A Taco Bell Cantina on King Street will be the starting point and finish line for hundreds of runners competing in a “Taco Bell DC 50K” race next month.

Described as “the ultimate mix of endurance and spice,” the unlicensed event takes runners through a course of eight Taco Bell restaurants across Alexandria, Arlington and D.C., where they must eat at least one menu item per stop — Baja Blasts not included.


The Alexandria Police Department has a few tips for families to have a safe Halloween tomorrow (Friday).

Trick-or-treaters should wear light-colored or reflective costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks for visibility, the department recommended. Families can also add contact cards inside their kids’ costumes in case they are separated, according to an APD flier distributed on social media this week.


An Alexandria artist is preparing to host her first-ever portrait exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art Center this fall.

Lifelong artist Mahua Mazumdar’s new exhibition, “Expressions of Light,” features 15 portraits “exploring the nuances of human presences, vulnerability, complexity and joyous moments,” she told ALXnow. The collection will be available to view at The Art League Gallery from Nov. 12-Dec. 7 at 105 N. Union Street.


An Alexandria education nonprofit has been honored with a statewide award for one of its mentoring programs.

The Campagna Center was recognized by Mentor Virginia last month for Wright to Read, a program that has trained and paired reading tutors with elementary students in Alexandria for 45 years. The program received the 2025 Champions of Mentoring Award at a ceremony in Richmond on Oct. 23.


A free kids’ event at an Alexandria elementary school next month will combine recycling, crafting and competition.

The “Recycled Royal Rumble” is happening from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at Patrick Henry K-8 School’s athletic field (4653 Taney Avenue). The outdoor challenge tasks kids to create medieval-inspired armor and costumes using cardboard, recycled materials and household items.


Alexandria’s former sheriff and a retired principal from Alexandria City High School will be honored during a gala hosted by the Center for Alexandria’s Children this winter.

Retired sheriff Dana Lawhorne will receive CAC’s Champion for Children Award, while longtime educator John Porter will receive the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award at the nonprofit’s benefit concert in February.


A local entrepreneur is kicking off preparations to launch a new Del Ray event space with a “Wicked”-themed Halloween party and fundraiser this week.

Lee Raynes, the former owner of Bellies & Babies consignment shop, is hosting the party to preview her next business model, an event space called Together Creative Studio. The party starts at 4 p.m. on Friday at 2603 E. Randolph Avenue.


The Freedom House Museum will reopen to the public Nov. 6 following the completion of exterior rehabilitation work that restored the building’s pre-Civil War appearance, the city announced Monday.

The Office of Historic Alexandria will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at the museum, located at 1315 Duke Street. Experts will be available from 1-3 p.m. that day to discuss details of the renovation work.


With her silky white coat dotted with black spots and delightfully floppy brown ears, Konjet is a head-turner who matches her storybook looks with an equally gentle personality.

The 1-year-old, 63-pound pup has good house manners and previously lived with other dogs, making her a flexible addition to various household types. Whether joining a family or becoming a single person’s devoted companion, Konjet adapts well to her environment.


The Old Town North Community Partnership will host its annual Dogtoberfest celebration Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montgomery Park, featuring live music, costume contests and activities for pets and families.

Local performer Mike Seti will perform from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Music in Montgomery Park concert series. The free, pet- and family-friendly event will take place at 901 North Royal St. A rain date is scheduled for Nov. 2.


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