Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. 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.
Friday/Oct. 12
Teen Talent Competition. 6 p.m. at the Durant Recreation Center, 1605 Cameron St. Auditions limited to the first 20 people who register at www.firstnightalexandria.org. Comedians, musicians, singers, dancers and other talent between 13 and 19 encouraged to audition. Ten performers will advance to semi-finalists. Five finalists perform at First Night Alexandria.
Fine Art Show. The ValeArts Fall Fine Art Show runs from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at ValeArts, 3124 Fox Mill Road, Oakton. Features Arlington artist Laura Barringer and Alexandria artist Carol Kennedy. More than 125 paintings will be exhibited. Free. 703-569-5731
Art Exhibit. View and purchase art by artists from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., from noon-7 p.m. Free. Visit www.stpaulsepis.com or 703-549-3312.
Saturday/Oct. 13
Art Safari. 1-4 p.m. at the Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., #327. Family hands-on activity encouraging participants to draw or paint patterns inspired by designs from local archaeological sites. Free. 703-838-4399.
Bike Ride. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., meet at Masonic Memorial parking lot, 101 Callahan Drive. Free 15 mile bike ride with stops at forgotten and abandoned cemeteries. Bring a snack and something to drink. Includes street cycling and hills. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult. Reservations and helmets required. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4399.
Cooking Demonstration. Old Town Market at Market Square, will be holding cooking demonstrations with chefs from local restaurants from 9:30-11 a.m. See demonstrations by Pastry Chef Kate Jansen.
Fine Art Show. The ValeArts Fall Fine Art Show runs from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at ValeArts, 3124 Fox Mill Road, Oakton. Features Arlington artist Laura Barringer and Alexandria artist Carol Kennedy. More than 125 paintings will be exhibited. Free. 703-569-5731
Birding by the Bay. 10:15-11:45 a.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Join the walk to look for songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles and more. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Autumn Amble. 3-4:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Join this guided walk as our fall foliage transforms Mason Neck State Park. Meet at the Bay View Trailhead. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek Paddle Expeditions. 9-11:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Experience Mason Neck State Park like never before. While on your trip you will enter the realm of the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Beaver and the aquatic life living in Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek. Reservation required. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
A Walk with Nature. 9:30 a.m. at Buddie Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave. and continues through Dora Kelley Nature Park. There will be selected points to stop and do some creative writing. Free. For additional information, call Cheryl Anne Colton, Cultural Arts Administrator, at 703-838-6348 or e-mail at cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.
Dogtoberfest. 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. There will be dog-oriented and dog-friendly businesses showcased. There will be activities, such as "Smooches from Pooches," silent auction and more. Free. For information, contact Val Moore Brown at 571-277-2092 or at dogtoberfest@yahoo.com.
Fall Fair. Burgundy Farm Country Day School is holding a fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the school, 3700 Burgundy Road. Free. There will be a canopy ride, haunted house pumpkin patch and more. 703-960-3431, ext. 225.
Fall Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Armistead L. Boothe Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd. Free. Features entertainment from Redskins Cheerleaders, puppet theater, music by Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition and more. Food and beverages available. For additional information on the Family Fall Festival, call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686 or the Special Events Office at 703-838-4844.
Art Exhibit. View and purchase art by artists from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be an artist reception from 3-6 p.m. Free. Visit www.stpaulsepis.com or 703-549-3312.
Open House. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will have an open house from 1-5 p.m. at 105 S. Fairfax St. There will be free tours, craft and art activities and more. Free. Visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or 703-838-3852.
Community Yard Sale. Raceway Farms community is holding a yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Located off Telegraph Road. Free.
Sunday/Oct. 14
Music Performance. Soichi Muraji will perform at 6 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Proceeds benefit the Japanese Americans’ Care Fund. $25/person. E-mail carefund@jacarefnd.org or 703256-5223.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. $15/general, $12/members. See a performance by The Dreamsicles. E-mail Herb at herbcl@earthlink.net, 703-380-3151 or visit www.focusmusic.org for more.
Fine Art Show. The ValeArts Fall Fine Art Show runs from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at ValeArts, 3124 Fox Mill Road, Oakton. Features Arlington artist Laura Barringer and Alexandria artist Carol Kennedy. More than 125 paintings will be exhibited. Free. 703-569-5731
Got Butter? 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Come make and eat delicious fresh butter with us. Meet in Picnic Area. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Amazing Eagles. 4:15-5:15 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Look for Bald Eagles. Binoculars and spotting scope will be available for viewing. Meet at bird blind at the end of the Eagle Spur Trail. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek Paddle Expeditions. 9-11:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Experience Mason Neck State Park like never before. While on your trip you will enter the realm of the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Beaver and the aquatic life living in Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek. Reservation required. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Dog Workshop. 10 a.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St. "Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind" focuses on dog behavior. Adults and children can attend. Free. Visit www.wsumc.com or 703-836-4324.
Pet Blessing. 3 p.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St. Enter through the back gates at 113 S. Columbus St. Free. For more information, www.wsumc.com or 703-836-4324.
Art Exhibit. View and purchase art by artists from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Visit www.stpaulsepis.com or 703-549-3312.
Music Performance. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will perform at 5 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. $20/person at the door. 18 and under free. Visit www.wmpa.us or call 703-799-8229.
Culture Evening. Alexandria basedWorld Zen Fellowship will hold an evening of Korean music, poetry and meditation from 5-8 p.m. at La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. Tickets range between $30-$100 and include dinner. Contact World Zen Fellowship 703-608-0900 or www.worldzen.org.
Monday/Oct. 15
Children's Program. 11 a.m. at Gadsby's Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Children ages 1-3 and adults can go on a stroller tour. $15 for a family group (one adult, up to two children) and $3/additional child or adult. Reservations required, 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Tuesday/Oct. 16
Preschool Fair. The Moms Club of Alexandria is hosting a preschool fair from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at First Baptist Church. More than 20 local schools will be represented. Visit www.fbcalexandria.org or contact Jen Condakes at 703-519-0977.
Wednesday/Oct. 17
Lecture Series. Dwight Young presents "Grand Hotels" at 7 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. $12/lecture or $30/series. Reservations recommended. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more.
Compost Workshop. 7-8:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Community Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Learn about backyard compost. Learn the basics of recycling fall leaves and other yard waste. Free. For more information on these workshops, composting and other related matters, call the Extension Master Gardener Helpdesk at 703-228-6414.
Thursday/Oct. 18
Twilight Tours. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Highway. $15/person. View the house after tour hours. Music, wine and cheese reception will accompany this relaxed tour. 703-780-4000 to make reservations or visit www.popeleighey1940.org for more.
Friday/Oct. 19
Opening Reception. 6-11 p.m. at Art Whino, 717 N. Saint Asaph St. See art work from around the world while listening to music by DJ Stylo. Free. See work by Derrick Wolbaum. 703-462-4135.
Fashion Show Event. "Gifts from the Heart" starts at 11 a.m. with a reception and silent auction with a luncheon and fashion show starting at noon at Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road. Tickets range between $35-$65. Proceeds benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Inova Alexandria Hospital. For tickets and information, call Lynda West at 703-836-8853.
Saturday/Oct. 20
Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. 8 a.m. Participate in a 1.5K/3.5K/5K run or walk. $25 before Oct. 17 for adults and $10/child. Registration on the day is $35. Route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Visit www.alexcancerwalk.com or call 703-838-5030.
Archaeological Yard Sale. 10 a.m. at the Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St. Learn how archaeological sites are protected from looting and more. Light refreshments will be served. Free. Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact the
Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703-838-4399 or
archaeology@alexandriava.gov.
Fall Ham and Oyster Dinner. 4-7 p.m. at Cranford United Methodist Church, 9912 Old Colchester Road in Lorton. Proceeds benefit the UMW projects for Women and Children. Call 703-339-5382 for prices.
Cooking Demonstration. Old Town Market at Market Square, will be holding cooking demonstrations with chefs from local restaurants from 9:30-11 a.m. See demonstrations by Vermilion Restaurant executive chef.
Birding by the Bay. 10:15-11:45 a.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Join the walk to look for songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles and more. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Autumn Amble. 3-4:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Join this guided walk as our fall foliage transforms Mason Neck State Park. Meet at the Bay View Trailhead. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek Paddle Expeditions. 9-11:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Experience Mason Neck State Park like never before. While on your trip you will enter the realm of the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Beaver and the aquatic life living in Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek. Reservation required. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Old Time Harvest Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Come celebrate autumn by joining the annual Harvest Festival. Enjoy beautiful fall foliage, live music, old-time crafts and games, good food, and much more. Parking fee of $4 applies. Entrance to festival is free. 703-339-2385.
A Walk for Life. 7:30 a.m. at AMC Hoffman Center Theatres, 206 Swamp Fox Road. Walking route is part of the annual Alexandria Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. Recording thoughts are encouraged. For additional information, call Cheryl Anne Colton, Cultural Arts Administrator, at 703-838-6348 or e-mail at cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.
Murder Mystery Dinner. 6 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Theme is "Great Gatsby" with a three course dinner and three murders. $75/member or $100/nonmember. Reservations required. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Auction. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will hold a dinner and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. There will be a cocktail reception, auction, dinner, presentations and more. Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org or 703-838-4774 for tickets.
Fall Harvest Family Days. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. There will be wagon rides, games, mazes, and music. Each child will receive a free pumpkin. $13/adult; $12/senior; $6/child 6-11 years. There will be blacksmithing and cornhusk doll creations. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Sunday/Oct. 21
Music Performance. The New Dominion Chorale will perform works by Gershwin at 4 p.m. at the Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets are $25/person; $20/seniors; $5/student. Visit www.newdomininion.org or 703-442-9404 for tickets.
Benefit Auction. 7 p.m. at Marriott Renaissance Hotel, 999 Ninth St., Washington, D.C. There will be an auction, live music, desserts and cash bar. $25 for one ticket. Benefits the Adoption Center of Alexandria. Visit www.adoptioncenter.com or 703-549-7774.
Music Performance. The Eclipse Chamber Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. at the Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Features flute soloist Alice Kogan Weinreb. Season ticket prices are $45 for adult and $30 for seniors. Single tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors. Students are $5 at all times. Subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available now. For tickets and information about the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra, visit www.eclipseco.com or call 703-256-2956.
Movie Night. Del Ray United Methodist Church presents "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mister Toad" at 100 E. Windsor Ave. Families, dates, friends encouraged. Free. Free popcorn and lemonade. Call 703-549-2088 for time.
Got Butter? 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Come make and eat delicious fresh butter with us. Meet in Picnic Area. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Amazing Eagles. 4:15-5:15 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Look for Bald Eagles. Binoculars and spotting scope will be available for viewing. Meet at bird blind at the end of the Eagle Spur Trail. Free. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek Paddle Expeditions. 9-11:30 a.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. at Mason Neck Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Experience Mason Neck State Park like never before. While on your trip you will enter the realm of the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Beaver and the aquatic life living in Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek. Reservation required. Call 703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380.
Music Performance. The Harmony Heritage Society will perform at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane. $15/adult; $10/child or a family up to five for $35.
Open House. Huntley House, 6918 Harrison Lane, will have an open house from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy a puppet show and more. Free. Light refreshments will be served.
Music Performance. The Potomac River Sacred Harp Singers will perform at 3 p.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.wsumc.com or 703-836-4324.
Fall Harvest Family Days. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. There will be wagon rides, games, mazes, and music. Each child will receive a free pumpkin. $13/adult; $12/senior; $6/child 6-11 years. There will be blacksmithing and cornhusk doll creations. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Monday/Oct. 22
Alexandria Jaycees Chapter Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at the Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Meet new members and find out about upcoming events. Free. Visit www.alexjaycees.org for more.
Clothesline Project. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Alexandria NVCC Campus Cafeteria. View a clothesline hung with shirts decorated by women who have survived violence or by their family or friends. Free. Contact Stephanie.romonchuk@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4911.
Music Performance. The Choir of St. George’s Chapel of Windsor Castle will perform at 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 118 N. Washington St. There will be a reception following the performance. $25/person and benefit the Alexandria Community Trust. For more information, call 703-739-7778.
Tuesday/Oct. 23
Silent Auction. Noon-1:30 p.m. at Hollin Hills Senior Center, on Shenandoah. Bid on a variety of items from the Mount Vernon Quilters. There will also be a live auction at 1 p.m. Free.
Wednesday/Oct. 24
Lecture Series. Gretchen Bulova presents "John Gadsby’s Three H’s: Hospitality, Hotels and Horseracing" at 7 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. $12/lecture or $30/series. Reservations recommended. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more.
Music Performance. Enjoy a free performance by multiple schools at 7 p.m. at Edison High School, 5801 Franconia Road. 703-924-8016.
History Lecture. Elizabeth Pryor will discuss her new book "Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through his Private Letters" at 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.alexandriahistorical.org or 703-838-4994.
Friday/Oct. 26
Reception. 5-9 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. For Pre-K through 12th grade educators and supervisory staff. Features giveaways and more. Teachers will receive 25 percent off of books. Free.
Job Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Belvoir, 9800 Belvoir Road. Representatives will be available to talk about upcoming job openings. All military I.D. cardholders are able to attend. Bring resumes and be prepared for interviews. Free. 703-696-3279.