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
On Sundays from noon-5 p.m., visit the Waterfront and see history-inspired performances near the Torpedo Factory; do a “meet and greet” of early Alexandria residents and travelers near the Waterfront and lower King Street. Free. Visit www.historicalexandria.org for more.
Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services present free dance workshops at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, from 3:30-5 p.m. on April 24 and May 8. To register, 703-324-4386.
Beginning Feb. 25, the T.C. Williams High School Planetarium will welcome the Alexandria community one night each month during the school year for a free hour-long show. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for “A Night With the Stars,” which will run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advance registration, required, may be completed online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw/planetarium/ or by calling the planetarium at 703-824-6805, extension 6300.
Mount Vernon will bring back its popular National Treasure Tour through Oct. 31. Included in this approximately hour-long walking tour is the Mansion's basement and cornerstone, the setting for a pivotal scene in the movie. This daily tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot, takes place at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., and costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under. Advance tickets are available online at MountVernon.org.
Spectacular gardens are in bloom as Mount Vernon hosts its annual outdoor garden and gift sale beginning April 11 through May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual sale includes ornamentals, perennials and annuals, garden items, books, and heirloom plants propagated from historic cuttings. No admission is required to shop in the Gardening Days tent (located in front of the Mount Vernon Inn Complex). Visit.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Join City archaeologists and trained volunteers for a program for children of all ages at Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days. Monthly Family Dig Days will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2009 dates are: Saturday, May 30; Saturday, July 18; Saturday, Aug. 15; Saturday, Sept. 12; Saturday, Oct. 17. $5/person. Registration required, 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.
Friday/April 24
Golf Benefit. 1 p.m. at Fort Belvoir. $100/person includes golf, cart, dinner and more. E-mail mvhs2010golf@live.com. Proceeds benefit MV Grad Party.
Sing Along with Mr. Skip. 12:30 p.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Enjoy singing and dancing with Mr. Skip. $5 per child. No pre-registration required. More info at spillthebeansva.com.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Golf Scramble. 1 p.m. at Fort Belvoir Gunston Golf Course. Benefits Mt. Vernon High School All Night Grad Party. All levels welcome. $100/person. Visit www.fcps.edu/MtVernonHS for more.
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Hooray for Books!, 1555 King St. Children up to age 2 can join in music, stories and more. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Time for 2’s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 24-36 months enjoy stories and more. Registration required, 703-519-5900. Free.
Art Show. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at George Washington Middle School Media Center. See student work of art, crafts and more. Free.
Spring Consignment Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Aldersgate Day School. Free. Browse clothes, bikes, toys and more. Visit www.aldersgate.net or 703-768-8351.
Saturday/April 25
Movement in Response to Nature. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Come participate in improvisational movement in response to the magic that is Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Reservations required. $10. 703-768-2525.
Is Mount Vernon Burning? 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Watch as the British land at Mount Vernon and make their demands and more. $15/adult; $14/senior; $7/child. Visit.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Eagle Festival. 10 a.m. at Mason Neck, 7301 High Point Road. Enjoy a 5k walk/run, demonstrations, exhibits, music and more. Free admission, but separate cost for 5k. 703-339-2385.
Earth Day Tree Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Duke St. Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee will sell trees for planting around Alexandria. Reserve trees by April 17 by calling 703-838-4999 ext. 451 or purchase on the day of the event.
‘Both Sides’ Civil War Tour. Meet 8:30 a.m. at Franconia Government Center. Tour Monocacy Battlefield Park and National Civil War Museum and lunch at Cozy Restaurant. $100/person includes lunch, admissions and donations. Dinner is not covered. Reservations at 703-971-4984.
Concert. 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Enjoy a handbell choir festival concert. Free-will offering taken. 202-267-7772.
Enjoy Gardening as a Family. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. All ages can learn about gardening. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Alexandria Earth Day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. Enjoy browsing exhibits, walks, music and more. Free. Visit www.alexearthday.org for more.
Anniversary Gala. UCM’s gala will be at the Mount Vernon Country Club, 5111 Old Mill Road. Enjoy auctions, dinner, music and dancing. $125/person. Visit www.ucmagency.org or 703-403-4410.
Annual Tavern Dog Contest. 1-4 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Advance registration and fee required for competitors, free for spectators. Visit www.gadsbystavernmuseum.us or 703-836-2407.
Rhyme Time. 11 a.m. at Hooray for Books!, 1555 King St. Children age 2 and up can listen to rhyming stories. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Garden Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse shrubs, plants, flowers and more from local growers. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org or 703-642-5173.
How Plants Compete. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how plants fight for survival and more. $18/person. 703-642-5173 to register.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. All ages can enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
Hollin Hall Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at Hollin Hall Village. Browse a variety of items including clothing, CDs, books and more. Free.
Food Drive. 8 a.m.-noon at Hollin Hall senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Proceeds benefit UCM.
Spring Fling Singles Dance. 8:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N. Fairfax St. Hosted by the Catholic Alumni Club of Washington. $20/person. Visit www.dcsinglecatholicpro.org or 301-916-6336.
Church Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at Nativity Lutheran 1300 Collingwood Road. Furniture, household goods, clothing, etc. Funds raised will support youth missions. Free. 703-678-9324.
Native Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parkfairfax, 3601 Valley Drive. Browse trees, shrubs, perennials and more. Free. 703-671-8416.
Theater Performance. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. at Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike. See “Giselle” by the Virginia Ballet Company. $30/adult; $20/child, senior, student. Visit www.virginiaballetcompany.org for more.
Sunday/April 26
Is Mount Vernon Burning? 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Watch as the British land at Mount Vernon and make their demands and more. $15/adult; $14/senior; $7/child. Visit.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the Marine Band. Free. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com for more.
Britain on the Green. On the grounds of Collingwood Estate, 8301 E. Boulevard Drive. See a variety of British cars.
Film. Noon at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. Watch “Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars.” Free. 202-885-8684.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Hear Japanese music for Koto and Shakuhachi. Free. 301-754-3842.
Carpenter’s Cook-off. Noon-3 p.m. at Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Enjoy tastings from 23 restaurants, auction, children’s corner and more. $40/adult; $5/child. Proceeds benefit Carpenter’s Shelter. Visit www.carpentershelter.org or 703-548-7500.
Walk. 8 a.m. at Cameron Run Regional Park. Participate in a fund-raising three-mile walk to benefit March of Dimes. 703-824-0111 ext. 27.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road. Hear Charlie Powers on the cello and Elizabeth Hill on the piano. Free. Visit www.trinityalexandria.org or 703-549-1500.
Theater Performance. 2 p.m. at Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike. See “Giselle” by the Virginia Ballet Company. $30/adult; $20/child, senior, student. Visit www.virginiaballetcompany.org for more.
Monday/April 27
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Writer’s Review. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. Bring works to get feedback. 703-339-4610.
Martha’s Mystery Book. 7 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Call for title. Free.
Family Story Time. 2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. All ages can enjoy listening to stories and an activity. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org for more.
Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 12-23 months can enjoy stories and more. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. All ages can enjoy stories. Free. 703-519-5900.
Tuesday/April 28
Read-Along. 10:30 a.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Bring the children to Spill the Beans for some read along fun with StagePlay's own Heather Sanderson. Free. Visit spillthebeansva.com or 703-780-3561.
Grow Your Own Pizza. 6:30 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Learn how to make a nutritious pizza from one’s garden. Free. 703-519-5900.
Time for 2’s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 24-36 months enjoy stories and more. Registration required, 703-519-5900. Free.
Wednesday/April 29
StoryTime with Colleen! 10:30 a.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Free. Visit spillthebeansva.com or 703-780-3561.
Lullaby Stories. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 1-5 can enjoy stories and activities in pajamas. Free. Registration required, 703-339-4610.
Lunafest. 6:30 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Enjoy a silent auction, films and more. $25/person; $15/student. 202-973-3085 for tickets.
Latrobe Lecture. 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church nave, 228 S. Pitt St. Free. Learn about Gothic architecture. Visit www.stpaulsepis.com for more.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Hear Donald George perform. Free, donations accepted. 703-360-9162.
Thursday/April 30
Giving Gala. 6:30 p.m. at the Birchmere. Alexandria Community Trust is holding a benefit event full of fun, games, food and more. $175/person with proceeds benefiting the ACT. Visit www.actforalexandria.org or 703-739-7778.
Stories and Science. 4 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 4-6 can enjoy stories, experiments and more. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Theater Performance. 7 p.m. at Walt Whitman Middle School 2500 Parkers Lane. Watch “One on this Island Junior.” $2/student; $5/adult; $10/family. E-mail kylie.murray@fcps.edu for more.
Pint-Sized Playacting. 3 p.m. at Hooray for Books!, 1555 King St. Children age 3-6 can join in reading, performing and more. $3/session. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092 to register.
Story Time. 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories. Free. 703-519-5900.
Friday/May 1
Sing Along with Mr. Skip. 12:30 p.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Enjoy singing and dancing with Mr. Skip. $5 per child. No pre-registration required. More info at spillthebeansva.com.
Art show and Sale. 1-8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Partial proceeds benefit Lazarus Ministry. Free.
Saturday/May 2
Kentucky Derby Party. 4-8 p.m. at an undetermined location. Enjoy food, bets and more. All proceeds benefit the Campagna Center. 703-549-0111 ext. 107.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. $20-$80/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Old Town, 228 S. Pitt St. Hear the keyboard scholars. Free. Donations accepted.
Garden Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse shrubs, plants, flowers and more from local growers. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org or 703-642-5173.
Grandma Rita’s Children Fund-raiser. 2-7 p.m. at Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Road. Enjoy a crop space, light dinner and more. $45. E-mail avonlady_jihanna@msn.com for more.
Art show and Sale. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Partial proceeds benefit Lazarus Ministry. Free.
BIG Sale. Items donation by Washington Metro Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers will be on sale, including wall hangings, blinds, shades and more at Habitat ReStore of Northern Virginia, 7770 Richmond Highway. Visit www.restorenova.org or 703-521-9890 ext. 105.
British are Coming. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Carlyle House. Hear stories from British soldiers, view equipment and more. For more information regarding this event, contact the Carlyle House at 703-549-2997 or Carlyle@nvrpa.org.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Season finale of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. $20-$70/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Sunday/May 3
Reception. 1-3 p.m. see paintings by the Potomac Valley Watercolorists at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Runs from April 28 through June 28. Visit potomacvalleywatercolorist.com for more.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Hear the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra. $25/adult; $20/senior; $5/student. 703-635-2770.
Opening Day. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park. The West End Farmers’ Market is open. Free. 703-838-4343.
Concert with a Cause. 4 p.m. at Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Hear Shaun and Jina Tirrell perform. Free. Donations benefit Faith Ministry. Visit www.opmh.org for more.
Art show and Sale. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Partial proceeds benefit Lazarus Ministry. Free.
Benefit Brunch. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Union Street Public House, 121 S. Union St. Hosted by the Board of Lady Managers. Donations benefit NICU of INOVA Alexandria. 703-919-1149.
Architecture in the Afternoon. 2 p.m. at Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road. Learn about George Mason’s home. Admission applies. Visit www.gunstonhall.org for more.
Family Fun Festival. Noon-4 p.m. at Browne Academy, 5917 Telegraph Road. Free admission, cost for tickets and food. Enjoy games, rides, and more.
Monday/May 4
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Workshop. Learn how to create spring-inspired centerpieces at 7 p.m. at the Studio, 8088 Danewood Drive. $255/three classes. Visit www.WisteriaFlorals.com or 703-336-1042 to register.
Tuesday/May 5
Benefit Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road. Hear Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-Flat Major. Donations accepted. 703-933-4135.
Friday/May 8
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive. See the Alexandria Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus perform. $15-$30. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 703-910-4600.
Saturday/May 9
Spring Bus Tour. Meet 7:30 a.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Visit Richmond area Civil War sites. $120/FFW member; $135/nonmember. Deadline is May 1. 703-838-4848.
Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna. Browse antiques, collectibles, art and more. Proceeds benefit Friends of Homeless Animals. Visit www.foha.org for more.
Outdoor Art Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Colasanto Park, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Browse works from more than 20 artists. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more.
Garden Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse shrubs, plants, flowers and more from local growers. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org or 703-642-5173.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. at Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive. See the Alexandria Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus perform. $15-$30. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 703-910-4600.
Spring Garden Party. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Enjoy meeting Mrs. Washington, music, games and more. $15/adult; $14/senior; $7/child. Visit.MountVernon.org for more.
Sunday/May 10
Music Performance. 5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Old Town, 228 S. Pitt St. Hear the Choral Evensong. Free. Donations accepted.
Free Mother’s Day Tours. Noon-5 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. or Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. $4/other adults; $2/child. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the Marine Band. Free. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com for more.
Spring Garden Party. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Enjoy meeting Mrs. Washington, music, games and more. $15/adult; $14/senior; $7/child. Visit.MountVernon.org for more.
Monday/May 11
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Workshop. Learn how to create spring-inspired centerpieces at 7 p.m. at the Studio, 8088 Danewood Drive. $255/three classes. Visit www.WisteriaFlorals.com or 703-336-1042 to register.