Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 88 degrees. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
🚨 You need to know
Alexandria resident Theodore A. Adams III will release his latest work, “The Man Who Owned a Plane,” on Tuesday through Blue Balloon Books. The 40-page illustrated short story has already earned recognition as winner of the American Book Fest Award for Visionary Fiction 2025 and gold impact winner of the Positive Impact Book Awards.
The book tells the story of a simple visit to a grieving friend that becomes an unexpected journey of self-discovery. According to promotional materials, the tale explores “the idea of true inheritance, the kind carried in our hearts and souls, not in our hands.” The story is designed to help readers reflect on life’s deeper meanings, particularly during times of transition or loss.
The Man Who Owned a Plane is a poignant tale of unexpected wisdom found in the aftermath of loss.
In this captivating short story, a well-intentioned visit to a grieving friend becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery, revealing that the most precious inheritances are not material possessions but the profound truths that elevate our souls.
Adams brings extensive credentials to his literary work as an award-winning filmmaker, pilot, engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. The Rice University mechanical engineering graduate also holds a Master of Business Administration from UCLA and completed post-graduate studies at the Yale-China Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Harvard Business School. He currently chairs multiple nonprofit charitable organizations and owns several companies.
The hardcover book is recommended for readers 16 and older and is available for pre-order on Amazon for $24.95. The book targets adults navigating grief or change and those searching for inspiration through its themes of introspection, emotional wisdom and legacy.
📈 Friday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Aug 15, 2025.
- Alexandria schools reject federal Title IX demands
- Bidding suspended on Alexandria home as two other properties head to tax sale Wednesday
- Man who jumped from King Street balcony was indicted for dating app fraud
- Former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson named NOVA Parks Executive Director
- Alexandria homes among Virginia’s priciest for sale
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s happening today and this weekend in Alexandria, courtesy of our newsletter and event calendar.
- 👉 12:00 pm Saturday: The Towns at Beulah Model Grand Opening
Saturday, August 16
Things To Do
- 7 a.m.: Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza
- 8 a.m.: Del Ray Farmers’ Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square
- 8:30 a.m.: Murphy’s Saturday Run at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- 10 a.m.: Fitness At The Brewery at Aslin ALX
- 10 a.m.: Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour at Carlyle House
- 10:30 a.m.: Pedals & Pints at Handy Bikes
- 10:30 a.m.: VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga (Hatha-Raja) – Level 1 sessions hosted by Adam Shaw at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 11 a.m.: Make Your Own Flower Candle Workshop at Shop Made in VA
- 11 a.m.: Sweet Summer Social at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
- 12 p.m.: The Towns at Beulah Model Grand Opening at The Towns at Beulah Model Home
- 12 p.m.: Port to Port Beer Festival at Port City Brewing Company
- 12:30 p.m.: Bands & Brews in Del Ray
- 1 p.m.: Crab Feast at Aslin ALX
- 1 p.m.: Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 2 p.m.: Board Game Cafe at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 3 p.m.: Tea Blending Workshop at Shop Made in VA
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Comedy Night at 8 p.m., DJ & Karaoke Night at 9 p.m.
- Bella Napoli: Ryland Edwards at 1 p.m., Kevin Caffery at 3:30 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Black Coffee at 9 p.m.
- Cheesetique: Marian Hunter Duo at 1 pm, Busketeers at 3:30 pm
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Kenny Kohlhaas Duo at 9:30 p.m.
- Del Ray Pizzeria: DJ Ray at 1 p.m., Squid Inc. at 3 p.m.
- Evening Star Cafe: George Katsos at 1 p.m., Lacklustre at 4 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Freddy Mac: Tyler Wilson’s Last Waltz, Beefcake and The Backing Tracks at 8 p.m.
- Gustav: The Maysuns at 1 p.m., The Derds at 3:30 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Jake Mimikos at 12:30 p.m., Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Junction Bakery & Bistro: The Band w/ No Name at 1 p.m., Wildflower Revival at 3:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Sharon Clark Trio at 7 p.m.
- Lena’s Woodfired Pizza & Tap: Summer & Eric Duo at 1 p.m.
- Los Tios Grill: Tennessee Frisky at 1 p.m., Carter Farm at 3:30 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Negussie & Nani at 10 p.m.
- Matt & Tony’s: Greg Roth at 1 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Pat Gravey & The Wavos at 9 p.m.
- Northside 10: Kit Wannen at 12:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Friday Night Flicks at 9 p.m.
- Piece Out Del Ray: Lo Ball at 1 p.m., The Okays at 3 p.m.
- Pork Barrell: Bridget Artman at 2 p.m., DJ Bob at 5 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- Rosemarino: DJ Calibra8tor at 12:30 p.m.
- St. Elmo’s: Janna Audrey at 1 p.m., Neal Learner at 3:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Toast – The Ultimate BREAD Experience at 7:30 p.m.
- The Garden: Bob Lawson at 12 p.m., Paper Airplanes at 3 p.m.
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Kinky Boots at 8 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 10 a.m.: Annual Dog Swim
Sunday, August 17
Things To Do
- 8:30 a.m.: West End Farmers Market at 4800 Brenman Park
- 9 a.m.: Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market at Four Mile Run Park
- 1 p.m.: Kids Arts & Crafts at Hops N Shine
- 1 p.m.: Writers Group at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 2 p.m.: Alexandria Oddball Cinema – Don’t Read This on a Plane at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 2 p.m.: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 3 p.m.: Summer Sundays Chamber Music at the Lyceum by WMPA
- 3 p.m.: ‘Pinned’ Indie Film Table Read at No. 9 Lounge at Evening Star Cafe
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Kev Powe Thang at 9 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Black Coffee at 10:30 a.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Brian Gaffney at 5 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Open Mic at 7:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Steve Zubrick at 11:30 a.m., Walt Johnson Trio at 6 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: O’McPub Band at 4 p.m., Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: MAYSA’s 59th Birthday Concert Party at 7:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 2 p.m.: Family Day with Young Historians
