As September continues, more and more festivals and other events are happening around Alexandria.
Families will find events for all kinds of interests, from shopping and art to history. It’s a busy weekend between Alexandria Oktoberfest, The Lyceum’s Classic Car Show, Old Town Boutique Community’s Alexandria Days and Alexandria Library’s Black Family Reunion. Old Town North particularly has a lot going on — Chalk-A-Block, Alexandria Canal History Pub Crawl and Vintage Flea and Artisans Market.
Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Tavern Games Night
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18
After the Alexandria Forum: Nothing But Independence ending at 5 p.m., Historic Alexandria will host Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Tavern Games Night with historic tavern games, a brief presentation, and trivia. Guests can enjoy a beer or cider and light snacks. The cost is $10 and includes one drink.
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria Days
When: Sept. 18-20
Old Town Boutique Community will host this neighborhood-wide event to kick off the fall shopping season with special offers at participating boutiques. Shoppers can pick up or download an Alexandria Days passport and collect stamps at participating shops. Businesses will have specials, gifts with purchases and in-store experiences. Shoppers have a chance to win one of two shopping sprees at the participating boutique of their choice.
Throughout Old Town
Alexandria Oktoberfest
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Get out your lederhosen and dirndls and head to John Carlyle Square for the returning Oktoberfest. The free festival brings the spirit of Bavarian traditions to Alexandria with German food, beer garden, live German music and performances, Beer Stein Holding Challenge, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest competition, and an arts and crafts market.
300 John Carlyle Street
Chalk-A-Block
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
This third annual event at Current TideLock features chalk artists such as architect Anila Angjeli, master muralist Patrick Kirwin and artist Nicole von Kuhl. Mayor Alyia Gaskins and The Art League Executive Director Suzanne Bethel will serve on the judging panel. Community chalk areas will also be provided for attendees to make their own chalk art. There will also be live music from The Okays, artisans and makers curated by Made in ALX, food and drinks from local restaurants, and an interactive community art project led by art therapists from River Grove Therapy.
1055 N. Fairfax Street
The Lyceum: Classic Car Show
When: 10-1 p.m. Sept. 19
Visit the parking lot of the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum for a classic car show co-sponsored by Packards Virginia and the Office of Historic Alexandria. The show features a variety of Packards ranging from the 1930s to 1950s as well as other “orphan” vehicles from out-of-business manufacturers. Attendees can visit the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum’s exhibits in between the free car show.
201 S. Washington Street
Alexandria Canal History Pub Crawl
When: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
NOTICe will host this second annual Alexandria Canal History Pub Crawl in front of Gables Old Town North. Attendees will enjoy happy hour libations and hear stories of life and love on the historic canal in the 1800s at Gables Old Town North, St Elmo’s Coffee Pub, Hanks Oyster Bar, Royal Restaurant and T.J. Stones.
525 Montgomery Street
Gustave Oktoberfest
When: 12-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Del Ray with European brews, German-style bites, a petting zoo, Oktoberfest games for kids and adults, a photo booth, live music, and a traditional Oktoberfest Keg Tap and Stein Holding Contest. Guests are encouraged to wear their Bavarian best attire.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria Library’s 4th Annual Black Family Reunion
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Current and former residents are invited to bring yearbooks, photographs, old event flyers, or programs that can be digitized or share a brief oral history with Alexandria Library. Attendees will enjoy free food from local food trucks, music and dancing, games for kids and adults, and Black Family Reunion t-shirts.
717 Queen Street
Dining through the Decades: Feasting at Lee-Fendall
When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Join food historian and program manager Sophie McCarthy to explore the food and cultural influences of the generations of Lee-Fendall House residents. McCarthy will discuss the historic foodways of Virginia, many of which were served in the house, and how food production and consumption changed through industrialization. Tickets are $15 (free for museum members) and should be reserved in advance.
614 Oronoco Street
Vintage Flea and Artisans Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
Browse the farmers market and flea market in Old Town North’s Montgomery Park.
901 N. Royal Street
