A family-owned sushi restaurant is preparing to open soon in Old Town with a menu full of Thai and East Asian specialties.

Interior renovations for Akeno Sushi are wrapping up at 611 King Street, where co-owner and veteran restaurateur Eakachai “Sean” Promsiri hopes to open for business by the end of the month.


Book specials, prizes and a kids’ storytime are coming to Old Town Books tomorrow (Saturday) as the local shop celebrates seven years in business.

The independent bookstore at 130 S. Royal Street first got its start as a pop-up business in 2018. The shop “never un-popped,” owner Ally Kirkpatrick told ALXnow.


Alexandria will celebrate its international sisterhood with Caen, France, next week during a “Bienvenue Beaujolais” wine tasting fundraiser.

Guests at the cultural, culinary evening can expect guided wine tastings and French cuisine to commemorate Beaujolais Nouveau Day, an annual celebration of the year’s first release of the red wine.


This November weekend in Alexandria brings dozens of activities, from concerts and holiday-themed events to local tours and free movie screenings.

Returning on Saturday is the annual Ice & Lights village display at Cameron Run Regional Park, offering festive, seasonal scenery (the ice skating component, meanwhile, returns Nov. 28). If you’re feeling extra cheery, the Eisenhower Partnership is showing “Elf” for free on Saturday night.


There’s a new indoor playground for infants to eight-year-olds in Del Ray.

Bluemont Local opened Sunday at 376A Calvert Avenue. From 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., parents and kids are asked to take off their shoes and have fun in the “soft play” landscape crafted with Scottish pine from UK-based Tigerplay.


Meet Estelle, a playful pup and “awesome companion” at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is ready to find her fur-ever home.

The “tail-wagging pocket of sunshine” is three years old, weighs 41 pounds and “loves to run and play with her squeaky toys,” according to an AWLA volunteer.


Veterans Day will bring a day of reflection and community ceremonies in Alexandria, as well as some local deals for veterans and their families.

Several city offices will close tomorrow (Tuesday) in observance of the holiday, while veterans and the Alexandria community are welcome to participate in some local ceremonies and events.


There’s a rush of business at Bar 86 in Old Town after midnight, after most of Old Town’s nightlife has died down.

Business is in full-swing at Alexandria’s newest speakeasy. By day, the venue is home to French bistro Café du Soleil, serving coffee, croissants and crepes. But at 5 p.m., a transformation occurs. The business closes, dim green lightbulbs are installed and tables are rearranged and set for 6 p.m. evening service at 215 S. Union Street.


Get your Santa hat ready, because the Del Ray Pop-Up Bar plans to reopen with a Christmas-themed “Joy on the Avenue” concept in two weeks.

The bar aims to return during the weekend of Friday, Nov. 21 at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue, replacing its spooky “Nightmare on the Avenue” pop-up that closed after Halloween, owner Bill Blackburn told ALXnow.


From the annual Alexandria Film Festival to free crafting, author events and a sold-out Banned Book Speakeasy, this fall weekend in Alexandria is packed with plenty of interesting activities. Catch an independent film, try a candle-making workshop or attend Sunday morning jazz brunch.

Discover all that’s happening in your community this weekend (Nov. 7-9), from events and entertainment to live music and more. 


Phoenix is a “super sweet, friendly and gentle” pup who loves running, playing fetch and settling in for a good cuddle.

The resident pooch at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is searching for a forever family to accompany on “woodsy weekend field trips,” according to an AWLA volunteer. She’s two years old, about 74 pounds and never seen without her “fanciest white dancing boots.”


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