More activities are moving indoors and holiday events are starting to appear around Alexandria in mid-November.
This weekend, the Alexandria Film Festival celebrates 20 years, and the newly-renamed Bright Nights—The Winter Village at Cameron Run returns for its final season. Other highlights include the Banned Books Speakeasy and specialty tours at Fort Ward Museum and Lee-Fendall House.
Here’s what is going on around the city over the weekend.
Alexandria Film Festival
When: Friday, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Nov. 15
The city’s returning film festival celebrates 20 years of showcasing independent films. It will have a record 80 film screenings and over 50 filmmaker Q&A sessions. Films are screened at various locations, including Patagonia Old Town, Charles E. Beatley Library in West End, Virginia Tech (ALX) in Potomac Yard, The Riviera Alexandria in Potomac Yard, and the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum in Old Town. Tickets are available for $15 per film or $80 for an all-festival pass.
Various locations around Alexandria
The Restricted Collection: A Banned Book Speakeasy Series
When: Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14
This returning event at The Study at Morrison House invites attendees to step inside the hidden library to enjoy cocktails, food, live piano music and immersive storytelling. It explores why books across generations have been restricted, challenged, or banned. The Virginia Library Association receives $5 from every $12 timed-entry ticket.
116 S. Alfred Street
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
This monthly market with 70-plus vendors returns with selections of vintage clothing, vinyl and CDs, collectibles, upcycled items and more.
1804, 1900, 1913 and 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
Bright Nights—The Winter Village at Cameron Run
When: Starting Saturday, Nov. 14, select days through Jan. 3, 2027
Cameron Run Regional Park’s holiday lights experience opens for its final season. The park will have light displays, festive photo ops, hot drinks and snacks. New this year are lighted mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a giant maze. Ice skating will not take place this season. Bright Nights is open through Jan. 3, 2027.
4001 Eisenhower Avenue
Bricks & Minifigs Alexandria Grand Opening
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
This new store for buying, selling and trading Legos is ready to hold its grand opening. The first 100 customers will get a special grand opening gift while supplies last. For every $20 spent, customers will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a special Lego prize.
110 N. Royal Street
Gustave Art & Craft Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
The monthly market at Gustave features local crafters and artists, seasonal treats, children’s activities and a fire pit. This month’s theme is “Get ready for Christmas” and features Santa photos and ornament making for children.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Specialty Tour of Fort Ward & Civil War Music
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
This one-hour tour exploring music in the Civil War begins inside the museum with the exhibit “Buglers and Brass Bands.” Participants will learn how music and musical instruments functioned within the Union Army and in the 1860s. Outside, the tour will continue to explore Fort Ward in the reconstructed Northwest Bastion. Doors to the museum will open at 9:45 a.m. Participants are asked to arrive or call the museum before 10 a.m. as doors will be locked at the start of the tour.
4301 W. Braddock Road
St. Rita 5K & 1K Fun Run for Education
When: 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
This race starting at George Washington Middle School features a flat 5K course and a 1K Kids Fun Run. Participants and spectators can enjoy coffee, refreshments, games, giveaways and more.
1000 Main Line Blvd
They Lived Here Too: Work & Slavery at Lee-Fendall
When: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Learn about the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked at the Lee-Fendall House from 1785 to 1969. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 12 people. Lee-Fendall House members can call 703-548-1789 or email [email protected] for a free reservation.
614 Oronoco Street
Friendship Firehouse Museum Opens to Visitors
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
Visit the Friendship Firehouse Museum during one of its monthly openings. The fire company was founded in 1774 as Alexandria’s first volunteer brigade. Today, the 1855 firehouse is a museum with early fire fighting equipment open to the public.
107 S. Alfred Street
