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.
Thursday/Sept. 27
Opening Reception. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Tyler Teaching Gallery, 3001 N. Beauregard St. See "Honoring Tom Suzuki: A Retrospective Exhibition" from Sept. 28-Oct. 24. Free. Suzuki was a pioneer of computer design and founded Tom Suzuki, Inc. in Falls Church. 703-845-6239.
Story Time. 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 3-5. Free. 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Thursday Story Time. 11 a.m. for children ages 3-5 at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Free. 703-838-4566.
Story Time. 11 a.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. Children ages 3-5 can listen to a variety of stories. Free. 703-838-4555.
Film Festival. Alexandria is holding a film festival at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features 8-10 international films not seen in the area. There will also be films created by Alexandria children. Visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org or 703-838-6348 for tickets and times.
Friday/Sept. 28
Happy Hour. 7:30 p.m. at King Street Blues, 5810 Kingstowne Center. The Alexandria Jaycees will be meeting at King Street Blues in Kingstowne for a happy hour. For more information, contact Amy at membership_vp@alexjaycees.org .
Time for 2's. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. for children ages 24-36 months with an adult. Enjoy stories, activities and more. Free. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Film Festival. Alexandria is holding a film festival at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features 8-10 international films not seen in the area. There will also be films created by Alexandria children. Visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org or 703-838-6348 for tickets and times.
Saxaphone Quartet. 8 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Free. See the United States Airforce Saxaphone Quartet and members of the US Naval Academy Band perform. 202-767-5658.
Grand Opening. 6-9 p.m. at FitOne, 814 N. Saint Asaph St. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers while looking at the studio and talking to trainers. Visit www.fitonestudio.com.
Saturday/Sept. 29
Music in the Garden. 5-10 p.m., American Horticultural Society at George Washington's River Farm, 7931 East Blvd Drive, Alexandria. Enjoy an evening under the stars to support the stewardship of River Farm. For more information or to request an invitation contact kharpe@ahs.org.
Revolutionary War Encampment. Soldiers camp in authentic tents, prepare meals, and demonstrate the drills and maneuvers used by General Washington's army. Musket and artillery demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and a variety of living history activities are featured.Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and tickets are $13/adult, $6/child age 6-11 and free for children ages 5 and under. Visit www.mountvernon.org.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. for all ages. Registration required 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Community Days. Harvest Church, 7401 Beulah St., is holding a free community day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Includes petting zoo, inflatables, crafts, food, music and more. Visit www.harvestchurchag.org or 703-971-7070.
Film Festival. Alexandria is holding a film festival at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features 8-10 international films not seen in the area. There will also be films created by Alexandria children. Visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org or 703-838-6348 for tickets and times.
Tour of Homes. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., tour some of Alexandria's most beautifully restored and decorated homes in Old Town. Proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital. Visit www.thetwig.org or 703-683-5544 for fees.
Native Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., take part in the ParkFairfax Native Plant Sale at 3601 Valley Drive, Alexandria. Find many plants not available at other sales. Free. Visit http:home.earthlink.net/~sknudsen/ or call Scott at 703-671-8416.
Car Wash. The Em Vee Hi, Mt. Vernon High School’s student newspaper will host a car wash in front of the school, 8515 Old Mt. Vernon Road, between noon and 4 p.m.
Dance Performance. Jane Franklin Dance performs "Boundary" at the D.C. Improvisation Festival at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. outdoors in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum at 8th and F streets, N.W. Free. Visit www.janefranklin.com or 703-228-1850.
Music Performance. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform with Carlos Rodriguez in "Exhilaration" at 8 p.m. at the Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St.Ticekts range between $20-$80. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Pet Blessing. 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. All pets big and small will be individually blessed. Each pet will receive a personalized certificate and photo. Free. Contact Lucelle O'Flaherty at lucelle.oflaherty1@wachovia.com.
Fundraising Party. 3-6 p.m. at Chinquapin Park, Area 3, 3210 King St. Fundraiser for Alexandria Soft Playroom, for preschool-age children and parents. There will be arts and crafts, games, live entertainment and more. Free. Donations accepted. Donations are also being accepted online at www.supportthesoftplayroom.com.
Garden Celebration. 5-10 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive. Enjoy a dinner, live auction, music and more. Reservations required. 703-768-5700 ext. 114 or tgibson@ahs.org. All proceeds benefit River Farm. Visit www.ahs.org.
Yard Sale. All Duke St. Buy clothing, shoes, household items, and more to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Free. 703-296-4446.
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 the executive chef from Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant.
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.
Sunday/Sept. 30
Music Performance. Alexandria based band Irish Breakfast Band will perform in the afternoon at Eastern Market, 7th & N. Carolina, S.E., Washington D.C. Free. Visit wwww.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.org or 202-549-0744.
Revolutionary War Encampment. Soldiers camp in authentic tents, prepare meals, and demonstrate the drills and maneuvers used by General Washington's army. Musket and artillery demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and a variety of living history activities are featured. Included with Estate admission. Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and tickets are $13/adult, $6/child age 6-11 and free for children ages 5 and under. Visit www.mountvernon.org.
Tea with Martha. 3-5 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern, enjoy an 18th century tea with pound cake, ginger cookies and tea. Martha Washington will instruct on the customs and dance of the time. For all ages. $20/person and reservations required, 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Community Days. Harvest Church, 7401 Beulah St., is holding a free community day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Includes petting zoo, inflatables, crafts, food, music and more. Visit www.harvestchurchag.org or 703-971-7070.
Film Festival. Alexandria is holding a film festival at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features 8-10 international films not seen in the area. There will also be films created by Alexandria children. Visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org or 703-838-6348 for tickets and times.
Tour of Homes. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., tour some of Alexandria's most beautifully restored and decorated homes in Old Town. Proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital. Visit www.thetwig.org or 703-683-5544 for fees.
Opening Reception. Meet Mercer Mayer from 1-4 p.m. at The Elizabeth Stone Gallery, 1127 King St. She is the author and illustrator of "A Boy, A Dog and A Frog." Visit www.elizabethstonegallery.com or 703-706-0025.
Star Search. Noon at Landmark Mall on Duke St. Children up to 8 years of age can compete for a chance to make it to the State Finals. $50/entry fee. Pick up
an entry form at the Mall, register online at www.newstardiscovery.com, or call toll free 877-330-2229 to receive an entry form in the mail.
Open House. L’Arche is holding an open house at 12:30 p.m. at 413 S. Highland St., Arlington. Light food and dessert will be served. 703-302-3960.
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.
Monday/Oct. 1
Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 12-23 months with adult can enjoy stories, activities and more. Registration required, 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. for all ages. Free. No registration required. Enjoy stories for the whole family. 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Charity Golf Tournament. 7:30 a.m. registration begins at Potomac Ridge, 15800 Sharpville Road, Waldorf, Md. $160/person includes fees, practice, breakfast, lunch and drinks. For Rebuilding Together Alexandria. Visit www.rebuildingtogetheralex.org or 703-836-1021.
Memorial Scholarship Dinner. 5-10 p.m. at Austin Grill on King St. Proceeds go to benefit the Leslie George Memorial Scholarship at Blessed Sacrament.
Tuesday/Oct. 2
Story Time. For children up to age 4 with adult at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Sign up half-hour before Story Time. 703-838-4566.
Tuesday Tots. 11 a.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Children ages 2-3 with adult can enjoy stories and activities. Free. 703-519-6000.
AGLCA First Responders Barbecue. The Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Association will host its third annual bbq for Alexandria’s emergency personnel from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Fire Station #205, 1210 Cameron St. 703-283-3227.
Interactive Children’s Show. 6 p.m. at Virginia Hills Baptist Church Preschool, 6507 Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Enjoy a show with Mr. "B." Free but donations accepted for The American Cancer Society. Visit http://virginiahillsbaptistchurch.com/preschool.
Wednesday/Oct. 3
Photography Lecture. Roland L. Freeman will lecture on "Photographs and Reminiscences" at 6:30 p.m. at 2nd Floor of the Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. Refreshments will be served. For more information on Freeman and his work, visit www.tgcd.org. Contact Sarah Raymond at 703-845-6153 or sraymond@nvcc.edu.
Thursday/Oct. 4
Opening Reception. 5-8 p.m. at the American Horticultural Society's River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive. Meet the artists of "Salon Eight Presents: an Exhibition of Painting," a new art exhibit featuring landscapes, still life's and an array of botanical subjects. Free. 703-768-5700.
Silent Witness Vigil. 7 p.m. in Market Square in Old Town. Family, friends and community members will honor the lives of Alexandria domestic violence victims by displaying Silent Witness silhouettes at a candlelight vigil. Free. Contact Stephanie at Stephanie.winters@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4911.
Meet the Artist. Meet local glass artist Brian Costner from 6-9 p.m. at A Show of Hands, 2204 Mount Vernon Ave. He will be sharing samples of his work in progress. Free. Visit www.ashowofhands.biz for more.
Author Reading. 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Potomac Yard, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway. Author Michael Richman will read from his book "The Redskins Encyclopedia." Special guest Dexter Manley will appear. Free. 703-299-9473.
Poetry Reading. Olsson’s Alexandria, 106 S. Union St., holds poetry readings at 7 p.m. Customers can share their own poetry or read one by a favorite author. Free. 703-684-0077.
Friday/Oct. 5
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. $18/advance; $20 at the door. Children half price. Listen to the music of the Wiyos. Reservations can be made at www.sunspotpro.com or 800-404-9049.
Music Instrument History. At Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Organist Dr. Jeannine Jordan looks at the first 200 years of musical instruments in America. Visuals, anecdotes and compositions are part of the free program. Visit www.opmh.org or 703-549-6670 for time.
Fall Wine Festival and Tour. 6-8 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $25/person with food and cheese available for purchase. Enjoy music and tours of the house and wine cellar. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-799-5203.
Saturday/Oct. 6
Oktoberfest Celebration. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church and Day School will host Octoberfest from 3-7 p.m. at the school, 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria. There will be a silent auction, crafts, band, food and more. Free.
Fall Wine Festival and Tour. 6-8 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $25/person with food and cheese available for purchase. Enjoy music and tours of the house and wine cellar. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-799-5203.
Art on the Avenue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Ave, between Bellefonte and Hume streets. Includes more than 300 juried artists, music and entertainment and American and ethnic food. Free. Visit www.artontheavenue.org or 703-683-3100.
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 the executive chef from 100 King Street.
Music Performance. There will be a benefit concert for Haiti featuring the Howard University Community Choir and Cleve Francis at 7:30 p.m. at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets are $30/person or $100/person which includes upfront seating and a reception. For tickets call 703-880-4160 or visit www.cchaiti.org.
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.
Yard Sale. The Salvation Women’s Auxillary is holding a big sale from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 2804 Cameron Mills Road. Search through antiques, clothing, furnishings, books and more. Free. Contact Salvation Army at 703-836-2427.
A Walk of Art. 9:30 a.m. at Mount Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Ave. Continues to the City’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Del Ray Artisans Gallery. 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.
Sunday/Oct. 7
Opening Reception. For "The Brilliance of Mother Earth" from 2-4 p.m. at the Art League in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-1780.
Fall Wine Festival and Tour. 6-8 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. $25/person with food and cheese available for purchase. Enjoy music and tours of the house and wine cellar. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-799-5203.
ShipÅfs Company. Noon-4 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Living history group that interprets the naval heritage of 19th-century American sailors demonstrates nautical skills and describes life on-board ship. A variety of tools and equipment will be displayed and explained. Free. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Life in the OfficerÅfs Hut. Noon-4 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. A Union Army Sergeant will talk about his living quarters. Free. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Tea Program. Woodlawn is holding a historic tea at noon and 2 p.m. at Woodlawn, 9000 Richmond Highway. Enjoy food while listening to a celtic harp and listening to tea practices of the mistress. Reservations required. Call 703-780-4000 for price and to make a reservation.
Scottish Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Free. Features music by Carl Peterson, dancing, singing, exhibits, food, arts and crafts and more. For additional information on the Scottish Heritage Fair, call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686.
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.
Monday/Oct. 8
Naturalization Ceremony. At Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Included in general admission. Watch as 100 individuals become American citizens. Features music by the Marine Band and National Men’s Chorus. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-799-5203.
Tuesday/Oct. 9
Book Reading. Simon Armitage will read from his translation of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" at 7 p.m. at Olsson’s Alexandria, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Wednesday/Oct. 10
Lecture Series. Mary Thompson presents "That Hospitable Mansion: Hospitality at George Washington’s Mount Vernon" 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.