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>Ongoing
Now Through Labor Day
<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/July 30
<cal2>Music at Twilight Concert at Fort Ward Park. 7 p.m. Traditional Irish music from the Irish Breakfast Band. At Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Call the Special Events Hotline at 703-883-4686 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
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.
Pizza Party and Family Orientation. 7 p.m. At Uhler Street Playground, Mount Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. The orientation will take place in the school auditorium. Contact Wendy Moniz at wendymoniz@comcast.net or 703-683-6961.
18th-Century Dance Classes at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Also Thursdays, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13. 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.
Groovy Mr. Nate. 11 am. Join Mr. Nate in making music! Recommended for ages 2 & up. At Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4555, ext. 3.
Summer Quest Junior Event. 7 p.m. "Secondhand Stars" Bob Brown Puppets, a "green" variety show with recycled materials. At the Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd. This program is recommended for ages 5 and under, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 703-519-6000.
"The Fugue," the film. 9:30 p.m. screening of film produced by Kathryn O'Sullivan. "The Fugue" is a thriller about a young graphic designer living in Chinatown who is haunted by the spirit of a dead childhood friend. It was filmed last summer in the area. At the Old Town Theater on King Street in Alexandria. Admission to the premiere is free. Call O’Sullivan at 703-464-5709.
<cal1>Friday, July 31
<cal2>Jeff Majors in Concert. 8 p.m. As part of his National Tour for the Homeless, gospel/jazz artist Jeff Majors is giving a concert to benefit the ministries of Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church. At Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7836 Fordson Rd., Alexandria. Admission free but tickets required. Contact Rising Hope at 703-360-1976 or email risinghope@risinghopeumc.org.
Alexandria Citizens Band. 7:30 p.m. concert. Jack Dusek, interim conductor. At Market Square, 301 King St., Old Towne Alexandria. Call 703-339-6643 or go to www.band.alexandria.va.us.
<cal1>Saturday, Aug. 1
<cal2>Potomac River Moonlight Dance Cruise. 8:30-11:30 p.m. CAC of Washington, an organization of 250 single Catholics in the area, is sponsoring its night cruise aboard the Cherry Blossom. Boarding begins at 8:15 p.m. at the foot of North Union and Cameron Streets. Admission is $47. Contact Michael Coogan at 301-916-6336 or email: dance@dcsinglecatholicpro.org or visit us at www.DCsingleCatholicPro.org
Friendship Firehouse Festival. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrates the 235th birthday of the Historic Fire Company, Restoration and Repainting of the Cupola. Hosted by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. View a collection of antique and modern fire equipment and apparatus. At 107 South Alfred Street between Prince and King streets, which will be closed off to traffic for the festival. Admission is free. Call 703-838-3891 or visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net.
Soldier-Led Walking Tours at Fort Ward. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free. Participants begin the tour inside the Museum with a brief orientation of the Defenses of Washington. Visitors will learn about Fort Ward’s construction and a soldier’s life in the Defenses of Washington as they explore the Officers’ Hut, the preserved walls of the fort, and the restored Northwest Bastion during the hour-long tour. At 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. Call Fort Ward Museum at 703-838-4848 or visit www.fortward.org.
Floral Design Lecture: Preserving and Drying Your Garden Treasures. 9:30-11 a.m. Get a jump on winter by saving your garden treasures, before they disappear. Bruce Nash demonstrates several methods for preserving and drying your flowers and foliage, and shows you beautiful arrangement possibilities. $18. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Call 703-642-5173 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/
Midwifery in the 1700s at Carlyle House Historic Park. Noon to 4 p.m. A reenactment of the Day John Carlyle Moved into his Alexandria Home and a Lecture by Scholar Leni Sorenson on Childbirth in the 1700’s. At 2 p.m., Leni Sorensen, Research Historian at Monticello, will present a free lecture titled "Brought to Bed: Childbearing and Medicine in Early Federal America." A $5 donation is suggested for the lecture. Carlyle House is located at 121 North Fairfax Street in Old Town Alexandria. Visit www.nvrpa.org, or call 703-549-2997.
Railroad Days at The Lyceum. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association will present working HO gauge trains and a digital command system. Learn about miniature trains and Operation Lifesaver, a national railroad safety program. Admission is free. At 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4994 or www.AlexandriaHistory.org.
Jonathan Parker Performs. 10 p.m. The Saint Stephens/Saint Agnes graduate earned a degree in Jazz Studies at the Oberlin Music Conservatory and has been performing in Shanghai and Beijing. Scheduled to perform at Hard Times Café in Alexandria. $5 cover, reservations suggested.
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 2
<cal2>1759 Conversations: Establishing Gunston Hall. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a conversation with Mrs. Sarah Brent Mason and some of her friends about redecorating her home, Gunston Hall. George Mason and his family moved into Gunston Hall 250 years ago. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck. 703-550-9220 or http://www.gunstonhall.org. Included in site admission: $9, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6 to 18, younger free.
Architecture in the Afternoon Tours. 2 p.m. Discover the architecture of George Mason’s 250-year old home. This 90-minute tour explores the mansion’s exterior and interior. Visit with costumed interpreters directly after the tour. Regular admission. Friends free. The tour is recommended for adults and young persons over 12 years old. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck. Call 703-550-9220 or http://www.gunstonhall.org.
Railroad Days at The Lyceum. 1-5 p.m. The Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association will present working HO gauge trains and a digital command system. Learn about miniature trains and Operation Lifesaver, a national railroad safety program. Admission is free. At 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4994 or www.AlexandriaHistory.org.
<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 Dance Society and the Alexandria Pipes & Drums. Free. At 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call 703-883-4686.
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 Hooray for Books! Bring your child's artwork collection. At Hooray for Books, 1555 King Street, Alexandria. Visit www.preschoolpalettes.com or call 703-307-3910.
<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>Alexandria Citizens Swing Band. 7:30 p.m. concert. Jack Dusek, interim conductor. At Market Square, Old Towne Alexandria. Call 703-339-6643 or go to www.band.alexandria.va.us.
<cal1>Saturday, Aug. 8
<cal2>Aretha Aretha to Perform. 7 p.m. Performing with Aretha Aretha in this tribute to this American musical genre will be 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. Tickets are $20 a piece and can be purchased in the online shop at www.alexblackhistory.org or by calling 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/
<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>Ballet Performance. 4:30 p.m. "Precedence" by the Virginia Ballet Company. At the Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. $15 tickets. 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>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>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>Garden Stroll and Tea. 1-3 p.m. Take a relaxing docent-led stroll through the gardens and enjoy a tea at the Historic House. This is an introduction to the mission and history of Green Spring Gardens, one of the preeminent places for horticulture in the Washington, D.C. area. $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.
<cal1>Saturday, Aug. 15
<cal2>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/
<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.
<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>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
<cal1>Sunday/Aug. 23
<cal2>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/
<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>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. 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.
<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.