It’s a busy start to October as many visitors will arrive to the city for a returning arts festival.
Art on the Avenue will draw tens of thousands to Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. But if you’re looking for something smaller, check out Civil War Shelter Day at Fort Ward, Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill’s Pumpkin Patch, Douglass Cemetery tour or Rosemont Citizens Association’s Oktoberfest.
Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.
Carnival of Curiosities exhibit opening at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2
Join the opening reception to meet curators Tiara Safic-Martin and Morgan Parr and the exhibiting artists. Del Ray Artisan will also hold a Masquerade Party from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 to reveal the People’s Choice Award. The exhibit, focused on all things carnival and circus related, will be open through Oct. 31.
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Art on the Avenue
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
One of Del Ray’s largest events of the year draws hundreds of artists plus food and drink vendors, children’s art activities, live music, a pie contest and more.
Mount Vernon Avenue from Hume to Bellefonte Avenues
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill’s Pumpkin Patch opening
When: Saturday, Oct. 3 (open through Oct. 31)
The Pumpkin Patch features pumpkins in a variety of sizes grown by Navajo Nation farmers, as well as other gourds, homemade soups, baked goods and seasonally-themed crafts. Prices start at $1 and vary by size. Proceeds support local, national, and international charities that feed, house and care for people in need.
3606 Seminary Road
Civil War Shelter Day Interpretive Program at Fort Ward
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
This program at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site will explore tents and shelter for Civil War soldiers. Fort Ward’s furnished Officers’ Hut will be open to the public, and various camp life accessories, furnishings and heating methods for military accommodations will be on display. The event is free, but admission to the Fort Ward Museum is $3, and children under 5 are free.
4301 W. Braddock Road
Preserving Douglass Cemetery: A Cemetery Tour
When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Meet the descendants of Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery and the Office of Historic Alexandria archaeologists and historians that have worked to interpret and preserve Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery. The event is free but weather permitting.
1367-1473, Wilkes Street
Carlyle House Family Fun Day
When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Read and craft with friends on the Carlyle House front lawn for Family Fun Day. Crafts and activities relate to the monthly theme, and October’s theme is Spooky Season. This program is for all ages, but some crafts may be challenging for guests under 4. No fee is required, but donations are welcome.
121 N. Fairfax Street
Eisenhower Partnership Movie Night: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Eisenhower Partnership Movie Night presents “E.T.” with a snack bar and local vendors. The movie starts at sunset.
1800 Limerick Street
Rosemont Citizens Association Oktoberfest
When: 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4
Join the citizens association for an Oktoberfest celebration with food and drinks from Rosemont Cellar and games and entertainment in the parking lot.
2 E. Walnut Street
Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive with Lindsay Motors
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4
Test drive EVs, from Cadillac, Lexus and Volvo to a Trek E-bike. The event will be held outside of Lindsay Lexus of Alexandria.
1725 Kenwood Avenue
