Around Town

An Alexandria food and travel writer will soon unveil his latest cookbook, a culinary journey through Spain with recipes inspired by the works of writer Ernest Hemingway.

“Hemingway’s Spanish Table” is the eighth cookbook for writer Howie Southworth, following his locally inspired “A Taste of Alexandria,” a collection of recipes from the city’s restaurant scene, which was published in 2024.


Around Town

A women’s bar crawl and fundraiser is coming to Del Ray this Saturday as Women’s History Month is now underway.

The bar crawl is scheduled from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, featuring all woman-owned spots like Rosemarino D’Italia and Piece Out Del Ray. The crawl is being hosted by Del Ray Psych and Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue).


Around Town

A festive afternoon of Irish dancing, pipe bands and emerald-green outfits and decorations is returning soon to Old Town.

The Ballyshaners‘ 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to draw thousands of spectators to celebrate alongside a lineup of performers and community organizers. Local dignitaries plan to kick off festivities at noon Saturday, March 7, with the parade stepping off at 12:30 p.m.


News

Alexandria’s draft plan to address city housing needs between through 2040 will be available for public review at an open house this Saturday.

The Office of Housing is hosting the free open house to discuss the Housing 2040 draft recommendations and strategies at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street), with interactive stations and breakout sessions from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.


Around Town

With the temperature in the low 60s, it was a picturesque Saturday (Feb. 14) for the annual George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town.

Thousands participated in the annual event to commemorate the country’s founding father, including city leaders, local groups, kids and more.


Around Town

A lovely Valentine’s Day weekend is coming to Alexandria.

There’s still time to make reservations or sign up for events at venues across the city. It all starts on Friday, Jan. 13, otherwise known as Galentine’s Day, followed by events on Valentine’s Day this Saturday.


Around Town

The annual Empty Bowls Alexandria event is returning next month as host ALIVE! says demands for food, housing and emergency financial assistance are on the rise.

In its ninth year, the historically sold-out event brings local restaurants and artisans together to fundraise for the nonprofit’s efforts to address food and housing insecurity. The event comes as ALIVE! has weathered the region’s economic losses over the past year, with requests for support up roughly 30% since the fall, spokesperson Grace Terlinden told ALXnow.


Around Town

Bookworms of all ages can gather for author discussions and book signings during the Alexandria Library’s Winter Book Festival next month.

The festival is expected to draw more than 20 authors for discussions on their journeys to publishing, as well as to sell and sign copies of their books. The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street). Registration is not required.


Around Town

An earlier version of this story indicated a snowball fight would occur on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, but the organization is not permitting the public to access its grounds during the storm.

Shawn Eyer, a spokesperson for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, told ALXnow the event is not authorized and that the grounds will be closed to the public Sunday.


Around Town

A new six-week series of comedy shows with local comedians is launching tonight at Vola’s Dockside Grill in Old Town.

The Best of DC Comedy Show will be held at 101 N. Union Street every Thursday night between now and Feb. 19, from 6-8:30 p.m. Tonight’s show (Thursday) is sold out, but $25 tickets are available for upcoming shows.


News

Where can you find a green tree and Santa with his reindeer and sleigh on the roof of a business along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray?

Correctly answer this and at least 19 other questions from a clue sheet by Jan. 3 (Saturday) for bragging rights and a chance to win the 6th annual Del Ray Holiday Scavenger Hunt.


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