Halloween festivities are starting to ramp up in Alexandria as October continues on.
This weekend, the “Thriller” Zombie Flash Mob descends upon Old Town, retailers will host the new Sticker Treat sticker crawl, and the Spooky Mad Science Expo returns for an 11th year at Patrick Henry Recreation Center. The Ethiopian Fall Festival has also been rescheduled for this weekend.
Other major events include the last days of Old Town Oyster Week and Twosome Place’s grand opening of its first U.S. location.
Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.
Sticker Treat
When: 10-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 to Saturday, Oct. 17, 12-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Old Town retailer Penny Post is hosting this first-ever sticker crawl, with ticketed participants receiving a reusable sticker book and treat map designed by local design studio No Plan. Using the map, they can locate where to find stickers and show the sticker book at each participating business to gain a sticker.
Begins at 1201 King Street
The Thirteen Presents Brahms & Bonds
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16
This chorus and orchestra will perform Brahms’ “Ein deutsches Requiem” and Margaret Bonds’ “Credo,” set to a text by W.E.B. Du Bois. It is the group’s first performance at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center.
4915 E. Campus Drive
11th Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo
When: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Chrysalis Development Group, in partnership with the City of Alexandria, will present this free expo at Patrick Henry Recreation Center with more than 80 participating organizations offering activities in robotics, engineering, cybersecurity, aviation, chemistry, technology and other STEAM fields. The City of Alexandria has formally recognized Oct. 17 as “Spooky Mad Science Expo Day,” and Mayor Alyia Gaskins and members of Alexandria City Council are expected to present a proclamation at the event.
4653 Taney Avenue
Thriller Zombie Flash Mob
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Head to the unit block of King Street for the Thriller Zombie Flash Mob, a recreation of Michael Jackson’s iconic music video. Coldwell Banker Realty real estate agents Barb Scheeler and Rachel Knapp organized the flash mob with proceeds from dancer sign-ups benefiting Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
Unit block of King Street
Fall Fest with Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Visit Duncan Library for the annual Fall Fest featuring family activities, live music, food trucks and more. A few activities include a houseplant and native plant sale, educational tables for gardening, miniature pumpkin painting, a pumpkin carving contest for completed pumpkins, wreath making and a scavenger hunt.
2501 Commonwealth Avenue
Spooky Town Books
When: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Join for a day of seasonal fun, starting at 9:30 a.m. with a pirate themed author-led storytime with Melinda Beatty, author of “What is a Pirate?” Cider slushies and pumpkin cold brews from The Little Well and Fabled Ice Cream will be available on site. Other events include a discussion with authors Sharon Pajka and Michael Kleen on “Haunted Colleges and Universities of Virginia” and “Haunted Highways of Virginia,” and an Evening of Puzzles & Poe with Diana Peterfreund, author of the young teen series “Ellen Poe.”
130 S. Royal Street
Old Town Oyster Week
When: Oct. 10-17
These are the final days of the returning Oyster Week. The event wraps up with the Find the Pint scavenger hunt challenging participants to locate the hidden pint to win prizes on Saturday, Oct. 17. Throughout the week, participants can fill out the Oyster Passport by enjoying oysters and oyster dishes and collecting stamps at participating restaurants. Those with seven or more stamps will be entered into a raffle for prizes from Guinness.
Participating restaurants in Old Town
Twosome Place Grand Opening
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Come out to South Korean cafe Twosome Place’s first U.S. location. The cafe will give away tote bags to the first 100 guests. Other grand opening activities include a gashapon capsule giveaway with prizes and surprises from 10 a.m. to noon, cake and coffee sampling from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and more.
404 King Street
Hank’s Oyster Fest
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Feast on all-you-can-eat oysters on the half shell, BBQ oysters, fried oysters, grilled chicken skewers, shrimp and veggie skewers, Old Bay French fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and tastes from Hank’s Pasta Bar. All-you-can-drink local craft beers and OysterFest punches can also be added. A DJ will be on site, and a raffle will be held. This is a ticketed event.
818 N. St. Asaph Street
Ethiopian Fall Festival
When: 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
After postponing last weekend’s event due to rain, the Ethiopian Community Support and Advocacy Center will host the sixth annual Ethiopian Fall Festival at Chinquapin Park. The festival will offer Ethiopian food and coffee, vendors, music and dance, fashion and cultural presentations, family activities, children’s games and more.
3210 King Street
Continues Arcade 1 Year Birthday Party
When: 12-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Celebrate one year of the retro arcade with prizes, giveaways, arcade competitions and challenges and more surprises throughout the day.
1050 N. Fayette Street
