It’s the final weekend of August, and there’s still summer fun happening even after the kids went back to school.
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival will be the biggest event of the weekend, bringing visitors to Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park for food, performances and vendors. Other notable events include the annual remembrance event for lynching victim Benjamin Thomas and the Alexandria City High School Titans’ first home football game of the season.
Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.
Benjamin Thomas Remembrance Event
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
The Alexandria Community Remembrance Project will host the Evening in Remembrance of Benjamin Thomas, one of two documented lynching victims in Alexandria’s history. NAACP attorney Myesha Braden will join for a conversation on voting rights, Mayor Gaskins will give remarks, and Charles E. Miller will provide music. The event takes place on the same day and location that a memorial for Thomas and protest against lynchings were held at historic Shiloh Baptist Church. Tours of the historic sanctuary where the Mass Meeting & Memorial for Thomas was held in 1899 will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 1400 Duke Street. The Freedom House at 1315 Duke Street will also be open for tours until 6:30 p.m.
1401 Jamieson Avenue
Alexandria City High School Titans vs. Lake Braddock Bruins
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
The Titans will take on the Lake Braddock Bruins for the first regular home game of the season. Fans are encouraged to wear black for the blackout.
3330 King Street
Alexandria Library: A Legacy of Service Since 1937
When: Aug. 28-31
This exhibit at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library highlights the history of Alexandria Library. It first opened as the Alexandria Free Public Library on Aug. 21, 1937, at 717 Queen Street. Through photographs, documents and historical materials, visitors will learn about the namesakes of libraries and 90 years of library service.
5005 Duke Street
Around the World Cultural Food Festival
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
This festival returning to Oronoco Bay Park brings the flavors of 20 countries, live performances representing 12 countries and more than 100 artisan and craft vendors. First hosted in Alexandria in 2021, the festival is marking its 10th year. Attendance is free, but there is a cost for food, drinks and other vendor items.
100 Madison Street
Live at the Lyceum: Piano Quintets of Brahms & Beach
When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
This concert series at the Lyceum runs Sundays from June to August. Piano Quintets of Brahms & Beach features Sonya Hayes and Erin Ryan on violin, Stephanie Knutsen on viola, Chris Fiore on cello and John Sutherland Earle on piano playing Piano Quintet in F Minor by Johannes Brahms and Piano Quintet in F-sharp Minor by Amy Beach. Admission is free, but a $25 donation is suggested.
201 S. Washington Street
Tai Chi with Cats
When: 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 Join a tai chi class with Mount Purrnon’s cats. No experience is needed. Tickets are $37.60.
109 S. Alfred Street
