After two years of reconstruction, two Del Ray dog parks will be reopening to the public over the next several months.

The formerly dusty, not-grassy Simpson Dog Park at 521 E. Monroe Avenue is expected to open within the next three-to-four months, according to the city. The work includes tree and sod plantings, grading and stormwater improvements.

“The majority of the work is complete, although there are important items remaining to allow the park to safely open to the public,” according to the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities.

Improvements to the half-acre dog run at Mount Jefferson Park and Greenway (2607A E. Randolph Avenue) are also nearly finished, the city says.

“With the exception of the Dog Park, Mount Jefferson Park is open for public use,” DRPCA told us in an email. “The grading plan for the dog park to correct drainage is approved and improvement activities are anticipated to begin within the next two weeks. Weather permitting, the dog park is anticipated to open late May or early June after turf establishment.”

The two-year construction schedule has irked some residents.

“It’s puzzling that Alexandria, a city that prides itself on being dog-friendly, takes two years to build these dog parks,” a Del Ray resident said.

Photos via Facebook and City of Alexandria

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend.  Enjoy! 

Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow.

Friday, April 19

Things To Do

• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Character Building Workshop at Military Children’s Six Foundation
• 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Fun Friday at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Degas Art Bingo at Nepenthe Gallery
• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: In My Cookie Era! Cookie Decorating at Lost Boy Cider
• 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Guided Meditation With Cats at Mount Purrnon Cate Cafe & Wine Bar

Live Music & Entertainment

• Alexandria Bier Garden: Hall Pass from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Blackwall Hitch: Ryan Forrester from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Daniel O’Connell’s: Johnny Artis Band from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Fish Market: DJ at 9 p.m. 
• Galactic Panther: The Dead Queens W/ Folking Tunes and Tennessee Frisky from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Trio from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Lost Boy Cider: Game Night from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Poehemia & Pat Carroll at 9 p.m.
• O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Crushing Diamonds from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• The Light Horse: Broken Ground at 9:30 p.m.
• The Study at Morrison House: Live piano music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Two Nineteen Restaurant: Rich Russman Band from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

City of Alexandria

• 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Parents Night Out at Mount Vernon Recreation Center

Saturday, April 20

Things To Do

• 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.: ALX Dog Walk at Oronoco Bay Park
• 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Del Ray Farmers Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square
• 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pop Up Spring Marketplace Boutique at the Athenaeum
• 10 a.m.  to 12 p.m.: Del Ray Kitchen Confidential Design Tour at Del Ray Design Tour
• 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Animal Family Day at Mount Vernon
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Old Town Alexandria Historic Home and Garden Tour Kicks Off Spring Tradition in Old Town Alexandria
• 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.: Saturday Pop Up, Pop In Story Time at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Exploring Watercolor Takes Courage – A painting class by artists Teresa Brunson and Lynn Martin at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Garden Day Tours at Carlyle House Historic Park
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Board Game Cafe at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Embroidered Tapestry Workshop with Beta White at Fibre Space
• 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: 10th Anniversary Party at Sweet Fire Donna’s
• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: ReFashion Show at The Garden ALX
• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Brews & Booze Motor Cruise with Tall ship Providence Foundation
• 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society Spring Fling at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
• 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: To The Sea | Pro Coro Alexandria Concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church

Live Music & Entertainment

• Alexandria Bier Garden: Small Town 7 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Blackwall Hitch: Larry Thomas Duo from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Daniel O’Connell’s: Practically Einstein from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Galactic Panther: RedHorizon, The Backbeat Collective & Zawadi Live Music @ Galactic Panther from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Hops N Shine: Karaoke from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: Sharon Clark Trio from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Poehemia & Pat Carroll at 9 p.m.
• Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center: ASO Presents: On the Town & Shostakovich 5 – Shuffle and Deal at 7:30 p.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• The Birchmere Music Hall: Steep Canyon Rangers at 7:30 p.m.
• The Light Horse: Black Cactus Hotels at 9:30 p.m.
• The Study at Morrison House: Live piano music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Two Nineteen Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

City of Alexandria

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Charles Houston Health & Fitness Expo at Charles Houston Recreation Center
• 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Annual Invitational Cheer Competition at Alexandria City High School Gymnasium

Sunday, April 21

Things To Do

• 8 a.m.: Dyke Marsh Sunday Morning Bird Walk at Dyke Marsh
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market
• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Art of Manual Coffee Brewing at Galactic Panther
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Old Town North Farmers Market 
• 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Animal Family Day at Mount Vernon
• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Burpees and Brews at Port City Brewing Company
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Girl Scout Garden Day at Carlyle House
• 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Writers Group at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Kids Arts & Crafts at Hops N Shine
• 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Oddball Cinema – Barry Landon at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Jazz at Meade featuring the Vaughn Ambrose Quartet at Meade Memorial Episcopal Church

Live Music & Entertainment

• Blackwall Hitch: Jazz Brunch with Black Coffee from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Daniel O’Connell’s: Conor Malone from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Galactic Panther: ESP’s InterGalactic Open Mic from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Hops N Shine: The Office Trivia Night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: Steve Zubrick from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Walt Johnson Trio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Meade Memorial Episcopal Church: Jazz at Meade featuring the Vaughn Ambrose Quartet from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
• Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center: ASO Presents: On the Town & Shostakovich 5 – Shuffle and Deal at 3 p.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• The Birchmere Music Hall: SGGL (Speidel, Goodrich, Goggin, & Lille) at 7:30 pm
• Two Nineteen Restaurant: Kev Powe Thang from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

City of Alexandria

• 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award at Del Ray GardenFest

Image via Facebook

Ryan Belmore is an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now resides in Alexandria with his wife and two rescue dogs. He was recently appointed to the City of Alexandria’s Board of Zoning Appeals and previously served on the City’s Commission For The Arts. Email listings and events to Ryan at [email protected]. Follow Ryan on Instagram at whatsupalexandria.

A 41-year-old Maryland man is being held without bond after allegedly executing the family dog in a fit of rage, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

The incident occurred on Feb. 25 in an apartment in the 4300 block of Raleigh Avenue, which is near the Shoppes of Foxchase on Duke Street.

The victim told police that the father of her child took her car and her Glock 19 9mm pistol when he left for work that morning. She told police that she then became fearful and left the apartment with her child.

At around 10 p.m., the victim and the suspect were texting, with the suspect “highly agitated that she would not tell him the whereabouts of their daughter,” according to the search warrant affidavit.

A phone call followed the series of texts, and during the call the victim heard two “loud booms and the call disconnected,” according to the search warrant affidavit.

Police later found the dog named Max dead on the bed in the master bedroom, shot twice in the head.

The suspect then allegedly texted the victim that she should not go upstairs with their child, according to the search warrant affidavit.

The suspect was arrested on March 12 and was charged with torture of a dog, larceny of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm in an occupied building, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He goes to court on April 26.

The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is available 24/7 to listen and help at 703-746-4911.

“If you are a neighbor and know that an abusive incident is occurring, call the police immediately,” the city said. “Calling the police is simply the most effective way to protect the victim and children from immediate harm.”

Map via Google Maps

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, partly sunny skies, and a high around 68. Breezy conditions will prevail, featuring a west wind at 14-24 mph and gusts up to 43 mph; there’s a 40% chance of precipitation. Friday night will see scattered showers, mainly before 2am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low near 52. The breeze will continue with a west wind at 21 mph and gusts reaching 39 mph, accompanied by a 30% chance of precipitation.

🚨 You need to know

Like Rodney Dangerfield, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) is going back to school.

Patch reported that the 73-year-old Congressman enrolled at George Mason University to get a Master’s Degree in artificial intelligence.

Does it pose an existential threat? Beyer says no.

“I tend to be an AI optimist,” Beyer said after taking a recent class. “We can’t even imagine how different our lives will be in five years, 10 years, 20 years, because of AI. … There won’t be robots with red eyes coming after us any time soon. But there are other deeper existential risks that we need to pay attention to.”

📈 Thursday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 11, 2024.

1. Mayoral candidates say Alexandrians lost trust in public officials because of failed Potomac Yard arena deal (1023 views)
2. Alexandria police investigating white supremacist fliers posted in Potomac Yard (923 views)
3. What’s Up in Alexandria This Weekend: Del Ray Dog Fest, Spring Garden Market, Spring Oysterfest, and more! (460 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

• 9:00 am Friday: 2024 Spring Garden Market at River Farm
• 8:30 am Saturday: MVCS Big Flea in the Neighborhood
• 9:00 am Saturday: 2024 Spring Garden Market at River Farm
• 👉 9:00 am Saturday: Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
• 12:00 pm Saturday: The “Grandest Congress”: The French and Indian War in Alexandria
• 8:00 pm Saturday: LIVE Comedy Game Show with the Auxiliary Improv

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend; enjoy! 

Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow.

Friday, April 12

Things To Do

• 9 a.m.: 2024 Spring Garden Market at River Farm
• 10:15 a.m.: Just Babies at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
• 3:30 p.m.: Lego Competition at James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library
• 3:30 p.m.: Fun Friday at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
• 6:30 p.m.: Make Your Own Candle with Bark Social Alexandria
• 7 p.m.: Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 2nd Friday at Torpedo Factory
• 7:30 p.m.: Bring It On – The Musical at Alexandria City High School

Live Music & Entertainment

• Alexandria Bier Garden: Tennessee Frisky at 9 p.m.
• Blackwall Hitch: Timmie Metz Band at 9 p.m.
• Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar: David Andrew Smith Duo at 9:30 p.m.
• Fish Market: DJ at 9 p.m. 
• Hops N Shine: Music Bingo at 7 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Trio at 7 p.m.
• Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin and Tsehay Kassa at 10 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Pat Garvey and Powers & McLaughlin at 9 p.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• The Birchmere Music Hall: Marcus Johnson at 7:30 p.m.
• The Light Horse: A Night To Forget at 9:30 p.m.
• The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Murder on the Orient Express at 8 p.m.
• The Study at Morrison House: Live piano music at 6 p.m.
• Two Nineteen Restaurant: Chris Timbers at 9 p.m.

City of Alexandria

• 11 a.m.: Planting Pinwheel Garden for Child Abuse Awareness at Charles Hill Park

Saturday, April 13

Things To Do

• 7 a.m.: Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza
• 8 a.m.: Del Ray Farmers Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square
• 8 a.m.: Active for Autism 5k and Kids Dash at George Washington Middle School
• 8:30 a.m.: MVCS Big Flea in the Neighborhood at Select Del Ray neighborhood homes
• 9 a.m.: Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market at Del Ray Psych & Wellness
• 9 a.m.: 2024 Spring Garden Market at River Farm
• 10 a.m.: Mining Completion Open House and Celebration at Founders Park
• 10 a.m.: Beyond The Battlefield: A Civil War Walking Tour of Alexandria at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
• 10 a.m.: All We Can Save Circle – Discussion Group at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
• 10 a.m.: Fitness At The Brewery at Aslin Alexandria
• 10 a.m.: Trash Trekkers at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
• 10 a.m.: 9Round Fitness Class at Lost Boy Cider
• 10:30 a.m.: Pedals & Pints: Short Ride at Handy Bikes
• 11 a.m.: Spring Yoga for Kids at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
• 12 p.m.: The “Grandest Congress”: The French and Indian War in Alexandria at Carlyle House Historic Park
• 12 p.m.: Vola’s Spring Oysterfest at Vola’s Dockside Grille and Hi-Tide Lounge
• 1 p.m.: I’m A Poet And I Know It – Mini Poetry Workshop and Open Mic at Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
• 1 p.m.: Art and Architecture Day at Huntley Historic Site
• 1 p.m.: “A Deadly Endeavor” Author Talk at James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library
• 2 p.m.: Handcraft Tuesday – Weekend Edition at Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library
• 2 p.m.: A Taste of the Caribbean at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
• 2 p.m.: Wine Glass-Painting and Candle-Making Class at Made in ALX
• 2 p.m.: Board Game Cafe at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
• 2 p.m.: Civil War Hospital Tour at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
• 3 p.m.: Tree and Nature Walk with the Virginia Master Naturalists at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
• 5 p.m.: 2024 Alexandria Sister Cities Committee Annual Whisky Tasting at the Lyceum
• 7:30 p.m.: Bring It On – The Musical at Alexandria City High School

Live Music & Entertainment

• Alexandria Bier Garden: Secondhand Chaos at 9 p.m.
• Blackwall Hitch: Too Extra Band at 9 p.m.
• Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar: Irresponsible at 9:30 p.m.
• Galactic Panther: LIVE Comedy Game Show with the Auxiliary Improv at 8 p.m.
• Hops N Shine: Karaoke at 8 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: Sharon Clark Trio at 7 p.m.
• Makeda Restaurant: Negussie Bogale and Nani at 10 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Pat Garvey and Powers & McLaughlin at 9 p.m.
• O’Shaughnessy’s: Moran Tripp at 10 p.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• The Birchmere Music Hall: NAJEE at 7:30 p.m.
• The Light Horse: Lights Out By 8 at 9:30 p.m.
• The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Murder on the Orient Express at 8 p.m.
• The Study at Morrison House: Live piano music at 6 p.m.
• Two Nineteen Restaurant: Holly Montgomery at 9 p.m.

City of Alexandria

• 8:30 a.m.: We Are Eco-City Alexandria at City Hall
• 9 a.m.: Families & Educators as Partners Conference at Del Pepper Community Resource Center
• 9 a.m.: Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance at Del Pepper Community Resource Center
• 9:30 a.m.: City Council Public Hearing Meeting at City Hall
• 5 p.m.: Whisky Tasting at the Lyceum

Sunday, April 14

Things To Do

• 8 a.m.: Dyke Marsh Sunday Morning Birdwalk at Dyke Marsh
• 9 a.m.: Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market
• 10 a.m.: Old Town North Farmers Market 
• 10 a.m.: Kid’s Adventure Terrarium Workshop at PlantHouse
• 11 a.m.: Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour at George Washington Middle School Parking Lot
• 1 p.m.: Del Ray Urban Sketchers at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
• 2 p.m.: Sundays in Catan at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
• 2 p.m.: Dance on the Green at John Carlyle Square Park
• 2:30 p.m.: Preschool STEAM Sundays at James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library
• 3 p.m.: Del Ray Dog Fest Yappy Hour at Lost Boy Cider
• 5 p.m.: That’s All Folks – SONOVA Goes Looney! At George Washington Masonic Memorial

Live Music & Entertainment

• Blackwall Hitch: Jazz Brunch with Black Coffee at 10:30 a.m.
• Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar: Jack Gregori at 5 p.m.
• Galactic Panther: ESP’s InterGalactic Open Mic at 7:30 p.m.
• Hops N Shine: Music Trivia at 7 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: Steve Ragsdale at 11:30 a.m., Walt Johnson Trio at 6 p.m.
• Makeda Restaurant: An Evening of Smooth Jazz at 8 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• The Birchmere Music Hall: Leo Kottke at 7:30 pm
• Two Nineteen Restaurant: Kev Powe Thang at 9 p.m.

City of Alexandria

• There are no events or public meetings scheduled.

Ryan Belmore is an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now resides in Alexandria with his wife and two rescue dogs. He was recently appointed to the City of Alexandria’s Board of Zoning Appeals and previously served on the City’s Commission For The Arts. Email listings and events to Ryan at [email protected]. Follow Ryan on Instagram at whatsupalexandria.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) announced today a low-cost canine training program called Alexandria Animal Academy.

The new program is set to start on Jan. 21 and will feature an eight-week virtual course coaching both parents and pets in various fields, from confidence building to leash reactivity.

“The course includes 8-weeks of virtual coaching (both live and recorded) and tailored instruction from a certified professional dog trainer, a starter pack with basic materials to be successful, lifelong access to the course materials, and opportunities to build community with other dog parents facing the same issues,” AWLA said in a release.

Introducing Alexandria Animal Academy dog behavior and training community courses! The canine courses have been crafted to teach pets and people to live better together. Sign up to attend our Zoom info session and Q&A on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. https://t.co/NTFHt8ytP8 pic.twitter.com/kfLoIV6vkK

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) November 2, 2023

The program is being led by Alli Holte, the behavior and training coordinator for AWLA who works one-on-one with dogs at the shelter who need behavioral work.

After the course, there are three free follow-up sessions for up to six months after the coursework is completed.

The courses can cover:

• Confidence Building: “This track is for pups who show signs of shyness, fearfulness, and stress, and who might act in aggressive ways (growling, snapping, barking) when faced with novel people, places, or things.”
• Chill Out: “This track is for pups with big feelings! If your dog loses their mind when the mail carrier comes, has a hard time calming down at the end of the day, or nearly tears your arm off every time they see a squirrel, ‘Chill Out’ might be the right fit for you.”
• Leash Reactivity: “This track is for pups who have big feelings when they see scary things during leash walks. If your dog snarls and snaps when they see a stranger, pulls you into traffic to get closer to another dog, or pancakes when a city bus rumbles by, ‘Leash Reactivity’ might be the right fit for you.

Enrollment for an 8-week course is $200, or $300 for two tracks, or $350 for all three tracks. The course content is also available for $100 for those that don’t want to attend the live Zoom sessions or receive feedback/personalized training plans.

AWLA said a limited number of needs-based scholarships are also available.

“Please contact us at [email protected],” AWLA said, “or register for the live Zoom session on Wednesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. if you would like information on the scholarship option.”

Registration for the program is set to run from Dec. 1-Dec. 31.

Photo via AWLA/Facebook

Alexandrians might be able to find a furry new friend this weekend.

Lost Dog Cafe (808 N. Henry Street) in the Braddock neighborhood is hosting a puppy adoption event from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a litter of puppies born last month.

“Are you ready to welcome a furry friend into your life?” the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation said on the event website. “We have something special just for you! Join us for ‘Pups on the Patio’ at Lost Dog Cafe in Alexandria. This heartwarming event is dedicated to finding forever homes for an exceptional litter of puppies known as ‘Butterball’s Little Turkeys’.”

According to the Lost Dog Rescue website:

These precious pups have an incredible story to tell. Born on September 8th, 2023, they were brought into the world by a caring mama who was rescued from the Dickenson County Animal Shelter in Virginia. She was pregnant, confused, and scared, but thanks to the swift action of Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF), she was given a safe haven in foster care.

The foster mom says she is an amazing mama, and her puppies are a testament to her love and care.

This special adoption event will feature only this litter of puppies, so you don’t want to miss out on this special opportunity. Come and meet these little darlings, fall in love, and take one home to be a part of your family.

An online application must be filled out before requesting an ‘interview’ with the puppies.

The puppies are:

• Blue Slate
• Narragansett
• White Holland
• Royal Palm
• Osceola
• Rio Grande
• Merriam
• Bourbon Red
• Gould
• Eastern

Thousands turned out in costumes for the 27th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday.

This year, the parade was named one of the top 10 Halloween Parades in the country by USA Today.

The Del Ray Business Association parade started at Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Bellefonte Avenue and ended with live music and prizes at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center athletic fields.

“We couldn’t have made such a successful event without more than 100 volunteers,” said parade organizer Gayle Reuter. “We start planning for this months in advance, and it takes so many neighbors and friends to make it a success.”

Del Ray’s next big event is the 48th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot on Nov. 23.

The @AlexCityTitans Zombie Band was out in force for the best Halloween Parade on the planet in Del Ray!

Amazing and creative costumes!

Thanks to @visitdelrayVA for making it happen. pic.twitter.com/4KtyPp3FR2

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 29, 2023

Another great Del Ray Halloween Parade is in the books! pic.twitter.com/yjlrAkjElq

— Canek Aguirre (@CanekForCouncil) October 29, 2023

Another amazing Del Ray Halloween Parade this afternoon! pic.twitter.com/DIGmAUrnXk

— Alexandria Sheriff (@AlexVASheriff) October 29, 2023

One of #AlexandriaVA favorite traditions, the Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade! I had such a fun time judging the Pet Costume Contest! Over 50 pets entered the contest this year! @visitdelray pic.twitter.com/I7KVGtsH2b

— Alyia Gaskins (@Alyia4ALX) October 29, 2023

(Updated 10/3) Paws in the Park, a pet-themed festival, is returning next Sunday (Oct. 15) to Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street).

The event is the biggest pet adoption event of the year for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Activities include a dog costume contest, a “pet parade,” and activities for both pets and owners.

The event started back in 2017 with pet businesses coordinating a block party to celebrate local animals, and over the years the event has continued to grow. Paws in the Park runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and features shopping, music, food and drink, and pets available for adoption. Event proceeds benefit the AWLA.

Who's ready to paw-ty? Paws in the Park is Sunday, October 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Oronoco Bay Park. Paws in the Park brings together shopping, music, food and drink, and lots of adoptable animals. The event is FREE to attend! #alexanimals #alexandriava https://t.co/6SYo9m0Xcz pic.twitter.com/VmlErPotkm

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) October 1, 2023

Attention Del Ray dog owners: The Eugene Simpson Park will reopen to the public in the beginning of next year at the end of more than a year of redevelopment.

The formerly dusty, not-grassy park at 521 E. Monroe Avenue will be closed for the last three months of the year to allow for a “sod establishment period,” according to the city.

“Construction at the dog park continues with grading and site preparation for tree installation and sod installation this month as the start of the fall planting season approaches,” the city told ALXnow in an email.

In other Del Ray dog-related news, more work is being completed this fall on the dog run at Mount Jefferson Park (300 block of Hume Avenue). Work began on Mount Jefferson Park in Jan. 2022.

“The developer has been working with staff on a few options to address the drainage issues within the dog run and will be submitting a revised site plan,” city parks planner Judy Lo told ALXnow. “We anticipate the northern section of the dog run will be re-graded with possibly additional inlets and/or bioretention and plantings. This type of work is best done in the fall when the temperatures start to cool.”

Photos via Facebook and City of Alexandria