Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria VA 22314. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Thursday/Oct. 19
Fashion Show. The Board of Lady Managers of INOVA Alexandria Hospital puts on its 25th annual Fashion Show Luncheon starting at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. This year it will benefit the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Reception and silent auction of 200-plus items, 11a.m. Luncheon and fashion show starts at noon. Door prizes awarded
all afternoon. Tickets are $35 (general admission), $50 (patron), and $65 (benefactor.) For reservations and tickets, call Lynda West, 703-836-8853.
Joint Professional Networking Breakfast with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, at the Holiday Inn – Ballston, 4610 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, 7:30 a.m. Network with over 100 business leaders from two Chambers in one morning. Call 703-525-2400.
Garden Sprouts – Bug-A-Boo, 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11-noon. Go on a scavenger hunt in the gardens, then make a spider’s web with glue and glitter. For age three to five with an accompanying adult. Registration/prepayment required. $5 per child, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Art Lecture. Award-winning painter and author Professor I-Hsiung Ju will speak on Chinese brush painting and demonstrate it at 6:30 p.m. in the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Free. More information can be found at www.torpedofactory.org or by calling 703-838-4565.
Nature Detectives – Pumpkinfest, 10-10:45 a.m. Bring a small pumpkin. Through a story and an activity, enjoy the wonders of autumn. For ages three to five. Reservations required. $5, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard, 703-768-2525.
Just Twos. Stories and activities, 10:30 a.m. Age 24-35 months with adult. Martha Washington library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, 703-768-6700.
Join EWI Salon. Meet EWI artists, volunteers and staff. Browse through the one of a kind art in the shop and more from 6-7:30 p.m. at EWI 1307 King St., Alexandria. Bring a friend to our monthly Salon events. Refreshments provided. RSVP to Marga at cfripp@aol.com.
Computer ABCs Series - Part B. Hands-on training on the keyboard and mouse, 1 p.m. Adults. Sherwood regional library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 703-765-3645.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Poetry Group. Poems by Rainer Maria Rilke, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. Martha Washington library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, 703-768-6700.
Drinks of Choice: Tavern Beverages. Lecture series looks at the beverages served at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Beer with Frank Clark, supervisor of historic foodways at Colonial Williamsburg, 7:30 p.m. with lecture followed by samples and light refreshments. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, with complete series for $50. www.gadsbystavern.org 703-838-4242.
Book Signing. Mike Harris, who has been the Virginia Tech football beat writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch since 1999, will discuss and sign copies of his new book, "Game of My Life: Virginia Tech - Memorable Stories of Hokie Football," at 7 p.m. at the Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4566 for more.
Great Books Discussion Group. 7-8:30 p.m. to discuss the short story “The Nose” by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol. For information, call Bill Scouton, 703-931-3559. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900.
Story Time, Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. for ages 3-5. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m., ages 1-2 with adult. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., 703-838-4566. Repeats Oct. 26.
Story Time. Thursdays, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., ages 3-5, without an adult. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Book Event. Joan Cashin's "First Lady of the Confederacy: Varina Davis's Civil War" at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Bookstore, 106 S. Union St., Alexandria. 703-684-0077.
Baby Social. Parents and babies up to 10 months are invited to sample classes, win prizes shop and socialize at the inaugural Gymboree Baby event from 6-7:30 p.m. at Gymboree, 318 S. Pickett St., Alexandria. For information, call Alexandria Gymboree Play & Music at 703-212-9244.
Ghosties and Ghoulies, at Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore, 2499 North Harrison St., at 11 a.m. Get in the mood for Halloween with fun stories and songs conducted by storyteller Marlena Thompson. Ages 2 1/2 to 6. Call 703-241-8281.
Reception and Book Signing. See Leslie Young and have her autograph a copy of her book "Plaid: A Tale of Compassion" and "Plaid: A Tale of Joy" and get a visit from Plaid, the Scottie Dog from 6-9 p.m. at Elizabeth Stone Gallery, 1127 King St., Suite 201, Alexandria. Visit www.elizabethstonegallery.com or 703-706-0025.
Friday/Oct. 20
2006 Alex Awards, presented by the Alexandria Commision for the Arts with Honorary Chair William D. Euille, mayor of Alexandria, at 7 p.m. at the Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Master of Ceremonies will be Chip Brienza, a WGMS radio on-air personality. Tickets may be purchased online at www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.
Lunch Bunch. Bring your lunch and join us for a story, noon. Birth-5 with adult. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Music for Tuba — Euphonium Quartet, part of the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players Series. 8 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Concert is free, tickets are not required. Call the Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.com.
Time for Twos, 10 a.m., ages 24-36 months, with an adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Tuesdays and Fridays.
Baby Social. Parents and babies up to 10 months are invited to sample classes, win prizes shop and socialize at the inaugural Gymboree Baby event from 1-2:30 p.m. at Gymboree, 318 S. Pickett St., Alexandria. For information, call Alexandria Gymboree Play & Music at 703-212-9244.
Saturday/Oct. 21
Hollin Hall Senior Center Annual Bazaar, 1500 Shenandoah Road, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be over 30 crafters, a huge silent auction, bake sale, door prizes and lunch. Admission is free. Call 703-165-4573 or TTY/711.
A Sampler of Circle Dances. Evelyn Torton Beck will teach a workshop of simple circle dances from around the world at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, 1-4 p.m. People of all levels of fitness can enjoy the program; no previous dance experience is necessary. $15; refreshments are provided. Visit www.mvuc.org or call 703-333-3004.
Fall Festival. Inova Mount Vernon Hospital celebrates its 30th anniversary with a fall festival from noon-3 p.m. at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, featuring a "Kid Zone," historical photos, pumpkin picking and more. Free. Visit www.inova.org/inovapublic.srt/imvh/index.jsp.
Tools of the Soldier’s Trade: Civil War Firearms. Discussion and demonstration will highlight the technological advances of firearms and ammunitions that emerged from the early stages of the Civil War through the surrender at Appomattox. The free lecture will be 1 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Call 703-838-4848.
Benefit Walk. Walk to Fight Breast Cancer at 8 a.m. with registration at AMC Hoffman Center Theatres with free shuttle service to the walk route. Walkers can chose from a 1.5K/3.5K/5K walk or run and it is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. $25/adults; $10/children. On-site registration is $35. Visit www.alexcancerwalk.com or call 703-838-5030 to register.
Green Spring’s Garden Symposium: Coming Home to Your Garden, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Let us show you how to transform your backyard into a “living” extension of your home. Learn from insights and experiences of professional landscape designers, horticulturists, gardeners and chefs. Fee includes lectures, refreshments and lunch. $89, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Watershed Clean-Up Day, 9-11:30 a.m. This event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup and is a great community project. Call to reserve a section of the watershed. Local site is Huntley Meadows Park on Little Hunting Creek. Call 703-768-2525.
Garden Sprouts – Bug-A-Boo, 11-noon. Go on a scavenger hunt in the gardens, then make a spider’s web with glue and glitter. For age three to five with an accompanying adult. Registration and prepayment required. $5 per child, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Black Authors Book Discussion Group. Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe, 10:30 a.m. Adults. No registration is required. Sherwood regional library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 703-765-3645.
Saturday Stories. Saturdays, at 10:30 a.m., for all ages. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
Saturday Stories. Saturdays, at 2 p.m., for all ages. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000.
Book Event. Renee Fisher, Jean Peelen, and Joyce Kramer read excerpts from "Invisible No More: The Secret Lives of Women Over 50" at 2 p.m. at Olsson's Bookstore, 106 S. Union St., Alexandria. 703-684-0077.
Harvest Festival. Mason Neck State Park hosts Old Fashioned Harvest Festival highlighting customs and traditions from Virginia's harvest season and celebrating the hard working people who lived on and worked the land, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mason Neck National Park. Features arts and crafts, demonstrations, old fashioned games, live music and more. For more information call the park at 703-339-2384 or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
Family Fun Fest. Browne Academy will celebrate its annual Family Fun Festival, from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. at 5917 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Feature activities for kids of all ages, including a 25-foot extreme rock climbing wall, Survivor obstacle course, pony rides and more. Red, Hot & Blue and Generous George’s Pizza will bring the food. The festival will also include a used book sale featuring used CD/DVD’s and videos.
Rummage Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at Tauxemont Cooperative Preschool, 7719 Fort Hunt Road. Features children's clothes, toys, household items, furniture, books and more. All proceeds benefit the school to fund upkeep, improvements and teacher education. Contact 703-780-8904 to offer donation.
Kayak Trip. Kayak down the Accotink Creek at Pohick Regional Park from 1-4 p.m. Trip is open to Virginia residents 16 and older, and their guests. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Registration is required. Cost is $40/person. To register or for more information, contact Whitney Bailey at 703-354-5093 or wbailey@nvct.org.
Fall Harvest Family Days. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington's Gristmill, three miles from the estate. Free celebration that includes cooking, demonstrations and more. Call 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD) or visit www.mountvernon.org for directions and information.
The Potomac Harmony Showtime Chorus will be performing Wahoo! at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 South Old Glebe Road at 3 p.m.
The grand opening of Kinder Haus Toys will take place at 1220 North Fillmore St., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Writer Sue Pyatt and illustrator Dana Sexerud will be signing their new book President Amanda's Whistle-stop Trip. There will be a drawing every hour for give-away prizes, free balloons and free face painting by Dana Sexerud and free balloon animals from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Call 703-527-5929.
Burgundy Farm Fall Fair. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., all ages. Independent school in Alexandria marks its 60th anniversary with activities including a tree canopy ride, haunted house, pony rides, pumpkin patch, artisan mart and more. Free. Burgundy Farm Country Day School, 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria. Call 703-960-3431, ext. 233.
2nd Annual Doggie Wellness Clinic. Featuring a veterinary cardiologist, acupuncturist and pet nutritionist educating about keeping your dog heart healthy from 9 a.m.-noon at 708 Pendleton St., Alexandria. $35 and leave dogs at home. To register visit www.tailsofoldetowne.com or call 703-768-0500.
North Ridge Fall Festival. 9 a.m.- 2p.m. at George Mason Elementary, 2601 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Free. Food, amusements, and live entertainment, this year including local bands. For Info, call Barbara Brenman, 703-548-9485.
Open Studio Show. Yuri Kokoyanin presents an open studio show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The von Brahler Ltd. Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., Old Town Alexandria. Free. Call Bob Murray 703-798-8686.
Alexandria Archeaology Tour. Join City Archaeologists for a guided tour of the Shuter’s Hill excavation site at George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. The current excavation site focuses on the remains of a mid-19th-century estate and vestiges of a late 18th-century plantation. The tour is free and open to the public. Reservations required. Call 703-838-4399.
Gadsby's Murder Mystery. In the spirit of the Halloween season, enjoy a murderously good time. Hosted by a professional acting troupe, the theme of the event will be the “Great Gatsby” with an elegant dinner in the ballroom, a silent auction and three murders in Gadsby's Tavern. Seating is limited. $100/person, $75 for GTMS members. For more information, or to register, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Sunday/Oct. 22
Colonial Revival: Celebrating an Earlier Age, 1-3 p.m. This talk illustrates some of the origins of Colonial Revival and shows how it was used in the house at Green Spring. $24, Historic Green Spring at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Panel Discussion: Working Together Towards Peace, Security & Human Rights. Cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of the U.S. and Fairfax Area Education Funds, The People Speak and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, in honor of United Nations Week, 2 p.m. Adults. Sherwood regional library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 703-765-3645.
Fall Harvest Family Days. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington's Gristmill, three miles from the estate. Free celebration that includes cooking, demonstrations and more. Call 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD) or visit www.mountvernon.org for directions and information.
Music Performance. The West Potomac High School's Colonial Singers and Soundsations, under the direction of Ernest Johnson, will perform in a free concert at 5 p.m. The concert will be held in the sanctuary of Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Ft. Hunt Road, Alexandria. The Colonial Singers will perform traditional american music and hymns. For more information, contact Carolyn Liebeck, 703-360-9546 or Ernest Johnson, 703-718-2687.
Open Studio Show. Yuri Kokoyanin presents an open studio show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The von Brahler Ltd. Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., Old Town Alexandria. Free. Call Bob Murray 703-798-8686.
Monday/Oct. 23
First Page. A group for all aspiring writers, novices and experts of all genres, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Mystery Group. Rules of Prey by John Sandford, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. Martha Washington library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, 703-768-6700.
Family Story Nights. 7 p.m., for all ages. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900. Repeats Mondays.
Little One-Ders, at 10 or 10:45 a.m., ages 12-24 months, with adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Mondays.
Tuesday/Oct. 24
Halloween Movie Night. Enjoy a thrilling, chilling film and refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Martha Washington Library, 7 p.m. Adults. Martha Washington library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, 703-768-6700.
Book Discussion Group. Small Island by Andrea Levy, 7:30 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Story Time. Tuesdays, at 10 or 11 a.m., all ages, with an adult. Sign-up 30 minutes before Story Time. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., 703-838-4566.
English Language Workshop. Adults at the beginning level of learning English can come to a free ESL Workshop in Beatley’s Meeting Room, Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Every Tuesday, 3-5 p.m. Call Mark at 703-519-3498.
Time for Twos, 10 a.m., ages 24-36 months, with an adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Tuesdays and Fridays.
Tuesday Tots, Tuesdays, at 11 a.m., ages 2 to 3, with adult. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000.
Meet the Author. At 7 p.m. meet Carley Roney, author of "The Nest Newlywed Handbook: An Owner's Manual for Modern Married Life." At Olsson's Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. 703-525-4227.
Mother Goose Time, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m., ages 12 to 24 months with adult. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Stories to Grow On. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 11 a.m., for ages 2 and up. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Silent Auction. Quilts, wall hangings and placemats are among the over 200 items being offered at the Mt. Vernon Quilters Silent Auction at 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. A live auction of several more items will follow.
Wednesday/Oct. 25
Love and Hate in Jamestown: John Smith, Pocahontas and the Start of a New Nation. David A. Price, the author of Love and Hate in Jamestown, will discuss his book at the October meeting of the Alexandria Historical Society at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., 7:30 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public, with no reservations required. Visit www.alexandriahistorical.org or call 703-839-4994.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English, 10:15 a.m. Adults. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Library Writer's Peer Review Group. For those seriously pursuing the path to publication with short fiction or novels, or writing scripts, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English, 7:30 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Hansel and Gretel, 4 p.m., ages 6 and up, presented by the Washington Opera. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., 703-838-4566.
Pajama Party, Wednesdays, at 7 p.m., ages 3 to 6, with adult. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000.
Mother Goose Time, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m., ages 12 to 24 months with adult. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Stories to Grow On. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 11 a.m., for ages 2 and up. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Potomac River Forum. 7 p.m. with writer Tim Palmer on the Cherry Blossom Riverboat, which is docked at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront. Free. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Advance reservations are required. 202-619-7492.
Thursday/Oct. 26
Dinosaurs & Dragons. Stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft, 10:30 a.m. Age 2-5 with adult. Martha Washington library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, 703-768-6700.
Pumpkin Party. Stories and songs. Costumes optional, 1 p.m. Age 2-5 with adult. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Computer ABCs Series - Part C. Introduction to Windows, 1 p.m. Adults. Sherwood regional library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, 703-765-3645.
Curiosity Club. Stories, activities and an age-appropriate science experiment, 4 p.m. Age 4-6 with adult. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. Conversation group for people learning English, 7 p.m. Adults. No registration is required. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Drinks of Choice: Tavern Beverages. Lecture series looks at the beverages served at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Chocolate with Rob Kingsbury, owner of Kingsbury Chocolates, 7:30 p.m. with lecture followed by samples and light refreshments. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, with complete series for $50. www.gadsbystavern.org 703-838-4242.
World Short Story Discussion Group. Discussing short stories from the anthology Art of the Story. 7-8:30 p.m. To discuss stories by E. Danticat, Lydia Davis, and D. del Giudice. Call Mark, 703-519-3498. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road.
Story Time, Thursdays at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. for ages 3-5. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m., ages 1-2 with adult. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., 703-838-4566.
Story Time. Thursdays, at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., ages 3-5, without an adult. Special Halloween stories: Children are invited to come to Halloween Party story times in costume and will receive a treat. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., 703-838-4555.
Book Event. Lee Smith will read from his book "On Agate Hill" at 7 p.m. at Olsson's bookstore, 106 S. Union St., Alexandria. 703-684-0077.
The Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and Choir will perform their Fall Concert at the Garwood Whaley Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road at 7 p.m. Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children 12 and under. Call 703-212-5162.
Fall Shopping Fundraiser. Nuevo Mundo is hosting a Fall Shopping Fundraiser to benefit the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association at Nuevo Mundo, located at 313 Cameron St., Alexandria. The shop will be open all day with 10% of the sales benefiting the NVFAA. There will be wine, beverages and cheese for everyone to enjoy.
Doggie Happy Hour. From 5-8 p.m., the Old Town Hotel hosts the last Doggie Happy Hour of the season with a costume contest for the dogs. Free treats and water will be available for the dogs as well as the humans. For more information about the party, call 703-549-6080.
Friday/Oct. 27
Business Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn & Hotel & Suites, 625 First St., 6:30-10 p.m. The 2006 Business Leader of the Year will be honored and Alexandria's finest small businesses will be awarded. Call 703-548-6300.
The Utter Basics of Garden Design, 1:30-2:30 p.m. With some aesthetic basics, a little good planning and more informed plant choices, your garden can look better next spring. $11, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Lunch Bunch. Bring your lunch and join us for a story, noon. Birth-5 with adult. John Marshall library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, 703-971-0010.
Time for Twos, 10 a.m., ages 24-36 months, with an adult. Registration required: 703-519-5900, Ext. 4. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Repeats Tuesdays and Fridays.
Music Event. Members of the Air Force Strings perform at 8 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria. Free. For more information call The United States Air Force Band's Concert Line at 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.com.
Grand Opening. 11 a.m. at Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon Estate. Free and includes re-enactments, music and more. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more on the event.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
Saturday/Oct. 28
Walk the Alexandria Heritage Trail with the city archaeologist, 10 a.m.-noon. Free, but reservations are required. Call 703-838-4399.
John Carlyle’s Funeral Re-enactment. Part of the Death Comes to Carlyle House program. Funeral re-enactment includes burial at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Call 703-549-2997.
Historic Alexandria Hauntings. For information call the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4242. Continues Sunday.
Perennial Series, 9:30-11 a.m., Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173. Learn how to identify the perennials, diseases and pests they are susceptible to, and how they can be used in the landscape. Karen Rexrode, former owner of Windy Hill Nursery, equips you with lots of information. Sign up for one class or the full series. $16 per class, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-642-5173.
Special Family Tea – Harry Potter’s Plants and Potions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Calling all Muggles! Conjure up some magic in the gardens, exploring the lore and magical powers of Harry Potter’s favorite plants. Then, brew up the wizard’s favorite potions for tea time at the historic house. For ages eight and up. $24, Historic Green Spring, 4603 Green Spring Road, 703-941-7987.
Batty About Bats, 1-3 p.m. Try on some bat wings and see a real vampire bat skull during this on-going, self-directed program. Free, Huntley Meadows Visitor Center, Harrison Lane and Lockheed Boulevard, 703-768-2525.
Open House. Join us for our "Best of the Best" book sale, library tours, demonstrations of online resources, like Homework Help, and more. Light refreshments, noon-4 p.m. All ages. No registration is required. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Juan Bobo & Friends. Storyteller Gary Lloyd presents multi-cultural folktales, 3:30 p.m. All ages. Kingstowne library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, 703-339-4610.
Saturday Stories. Saturdays, at 10:30 a.m., for all ages. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St.
Pumpkin Patch Party, ages 5-8, 1 p.m. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000. Pre-register beginning Oct. 12.
Howling Good Halloween, ages 9-12, 3 p.m. Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, 703-519-6000. Pre-register beginning Oct. 12.
Book Sale. Beatley Central Library book sale, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 5005 Duke St., 703-519-5900. Continues Sunday and Monday.
Annual Country Market. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Events include rides, live music from bluegrass acoustic band "City Farm," arts and crafts and more. Enjoy looking at the various vendors. Held at Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria. Free. For more information call 703-548-4804 or visit www.acdsnet.org.
"Birding and Bagels." 9-11 a.m. at The Kust Property, 3104 Russell Road, Alexandria. Enjoy the morning and see the abundant bird life. Expert birder, Paula Sullivan, will share her knowledge with us and lead a short bird walk. Free and bring binoculars. Breakfast is provided. Park at Inglesia Presbiteriana Church (formerly a Baptist church), 2405 Russell Road as a shuttle will be running from 8:30am to 11:30am. Visit www.nvct.org or call Alison Mize Organization at 703-354-5093 x 22.
Historic Funeral Procession. There will be a re-enactment of Col. John Carlyle's funeral, a prominent resident of Alexandria, starting at 6 p.m. with viewing and visitation at the Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Old Town Alexandria. 9 p.m. starts the funeral procession and internment at Old Presbyterian Meeting House located at 321 S. Fairfax St. Reservations required. For information call 703-683-3451.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association will be sponsoring an annual Halloween scavenger hunt for children from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will begin at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and The Art League studios as young ones look for art treasure pieces in select studios. The Torpedo Factory and The Art League are located at 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Afterwards, participants will proceed to The Athenaeum for prizes, refreshments, activities and goodies. The Athenaeum is located at 201 Prince St., on the corner of Prince and Lee Streets in Old Town Alexandria. Admission is free and for children ages 4-10. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.
Alexandria Colonial Tours. Presents its extra-creepy tour at this time of year, including a visit to either Gadsby's Tavern Museum or House in the Country, to hear tales of the women who haunt these historic buildings. Tours run every 15 minutes, 6:30-9:15 p.m. For more information, contact Alexandria Colonial Tours at 703-519-1749.
"Friend or Foe." Presented by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria from 12-2 p.m. at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Free seminar on a variety of topics Including methods of attracting or detracting wild creatures and more. No registration required. 703-838-4774, x210.