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Hip and historic, Alexandria is where you'll find incredible architecture, spooky tales and history rich sites to explore. It's where the past resonates into the present day, and where memories are still being made with all the fabulous things to do and see.
Organist Douglas A. Beck plays the historic church's organ in this Independence Day tradition.
Historic Mount Vernon celebrates George Washington's contribution to America's freedom on July 4th with its annual event An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. The day features costumed military reenactments, the annual Red, White, and Blue Concert, a special wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's tomb, free "Happy Birthday, America!" cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit from the first first couple, "General and Mrs. Washington."
Browse open studios, interact with the artists, and explore the unique history of the torpedo factory turned art center with a historical self-guided tour. Visit Target Gallery from 6-8 p.m. to meet the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Artist of the Year, CMDupre, and view her solo exhibition "The Mysterious Other". From 6:30-8 p.m., The Art League Gallery hosts opening receptions. Enjoy fun activities throughout the night!
Carol Gaylors & Bruce Katsu are presented as part of the summer concert series at the Athenaeum. Join the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association & Songwriters' Association of Washington to enjoy Carol Gaylord, an award winning singer-songwriter known for her original tunes & performances in the area's rock & top-40 live music scene. Bruce Katsu is a versatile guitarist with a distinctive sound and style! The Athenaeum one block south of the King and Lee streets Trolley Stop. Tickets available at the door and www.nvfaa.org
An evening of music, activities and fireworks, including: children's activities and refreshment sales starting at 4, performance by the Alexandria Singers at 6, presentation of civic awards by the Mayor at 7:30 with birthday cake, and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's pops concert with soparano Millicent Scarlett at 8:30, concluding with the fireworks and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with cannon fire provided by the U.S. Marine Corps at 9:30 p.m.
Visitors on Family Tour Day will experience the historic Gadsby's Tavern Museum through new Junior Docent tours! Junior Docents, volunteers from grades 2 through 5, will be stationed at each stop on the tour, including the taproom, bed chambers, ballroom, assembly room and dining room, so visitors can tour at their own pace while their kids learn about Alexandria's history from other kids!
Fort Ward’s largest living history event of the year! Events include a tactical skirmish, Civil War artillery demonstration, Union and Confederate camps, drills, food preparation scenario, medical impressions and civilian interpretations. Great family fun! Admission is $5 per adult; $10 for families with children.
This farmers market features locally grown produce, baked goods and the work of local artists.
This family-friendly monthly celebration returns to Del Ray, with music, exhibitions from local organizations and businesses open late with special activities. This year's themes: May - Family & Friends Along the Avenue; June - Dog Days; July - Main Street Celebration; August - Health & Wellness on the Avenue; September - A Taste of Del Ray.
This small but high-quality farmers market takes place Wednesdays in King Street Gardens, across the street from the King Street Metro station. Offerings include produce from Virginina, Maryland and West Virginia.
14th Anniversary Celebration Show and Sale with a Kick-Off Trunk Show featuring four of our most popular jewelry artists: Carol Bugarin, Nancy Tobey, Heather Trimlett and Beth Williams, three from Massachusetts and one from California. Artist Receptions: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 10, 11 and 12. Sale extends for 10 days only, July 10th thru July 19th, 2009.
July's tasting theme, "Only in America," celebrate the some of the occasionally wacky, always delicious treats born in the U.S.A. Since Americans are famous for pushing the culinary envelope, this tasting features unusual chocolate pairings with yummy results: chocolate-covered Oreos, potato chips, Nutterbutters, and Twinkies!
A watercolor demonstration by Helen Dilley Barsalou will take place Saturday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Gallery West as part of the reception for the July show which is entitled "The Power of Color." The show features work by gallery members and local artists who have been juried into the show.
Open life drawing continues on selected Wednesdays this summer. The focus will be on short poses (1-15 minutes). These open life drawing (or painting) sessions operate on a drop-in basis so there is no need to register in advance. Grab your supplies and join us at the gallery to work from our live models. July 1st, 2-5 pm; July 15t 2-5 pm; August 12, 2-5 pm; August 26, 2-5 pm; September 9, 2-5 pm; September 23, 2-5 pm.
The animated comedy, with the voice of Jack Black, is part of the two-night Comcast Film Festival ("Twilight" is shown on July 18).
The hit movie, starring Robert Pattinson and Kirsten Stewart, is shown on the second night of the Comcast Film Festival in Ben Brenman Park ("Kung Fu Panda" is shown July 17.)
Help City archaeologists and trained volunteers screen excavated soil for artifacts from a real "dig" located on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Wear comfortable clothes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a water bottle. Please, no sandals. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Advance reservations required. E-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov or call 703.838.4399 to save your spot!
July's tasting theme, "Only in America," celebrate the some occasionally wacky, always delicious treats born here in the U.S.A. At this tasting you will sample iced tea with a most unusual garnish. Hammond's soft-candy stirrers dissolve slowly to flavor & sweeten hot and cold beverages--even use them as candy straws! Flavors include lemon, key lime, watermelon, orange, cherry, and raspberry. Hammond's Candies is based in Denver, CO and has been proudly making handmade candies since 1920.
In "Waiting for the world to begin", Drymon meditates on man’s relationship to the natural world and his search for beauty amidst the rubble of daily existence. These works reflect moments in time, some light, playful - some dark, dense, always isolated, no hint to the past or future. Drymon will discuss his paintings and the creative process, including explorations of similar themes and concepts using photography, video and installations. The Athenaeum is one block south of the King & Lee streets trolley stop.
The cultures of Africa are celebrated with entertainment, arts & crafts, and food.
July's tasting theme, "Only in America," celebrate some occasionally wacky, always delicious treats born here in the U.S.A. Join us in welcoming Becky Campbell who will introduce her delicious confectionary invention, Brownie Brittle. Brownie Brittle has the rich chocolate taste of a brownie and the satisfying crunch of a brittle. Sample five tasty flavors!
This backstage tale of vaudeville entertainer-turned-stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and her overbearing mother Rose is a classic. Join Rose, June and Louise in their trip across the United States during the 1920’s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Gypsy is a gripping roadmap of the obsessions that draw people into show business and keep them there.
This three-day camp, Clio's Kids, introduces children, ages 5 through 7, to American history and life in historic Alexandria through artifacts, storytelling, singing and dancing, crafts, "old-fashioned" games, and visits to nearby historic places. Campers should come prepared for outside activities each day, including sturdy walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Advance registration required. Fee includes snacks and souvenirs.
In preparation for the Jane Austen Ball on August 15, learn 18th century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Cost is $12 per class or $30 for the series. Reservations are recommended.
Every Monday come in for all you can eat spaghetti with a choice of 5 sauces for $12.50 per person.
Historic Mount Vernon hosts a special new exhibition, “George Washington & His Generals.” For the first time, a collection of over 120 paintings, personal artifacts and manuscripts associated with the generals of the Continental and French armies who served under George Washington will be on display.
Post 24 members as well as veterans, active duty and Reserve service members, are invited to eat lunch weekdays at the American Legion Post at reasonable prices. Flat screen TVs and a pool table in a cool, quiet atmsosphere. Located at the base of the flag pole - buzz to enter, turn left on entering into clubroom.
The National Treasure Tour combines Hollywood and history, giving visitors stories about the filming and also information on how the behind-the-scenes locations were used during George Washington's time. Included in this approximately hour-long walking tour is the Mansion's basement and cornerstone, the setting for a pivotal scene in the movie. The National Treasure Tours are offered at the following times: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Build Your Own Burger with any Draft Beer or Soda for only $10, served from 11:30 am until 10:00pm
Worn by a 17-year-old girl to her 1747 wedding…restyled and re-worn again and again until, finally, cut into dozens of pieces and given to that young girl’s descendants. Come learn the story of a dress and the women who wore it. From March-October, 2009, Carlyle House will focus its interpretation on the women who lived there. The highlight of the exhibit will be the recreated 1747 wedding dress of Sarah Fairfax Carlyle and the 1795 dress made by her daughter, Sarah Carlyle Herbert.
This lavish brunch includes seafood, European cured meats, cheeses, fresh from the garden salads, breakfast specialties including design your own omelet station, a carving station, and a variety of desserts. Seating available between 11:30a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $24.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 5-10 years of age; children under 5 eat free. Tax and 19% gratuity will be added to the check. For reservations, please call Seagar’s Restaurant at (703) 647-2000. Complimentary Hilton parking.
Immerse yourself in exotic dance moves every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Join the dancer and show your moves! Reservations recommended.
The nation's oldest farmers market offers a variety of vendors, including baked goods, cut flowers, live plants, and crafts.
This new photography exhibition featuring the work of Nina Tisara celebrates and documents individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. "Living Legends of Alexandria 2008-09" features photographs of 26 nominees with information about their work to improve life in Alexandria.
Fine art photography show featuring work by Laurie Sand and Louise Noakes.
Averill Shepps shows work that celebrates her long career as a working enamelist during which time she produced pieces for sale and for exhibition.
In Nancy Pane Fortwengler’s series of figurative dress paintings, the body exists without the figure. The human body is not present in any of her work. The dresses, costumes, and tiers of fabric are in motion without a body to propel them. “Fabrications” reveals the construction, shape, and composition of these vibrant forms while embodying the presence of the human figure.
On Friday evenings after happy hour or dinner in Old Town, see the 18th century in a whole new light! Tour by candlelight with a costumed guide the historic tavern (c.1785) and City Hotel built in 1792 and see how guests experienced the site before the advent of electricity. Museum may be closed on some occasions, so call ahead to verify tour dates at 703-838-4242.
A selection of paintings by artist CMDupre, the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Artist of the Year. This year's juror was Shauna Lee Lange, who praised Dupre for creating paintings that "achieve visual ecstasy at its best." Reception: Second Thursday Art Night - June 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Meet the Artist: Second Thursday Art Night - July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Dan White spent almost two decades photographing Kansas City jazz musicians. The result of his work is "The Fine Art of Jazz," a series of 50 black-and-white portraits of Kansas City jazz musicians. In addition, the exhibition offers a look into the performers’ lives through excerpts of interviews with the musicians.
“Waiting for the World to Begin” is a solo exhibition of new paintings by Thomas Drymon. Opening Reception on Sun., June 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. Gallery Talk with Thomas Drymon on Sun., July 19, at 4 p.m. at which he discusses his creative process, including explorations of similar themes and concepts using photography, video, and installations. The Athenaeum is one block south of the King and Lee streets Trolley Stop. Open Thurs., Fri. and Sun. noon - 4 p.m.; Sat 1-4 p.m. Closed Mon.-Wed. and holidays.
“Mixed Media” uses a combination of two, three, or more traditional media and materials to create a unified work of art. In this, the second all-member show for 2009, Del Ray Artisans who work in a variety of media will display their creative ingenuity in making 2-D and 3-D pieces that compose a new and unexpected visual experience. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12 noon - 4 pm (First Thursdays 12 noon - 9 pm), Fridays 12 noon - 9 pm, Saturdays 10 am - 9 pm, Sundays 12 noon - 6 pm.
Works from the Kiln Club.
A whimsical show of illustrated limericks in original woodcut and linocut prints. Phyllis Cohen and Lauren Miko blend their styles to give lighthearted interpretation to Cohen’s amusing literary works. Reception: Sunday, July 19, 3-6pm
The Power of Color is the theme of the July show at Gallery West. The show explores the subject of color in the creation of art and will include both member artwork and juried work by local artists. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 6 p.m., and from 6 to 9 p.m. July 9 for Old Town's Second Thursday Art Night. At the reception on Saturday, July 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., Hellen Dilley Barsalou will give a watercolor demonstration entitled "Landscape in Color".
A watercolor demonstration by Helen Dilley Barsalou will take place Saturday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Gallery West as part of the reception for the July show which is entitled The Power of Color. The show features work by gallery members and local artists who have been juried into the show.
KIDS GET ECO-CREATIVE with a one week art-making camp. Activities including: painting, drawing, collage, fiber fun, mixed medium, games and more. Fee includes professional artist & teacher instructors, art supplies, healthy lunches & snacks. The Del Ray Artisans (DRA) Summer Art Camp limits the number of students to 26 with two classrooms of 13 students each. DRA is committed to making this camp accessible to any child and not letting financial standing be an obstacle for participation.
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