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 Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6407 with questions.
<cal1>Alexandria Farmers’ Markets:
<cal2>* Market Square, 301 King Street, Alexandria. Saturdays, 5 am – 10:30 am, year round. Free parking in the Market Square garage during the hours of the Farmers' Market.
* Del Ray, Corner of East Oxford & Mount Vernon Avenues, Alexandria. Saturdays, 8 a.m. - Noon, through the first Saturday in December.
* Upper King Street Fresh Farmers' Market, King Street Gardens Park, 1806 King Street, Alexandria. Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 29.
* West End Farmers' Market, Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Alexandria. Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October.
<cal2>Michael Jackson's Patent and Trademarks. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open exhibit of Michael Jackson's patent and trademarks. At the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, Madison Building, 600 Dulaney Street, Alexandria, in the atrium. Call 571-272-0095.
The Third Annual Alexandria Film Festival is soliciting entries from U.S. and international filmmakers. The festival will be held Sept. 24–27 at the George Washington Memorial Masonic Temple. This year, the Film Festival is partnering with Withoutabox, the film industry’s premier online service platform. To submit your film online, visit www.withoutabox.com/login/7816. All entries submitted through Withoutabox will receive an additional discount. For more information or to obtain entry forms and submission guidelines, visit www.alexandriafilm.org. Call 703-838-6348.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 6
<cal2>Jim Stephanson and John Previti. 7-9 p.m. Blues, swing and jazz-inspired tunes. Free. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
18th-Century Dance Classes at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Learn the dances of Jane Austen, George Washington, and Abigail Adams in Gadsby's Tavern Museum's historic ballroom. Dance master Corky Palmer will lead this fun and educational series of 18th-century English country dance classes in preparation for the Jane Austen Ball on Saturday, Aug. 15. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. The cost for lessons is $30 for the series or $12 per class. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 703-838-4242.
Concert at Fort Ward Park. 7:30 p.m. An all-Scottish night of music featuring the Northern Virginia Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Alexandria Pipes & Drums. Free. At 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-883-4686.
Preschool Palettes. All ages. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Celebrate your children's flair for the artistic by transforming their unique creations into beautiful keepsake books! Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. www.hooray4books.com. Call 703-548-4092.
Family Picnic and Bike Rodeo. 6:30 p.m. Learn about bike safety and safe routes to school, meet other parents living close by who want to form a student walking or biking group. At Samuel Tucker Elementary, 435 Ferdinand Day Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-933-6300.
<cal1>Aug. 6-8
<cal2>"Vanities" by Jack Heifner. At 8 p.m. A comedy directed by Herb Tax. From high school cheerleaders to independent women, follow Mary, Joanne, and Kathy through high school, college and into the "real" world ... and laugh yourself silly in the process! Featuring Natalie Christina (Mary), Carla Francischetti (Joanne), and Pamela Sabella (Kathy). At The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. $15/general admission; $10/seniors, students, retired or active military. Call 703-615-6626, www.zemfirastage.com.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 7
<cal2>Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 N. Royal St., by candlelight with a costumed guide to experience the historic tavern and hotel before the advent of electricity. Cost is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Call 703-838-4242 in advance to verify tour dates.
Alexandria Citizens Swing Band. 7:30 p.m. concert. Jack Dusek, interim conductor. At Market Square, 301 King Street, Old Towne Alexandria. Call 703-339-6643 or go to www.band.alexandria.va.us.
Wee Ones Storytime. Ages 0-2. 10:30 a.m. Join us in our storytime corner as we sing silly songs and read exciting stories! Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Go to www.hooray4books.com. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Saturday, Aug. 8
<cal2>Annual Irish Festival. Noon to 7 p.m. Entertainment features Brook Yoder; Pat Garvey; the Culkin School of Dance; Pat Carroll; the Flying Cows of Ventry; the O’Neill-James School of Dance; The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums; and the Lieutenant Colonel Dowd Division A. O. H. Color Guard, among others. Exhibits will highlight traditional arts, crafts, jewelry, paintings and souvenirs. Throughout the day, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free! Visit www.ballyshaners.org. At Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-883-4686 or visit www.ballyshaners.org.
Aretha Aretha to Perform. 7 p.m. Live Jazz. Also performing: Mike Gillispie (flute), Jon Ozment (keyboards), James King (bass), and Nasar Abadey (drums). At the closing night of "The Fine Art of Jazz" exhibition at the Alexandria Black History Museum. The Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. $20 tickets. Go to www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-838-4356.
Friends Used Book Sale. Gems and finds for all readers. At Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Building and Using Cold Frames. 9:30-11am. A cold frame is a protected plant bed used to extend the growing season. It can provide shelter for tender perennials; hardening off seedling plants, over wintering cold tolerant vegetables and summer rooted woody cuttings. Mary Frogale, staff horticulturalist talks about the many uses of a cold frame and tells you how to build one. $15. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Wee Ones Storytime. Ages 0-2. 10:30 a.m. Join us in our storytime corner as we sing silly songs and read exciting stories! Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. www.hooray4books.com. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 9
<cal2>Fort Hunt Park Concert. 7-8 p.m. Vernonberg an Potomak Volksmusikblaskapelle (the Mount Vernon German Band) will present a free concert of authentic German music. At Fort Hunt Park. Visit www.mvbands.com or call 703-768-4172.
<cal1>Aug. 9-23
<cal2>Bel Cantanti Opera Summer Music Festival. Two-week program for young professionals. Held in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. The festival will end with two performances of Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore and a performance of selected opera scenes and arias. Contact auditions@belcantanti.com to schedule an audition and reserve an audition slot. Call 301-266-7546.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 9
<cal2>"Precedence." 4:30 p.m. Contemporary dance styles with classical ballet by the Virginia Ballet Company. At the Ernst Community Cultural Center, on the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Tickets $15. Go to www.virginiaballetcompany.org. Call 703 249-8227.
Summer Chamber Music Series. 3 p.m. Free. Members of Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria.
<cal2>Aug. 10-14
<cal2>Swimmers age 55 and older can swim at no charge at any of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s five waterparks the week of Aug. 10-14. Proof of age is required and hours at each park may vary.
NVRPA’s waterparks include Downpour at Algonkian Regional Park, Great Waves at Cameron Run Regional Park, Atlantis at Bull Run Regional Park, Pirate’s Cove at Pohick Bay Regional Park and Upton Hill Regional Park. Visit www.nvrpa.org.
Bug-a-Boo Camp. 9 a.m. – noon. (7- to 12-year-olds) Butterflies and beetles, ants and arachnids, worms and wigglers! Explore the exciting world of bugs and their big jobs as pollinators and decomposers. Watch their life cycles unfold in gardens, woods, and ponds. Make buggy crafts and learn buggy games. Fee includes light, nutritious snacks. $150. Register through ParkTakes at 703-222-4664 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
<cal1>Wednesday, Aug. 12
<cal2>Campagna Center Neighborhood Picnic. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meet at the home of Rob and Lisa Krupicka, 409 East Alexandria Ave., Alexandria. Space is limited; RSVP to Thasia at twilliams@campagnacenter.org.
Preschool Palettes. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Preschool Palettes specializes in preserving your child's artwork "for keeps" and will be collecting book and print orders at Spill the Beans. Bring your child's artwork collection and check out sample books and prints. At Spill the Beans Organic Coffee & Chat House, 1900 Elkin Street, Alexandria. Visit www.preschoolpalettes.com or call 703-307-3910.
<cal1>Aug. 13, 14, 15
<cal2>"Peter Pan." 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Presented by Morningstar Productions. At Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8600 Plymouth Road, Alexandria. $8/adult, $5/student/child. Gina Smithers at Smithersgm@gmail.com or 703-577-3966.
<cal1>Aug. 13-15
<cal2>"Vanities" by Jack Heifner. At 8 p.m. A comedy directed by Herb Tax. From high school cheerleaders to independent women, follow Mary, Joanne, and Kathy through high school, college and into the "real" world ... and laugh yourself silly in the process! Featuring Natalie Christina (Mary), Carla Francischetti (Joanne), and Pamela Sabella (Kathy). At The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. $15/general admission; $10/seniors, students, retired or active military. Call 703-615-6626, www.zemfirastage.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 13
<cal2>Second Thursday Art Night: Sultry Summer Nights. 6-9 p.m. Free. An evening of open studios, live music, and refreshments. Check out opening receptions in Target Gallery and The Art League Gallery as you mingle with artists at this free event. From 6-8 p.m., Target Gallery presents the reception for the show In The Flesh Part II, an exhibition that focuses on contemporary figurative art. Juror Andrea Pollan will give a gallery talk at 7 p.m. From 6:30-8 p.m., The Art League Gallery hosts the reception for ‘Scapes: International Landscape Show, which features artwork inspired by all environments. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Go to www.torpedofactory.org; 703-838-4565
Local Author Reading Series. At 7:30 p.m. Ruth Baja Williams will discuss her new book, Detour Berlin at the James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Call Ruth at 703-838-4566.
Garden Stroll and Tea. 1-3 p.m. Take a relaxing docent-led stroll through Green Spring Gardens and enjoy a tea at the Historic House. $25 Call 703-941-7987 to register. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
18th-Century Dance Classes at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Learn the dances of Jane Austen, George Washington, and Abigail Adams in Gadsby's Tavern Museum's historic ballroom. Dance master Corky Palmer will lead this fun and educational series of 18th-century English country dance classes in preparation for the Jane Austen Ball on Saturday, Aug. 15. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. The cost for lessons is $30 for the series or $12 per class. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 703-838-4242.
Music at the Athenaeum, 7 p.m. Featuring One Eye Closed with Les Thompson, Stephanie Thompson, and Wyn Walke. At 201 N. Washington Street, Alexandria. Tickets are $10 and are available online at nvfaa.org and at the door.
<cal1>Saturday, Aug. 15
<cal2>Kinship Respite Day. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. A day of backyard water play activities for children ages 3-12 and for grandparents raising grandchildren. At Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Road, Alexandria. Call 703-324-7723.
Family Dig Day. 1:30 p.m. Alexandria Archaeology, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real "dig" which is located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Call 703-838-4399 or www.historicalexandria.org.
Young Hearts' Battle of the Bands. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and bands start at 5 p.m. At Kena ballroom, 9001 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. $5/ person, 6 and under free. Food will be prepared and sold on site by Baja Fresh. Eight bands compete and attendees donate money to vote using cash, check, or credit card for their favorite band. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Freedmen's Cemetery Tour. 10:30 a.m. City Archaeologist Pamela Cressey will lead a tour of Freedmen’s located at 1001 South Washington Street. She will share findings of the archaeological investigation and current plans for the Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial. After the tour, participants are invited to meet at Perk Up coffee shop, 829 South Washington Street, for discussion of archaeological and historical research and the experiences of freedmen in Alexandria during the Civil War. Reservations are not required. Call 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.
First Virginia Regiment. 4-10 p.m. At Carlyle House Historic Park in Alexandria. Live uniformed re-enactors of the First Virginia Regiment with weapons, ammunition, clothing, food, and other items that were supplied by Colonel Carlyle during the American Revolution. Contact the Carlyle House at 703-549-2997 or carlyle@nvrpa.org.
Vinegar Tasting Party. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Balsamic, white, malt, rice, wine — there’s a vast array of vinegar types to choose from and a multitude of flavors too. Learn the basics of vinegars and how to use them. $20. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Gardening in Virginia: Light, Movement and Some Remarkable Annuals. 9:30-11 a.m. It's an ideal time to have some of those free flowing, blow in breezes plants in your garden. And early fall seeding provides the gardener inexpensive options for adding noteworthy plants. Cost is $18. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
So We Think We Can Dance Storytime. Ages 3 and up. 11:30 a.m. When we're happy, we dance! Waltz, foxtrot, or skip your way over to Hooray for Books as we have some fun with one of our favorite ways to move! Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. www.hooray4books.com. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 16
<cal2>Summer Chamber Music Series. 3 p.m. Free. Soprano Terri LaGoe, hornist Jay Chadwick, and pianist Thom Robertson and friends. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria.
Jazz at Meade. 4 p.m. Renowned saxophonist and composer, Dr. William E. Smith, and members of the W.E.S. Group, will bring a jazz repertoire of jazz classics, standards and religious inspired works. At Meade Memorial Episcopal Church, 322 N. Alfred St., Alexandria. $15 donation. Call 703-549-1334 or go to http://meadechurch.org.
<cal1>Monday Aug. 17
<cal2>Duncan Book Discussion Group Meeting. 7 p.m. at the Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria. The book to be discussed is "Seabiscuit" by Laura Hillenbrand. Call Ruth at 703-838-4566.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 18
<cal2>Mount Vernon Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 112. Free and open to public. Features a presentation entitled "Finding Your Family in the Library: Making the Most of Your Library's Resources." Presented by Don Wilson, librarian at the Bull Run Regional Library in Manassas. Go to: www.MVGenealogy.org or call Harold McClendon at 703-360-0920 or haroldm@erols.com.
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 20
<cal2>Papermaking. 7-8:30 p.m. Do-it-yourself recycling! An evening for adults to learn how to recycle paper into pulp and create new sheets. Handmade paper makes beautiful cards, books and collages. Visit www.artatthecenter.org for details.
The Reverie Jazz Trio. 7-9 p.m. Will perform early jazz standards and forgotten favorites in a style reminiscent of a bygone era. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Aug. 20-22
<cal2>"Vanities" by Jack Heifner. At 8 p.m. A comedy directed by Herb Tax. From high school cheerleaders to independent women, follow Mary, Joanne, and Kathy through high school, college and into the "real" world ... and laugh yourself silly in the process! Featuring Natalie Christina (Mary), Carla Francischetti (Joanne), and Pamela Sabella (Kathy). At The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. $15/general admission; $10/seniors, students, retired or active military. Call 703-615-6626, www.zemfirastage.com.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 21
<cal2>City of Fairfax's Saxophone Quartet. 7:30 p.m. At Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 22
<cal2>Kayak Trip — Historic Alexandria Waterfront. 8-11 a.m. Hosted by NVTC. Tour meets at Belle Haven Marina. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. For reservations, write to kayak@nvct.org or call 703-354-5093 x26. Seats are only reserved upon confirmation from NVCT. Cost $30/person.
Adult Chorus Auditions. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society for August 2009, under new Artistic Director, Brian Gendron. All dates by appointment only. For details and/or to schedule, email: AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.com.
A Dog's Life Storytime. Ages 3 and up. 11:30 am. Sit and stay in our storytime corner as we read and sing all about our favorite animal pals. Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 23
<cal2>Artist Trading Cards Swap. 2-4 p.m. Free. ATCs are 2.5" by 3.5" original works of art in any medium that are signed and dated by the artist and then swapped for other artist cards. Hosted by Del Ray Artisans. Space is limited, so reserve a space by contacting Theresa Kulstad at 703-283-0399 or tkulstad@verizon.net . Directions at www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
A Feast of Flowers: The New Haute Cuisine. 1-3 p.m. Edible flowers, fresh and cooked, add a tasteful and healthful dimension to our tables. Hear about which flowers are edible and how to grow them. Learn how to enhance your dishes with a wide range of floral flavors and add a touch of elegance with artistic garnishes and decorations. Taste a variety of Green Spring’s blooms! A full English tea is included in this program. $25. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Summer Chamber Music Series. 3 p.m. Free. The Covington String Quartet. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria.
<cal1>Tuesday/Aug. 25
<cal2>Adult Chorus Auditions. 7-9:30 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society for August 2009, under new Artistic Director, Brian Gendron. All dates by appointment only. For details and/or to schedule, email: AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.com
<cal1>Thursday/Aug. 27
<cal2>The Jefferson Street Strutters. 7-9 p.m. Enjoy traditional jazz and American popular songs from the early years of the 20th century. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Friday/Aug. 28
<cal2>Sin Fronteras Offers South of The Border Performance. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free mariachi performance is part of the Mt. Vernon Nights summer concert series. At Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria. Call 703-324-7469 after 6 p.m. for cancellation updates.
<cal1>Saturday/Aug. 29
<cal2>Adult Chorus Auditions. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society for August 2009, under new Artistic Director, Brian Gendron. All dates by appointment only. For details and/or to schedule, email: AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.com
Begonias Abound. 10-11:30 a.m. Want to discover more about this fascinating plant family, the different types and species? Begonia enthusiast Johanna Zinn and fellow Begonia society members share expansive knowledge gained from their many years of growing these unique and versatile plants; providing culture, care, and propagation information. A guided tour of the annual begonia show included. $12. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Hooray for School Storytime. Ages 3 and up. 11:30 a.m. Special storytime to celebrate the exciting beginning to the school year. Free. Hooray for Books! Children's Bookstore, 1555 King St., Alexandria. www.hooray4books.com. Call 703-548-4092.
<cal1>Aug. 29-30
<cal2>28th Annual Begonia Show and Sale. Aug. 29 from 9-4:30 p.m. and Aug. 30 from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society. Expand your plant palette; be tempted with splashes of color for homes and greenhouses that last long after frosts have put our outdoor gardens to bed! The sale offers a wide variety of begonias, including unusual subtropical species. Free. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
<cal1>Thursday, Sept. 3
<cal2>The Trio Hermitage. 7-9 p.m. The trio consists of Svetlana Nikonova and Varvara Zakharevich of the Washington Balalaika Society, and Zahar Zaharevich of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Sept. 6
<cal2>Summer Chamber Music Series. 3 p.m. Free. Violinist Benjamin Scott and pianist Brad Clark. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria.
<cal1>Monday/Sept. 7
<cal2>International Festival. 12:30-6 p.m. Includes live entertainment, children’s rides, international food, white elephant sale, beverages, games and more. Tickets must be purchased for some activities. At Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria. Call 703- 780-4055 or visit www.gs-cc.org.
<cal1>Thursday/Sept. 10
<cal1>Children's Chorus Auditions. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society Children's Chorus. (Grades 3-12). Rehearsals are at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria. All dates by appointment. For details and/or to schedule, email Kevin@AlexChoralSociety.org
<cal1>Friday/Sept. 11
<cal2>Piper Cillian Vallely and flutist Kevin Crawford from the Irish band Lunsa. At 8 p.m. At The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Tickets are $25 in advance, $29 at the door, children under 14 with an adult half price. Reservations can be made at www.sunspotpro.com or by calling 800 404-9049.
Children's Chorus Auditions. 6:30-7:30 p.m. With the Alexandria Choral Society Children's Chorus. (Grades 3-12). Rehearsals are at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria. All dates by appointment. For details and/or to schedule, email Kevin@AlexChoralSociety.org
<cal1>Sept. 12-13
<cal2>7th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts. Some 200 artists will be exhibiting their works as King Street in Alexandria's Old Town is transformed into an outdoor art gallery. The weekend continues at the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Art Activated on Saturday, Sept. 12, from noon to 4 p.m. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. King Street in Old Town, from Washington Street to the Waterfront.
Other weekend events include Children in the Church Yard, with family friendly activities from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13 at Christ Church, 118 North Washington Street. On Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., live swing band music will be playing in Market Square at 301 King Street.
<cal1>Thursday, Sept. 17
<cal2>The Jefferson Street Strutters. 7-9 p.m. Enjoy traditional jazz and American popular songs from the early years of the 20th century. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 19
<cal2> Annual Gala. 6-10 p.m. at River Farm. The American Horticultural Society gala’s honorary chair is Cathal Armstrong. 703-768-5700 ext. 127 for tickets.
<cal1>Thursday, Sept. 24
<cal2>The Reverie Jazz Trio. 7-9 p.m. Will perform early jazz standards and forgotten favorites in a style reminiscent of a bygone era. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, part of the Thursday Nite Local Spotlight series. At 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or go to www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Sept. 26
<cal2>Endless Summer Event. 7-11 p.m. Fund-raiser for Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services. Beach Boys music and dance at Good Shepherd Catholic Church Hall, 8710 Mt. Vernon Highway, Alexandria. Tickets are $50/early bird; $60 if after Sept. 14. Call 703-768-9404 or go to www.goodhousing.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 24
<cal2>Christmas Bazaar. Good Shepherd Catholic Church’s Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Oct 24. If you or anyone you know is interested in participating, contact Sharon Gurke at wavoff@yahoo.com or call 703-780-5673 for an application/contract. Apply online at http://www.CraftLister.com/GoodShepherdChurchChristmasBazaar. GSCC is located at 8710 Mount Vernon Highway Alexandria.
<cal1>Nov. 27-Jan. 6
<cal2>Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The halls are decked for Christmas at Mount Vernon. Exciting additions include a dozen themed Christmas trees, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century dancing! $15/adults, $7/children ages 6-11, free for children under 6. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Nov. 27-29
<cal2>Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Dec. 3
<cal2>Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Open House. 6-9 p.m. Free. Galleries are open for holiday shopping plus music, refreshments and drawings for prizes. At 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565.
<cal1>Dec. 4-5
<cal2>Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk, Parade and Weekend. Free. Parade is Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Even dogs wear kilts during the annual Scottish Christmas Walk. Christmas Marketplace is Friday, Dec. 4 all day, George Washington Masonic Memorial. Taste of Scotland, Friday, Dec. 4, evening. Call 703-549-0111, or go to www.ScottishChristmasWalk.com
<cal1>Dec. 4-6
<cal2>Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Dec. 5
<cal2>Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Free at dusk. At Alexandria Marina at the foot of Cameron Street, behind the Torpedo Factory. Alexandria's harbor sparkles when brightly lit boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront.
<cal1>Dec. 5
<cal2>Holiday on the Avenue. Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood gets into the festive spirit with Holiday on the Avenue. Local businesses around the one-mile stretch of Mount Vernon Avenue feature all-day events and stay open until 9 p.m. The Del Ray tree lighting is at 6 p.m. at Colosanto Park at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. Then follow Santa down the luminary-lit Mount Vernon Avenue. Kids can sit on Santa’s lap for a photo at the end of the walk. Join in the caroling and stop in the shops for a hot drink. Free. www.VisitDelRay.com.
<cal1>Dec. 5
<cal2>Ornament Decorating Workshop for Families. 1-4 p.m. Be inspired by the colors and patterns of pottery excavated in Alexandria and make a memorable holiday keepsake. Participants can decorate and take home dough ornaments which are shaped like artifacts from the museum’s own collection. Great for families. 1-4 p.m. Free. At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (inside the Torpedo Factory)
105 N. Union Street, #327, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4399, www.AlexandriaArchaeology.org.
<cal1>Dec. 5
<cal2>A Soldier's Christmas. Noon-4 p.m. The “Soldier's Christmas” program will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, as well as interpreters from the Carlyle House and will highlight life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the American Revolution. Activities include demonstrations of military drill, fife and drum music, gaming, and cooking. The Regimental surgeon will discuss Continental Army medicine and demonstrate 18th-century surgical instruments in the basement, while officers and ladies entertain guests in the dining room. Activities and games for children. $5 suggested donation. At 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Call 703-549-2997 or go to www.nvrpa.org/parks/CarlyleHouse/index.php.
<cal1>Dec. 11-12
<cal2>Gunston Hall Plantation Christmas and Yuletide Dinner. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sip warm cider by the fire and sample period foods prepared in the colonial hearth kitchen. Costumed characters will greet you in the house and throughout the grounds. Friday, Dec. 11, 6:30 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12, 4:30, 6 and 8 p.m. Admission: Adults $15; Children 6-18 years, $8; Children 2-5 years, $2. Yuletide dinner: adults, 11 and older $49.95; Children 6-10 years, $24.95; 2-5 years $9.95. Reservations required. At 10709 Gunston Rd, Mason Neck. Call 703-550-9220, www.GunstonHall.org.
<cal1>Dec. 11-13
<cal2>Mount Vernon by Candlelight. 5-8 p.m. Mrs. Washington hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours. Cost is $18/adults, $12/children under 11. At Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-2000 or www.MountVernon.org.
<cal1>Dec. 12
<cal2>Civil War Christmas in Camp. Learn how soldiers and families celebrated Christmas during the Civil War. Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 for kids. At Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4848, www.FortWard.org.
<cal1>Dec. 12
<cal2>Kwanzaa Craft Workshop. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the Alexandria Black History Museum staff in a fun interactive program that will guide you through the principles of this African American holiday as well as instruct you in ways to make Kwanzaa gifts called Zawadi. All supplies will be provided. At 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4356, www.AlexBlackHistory.org.
<cal1>Dec. 12
<cal2>The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration Film Screening. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so important to African-Americans today. The movie traces the holiday’s growth out of the Black Power movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants. At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4356, www.AlexBlackHistory.org.
<cal1>Dec. 20
<cal2>Holiday Favorites With the Colonial Handbell Ringers. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Join the Colonial Handbell Ringers as they play more than 60 bronze bells. Musical selections include Christmas classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols. At the Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4994, www.AlexandriaHistory.org.
<cal1>Dec. 31
<cal2>First Night Alexandria. Throughout Old Town. New Year's Eve celebration with music, dance, performing arts for all ages with more than 100 performances in 25 indoor venues throughout Old Town. All ages are welcome and all venues are alcohol free. 6 p.m. to midnight. Fireworks at midnight. Entrance fee. Call 703-746-3301, www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com or www.FirstNightAlexandria.org.