Alexandria is bustling this weekend with a variety of activities. From history-themed events and tours to creative workshops, there’s something for everyone.
Music lovers can enjoy a diverse range of live performances at various venues, while families might enjoy story times, science cafes, or the youth orchestra concert.
A highlight for many this weekend is the Del Ray Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, offering a chance to taste some local flavors.
Check out the complete list of events and listings below, and if you attend something you found here, be sure to let the venue know you read about it on ALXnow!
Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.
Friday, February 21
Things To Do
- 10 a.m.: History in Pieces: President’s Day Puzzles – Community Puzzle Honors Washington and Lincoln at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 10:15 a.m.: Baby Storytime at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 3:30 p.m.: Alexandria Teen Science Cafe/Future Cities at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center
- 6 p.m.: Washington Society of Landscape Painter Juried Exhibition & Opening Reception at Principle Gallery
- 6:30 p.m.: Alexandria Film Festival presents The Poppaw Queen at The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
- 6:30 p.m.: Boozy Bonsai Workshop at PlantHouse
- 6:30 p.m.: Black History Month Poetry Night at Wellness Bliss
- 7 p.m.: Vive Lafayette Wine Challenge at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Chris Timbers at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Starting Early at 9:30 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Giggle Monster Comedy Showcase at 8 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Too Extra Band at 9 p.m.
- Clyde’s at Mark Center: Brent & Co at 9 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Waking Napster at 9:30 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Stephen Sol & The Wrizzards: A Night of Music & Comedy at 8 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Murder Mystery Game Night at 6:30 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rocky Guttmann at 9 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Jay Nixon at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Gary Gulman with Emmy Blotnick at 7:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse Restaurant: Nova Buckshot at 9:30 p.m.
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Matilda at 8 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
- Virginia Theological Seminary: To The Field of Stars at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22
Things To Do
- 7 a.m.: Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza
- 8 a.m.: Del Ray Farmers Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square
- 10 a.m.: Fitness At The Brewery at Aslin ALX
- 10 a.m.: Nature Journaling Club at Del Ray Artisans
- 10 a.m.: Running At The Brewery at Aslin ALX
- 10 a.m.: Animals in My Backyard at Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center
- 10 a.m.: Pedals & Pints: Long Ride at Handy Bikes
- 10 a.m.: History in Pieces: President’s Day Puzzles – Community Puzzle Honors Washington and Lincoln at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 11 a.m.: Resin 101: Make a ‘Galaxy Tray’ at Made in ALX
- 11 a.m.: Ada Ari Author Event – Presented by the Friends of Burke Branch Library at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 12 p.m.: Drag Brunch at Del Ray Pizzeria
- 1 p.m.: Silent Reading Party with Old Town Books at Hotel AKA Alexandria
- 1:30 p.m.: Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria – The Berge & Parker-Gray at Carlyle House
- 2 p.m.: Flower Arranging Workshop at Made in ALX
- 2 p.m.: Handcraft Tuesday – Weekend Edition at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 2 p.m.: Oddball Cinema at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 2 p.m.: Board Game Cafe at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 2 p.m.: Hands-on Pruning Practicum at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 3:30 p.m.: Alexandria Citizens Band Swing Band Black History Month Concert at Del Ray United Methodist Church
- 5 p.m.: Del Ray Chili Cook-Off at Commonwealth Academy
- 8 p.m.: Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Rich Russman Band at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Too Much Feedback at 9:30 p.m.
- Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum: Improv Show at 8 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Bravenoise at 9 p.m.
- Crooked Beat Records: Old Knife, Roscoe Trip, Devin Ocampoi, and Jerry Busher at 7 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Irresponsible at 9:30 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Latin Night with District of Colombia and Los Diablos Rojos at 7 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Sharon Clark Trio at 7 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Negussie & Nani at 10 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rocky Guttmann at 9 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: DJ Night Shades of Play at 9 p.m.
- Port City Brewing Company: Jokes on Tap: Free Comedy Night at 7 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Laurel Canyon: Golden Songs of Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse Restaurant: Diplomatic Immunity at 9:30 p.m.
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Matilda at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
- Virginia Theological Seminary: To The Field of Stars at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 23
Things To Do
- 8:30 a.m: West End Farmers Market at 4800 Brenman Park
- 9 a.m.: Old Town North Farmers Market at Montgomery Park
- 10 a.m.: Muay Thai at Aslin ALX
- 11 a.m.: Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
- 1 p.m.: Kids Arts & Crafts at Hops N Shine
- 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.: Manumission Tour Company Black History Bus Tour at Alexandria Black History Museum
- 1 p.m.: History in Pieces: President’s Day Puzzles – Community Puzzle Honors Washington and Lincoln at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 2 p.m.: George Washington’s Alexandria Walking Tour in Old Town
- 2:30 p.m.: Preschool STEAM Sundays at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 3 p.m.: WMPA Youth Orchestra Concert at Bishop Ireton High School
- 4 p.m.: Choir of William and Mary Concert for a Cause at Old Presbyterian Meeting House
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Kev Powe Thang at 9 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Jazz Brunch with Black Coffee at 10:30 a.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Brian Gaffney at 5 p.m.
- El Cuscatleco Restaurant: Open Mic at 6 p.m.
- Evening Star Cafe: Rock Del Ray presents Project GXB in the No. 9 Lounge at 6 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Black Rails, New Passengers, and Little A at 4 p.m., Open Mic at 7:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Steve Ragsdale at 11:30 a.m., Walt Johnson Trio at 6 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Chayce Beckham at 7:30 p.m.
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Matilda at 2 p.m.
- Virginia Theological Seminary: To The Field of Stars at 7:30 p.m.
Ryan Belmore is an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he relocated to Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife in 2021. He serves on the City of Alexandria’s Board of Zoning Appeals and previously served on the City’s Commission For The Arts. Follow Ryan on Instagram at @RyanInALX.
Photo via Little Theatre of Alexandria/Facebook
