E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Ongoing
Tickets for Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tour will go on sale April 15 via www.ticketmaster.com, 703-573-SEAT or Mount Vernon’s Orientation Center. $30/person. Sample a variety of wines while listening from a variety of historic interpreters. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Bike Ride. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. at Cameron Run Regional Park Parking lot, 4100 Eisenhower Ave. Come ride on the Holmes Run Greenway. Anyone can ride, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Ride either 5.6 miles or 6.9 miles. Visit http://bike.meetup.com/288 or call Susan Schneider, BikeWalk Alexandria, at 202-403-1148.
In April, in fun and informative "seminars" local residents can learn how to find treasures along Richmond Highway. There will be guided "field trips" to find great treasures in thrift shops and antique shops. WIth the help of an expert, the treasure hunters will explore the wonderful local sources for antique, vintage, collectible and gently used great finds. Sign up for one session or a series. 703-819-4512 for more information.
The Alexandria Library invites the community to read “Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog,” by John Grogan this spring as part of the inaugural All Alexandria Reads program. From April through June, all residents of Alexandria are encouraged to check out “Marley & Me,” and get involved in discussion groups, special events, and activities that focus on animal-based themes from the book. Extra copies of the book are available at every library in Alexandria—check out your copy today and be a part of this exciting program. As part of this year’s All Alexandria Reads activities, the Alexandria Library has planned a number of other spring programs featuring information on dog health, obedience, and even massage. For a complete listing of events, visit a branch of the Alexandria Library or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us
Visit George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See how whiskey got started. $4/adult; $2/child. Get discounts with admission to Mount Vernon Estate. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
Take a seasonal walking tour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. This 30-minute tour explores a variety of contributions. Free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
On Sundays take a Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $9/adult; $5/child in addition to Mount Vernon Estate admission. Visit www.mountvernon.org for schedules.
Green Spring Garden has a market on Saturdays, April 26 and May 3, 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse through shrubs, grasses and more. 703-642-5173.
Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, is holding a children’s gardening program every Monday from 2-4 p.m. through May 19. Children between 8-12 years old can get garden lessons, do hands-on activities, and grow your own garden with help from Green Spring staff and Master Gardeners. $70/student. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Every Tuesday and Thursday through October from 5- 8 p.m. at Hotel Monaco Alexandria, enjoy Doggie Happy Hour. Enjoy doggie treats and human treats.
Join City archaeologists and trained volunteers for an exciting program for kids of all ages at Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days. Be part of the fascinating archaeological investigation and discover firsthand the hidden clues left behind by the people who lived and worked there hundreds of years ago, by helping screen excavated soil. Monthly Family Dig Days will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2008 dates are on Saturdays: May 31; June 14; July 12; Aug. 16; Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. $5/person and spots fill up fast. Call 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org to reserve a spot.
Friday/April 25
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring lunch and join for stories. For children birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Basic Gardening Series: Annuals, Tropicals, and Tenders. 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Bring color and vibrance to a garden with annuals, tropicals, and tender perennials. $11. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Music Performance. The Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus will be performing “60 Years of Harmony” at 8 p.m. at Bishop Ireton, 201 Cambridge Road. $22/adults with rates for seniors and students. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 703-910-4600.
Dance Performance. Patrick Henry Elementary, 4643 Taney Ave., will hold a dance performance from 7:30-9 p.m. $10/adults; $5/child at the door. Proceeds benefit the PTA. 703-461-4170.
Theatre Performance. Carl Sandburg Middle School presents “Alice in Wonderland” at 7:30 p.m. $8/adult; $5/student. 703-799-6204.
Theatre Performance. The Virginia Ballet Company and School presents a rehearsal of “Snow White” at 6:30 p.m. at NVCC Annandale’s Ernst Theater, 8333 Little River Turnpike. $10/person open seating. 703-249-8227.
Spring Open House: Eat Your Art Out. 6-9 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Enjoy live music, prizes, food and more. Free. A canned food drive will benefit ALIVE! Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838-4565.
Saturday/April 26
Hollin Halls House and Garden Tour. Noon-6 p.m. at Fort Hunt Road at Paul Spring Road. See mid-century architecture, furniture and more. $20/person. Visit www.hollinhills.org or 703-768-1662.
Theatrical Play. 7:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. Se the one-man theatrical play “And It’s Deep Too, The Richard Pryor Story.” $20/person.
Let the Games Begin. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. All ages can play a variety of board games. Free. 703-339-4610.
Mariachi Estrellas. 1 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. All ages can enjoy live Mariachi music. Free. 703-768-6700.
Workshop: Water Gardening in Containers. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Green Spring horticulturalist Mary Frogale provides inspiration and advice on container water gardening. Afterwards plant a container garden to take home. Plants and attractive container included. $50. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Saturday, April 26
Family Fun: Build a Bird House Workshop. 2-3:30 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children 6 years and up with adult can build a bird house or ‘nesting box’ and invite some feathered friends to your home. Bring our binoculars outdoors to look and listen for birds, and learn their names and their mating and nesting habits. Materials provided. $20/project. Call 703-642-5173 to register
Earth Day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. Families can participate in activities to learn how to reduce an environment footprint, including demonstrations, music, planting and more. Free. Visit www.alexearthday.org for more.
Fill Our Empty Bowls. 4-6 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road. Purchase a handmade bowl for $25 and eat Haitian stew with proceeds benefiting The Lazarus Project. 703-823-5435.
Annual Walkathon. 8:30 a.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Walk two miles in support of Project Discovery. Suggested registration donation of $5-$50. Free t-shirts, prizes and refreshments. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/walkathon or 703-838-0990.
Theatre Performance. See a one-man play at 7:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. $20. Visit www.ambriapark.com or 703-828-3861.
Music Performance. The Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus will be performing “60 Years of Harmony” at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Bishop Ireton, 201 Cambridge Road. $22/adults with rates for seniors and students. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 703-910-4600.
New Orleans Night. Enjoy an evening of New Orleans food, music, auctions and dancing at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Benefits ALIVE! $85/person or $150/couple. Visit www.alive-inc.org or 703-837-9300.
Tavern Dog Contest. Help select Gadby’s Tavern’s first Tavern Dog from 1-4 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Dogs are encouraged to apply. Visit www.gadsbystavernmuseum.us or 703-836-2407 to register.
Yard Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Hollin Halls neighborhood. Find a variety of items such as clothing, toys, books and more. Free. Contact Lorraine at 703-768-2517.
Theatre Performance. Carl Sandburg Middle School presents “Alice in Wonderland” at 7:30 p.m. $8/adult; $5/student. 703-799-6204.
Yard Sale. Epiphany Lutheran Church, 5521 Old Mill Road, will hold a yard and bake sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds help local and national charities. Call Lynne at 703-678-9324.
Benefit Gala. The Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry is holding a gala at 8 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Enjoy cocktails, desserts, dancing and auctions. $35/person. Visit www.novam.org for more.
Theatre Performance. The Virginia Ballet Company and School presents “Snow White” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at NVCC Annandale’s Ernst Theater, 8333 Little River Turnpike. $25/adult, $20/person, $15/child or senior. 703-249-8227.
Chihuahua Races. 10 a.m. at Alexandria PETCO, 6612 Richmond Highway. Pre-register a dog at www.petco.com/petcounleashed. 703-660-1300.
Yard Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at George Washington Middle School. Get papers shredded, a car washed and browse through a variety of items with proceeds benefiting the Alexandria Branch of Boys & Girls Club. $5/donation for every box shredded; $10/donation for each car. 703-535-3652.
Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parkfairfax, 3601 Valley Drive. Browse through and purchase a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials and more from local vendors. Free. 703-671-8416.
Sunday/April 27
Walk for Life. Noon at Fort Hunt Park, 8981 Fort Hunt Road. 5k walk for Catholic Charities to raise funds for counseling, assistance and more. Register online at www.ccda.net, 703-425-0100 or on-site. $20/person, $15/seniors, includes t-shirt and lunch.
Annual Cook-Off. Carpenter’s Shelter will host a cook-off at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., from noon-3 p.m. $40/adult; $5/child age 6-17 and free to children under 5. Taste food from a variety of local restaurants, enjoy auctions, music and more. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 703-548-7500, ext. 231.
Music Performance. 4 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear music by the New Dominion Chorale and Orchestra. $25/adult; $20/senior; $5/student. Visit www.newdominion.org or 703-442-9404.
Music Concert. 3 p.m. at Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Children’s Chorus of Washington benefits United Orphanage and Academy in Kenya. Free, but donations encouraged. Visit www.opmh.org or 703-549-6670.
Dance Performance. Tehreema Mitha Dance Company will perform at 4 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. $12/person. Visit www.tmdancecompany.org or 703-505-0700.
Britain on the Green. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Colllingwood Library and Museum, 8301 E. Boulevard Drive. See 14 models of classic and modern British cars. $5/person for admission; $15-$18/car. 703-354-1361.
Titan Expo. Noon-5 p.m. at Chinquapin Park, 3210 King St. Browse through art, music, games and more. Donations of items and baked goods encouraged. 703-824-6868.
Theatre Performance. The Virginia Ballet Company and School presents “Snow White” at 2 p.m. at NVCC Annandale’s Ernst Theater, 8333 Little River Turnpike. $25/adult, $20/person, $15/child or senior. 703-249-8227.
Monday/April 28
Writers’ Group. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. For all writers; read material and get feedback. Free. 703-339-4610.
Mystery Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Call branch for title. Adults. Free. 703-768-6700.
Tuesday/April 29
How Does Your Garden Grow? 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Stories and activities about spring for children ages 2-5 with adult. Free. 703-765-3645.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road. The National Chamber Players will perform a concert to benefit Autism Speaks. Gallery and reception starts at 6:30 p.m. For tickets visit http://events.autismspeaks.org/dcconcert or 703-933-4135.
Wednesday/April 30
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy a picture book. Free. 703-684-0077.
ArtChat. 7 p.m. at Art Whino Gallery, 717 N. St. Asaph St. Learn about social networking in the art scene. Free. For additional information on the artCHAT and other Commission for the Arts programs and activities, call 703-838-6348, e-mail ACA@alexandriava.gov, or visit alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.
Thursday/May 1
Theatre Performance. T.C. Williams High School presents “Aida” at 7:30 p.m. at the school, 3330 King St. $8/adult; $6/student, staff or senior citizen.
Friday/May 2
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta & Silent Auction. 7-10 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Dinner, dancing and a silent auction featuring products and services from top Old Town and area merchants. Tickets are $30 each and $55 per couple in advance, and $40 each onsite. Proceeds benefit the children of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church Preschool, Alexandria. Call 703-461-6598.
New Hope Gala. Held at Historic lobby of Terminal A, Washington Reagan National Airport. Includes reception, auctions, dinner, dancing and more. $150/person. For reservations call 703-799-2293 ext. 20.
Theatre Performance. T.C. Williams High School presents “Aida” at 7:30 p.m. at the school, 3330 King St. $8/adult; $6/student, staff or senior citizen.
Saturday/May 3
Spring Bus Tour. The Friends of Fort Ward presents a tour to Manassas and Ball’s Bluff and see highlights including Manassas Battlefield Park and more.
$105/member; $120/nonmembers includes snacks, transportation and admission. Lunch is separate. 703-88-4848 to register.
Music Celebration. Tom Paxton will be honored at 7 p.m. at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Performers include The Chad Mitchell Trio, Side by Side and more. $40-$90/person. Visit www.wfma.net or 1-866-412-5943.
Teddy Bear Tea. 1-3:30 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Children ages 5-10 with adult can learn about table etiquette. $18/person and reservations required by April 25. 703-838-4356.
Church BBQ. 11 a.m. until sold out at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road. Includes pork bbq and grilled chicken, hot dogs and more. $8. Benefits church activities and outreach programs. Visit www.saintlukeschurch.net or 703-765-4342.
Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at George Mason Elementary School, 2601 Cameron Mills Road. Sale includes perennials, herbs, vegetables and more. Free.
Open House. 1-4 p.m. see Alexandria artist Patrick O’Brien and Arlington artist Barbara Weber exhibit some of their turned wood and basketry at Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., Occoquan, from May 6 through June 2. Free. Visit www.theartistsundertaking.com or 703-494-0584.
Theatre Performance. T.C. Williams High School presents “Aida” at 7:30 p.m. at the school, 3330 King St. $8/adult; $6/student, staff or senior citizen.
Sunday/May 4
Opening Reception. 1-3 p.m. meet artists from “Paintings of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists” at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road from April 29 through June 30. Free. Visit potomacvalleywatercolorist.com or 703-642-5173.
Stories and Music. 4-6 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane. All ages can enjoy local storytellers, musicians and more. Food sales and donations benefit Mount Vernon Unitarian Church and Fort Hunt Preschool. Free. 703-765-5950.
Trunk Show. The Alexandria Choral Society presents a trunk show from 1-4 p.m. at Belle Haven Country Club, 1023 Fort Hunt Road. Features a fashion show, vendors, silent auction and more. $25/person or $40/two people. Visit www.alexchoralsociety.org.
Opening Reception. 1-3 p.m. see paintings of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road from April 29 through June 30. Free. Visit potomacvalleywatercolorist.com or 703-642-5173 for more.
Walkathon. 1:30-4:30 at First Christian Church, 2723 King St. Walk 5 miles with proceeds benefiting ALIVE! $10/adult; $5/child and senior. 703-548-9255.
Music Performance. 4 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. Features music by the John Adams Orff Ensemble. Free. Donations benefit the school’s Janice Baker Cook Fund for Music. 703-824-6970.
Music Performance. The Russian Chamber Art Society will perform at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Enjoy a tribute to the Three Giants. $35/person at www.thercas.com or at the door.
Tuesday/May 6
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at Bishop Ireton, 201 Cambridge Road. Hear music by Bishop Ireton bands and more. $5/adult; $3/student, senior. 703-212-5162.
Wednesday/May 7
Opening Reception. 5-8 p.m. “Rhapsody In Bloom,” a collection of watercolors and fine art photography by local artists Kathleen and Tom Ball, will be on display at the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters through June 28. For more information, please contact Sarah Christie, Events Coordinator, at 703-768-5700 ext. 114 or schristie@ahs.org.
Thursday/May 8
Music Performance. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St. Enjoy a performance with Jancy, wine, refreshments, and more. Brings awareness to the center’s “Building Better Futures” program. Visit www.campagnacenter.org for tickets.
Saturday/May 10
Festa Romana. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lyles Crouch School, 530 S. Saint Asaph St. See the Roman Army, play games, paint shields and more. Proceeds benefit The Amy High Latin Scholarship Fund.
Mother’s Day Party. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Meet Mrs. Washington, see demonstrations, dancing and more. $13/adult; $12/senior; $6/child. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
Beatles Night. 6-10 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. Features Black Moon Tonic, food, beer, wine and more. Advance reservations required, spillthebeans@cox.net or 703-489-0296.
Sunday/May 11
Mother’s Day Tours. 1-4 p.m. at Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St. Mothers and grandmothers can take free tours with their families. $4/adult; $2/student. Visit www.LeeFendallHouse.org or 703-548-1789.
Mother’s Day Party. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Meet Mrs. Washington, see demonstrations, dancing and more. $13/adult; $12/senior; $6/child. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
Music Performance. Hear the Marine Band perform at 2 p.m. at Rachel M. Shlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com or 703-845-6156.
Wednesday/May 14
Lecture. Hear about the restoration of Dyke Marsh at 7:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park Visitors’ Center, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Free. Visit www.fodm.org or 703-768-2525.