Artist Mike McConnell worked for 30 years as an illustrator in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area. Now, working mostly in acrylics, McConnell will display his work at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. “Flip Side” will be on view through Dec. 13. The opening reception will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, 4-6 p.m. The gallery is open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, 12-4 p.m., and 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission to the gallery and the reception is free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Ongoing
Doggy Happy Hour. Tuesdays through Oct. at 5-8 p.m. at Jackson 20, 480 King St. Enjoy discounted drinks and treats with one's dog. Free. Visit www.jackson20.com.
“Seven Deadlies.” Through Oct. 31, Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Sculptor Karen Swenholt explores lust, sloth, greed, gluttony, wrath, envy, and pride. Free. Visit www.convergence.org for more.
Sugar Shack’s Halloween Goat Scavenger Hunt. Through Oct. 31, at various locations. Sugar Shack is hiding 31 goat figurines around Alexandria. Each of the small goats are worth 12 donuts, and there will be five larger goats worth bigger swag packs. Hints will be posted daily during the second half of the month. Most goats are hidden in local shops, restaurants, and parks. Free. Call 703-577-9023 for more.
Immanuel Pumpkin Patch. Through Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Road. At this fundraiser find pumpkins, gourds, baked goods, hearty soups, and autumn crafts. All profits go to charity. Free admission. Visit www.icoh.net for more.
“Skeletons: Exploring Under the Surface." Through Nov. 1, Thursdays 12-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 12-9 p.m.; and Sundays 12-6 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Experience 2D and 3D artwork in a wide range of mediums that digs deeper and discover what is ‘under there,’ literally and figuratively. Free. Visit www.thedelrayartisans.org for more.
Sheila Harrington: “Each Day is a Celebration.” Through Nov. 1, During gallery hours at The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Artist Sheila Harrington is inspired by the cyclical, seasonal changes of life, how human beings respond, and the juxtaposition of the natural and man-made. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
Water Taxi to the National Mall. Through Nov. 1, at various times at Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Cruise from Old Town to D.C. on the Miss Sophie, while stopping to view some of the area's attractions. Tickets are $28 roundtrip and $14 one-way for adults. Children under 12 are $16 roundtrip and $8 one-way. Visit www.potomacriverboatco.com/.
“Superstition and Belief.” Gallery hours at The Art League, 155 N. Union St. Artists explore myth, religion, belief, fantasy, and dreams. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
“Painting the Line, Drawing the Paint.” Through Nov. 8 at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive. This show that will include works by Ann Schlesinger, daughter of Jim and Rachel Schlesinger. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu for more.
“Safari.” Through Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Resident fiber artists display work inspired by the wild. Free. Visit www.potomacfiberartsgallery.com.
Mount Vernon in 3-D: Then & Now. Through Nov. 20 during regular operating hours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway. Visitors will have the chance to travel back in time, and in 3-D, to see how the estate appeared more than 100 years ago through a special photography exhibition. The exhibition is included in the regular admission fee of $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, $9 for youth and free for childre younger than 5. To view the historic stereoview images as well as the modern 3-D anaglyphs, visit www.mountvernon.org/3D.
Young at Art Juried Art Show. Through Nov. 20, Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m. at Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. Artists 55 and older can contribute their artwork for the exhibition. Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or by calling Mary Lee Anderson at 703-836-4414, extension 111.
Torpedo Factory’s Post-Graduate Studio. Through Nov. 29, during gallery hours at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. To wrap up the inaugural year of the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s post-graduate in-house residency program, the Target Gallery will feature the work of the four participating artists in a group exhibition. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
PHOTO ’15. Through Nov. 29, gallery hours at Multiple Exposures Gallery, 155 N. Union St. Senior Curator and Head of the Department of Photographs at The National Gallery of Art Sarah Greenough will jury the “PHOTO ‘15” exhibit. Thirty-one fine art photographers will display their work. Admission to the gallery is free. Visit www.multipleexposuresgallery.com for more.
Green Spring Gardens Art Show. Through Dec. 27, gallery hours at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Artist Carol Higgs works in batik, oil, watercolor, and collage. Painter Joan Wolfe works with acrylic and Erik and Caroline Hottenstein use watercolors. Free. Call 703-642-5173 for more.
“Not-So-Modern” Jazz Quartet Performance. Thursdays through Dec. 31, 7:30-10 p.m. at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Ave. Not So Modern Jazz Music plays music from the glory days of traditional jazz, including tunes from traditional Dixieland and the Swing era. Free. Visit www.stelmoscoffeepub.com for more.
“Nature’s Journey.” Through Jan. 2, at American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive. Darlene Kaplan will exhibit more than 60 of her original oriental brush paintings in a one-person art exhibition. Free. Visit www.darlenekaplan.com for more.
“George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation.” Through Jan. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. This exhibit will detail the history of Thanksgiving at Mount Vernon. On October 3, 1789, Washington issued his Thanksgiving proclamation, designating for “the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving.” Admission to the exhibit is included in Mount Vernon ticket prices. Tickets are $17 for adults, $9 for children, and free for children ages 5 and younger. Visit www.mountvernon.org/thanksgiving.
VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital Art Show. Through Jan. 31 at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke St. The artwork is on display in waiting areas and examination rooms as a part of Del Ray Artisans’ Gallery Without Walls program. Free. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more.
Oct. 29-Dec 13
Mike McConnell: “Flip Side.” During gallery hours at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Mike McConnell was a commercial illustrator who recently dedicated himself to fine art. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Friday/Oct. 30
Boo! It’s Halloween. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Public Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Children 2-5, accompanied by an adult, are invited to participate in a Halloween-themed storytime with songs and other early literacy activities. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/mw.
Trick or Treating at Mount Vernon. 3:30-6:30 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway, Mount Vernon. Take part in a scavenger hunt stopping at 12 locations on the estate. All trick-or-treaters are invited to join in the children’s costume parade around the mansion at 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best “George” and “Martha” costumes. Admission is $10 for ages 10 and up, $5 for youth. Visit www.mountvernon.org.
October Fest. 5-8 p.m. at William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Ave. Children ages 5-12 are invited to enjoy a haunted house, arts & crafts, spooky musical chairs, face painting, scary movies, dance and more. Tickets are $7. Call 703-746-5558.
Family Masquerade Ball. 6-9 p.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Families are invited to enjoy dancing, photo opportunities, a costume contest and refreshments. Tickets are $9. Call 703-746-5556.
Fright Night. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 West Reed Ave.
Zombies and goblins will roam through the Haunted House and exhibit rooms. Tickets are $5. Call 703-746-5554.
Ancestors and Good Spirits: Rhythm and Roots Players. 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Celebrate West African culture through music. Tickets are $15. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Bark or Treat Halloween Canine Cruise. 7 p.m. at Alexandria City Marina, 1 Cameron St. The Potomac Riverboat Company invites guests and their costumed dogs to cruise around the Potomac River on this 60-minute ride, set to some classic Halloween tunes. Halloween doggie treats will be provided and a photographer will be on hand. Tickets are $16 for adults $10 for children and dogs ride for free. Visit www.potomacriverboatco.com.
The David Bromberg Band. 8 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. The Bromberg Band celebrates the release of their latest album “Only Slightly Mad.” Tickets are $49.50. Visit www.birchmere.com for more.
Friday-Saturday/Oct. 30-31
Poe in Alexandria. 8-9:15 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Actor David Keltz re-creates Edgar Allan Poe's visit to Virginia in 1849, shortly before he died. The program always includes a story or two such as "The Black Cat," "The Cask of Amontillado," or "The Tell-Tale Heart," along with well-known poems "The Raven" and "El Dorado." Tickets are $15. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Lyceum.
Oct. 30-Nov. 8
“Mary Poppins.” Various times as Bryant Alternative High School, 2709 Popkins Lane. Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre presents “Mary Poppins.” Tickets are $12. Visit www.mvcct.org for more.
Saturday/Oct. 31
Ghost and Goblin Archaeological Tours. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. On Halloween Alexandria Archaeology is hosting an Open House at the Shuter’s Hill archaeological site located on the property behind the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Alexandria archaeologists will be on hand to conduct site tours and show the latest finds at this late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century plantation site. Free. Visit www.alexandriava.gov for more.
Bats & Owls & Snakes! Oh, My! 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave. Learn about the animal myths associated with Halloween. Call 703-746-5525 for more.
Halloween Fun at Sugar Shack. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sugar Shack Alexandria, 804 N. Union St. The store will feature holiday-themed donuts and kid-friendly activities, including a coloring contest, balloons, a fortune-teller and more. Free. Visit www.sugarshackdonuts.com for more.
Hume Springs Park Grand Reopening. 11 a.m. at Hume Springs Park, 100 Dale St. Celebrate the reopening of Hume Springs Park which will now feature new play equipment, fencing, fitness equipment, water fountains, benches, and more. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and games for children. Visit www.alexandriava.gov for more.
Halloween Family Legends Bookmaking Workshop. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Children and their adult family members are invited to enjoy pumpkin pie, share stories and make them into Family Legend storybooks. Led by book artist Sushmita Mazumdar. Free, but reservations required. Call 703-746-4356 for more.
Trick or Treat with the Boo-tiques. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at various places in Old Town Alexandria. Dozens of shops of the Old Town Boutique District will be giving out treats to guests of all ages. Free. Visit www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com for more.
Preschool Fall Fun Festival. 1-3 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4625 Taney Ave. Children ages 2-5 are invited to enjoy games, prizes, face-painting, music and more. Free. Call 571-257-8686 or visit www.landmarkchurchva.com.
All Hallows’ Eve. 5-7 p.m. at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. Children are invited for trick-or-treating at one of the city’s “most haunted dwellings.” Free. Visit www.novaparks.com or call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org for more.
Trunk or Treat Block Party. 5-7:30 p.m. at Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Go “trunk-or-treating” or play games. Suggested for ages 12 and under. Free. Call 703-746-5550.
Trunk or Treat. 5-8:30 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Free. Call 703-746-5552.
Nightmare on Wythe Street. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Enjoy storytelling, sing-a-longs, a costume contest and an indoor Haunted House sponsored by ARHA.Suggested for children ages 6-15. Tickets are $5. Call 703-746-5552.
Murder Mystery Dinner. 7 p.m. at The Grille at Morrison House, 116 S. Alfred St. The Grille at Morrison House hosts “The Morrison House Murder Mystery.” Celebrate Halloween with a 1920s themed dinner and show where guests will participate in a murder mystery theater experience. Themed costumes are encouraged. The evening will start with live piano music and a cocktail hour, followed by a three-course dinner, with a choice of red or white wine and optional cocktails. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, show, one cocktail, and one glass of wine. Visit www.thegrillealexandria.com for more.
Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with Webb Wilder and The Guilty Ones. 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Webb Wilder will open for Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin and The Guilty Ones. Tickets are $29.50. Visit www.birchmere.com.
Del Ray Artisans Halloween Costume Party. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. at The Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. This adults-only party will feature music, food and more. Tickets are $5. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org/Halloween.
Sunday/Nov. 1
Art Show and Reception. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Artists Carol Higgs, Joan Wolfe, and Erik and Caroline Hottenstein will celebrate a new exhibit opening Oct. 27. Call 703-642-5173 for more.
"Naked Mountain: The Delights and Challenges of Owning One of Virginia's Natural Area Preserves." 1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Marcia S. Mabee will explain how Naked Mountain, a 284-acre property in Nelson County, Virginia came to be and the discoveries and obligations inherent within the preserve that continue to this day. Free. Visit www.vnps.org.
“PHOTO ‘15” Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. at Multiple Exposures Gallery, 155 N. Union St. Celebrate the exhibit juried by Senior Curator and Head of the Department of Photographs at The National Gallery of Art Sarah Greenough. Thirty-one fine art photographers, who will display their work, will also be on hand. Greenough will give a juror’s talk and two awards will be presented. Free. Visit www.multipleexposuresgallery.com for more.
Book Club Meeting. 2:30 p.m. at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub at 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. National Women’s History Museum’s monthly book club will read “A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation” by Catherine Allgor. Free, but reservations required. Visit www.nwhm.ticketleap.com/nwhm-book-club-dolley/.
Exhibit Opening Reception. 4-6 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Celebrate former illustrator Mike McConnell’s new exhibit. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
U.S. Army Band Concert. 4:15 p.m. pre-concert talk, 5 p.m. performance at Christ the King Anglican Church, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. The U.S. Army Brass Quintet & Friends will perform. Free. Call 703-535-6815 for more.
“Just Earl: The Life and Journey of Earl Francis Lloyd.” 6 p.m. at The Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger Ave. The Alexandria African-American Hall of Fame Project is producing the play, “Just Earl: The Life and Journey of Earl Francis Lloyd” written and directed by McKenya Dilworth of The Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse, Inc. The play focuses on the life of the first African American to play in the NBA, his childhood in Alexandria and the life lessons he learned along the way. Tickets are $35. Call 571-217-9951.
All Saints’ Day. 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Grant Hellmers, Organist-Choirmaster of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, will direct the choir in an All Saints’ Sunday Choral Evensong. Free. Visit www.stpaulsalexandria.com for more.
Tuesday/Nov. 3
Lecture & Book Signing. 7-8:30 p.m. at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S. Washington St. Author Garrett Peck will be available to sign copies of his book “Walt Whitman in Washington,, D.C.: The Civil War and America’s Great Poet.” Peck will detail the definitive account of Walt Whitman's decade in the nation's capital and Alexandria. Free. Call 703-746-4994 to make a reservation.
Thursday/Nov. 5
An Evening on John Singer Sargent. 7 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Richard Ormond, former Director of London's National Maritime Museum and former Deputy Director of London's National Portrait Gallery, is also one of the world's leading authorities on his great uncle and artist John Singer Sargent. Ormond will share anecdotes about and insights into the world of this leading portrait painter of the late 1800s. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
Damon Fowler and Delbert McClinton. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Guitarist Damon Fowler opens for The Delbert McClinton Band. Tickets are $45. Visit www.birchmere.com.
Thursday-Saturday/Nov. 5-7
Duncan Library Book Sale. 10 a.m.-6:45 p.m. on Thursday; 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. on Friday; and 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m. on Saturday at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Thousands of donated books, DVDs and CDs will be on sale. Free to attend. Visit www.friendsofduncanlibrary.org/special-events/.
Friday/Nov. 6
ACPS 2020: Every Student Succeeds. 5:30-8 p.m. at Jefferson Houston School, 1501 Cameron St. In honor of the launch of “Every Student Succeeds,” Alexandria City Public Schools is inviting the community to a celebration featuring circus performances, live music, food and more. Free. Call 703-619-8003 for more.
Sadie Hawkins Dance. 6-8:30 p.m. at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. Peter Kasper, featured caller and The Boomerangs Square Dance Teaching Council set the stage for this hillbilly country dance. Guests are invited to square dance and wear denim, paisley, red handkerchiefs, straw, and close-toe shoes. Tickets are $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents in advance; $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents at the door. Register at www.alexandriava.gov/webtrac with Activity Code 255202.01.
“Under $100: Affordable Masterpieces” Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Celebrate the opening of an exhibit showcasing artwork for $100 or less. Patrons can own and take home art when purchased. Free admission. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
Art on Tap. 7-10 p.m at The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Craft beers from local breweries have been paired with a work of art from an Art League instructor. Local restaurants have chosen a brew/artwork coupling to serve as their muse to create a complementary appetizer. Tickets are $35, $45 after Oct. 3. Visit www.theartleague.org.
The Recessionists. 8 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. An improv group accepts suggestions from the crowd for scenes and games. Tickets are $15. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Friday-Sunday/Nov. 6-8
Alexandria Film Festival. AMC Hoffman Center 22, 206 Swamp Fox Road and Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. The Alexandria Film Festival brings together short and feature length films of all genres from emerging and established, local and international filmmakers. Last year, the festival brought more than 60 films and 50 filmmakers to Alexandria from as far as Sri Lanka and Uruguay. All ticketed events will be held at the AMC Hoffman Theater 22, with Beatley Central Library offering free programs to the public. Visit www.alexandriafilm.org for more.
“Songs for a New World.” 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday at Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Metropolitan Youth Theatre students of the Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria and Lorton, Va. will present its student-directed and produced performance of Jason Robert Brown’s “Songs for a New World.” Tickets are $20. Visit www.metropolitanarts.org for more.
Friday-Saturday/Nov. 6-7
Playfest 2015. 7 p.m. at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse presents Playfest 2015. The event is titled “All Voices Matter.” Tickets are $10 and $12. Call 703-998-6260.
Nov. 6-26
“Under $100: Affordable Masterpieces.” During gallery hours at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Del Ray Artisans showcases artwork for $100 or less. Patrons can own and take home art when purchased. Free admission. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org.
Saturday/Nov. 7
“Beyond the Battlefield.” 10 a.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. The Lee-Fendall House will offer “Beyond the Battlefield,” a guided walking tour of Civil War sites in Historic Old Town. Participants will see locations and stories associated with soldiers, citizens, and the enslaved, including the occupation of Alexandria and emancipation. Stops on the tour will include locations to be featured in the upcoming PBS drama, “Mercy Street,” which airs in January 2016. Advance tickets are $15, or $20 on the day of the program. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org for more.
Fort Ward Museum Veteran’s Day Tours. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fort Ward, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Two 90-minute tours will be conducted by Fort Ward staff member Kevin Moriarty, who will portray a Union army veteran reminiscing about his military service at Fort Ward during the Civil War. Participants will learn about Civil War veterans organizations, the history of Fort Ward, army life in the Civil War Defenses of Washington, and the design and construction of Civil War forts. Highlights include the reconstructed Officers’ Hut and ceremonial entrance gate, and the fort’s fully restored Northwest bastion. Free. Call 703-746-4848.
Fort Hunt Preschool Fall Festival. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Hunt Preschool, 1909 Windmill Lane. Find pony rides, inflatables, games, food and more. Free. Visit www.forhuntpreschool.com.
Docent-Led Tour. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Friendship Firehouse, 107 S. Alfred St. Take an in-depth tour of Friendship Firehouse led by a trained docent. Tickets are $5 for adults, and $4 for children 10-17. The tour is recommended for children 10 and over. Visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net for more.
“A Behind the Scenes of Mosby’s Rangers.” 1-3 p.m. at Ivy Hill Cemetery, 2823 King St. Eric Buckland, a retired Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel, Vice President of the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society, member of the Mosby Heritage Area Association, and author of five books about some of the men who rode with Mosby’s Rangers will tell tales of the Rangers’ history, tactics, operations and lives during the Civil War era. $5 suggested donation. Call 301-395-9541 or 703-549-7413 for more.
Pohick Church Tours. 1-3 p.m. at The Historic Pohick Church, 9301 Richmond Highway. The Historic Pohick Church Docent Guild will give guided tours of the historic colonial church. Free. Visit www.pohick.org.
SCAN’s 14th Annual Toast to Hope. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. “Toast for Hope” is an opportunity to support Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN). Tickets start at $75. Visit www.scanva.org.
Kitty Donohoe and Kristin Rebecca. 7 p.m. at Focus Alexandria/Church of St. Clement, 1701 N. Quaker Lane. Ann Arbor-based songwriter and Michigan Emmy recipient Kitty Donohoe is joined by Maryland based songwriter Kristin Rebecca. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Visit www.focumusic.org for more.
Saturday-Sunday/Nov. 7-8
“Whimsy & Wonderment.” 8 p.m. on Saturday at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 4915 E. Campus Drive; 3 p.m. on Sunday at George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents the music of Danny Elfman and classical music that shaped Elfman’s style. Tickets are $20-80 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for youth. Visit www.alexsym.org for more.
Sunday/Nov. 8
Ruffled Wreath Workshop. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Create a Christmas wreath with felt ruffled rosettes. Adults only. Tickets are $22. Call 703-642-5173 for more.
Book Signing Event. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Capital Teas, National Harbor, 145 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Md. Chrys Brobbey, a resident of Alexandria, will be available to sign copies of his book, “Dreams & Dreads.” Kara Carter will be available to sign copies of her book “Abby’s Quilt.” Free. Visit www.tatepublishing.com for more.
The Navy Concert Band. 2 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. The Navy Concert Band will perform at part of the “Music in the Gallery Series.” Hear traditional and modern music for woodwinds and brass. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for more.
Capitol Steps Benefit. 5 p.m. at U.S. PTO Madison Auditorium, 600 Dulaney St. The Capitol Steps Benefit is a performance featuring satire based on headlines. Tickets are $80. Visit www.ucmagency.org for more.
Pianist George Winston. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. This concert by solo pianist George Winston will be accompanied by a food drive benefitting Carpenter’s Shelter. Tickets are $39.50. Visit www.birchmere.com for more.