. Enjoy light snacks and drinks and pick up packets of seeds from plants in the garden. Call 703-228-6414.
“Painting the Line, Drawing the Paint” Reception. 4-6 p.m. at at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive. This exhibit includes work by Ann Schlesinger, daughter of Jim and Rachel Schlesinger. Meet and discuss with the artist. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu for more.
Factory Society Open House. 5-7 p.m. at The Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. CRAVE micro-granting dinners give everyone a chance to be a patron of the arts. The Torpedo Factory Art Center and Convergence host CRAVE (Creating Resources for Artistic Vision and Engagement) as an opportunity to connect innovators with supporters to fund new artistic community projects. Now in its fourth installment, CRAVE has granted about $3,500 to creative endeavors in the region. A $15 ticket buys a meal and a vote. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Monday/Sept. 28
Dance Class: The Art of Ballroom Dance. 7-7:45 p.m. practice and 7:45-8:30 p.m dance at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Come with or without a partner to learn several classic dance styles from Gary Stephans. Admission is $15. Email garystephans@me.com or call 703-505-5998 for details.
Tuesday/Sept. 29
Doggy Happy Hour Fundraiser. 5-8 p.m. at Jackson 20, 480 King St. There will be a prize wheel and door prizes, and a pet photo contest will be held. Members of the Police K-9 unit and their dogs will be on hand to meet and answer questions. Jackson 20 and the Hotel Monaco will donate 10 percent of event profits to the Alexandria Police Foundation, a local non-profit organization, to benefit Foundation programs such as retired K-9 support and other initiatives. Free. Visit www.alexandriapolicefoundation.org for more.
Banned Books Read Out. 7 p.m. at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Sections of banned or challenged books will be read aloud at this celebration of reading. Free. To sign up to read a 3-5 minute passage, contact admin@NVFAA.org.
50th Anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Civil Rights Movement Panel Discussion. 7-9 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Speakers will include National Park Service historians, Alexandria Black History museum staff and area educators. They will discuss the role of African Americans and Chinese during the Civil War and its aftermath. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org for more.
Wednesday/Sept. 30
Get Moving in Carlyle. 6 p.m. at John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St. and 1901 Jamieson Ave. Take an outdoor pilates class sponsored by Local Motion Studio. Free. Visit www.localmotionstudio.com for more.
Swing Dance. 9-11 p.m. at Nick’s Nightclub, 642 S. Pickett St. DJ Dabe Murphy plays recorded music of the 1930s, '40s, '50s, and some contemporary surprises. Tickets are $6. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
Thursday/Oct. 1
Young Adult Author Panel: “Otherworldly.” 7 p.m. at Hooray for Books! 1555 King St. This panel on young adult science fiction will feature Lori Goldstein, author of “Becoming Jinn;” Jen Brooks, author of “In a World Just Right;” Trisha Leaver, author of “The Secrets We Keep;” and Martina Boone, author of “Compulsion.” Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com for more.
50th Anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Civil Rights Movement Panel Discussion. 7-9 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Panelists will share their memories of the Civil Rights Movement in Alexandria and share eyewitness accounts of how D.C.’s Chinatown was affected by the Martin Luther King assassination in April 1968. Film clips from the documentaries “Freedom Riders, The Loving Story,” and “Through Chinatown’s Eyes: April 1968” will aid the discussion. Free.Visit www.alexblackhistory.org for more.
Friday/Oct. 2
50th Anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Civil Rights Movement Workshop. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. A one-day workshop on teaching diversity will be offered. Area educators and staff from Alexandria museums will discuss resources and lesson plans. Excerpts from the films “Out of Obscurity,” and “Through Chinatown’s Eyes: April 1968” will be shown. Free, but reservations required. Call 703-746-4356.
American Craft Week Activities. 4-4:30 p.m. at Hooray for Books! 1555 King St. Children are invited to take a beginner’s lesson in dollmaking. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com for more.
Cocktails in La Zona Rosa. 7-9 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Attend the annual member appreciation party for the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA). This year’s theme will bring Latin food, music and dance. Admission is free for NVFAA members, $75 for non-members. Visit www.nvfaaa.org for more.
Oct. 2-Nov. 1
“Skeletons: Exploring Under the Surface." Thursdays 12-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 12-9 p.m.; and Sundays 12-6 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Experience 2D and 3D artwork in a wide range of mediums that digs deeper and discover what is ‘under there,’ literally and figuratively. Free. Visit www.thedelrayartisans.org for more.
Friday-Sunday/Oct. 2-4
Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. 6-9 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Learn about the successes and failures of George Washington’s wine endeavors, listen to live music and tour where Washington stored his wine. Tickets are $36-$46. Visit www.mountvernon.org/calendar.
Saturday/Oct. 3
Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Washington Farm United Methodist Church, 3921 Old Mill Road. Call 703-780-4696 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or email admin.wfumc@verizon.net for more.
Charity 5k. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Cameron Run Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave. Run or walk to promote traffic safety. $20-35 per person, depending on when you register. Visit www.theartofdriving.org/ART_5K!/.
Art on the Ave. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. along Mt. Vernon Ave., Del Ray. Multi-cultural arts festival featuring music, art, and food. Rain or shine. Free. Visit www.artontheavenue.org.
Java Jolt Lecture. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N Union St. In honor of Virginia Archaeology Month Benjamin Skolnik will lead a dicuss titled, “An Eagle on their Buttons: Frederick Douglass and an Archaeology of Conflicting Ideologies.” Skolnik, through Archaeology in Annapolis and the University of Maryland, has turned to Douglass’ writings to help locate and interpret the sites described in his autobiographies. Free. Visit www.AlexandriaArchaeology.org.
Historic Huntley Talk & Tour. 1-4 p.m. at Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison Lane. Preservation consultant Debbie Robison will share information about the Fairfax County Park Authority property and discuss how contemporary trends influenced the cultural landscape. She will host a discussion about the farm manager’s house, Huntley’s double ditches and the influence of pattern books on villa design. After the talk, take a tour of the buildings and grounds at Historic Huntley. The suggested donation is $5. Visit www.historichuntley.org for more.
Pohick Church Tours. 1-3 p.m. at The Historic Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Highway. The Historic Pohick Church Docent Guild will give guided tours of the historic colonial church. Free. Visit www.pohick.org.
Book Signing. 2-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. John Michael, author of “Images of America: Fort Lesley J. McNair” and “Images of America: For Myer,” will be signing his books and greeting fans. Free. Call 703-626-9409 for more.
American Craft Week Activities. 4-4:30 p.m. at Hooray for Books! 1555 King St. Children are invited to take a beginner’s lesson in dollmaking. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com for more.
50th Anniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Civil Rights Movement Workshop. 3-6 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. to commemorate the anniversary of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act (also known as the Hart-Celler Act), author Martin Gold will present a lecture, “Forbidden Citizens: Chinese Exclusion and the U.S. Congress.” Gold will discuss the history of the passage of exclusion laws that still have significance today. Following the lecture, a reception and book signing will be held at the Black History Museum, at 902 Wythe St. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org for more.
Oktobertfest. 3-7 p.m. at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. Find live German music, German food including knockwurst, bratwurst and side dishes; beverages, bake sale, and children's crafts and games. Free. Contact staidansalexandria@gmail.com, or 703-360-4220.
“The Fantastic.” 8 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Arts Center and Concert Hall, 4915 E. Campus Dr. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s 2015-2016 Circle Unbroken: Symphony & Cinema Season opens with The Fantastic, a tribute to film’s reigning composer, John Williams, and his classical roots. Tickets are $5-80. Visit www.alexsym.org for more.