The first weekend of June brings plenty of summer happenings, from a welcome celebration for the Croatian National Football Team to other food festivals, concerts and tours.
Events like Best of the West, Flavors and Sounds of Croatia in Alexandria and the sold-out Taste of Del Ray will keep foodies satisfied this weekend. History fans will enjoy the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Walking Tour. Musicians will also treat the community to free concerts with Alexandria Citizens Band: A Journey Through American Music and LIVE at the Lyceum: Piano & Friends Concert.
Here’s a guide to what’s going on around the city this weekend:
Lost Boy Cider Friendship Night
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 5
The continuing Friendship Night series at Lost Boy Cider features live acoustic music, community, conversation and cider. The next events are June 12 and 19.
317 Hooffs Run Drive
Flavors and Sounds of Croatia in Alexandria
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 6
This celebration in Waterfront Park will celebrate Croatian heritage in honor of the Croatian National Football Team making Alexandria its home base during the World Cup. The event will feature live Croatian music and dance performances, food vendors like Old House Cosmopolitan and Dolci Gelati, activities and remarks from officials. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be relocated to the first floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union Street).
1 Prince Street
Best of the West
When: 12-6 p.m. Saturday, June 6
This returning festival moves to a larger location at Ben Brenman Park. The event will have tastes and items for purchase from restaurants, other business vendors, community organization booths, a Port City Brewing Company beer garden, arts and crafts and a live music stage.
4800 Brenman Park Drive
Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex Walking Tour
When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Join public historian David Heiby for a guided walking tour of Wilkes Street Cemetery, which was established after Alexandria’s 1803 yellow fever epidemic and the city’s 1804 burial edict. Attendees will hear stories about Revolutionary War patriots, Civil War soldiers, prominent Alexandrians and everyday people that contributed to the city’s history. Heiby is superintendent of the historic Presbyterian Cemetery and a member of the Lee-Fendall House Board of Directors.
1475 Wilkes Street
NoVa Synchro Water Show
When: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, June 6
This free water show at Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility is led by NoVa Synchro, a nonprofit that teaches artistic swimming to young athletes.
3795 W Braddock Road
Carlyle House Family Fun Day: Book Bonanza
When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Read and craft for Family Fun Day on the Carlyle House front lawn on the first Saturday of the month from March to November. The program is for all ages, although some crafts may not be suitable for children under 4. It is free to attend, but donations are welcome. There will not be an event in July.
121 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria Citizen’s Band: A Journey Through American Music
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 6
Join the band for a free concert, “A Journey Through American Music,” at Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Rec Center. The performance will highlight American artists and composers throughout America’s musical history.
25 W. Reed Avenue
17th Annual Taste of Del Ray
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 7
Del Ray’s restaurants will participate in the 17th Annual Taste of Del Ray at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields. Attendees will enjoy tastes from participating restaurants and will cast a vote for the People’s Choice award. Judges will also give awards. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for ALIVE! Tickets are sold out.
2701 Commonwealth Avenue
LIVE at the Lyceum: Piano & Friends Concert
When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, June 7
This concert is part of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association’s 36th Annual Summer Sundays Chamber Music Series, LIVE at the Lyceum Sundays from June through August. Tickets are not required, but $25 donations are suggested. The Piano & Friends Concert features soprano Elizabeth Kluegel, Crystal Lee on flute, Laurel Kuxhaus on oboe, Brittany Pemberton on clarinet, Walter Wynn on bassoon, Eric Moore on horn, Erin Ryan on violin, Ken Law on cello, and John Suntherland Earle on piano. The program includes Summer Hours by Kenji Bunch, Songs by Clara Schumann, and Piano Trio by Dimitry Shostakovich.
201 S. Washington Street
Life Alive’s “Alive on King Street” Patio Preview Party
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7
Life Alive is having a preview event ahead of its official opening on Tuesday, June 9. The preview is free and open to the public.
400 King Street
