Around Town

Makers markets, 9/11 day of service and Oktoberfest top Alexandria’s weekend lineup

Residents and visitors in Alexandria can expect a full lineup of weekend events in September, starting with this weekend.

As Alexandrians remember 9/11, the day will be followed by a National Day of Service and Remembrance for volunteers at Alexandria National Cemetery.

Other notable events include the Fall Makers Market with Made in ALX, HalloWEIRD Art Market at Del Ray Artisans, the Remembering All of the Titans: Cheerleading Legacies conversation at the Lyceum and the monthly Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market.

Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.

Oktoberfest Celebrations at Atlas Brew Works

When: Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12

Enjoy the seasonal release of Festbier during this Oktoberfest celebration at Atlas Alexandria.

2429 Mandeville Lane

Blithe Spirit at Little Theatre of Alexandria 

When: Through Sept. 19

Catch the final days of this supernatural comedy following novelist Charles Condomine as he invites a medium to his home for research. That leads to him accidentally summoning his first wife, Elvira and leads to a battle of wit, jealousy and otherworldly antics.

600 Wolfe Street

Fall Makers Market with Made in ALX

When: 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

Over 25 vendors will participate in this market at Port City Brewing Company. Many vendors will have activities like making a charm bracelet, creating a relief print and designing a tote bag and much more. Food and music will accompany the market, and pets and kids are welcome.

3950 Wheeler Avenue

HalloWEIRD Art Market at Del Ray Artisans

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

Browse a selection of original artwork, from ceramics, fiber and jewelry to mixed media, photography, paper and more. The outdoor event in the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields is rain or shine, and it is free to browse.

2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

Gustave Art & Craft Market

When: 9-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8

This market every second Saturday of the month features shopping, children’s activities, games and Gustave’s seasonal treats. This month’s theme is Apple Season and includes apple cider making for children.

2213 Mount Vernon Avenue

Alexandria National Cemetery: National Day of Service and Remembrance

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

Join this National Day of Service and Remembrance after the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost, first responders and military service members. In partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, the National Day of Service and Remembrance draws volunteers at local cemeteries to clean headstones and beautify the grounds. Registration is free but required.

1450 Wilkes Street

Gotta Drink Em All at Aslin Beer Co. Alexandria

When: 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

This event is for all the Pokemon fans, combining craft beer, food and Pokemon-themed experiences. Expect Pokemon-themed brews and food, retro Pokemon games and gym challenges, TCG trading and battling stations, and local vendors.

847 S. Pickett Street

Remembering All of the Titans: Cheerleading Legacies

When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

This conversation led by Alexandria native and T.C. Williams High School graduate La’Tonya Rease Miles gathers multiple generations of T.C. Williams cheerleaders, including members of the historic 1971 squad. The discussion will look at the history of schools, sports and integration in Alexandria’s Black community as well as how leadership, mentorship and legacy are passed down through women’s sports.

201 S. Washington Street 

Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

This walking tour focuses on the stories of soldiers, citizens and self-liberated African Americans during the Civil War in Alexandria. The history covered includes the military occupation, conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals and emancipation. Tickets are $15, and reservations must be made in advance. The tour will be rain or shine and lasts about an hour and a half. 614 Oronoco Street 

Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

This market focusing on vintage, antique and collectible items has more than 70 vendors and happens every second Saturday of the month.

1804, 1900, 1913 and 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue

Image 1 via Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market/Facebook

About the Author

  • Emily Leayman is the editor of ALXnow and contributes reporting to ARLnow and FFXnow. She was previously a field editor covering parts of Northern Virginia for Patch for more than eight years. A native of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, she lives in Northern Virginia.