Alexandria Weekend Guide: Tree Lighting, cat yoga and turkey trots

This November weekend in Alexandria will get into the holiday spirit with the city’s annual Tree Lighting on Saturday night, plus two pre-Thanksgiving “turkey trots.”

Alexandrians can also catch the Middle Eastern Arts Collective’s inaugural gallery tonight (Friday), knit a chunky pumpkin at AR Workshop or gain some peace of mind with the felines at Mount Purrnon. If you like cider, the city’s own Cider Festival is taking place from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at Lloyd House.

Also, the Alexandria Library is continuing to collect “Yarn Storm” donations to help keep our neighbors warm this season while hosting pom pom and knitting workshops.

Discover all that’s happening in your community this weekend (Nov. 21-23), from events and entertainment to live music and more. Find more holiday events in a list we’ve compiled here.

Friday, Nov. 21

Things To Do

• Noon to 2:40 p.m.: Spell Jar and Charm Bag Making Workshop at Friends to Lovers Bookstore
• Noon to 4 p.m.: Walk-in Crafting Bar at AR Workshop
• 5-10 p.m.: Inaugural Gallery of the Middle Eastern Arts Collective
• 6-8 p.m.: Lovers in Paper Self Portrait Collage Experience at Friends to Lovers Bookstore
• 7 p.m.: Step into Bhangra
• 7 p.m.: November Bad Romance Book Club: Isn’t it Obvious at Old Town Books
• 8 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Cats

Live Music & Entertainment

• Live Music Fridays at Hops N Shine, 6 p.m.
• Weekly live piano music at The Study at Morrison House, 6:30 p.m.
• Paula Poundstone at The Birchmere, 7:30 p.m.
• James Crisafulli & Apt Men at Galactic Panther Art Gallery, 8:30 p.m.
• Rich Russman at 219 Restaurant, 9 p.m.
• Marilyn Hucek at Blackwall Hitch, 9 p.m.
• Poehemia and Pat Garvey at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, 9 p.m.
• A Night to Forget at The Light Horse, 9:30 p.m.
• Broken Ground at Daniel O’Connell’s, 9:30 p.m.
• Slow Jams & Sweet Yams R&B Night at Zikrayet Lebanese Restaurant and Lounge, 10 p.m.

Alexandria Library Events

• All day: Yarn Storm donation collection: Keep Someone Warm This Winter
• All day: Pom Pom Kit: Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
• All day: Community Knits!
• 10:15 a.m.: Baby Storytime
• 2 p.m.: Musical Movement
• 3:30 p.m.: Fun Friday!

Saturday, Nov. 22

​​Things To Do

• 9 a.m.: Nepenthe Gallery Turkey Trot
• 9:30 a.m.: Port City Turkey Trot 5K/10K
• 10 a.m.: STEAM-tastic: Monet-Inspired Bridge Workshop
• 11 a.m.: Design Your Own Floral Trinket Tray
• Noon: Beginner Embroidery Workshop & Optional Monogram Tote at AR Workshop
• 1 p.m.: Tea & Herbs with Area 2 Farms
• 2 p.m.: Fashion History: Within the Walls of the Lee-Fendall House
• 3 p.m.: Chunky Knit Pumpkin Workshop at AR Workshop
• 5-10 p.m. Ice & Lights Winter Village at Cameron Run Regional Park
• 6 p.m.: WMGSO Presents: Modern Masterpieces

Live Music & Entertainment

• An Intimate Evening with Joe Coleman at Laporta’s Restaurant, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. showtimes
• Weekly live piano music at The Study at Morrison House, 6:30 p.m.
• Paula Poundstone at The Birchmere, 7:30 p.m.
• Rule of 3 Comedy Show @ The Garden – Del Ray, 8 p.m.
•  at Hops N Shine, 9 p.m.
• Kev Powe Thang at 219 Restaurant, 9 p.m.
• Black Coffee at Blackwall Hitch, 9 p.m.
• Poehemia and Pat Garvey at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, 9 p.m.
• Broken Ground at The Light Horse, 9:30 p.m.
• Mike Rook Richards Trio at Daniel O’Connell’s, 9:30 p.m.

City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings

• 1-5 p.m.: Alexandria Cider Festival
• 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Tree Lighting

Alexandria Library Events

• All day: Yarn Storm donation collection: Keep Someone Warm This Winter
• All day: Pom Pom Kit: Learn to Make Your Own Pom Poms!
• All day: Community Knits!
• 10 a.m.: NASA Citizen Science Program
• 10:30 a.m.: VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga
• Noon: Introduction to Tarot
• 2 p.m.: Handcraft Tuesday – Weekend Edition
• 2 p.m.: Board Game Cafe
• 3 p.m.: French Conversation Club

Alexandria City High School Sports

• ACHS Boys Basketball vs. Gar-Field High School at ACHS (freshmen at 11 a.m., junior varsity at 12:30 p.m. and varsity at 2 p.m.)