September is already approaching its end, and fall events are ramping up around Alexandria.
Some of the month’s biggest events are taking place this weekend — the returning Alexandria Fall Art Festival in Carlyle and sold-out 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour in Old Town. Other highlights include the new Old Town Beauty Crawl, Alexandria Film Festival’s premiere of “Ask E. Jean,” the Friends of Beatley Central Library book sale, Wilderness Kids Alexandria Music Festival and an event with “The Silver Linings Playbook” author Matthew Quick.
Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.
Old Town Beauty Crawl
When: Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27
The first-ever Beauty Crawl was organized by salons and retail stores in Old Town. Shops and salons specializing in cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, haircare or beauty treatments will offer promotions and prizes throughout the three-day weekend.
Around Old Town
Fall Book Sale, Friends of Beatley Central Library
When: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26; 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28
Browse thousands of used books, DVDs and CDs donated by the community. All proceeds benefit the library. The sale will have a half-price day on Sunday and $15 bag sale on Monday.
5005 Duke Street
Alexandria Fall Art Festival
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27
This returning festival features a juried selection of artwork from local and national artists. Artwork is available in a variety of mediums, such as sculpture, paintings, jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
300 John Carlyle Street
The Twig’s 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
This ticketed event gives attendees a glimpse inside Alexandria’s historic properties featuring original and preserved structures, curated artwork and historical collections. The tour is self guided and benefits Inova Alexandria Hospital. Children under 12 are not permitted, but a carried infant is allowed. The event is sold out, and the next tour will happen Saturday, Sept. 25, 2027.
Throughout Old Town
History Hike – Civil War Alexandria: A Walking Tour
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
The two-hour walking tour of Old Town Alexandria explores the city’s Civil War past with National Museum of the U.S. Army educators Kenna Howat Felix and John Maass. Occupied by Union forces on May 24, 1861, the city became a Union supply depot, medical hub, and sanctuary for freedom seekers until the war ended. Dozens of public buildings, churches and private homes had been used as military barracks, prisons and hospitals.
201 S. Washington Street
A Letter to His Father: Author Talk and Book Signing with Bestselling Author Matthew Quick
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
Matthew Quick, author of “The Silver Linings Playbook,” will discuss his new memoir, “Dad, Love, Me: A Memoir.” Quick’s first nonfiction work explores his relationship with his father after his father’s dementia diagnosis, examining “family, memory, forgiveness, mental illness, and the lasting impact of generational trauma.” The event is presented by Virginia Humanities in partnership with the Alexandria Book Festival and Old Town Books.
201 S. Washington Street
Run! Geek! Run!
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
This returning 5K run and walk race in Del Ray is on a USATF-certified flat course and includes a one-mile fun run option. The event benefits a different Alexandria nonprofit every year, and this year’s beneficiary is the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.
1005 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria Film Festival Presents “Ask E. Jean”
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
The Alexandria Film Festival is hosting the Virginia premiere of “Ask E. Jean,” following E. Jean Carroll’s days as Miss Cheerleader USA to editor at Esquire, Playboy and Outside and her two court challenges against President Donald Trump. Tickets are $15 in advance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
201 S. Washington Street
Wilderness Kids Alexandria Music Festival
When: 12-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
This fourth annual music festival takes place at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square in Del Ray. Local bands The Walkaways, Fork in the Road, the Bad Dates, the Vaughn Ambrose Trio and more will perform, and there will be games, face painting, children’s crafts, and a raffle featuring local businesses. Proceeds benefit Wilderness Kids Alexandria, which provides nature experiences to teenagers from underserved communities in Alexandria.
2311 Mount Vernon Avenue
U.S. Air Force Strings Concert
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
Join the Air Force Strings for an Athenaeum Concert Series performance at The Athenaeum. The concert is free and open to the public.
201 Prince Street
