An assortment of gourds and autumn crafts is available at the Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch.
It’s that time of year again with crisp air, pumpkin lattes and leaf-peeping upon us. While bidding farewell to flip flops and barbecues, the change in seasons brings out some of the most beloved Alexandria traditions the city has to offer.
The nationally acclaimed Art on the Avenue in Del Ray makes its return Oct. 5. Along with the annual Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch on Seminary Road, the two lead any list of top things to do to make the most of the season in Alexandria.
Held the first Saturday of October on Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues, Art on the Avenue showcases hundreds of local artists against the backdrop of the vibrant Del Ray community. The event, considered one of the top arts events in Northern Virginia, is entirely volunteer-run, with support from the Del Ray Business Association and the local business community.
Remi Dave, 1, with mom Ruby Parikh and grandmother Rina Parikh Sept. 29 at the Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch.
In addition to the artists and craftsmen, four entertainment stages feature live music from Blues to Bluegrass, Irish, Country and Rock and Roll.
Alexandria is also home to the region’s largest Pumpkin Patch as Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill operates its month-long fundraiser to support local charities.
In addition to pumpkins, also for sale are gourds, home-made soups and baked goods, and autumn-Halloween-themed crafts. All Patch profits go to more than 25 local, national and international charities that directly support feeding, housing, educating and caring for vulnerable communities.
In Alexandria, supported organizations include Carpenter's Shelter, ALIVE!, Senior Services of Alexandria, Community Lodgings, and Child and Family Network Centers among others. The pumpkins are grown on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico and are distributed and consigned to Immanuel and over 1,300 other churches of various denominations throughout the country. These partnerships support over 300 jobs on the reservation and the programs of participating churches nationwide.
Visit both to kick off a colorful fall season then join in a variety of events to enjoy all Alexandria has to offer.
29th Annual Art on the Avenue - A multicultural arts and music festival for and by locals. Entertainment, art activities and a pie-baking contest along with 350 artisans displaying and selling their work. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5 on Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues. www.ArtontheAvenue.org.
31st Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch fundraiser for charity is going on now through Oct. 31. The pumpkin patch offers all sizes of pumpkins grown by Navajo farmers, from small hand-held “spookies” to large pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns; prices start at $1 and go up based on size. 3606 Seminary Road
Paws in the Park – Join the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at Alexandria’s biggest fall festival for animal lovers Oct. 13 at Oronoco Bay Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paws in the Park brings together shopping and vendors, live music and entertainment, food and drink, kids’ activities, and adoptable animals. The event is free to attend and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Event proceeds benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). www.pawsintheparkva.com.
Arts Safari - Free hands-on arts and crafts activities for children. Oct. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center. Children will enjoy the Clay Experience, Arts Safari Painting, Fabric Collage, Origami Art, Giant Paper-Mache Animal, and more. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. www.torpedofactory.org.
Think Pink! – Ninth annual Walk to Bust Cancer Oct. 20 at Fort Hunt Park. Sponsored by the National Breast Center Foundation. www.walktobustcancer.org
28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade - Join in the fun Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. by either participating or just watching the decorated strollers and costumed kids, adults and pets parade along Mount Vernon Avenue for this annual tradition. Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, they also collect and distribute costumes to children in need. www.visitdelray.com.
18th Annual Alexandria Film Festival - Explore the world without leaving town. Set to be held Nov. 7-10, the festival will show an eclectic collection of films from a handful of countries around the globe. At locations throughout the city. www.AlexFilmFest.com
Fall Harvest Family Days - Mount Vernon Estate welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days Oct. 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. www.MountVernon.org.
Del Ray Turkey Trot - A Thanksgiving Day tradition for 49 years, the Nov. 28 race will also feature a food drive for the Alive! food bank. www.visitdelray.com/turkeytrot
See a Show – Just in time for Halloween the Little Theatre of Alexandria debuts the award-winning musical Jekyll and Hyde. Loosely based on the 1886 novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, the production features music by Frank Wildhorn, and a book by Leslie Bricusse. Oct. 19 - Nov. 9. www.thelittletheatre.com