It’s shaping up to be another busy October weekend in Alexandria.
There are plenty of festivals going on, including the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Paws in the Park with its largest Rescue Row yet. For those looking for a shucking good time, Old Town Oyster Week returns starting with an oyster shucking competition.
Other major events include the Alexandria Book & Craft Festival for book and art lovers alike and the Ethiopian Fall Festival for a taste of culture.
Here’s what is happening around the city this weekend.
Rock The Ave: Twilight Edition
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9
Carlyle Crossing and Eisenhower Partnership will host their third annual Rock The Ave: Twilight Edition with live music, local food and businesses, kid-friendly entertainment, interactive activations, community organizations and more.
The goal is to create a fun twilight-to-night experience that celebrates the Eisenhower Corridor and continues building Rock The Ave as an annual signature community event.
2455 Mandeville Lane
Old Town Oyster Week
When: Oct. 10-17
Oyster Week returns in 2026, offering plenty of oysters at local restaurants, live music, an oyster shucking competition, Oyster Passport challenge and Find the Pint scavenger hunt. The festivities start with the annual Restaurant Shucking Competition at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 in front of Daniel O’Connell’s, where some of Old Town’s top oyster shuckers will go “shell-to-shell.” The current trophy holder is Fish Market.
Another highlight is the Find the Pint scavenger hunt challenging participants to locate the hidden pint to win prizes on Saturday, Oct. 17. Throughout the week, participants can fill out the Oyster Passport by enjoying oysters and oyster dishes and collecting stamps at participating restaurants. Those with seven or more stamps will be entered into a raffle for prizes from
Guinness.
Participating restaurants in Old Town
Grand African Run
When: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
This event includes a family-friendly 5K and 1K kids run, plus a drawing to win a 2026 Toyota Corolla. Olympians Tirunesh Dibaba and Derartu Tulu will join as guests of honor. The start and finish location is behind George Washington Middle School.
1100 Main Line Blvd
King & Rye: HallowQueen Drag Brunch
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Guests are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best to enjoy a spooky drag brunch. There will be a costume contest with gift cards awarded to the top two costumes.
480 King Street
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
This monthly market includes vintage and antique finds from approximately 70 vendors.
1804 Mount Vernon Avenue, 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue, 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue and 2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
Gustave Art & Craft Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Another monthly market in Del Ray features art and gifts from local artisans and crafters. There are also seasonal children’s activities, and this month’s offering is mask making and a pumpkin patch.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Kiwi Kuisine Pie Shop Grand Reopening
When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Stop by this grand reopening of the New Zealand-style pie shop for a pie eating contest, pie tasting, giveaways and more.
4548 Eisenhower Avenue
Seaport Foundation’s Annual Wine on the Water
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Join the foundation for its signature fundraiser drawing hundreds of supporters. The Seaport Foundation, which has an apprentice program supporting underserved youth, will have hors d’oeuvres and a selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic refreshments plus an auction.
701 N. Fairfax Street
Raven’s Night at the Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Raven’s Night, a spooky season production by Belladonna and Ken Vegas, is back. The show promises dark fusion belly dance, costumes and plenty of swords.
3701 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria Book & Craft Festival
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
This second annual event gives readers the chance to meet authors and artists, buy their goods and enjoy food from Elaine’s. The festival is hosted by Elaine’s and Made in ALX.
Plaza behind 415 King Street
Paws in the Park
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
This festival at Oronoco Bay Park celebrates pets with a Rescue Row of adoptable animals, vendors, live music and entertainment, food and drinks, a dog costume contest, silent auction, family fun tent and more. The event is free, but proceeds from paid activities support the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
100 Madison Street
Ethiopian Fall Festival
When: 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
The Ethiopian Community Support and Advocacy Center will host the sixth annual Ethiopian Fall Festival at Chinquapin Park (3210 King Street). The festival will offer Ethiopian food and coffee, vendors, music and dance, fashion and cultural presentations, family activities, children’s games and more.
3210 King Street
