Beer lovers and shoppers alike will find things to keep them busy this weekend in Alexandria.
If you want to sample beers from different places, Alexandria’s Port City Brewing Co. is gathering breweries from around the country for its Port to Port Beer Festival. Shoppers will have extra reason to head out on the town between Virginia’s sales tax holiday and Old Town Boutiques’ special Tax-Free Weekend promotion.
Here’s a guide to what’s going on around the city this weekend:
Old Town Boutiques’ Tax-Free Weekend
When: Aug. 7-9
The Old Town Boutique Community will host this promotion with support from the City of Alexandria to encourage support for local businesses during back-to-school shopping. There are 17 boutiques in Old Town that will cover the sales tax for shoppers throughout the weekend.
Across Virginia, a sales tax holiday will be held from Aug. 7 to 9 in stores and online. Sales tax will be waived for qualifying school supplies, clothing and footwear, emergency and hurricane items and Energy Star and WaterSense products.
Old Town and beyond
‘Catch Me If You Can’ at Little Theatre of Alexandria
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8
Little Theatre of Alexandria’s latest production follows the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. in a musical set in the 1960s. The story begins as Abagnale is caught by Agent Carl Hanratty after years of pursuit, but Abagnale wants to share his side of the story. The musical goes through his life running away from home to conning people using various identities. The show runs on select dates through Aug. 8.
600 Wolfe Street
Port to Port Beer Festival
When: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
This ticketed events features brews from more than 20 breweries from across the country at Port City Brewing Co. Tickets cost $60 and get you a bottomless five-ounce glass for unlimited pours, access to outdoor yard games and music from a DJ. There is also a VIP add-on option for a breakfast burrito brunch starting at 11 a.m.
3950 Wheeler Avenue
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
When: 9-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
Browse 70-plus vendors for vintage finds, handmade goods, local art and more. This market is held every second Saturday of the month.
1900 and 1804 Mount Vernon Avenue
Gustave Art & Craft Market
When: 9-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
This market every second Saturday of the month features shopping, children’s activities, games and Gustave’s seasonal treats. This month’s theme is Dog Days of August.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Save Our Ship Festival: An All-Day Music Festival
When: 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
This event benefiting the Tall Ship Providence is an all-day music festival at The Pier Bar. The Tall Ship Providence Foundation had announced in June it was suspending its educational and tour programs.
1A Prince Street
LIVE at the Lyceum: Aloha Players Concert
When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9
As part of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association’s Summer Sundays Chamber Music Series, Aloha Players is the latest act to take the stage. Aloha Players features Crystal Lee and Julia Amadee on flute, Laurel Kuxhaus and Kelly Klomparens on oboe, Chris Epinger and Karin Caifa on clarinet, Walter Wynn and Hillary Burchuk on bassoon, Robert Goler on contrabassoon and Ken Hawes and Kevin Freer on horn. Admission is free, but a $25 donation is suggested.
201 S. Washington Street
