Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Sunday, Aug. 17, the 229th day of 2025. There are 136 days left in the year.
⛈️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 94 degrees. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
🚨 You need to know
The Tall Ship Providence will host its inaugural Shanty Sing on Thursday, Aug. 21, marking the launch of a new monthly community event in Alexandria.
The maritime singing tradition will take place aboard the historic vessel docked at the waterfront, featuring collaboration with Ship’s Company Chanteymen, a group specializing in traditional sea shanties and maritime music.
“Come sing along, lead your favorite shanty, or request a song and listen to the music,” organizers said in a newsletter to supporters.
Following the debut event, Shanty Sings will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month during the ship’s regular season, which runs from March through October.
The Pier Bar will offer beverages for purchase during the event, with proceeds supporting the Tall Ship Providence’s Field Trip Program, which provides educational experiences for local students.
The Tall Ship Providence, a replica of an 18th-century Continental Navy sloop-of-war, serves as both a historical attraction and educational platform in Alexandria’s Old Town waterfront district.
Participants of all experience levels are welcome to join the maritime music tradition, whether as singers, listeners, or song requesters.
The Aug. 21 event marks the beginning of what organizers hope will become a regular community gathering celebrating Alexandria’s maritime heritage through traditional seafaring songs.
For more information about the Tall Ship Providence and its programs, visit tallshipprovidence.org.
📈 Saturday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Aug. 16, 2025.
- Woodbridge man dies in Alexandria police custody after public intoxication arrest
- Man indicted on murder, child abuse charges in infant death
- Alexandria schools reject federal Title IX demands
- Man who jumped from King Street balcony was indicted for dating app fraud
- Bidding suspended on Alexandria home as two other properties head to tax sale Wednesday
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s happening today and this weekend in Alexandria, courtesy of our newsletter and event calendar.
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
