Athenaeum | ALXnow

Published September 25, 2026 at 1:45PM

The 100 block of King Street in Old Town (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

September is already approaching its end, and fall events are ramping up around Alexandria.

Some of the month’s biggest events are taking place this weekend — the returning Alexandria Fall Art Festival in Carlyle and sold-out 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour in Old Town. Other highlights include the new Old Town Beauty Crawl, Alexandria Film Festival’s premiere of “Ask E. Jean,” the Friends of Beatley Central Library book sale, Wilderness Kids Alexandria Music Festival and an event with “The Silver Linings Playbook” author Matthew Quick.

News

‘Halloweddings’ return to Old Town on Oct. 31 after selling out last year

By James Cullum

Published September 8, 2026 at 1:45PM

Elizabeth Tedesco (as Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat) gets married to Bruce Brolle (a combination of Hercules and Hercule Poirot) by Alexandria Clerk of the Circuit Court Greg Parks in a "Hallowedding" at Gadsby's Tavern, Oct. 31, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

After selling out last year, Halloweddings are returning to Alexandria.

On Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31), Greg Parks, Alexandria’s Clerk of the Circuit Court, and his staff will don 18th century costumes to officiate the 20-minute ceremonies. Couples will need to make reservations using the QR code below and pay $75. They can show up in a costume of their choosing — Ken and Barbie, Batman and Catwoman, you name it.

News

Athenaeum hosting open signing of book of condolences for Queen Elizabeth II

By Vernon Miles

Published September 14, 2022 at 3:45PM

Book of condolences at the Athenaeum (courtesy photo)

A book of condolences at the Athenaeum (201 Prince Street) is offering locals an opportunity to add their thoughts or feelings on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The book was put together by the British Officers Club of Washington D.C. to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving monarch in British history.

News

Alexandria’s C. Thomas Poetry Showcase Will Share Struggles of African American Men

By James Cullum

Published January 15, 2020 at 10:35AM | Updated January 17, 2020 at 12:29PM

C. Thomas‘ story isn’t ordinary, it’s extraordinary. The 39-year-old Alexandria poet has seen his share of adversity, and writing has always made him feel better.

“African Americans are supposed to be this resilient people. We’re not supposed to bend when the wind blows, but that’s just not the case,” Thomas told ALXnow. “Yes, things happen, but we’re supposed to be reinforced steel, but even steel can be scratched.”