Get your candy buckets ready, because the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade is next Sunday, Oct. 29.
It’s Visit Del Ray’s 27th year hosting the fun event, which starts at 2 p.m. at Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Bellefonte Avenue and ends with live music and prizes at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center athletic fields.
Thousands are expected to attend the event.
Prizes will also be awarded for the following contests:
- Best decorated house and business — Click here to nominate a Del Ray house
- Stroller/Group — All strollers must be registered by 1:30 p.m; strollers will then line up on Howell to be judged prior to the parade
- Pet costume — Pet entries must be registered by 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Mt. Vernon and E. Howell Avenues
Saturday morning rain wasn’t enough to dampen this year’s Art On The Avenue in Del Ray.
As expected, thousands of visitors descended on Mount Vernon Avenue for the 28th annual festival. The Visit Del Ray event featured more than 300 artist booths, live music on three stages, a pie baking contest, as well as a kids corner to create art at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. City leaders and local business owners also cut a ribbon recognizing new Del Ray businesses.
“Thank you exhibitors, bands, restaurants, volunteers and attendees for another amazing event,” organizers wrote on the festival website. “See you in 2024!”
It’s Art on the Avenue!
An amazing day in the best ‘hood on the planet. pic.twitter.com/NrMjpg0OsN
— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) October 7, 2023
It was a beautiful day for Art on the Avenue! It was great to see so many neighbors, friends and vendors out and about, supporting our community. Thanks to all who made it happen! pic.twitter.com/gR62lLrgqK
— Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (@EBPforVA) October 7, 2023
Beautiful day for Art on the Avenue!
Redistricting has occurred. Stop by the @AlexVADems booth to make sure you know who's on your ballot this year. pic.twitter.com/A5Fy4J6dOu
— Canek Aguirre (@CanekForCouncil) October 7, 2023
Thank you to Art on the Avenue for recognizing ALIVE! and the businesses that opened new locations in Del Ray. The festival continues until 6pm on Mt Vernon Ave. More about Art on the Avenue: https://t.co/A8n7kL3Nkq pic.twitter.com/sV5f9PmuyD
— ALIVE! (@ALIVE4AlexVA) October 7, 2023
https://twitter.com/AdamEbbin/status/1710775974961307935
Del Ray’s biggest celebration of the year is right around the corner.
Thousands are expected to descend on Mount Vernon Avenue to see the work of more than 300 artists for the 28th annual Art on the Avenue on Saturday.
The free family friendly event is located on Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues, and will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last year’s event was postponed a month due to rain. This year, there’s a 60% chance of rain on Saturday before 8 a.m., and otherwise the forecast calls for a partly sunny day with a high of 67 degrees and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The event will also feature live music on three stages, a pie baking contest, as well as a kids corner to create art at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. The kids corner is sponsored by Dominion Energy, which was lambasted in 2021 by City Council for an all-day power outage during that year’s event.
Parking is expected to be limited, and the city is offering free trolley transportation from the Braddock Road Metro station.
A festival dedicated to all things cider-related is making a return to Alexandria next month.
The Alexandria Cider Festival is a special tasting event in the historic Lloyd House (220 N. Washington Street) and is part of the broader Virginia Cider Week.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $55 for cider tastings or $25 for designated drivers. The minimum age for the event is 21.
According to the Office of Historic Alexandria’s newsletter:
Event ticket includes cider tastings, a souvenir glass, live music, and a little history too! Tickets $55 in advance, $25 for designated drivers. Online sales end at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 18. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65. Dress for the weather – the event is outdoors! Festival open 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.
Image via Meritt Thomas/Unsplash
Among many of the Halloween happenings around Alexandria this year is a new one on the waterfront: a conversion of the tall ship Providence into a ghost ship.
The Saturday (Oct. 28) before Halloween, the Providence is set to be decked out for the spooky season and will set sail along the river with a spooky party.
“All aboard for an adults-only costume party!” the tall ship Providence website said. “Cross the gangway (if you dare) for a hauntingly good time.”
Tickets are $85 per person. The event includes a DJ, open bar, food and a costume contest. The party is only open to those ages 21 and over. The “ghost ship” sails from 5-7 p.m., then the party continues dockside from 7-8 p.m.
The Ghost Ship Providence is one of several events highlighted in a Visit Alexandria roundup of Halloween events in Alexandria.
That same Saturday, there’s:
- Halloween Stampede in Carlyle with festive cocktails, costume contests and more
- Old Town Trick or Treat organized by the Old Town Business Association
- Mystery of the Carlyle’s Mummy, an event where guests comb the the Carlyle House for clues and solve puzzles, from 6-8 p.m.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Oct. 29, there’s:
- The Doggie Trick or Treat, a column of costume-clad canines at 705 King Street from 1-4 p.m.
- The Del Ray Halloween Parade at 2 p.m.
(Updated on Sept. 21) This Saturday’s first-ever Eisenhower Rock the Avenue Block Party to promote the Eisenhower Valley has been postponed due to a rainy forecast.
“As of this morning, it is still calling for 100% heavy rain and high wind,” event organizers wrote in an email. “Given these predictions, it would be very hard to hold an event with these miserable conditions.”
Eisenhower Partnership and SaltBox are hosting the inaugural event, which was to include a pop-up Cider Garden hosted by Lost Boy Cider, food and products from businesses on Eisenhower Avenue, as well as kid-friendly activities and live music.
A replacement date has not been announced.
Updated at 5:45 p.m. — There is a slight surge of Covid cases in Alexandria, however a notification that a Halloween-themed event at a city recreation center this weekend was unfounded, according to the City.
On Tuesday, an Evite was sent to reporters announcing a Halloween festival at the Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Community Center, but on Wednesday another email was sent announcing that the event was canceled.
“In the wake of the latest surge in Covid-19 cases and the lockdowns and stay-at-home orders we are having right now we figure it is best to cancel the Chick Armstrong Rec. Center’s Halloween Fest,” the email said. “We are sorry to miss the fun but it is best to stay home and stay safe. So we hope to host next year once the vaccine is out and it is safer to gather again. We are sorry to have to cancel but health comes first. Stay healthy everyone and remember to mask up.”
Diane Ruggiero, the city’s deputy director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, told ALXnow that the city does not send evites, and that the message was sent from someone outside the city.
“Halloween Fest at Chick Armstrong Rec Center is scheduled for Saturday, October 14 from noon – 3 p.m.,” she said. “This free friendly spooky event will feature food, vendors, games, music, and a costume contest for the entire family. The event has not been cancelled due to Covid.”
Covid update
The Covid-19 pandemic was officially over in May, although the numbers of infected residents are climbing.
There were 614 new cases reported in the last 13 weeks, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The seven-day average for new cases is 15.86, far from the 36.86 seven-day average this time last year. The worst day of 2023 was on Jan. 5, when there were 59 new cases and the seven-day average was 41.57.
According to VDH:
- There were 98 reported cases between Aug. 29 and Sept. 4
- There were 92 reported cases between Sept. 5 to Sept. 11
- There were 62 cases of children ages 0-9 who contracted the virus in the last 13 weeks
- There were 18 new cases of children and young adults ages 10-19 who contracted the virus in the last 13 weeks
- There were 18 deaths reported over the course of the last year, no deaths in the last six months and a total of 126 Covid-related deaths in Alexandria
There are also a number of Halloween-related events scheduled at recreation centers throughout the city next month, including:
- Boo Fest at Charles Houston Recreation Center, Friday, Oct. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ($5 per person)
- Family October Fest 2023 at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Oct. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ($15 per person)
- Family Masquerade Ball at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Oct. 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. ($9 per person)
- HalloTeen Night at William Ramsay Recreation Center, Oct. 27, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. (Free)
- Family Costume Ball at William Ramsay Recreation Center, Saturday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. (Free)
Alexandria’s Eve Capps says she’s more surprised than anyone that she’s lived this long. The 100-year-old was born in Sacramento, California, in 1923, and with an acute memory fondly recalls her childhood during the Great Depression.
“My father worked for the railroad, and we went from living in a big house to a shack,” Capps told ALXnow. “But I was just a little girl and I thought it was fun.”
On Tuesday (Sept. 12), Capps and 26 Alexandria centenarians were recognized by city leaders at City Hall. This is the third year for the annual event in observance of National Centenarian’s Day.
Mayor Justin Wilson said that achieving a full century of living is impressive, although the celebration should not simply be about a number.
“It’s about the contributions that all of you have given to for so many years, so many decades, generations, to our community,” Wilson said. “It’s about the rich legacy that you all have created in our community. And that’s a legacy of family, some of which we see here. That a legacy of service, and accomplishment.”
Capps said that the secret to her longevity is staying active.
“I’ve always taken very good care of myself,” she said. “I don’t know why I’ve made it this long. I just keep going on and on, and I’m always surprised when I have a birthday.”
Centenarians in Alexandria
- Mary Addison — 102
- Ann Buxton — 100
- Dorothea G. Campbell — 100
- Eve Capps — 100
- Anita DuMars — 102
- Audrey Fenton — 101
- Lowell Fisher — 101
- Walter A. Hammersley — 101
- Margaret Johnson — 104
- Marjorie Knowlton — 100
- Daniel Krinsley — 101
- John Leeper — 101
- Pauline Lynch — 100
- Charlotte Neborak — 100
- Ada Nelson — 102
- Ann Samuel — 103
- Jane Sara — 103
- Alice Schmidt — 103
- Catherine Sevick — 106
- Helen Smith — 101
- Eva L. Sorenson — 100
- Edith Tillotson — 100
- Barbara Weadon — 100
- Frances Webb — 103
- Ruby Wells — 101
- Virginia Wirtz — 100
- Mildred Youso — 102
Virginia Tech and Alexandria’s Office of the Arts are collaborating on “Innovation and Creativity,” a year-long series of projects at the Torpedo Factory’s Target Gallery.
One of those projects, Sound Horizons, opened Aug. 5 and runs through to Jan. 28. Visitors sit in the tesseract, an array of high-density loudspeakers, and experience an immersive environment of sounds curated for Alexandria by Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT).
Sound Horizons includes four sound installations:
- “Dear Younger Me,” a project about healing the inner Black girl, which features a series of Black women reading letters to their younger selves
- “Sonification of Cybersecurity Data,” a music installation that turns cybersecurity data into musical harmony of sounds
- “Liminal Spaces,” a fixed-media composition inspired by life’s in-between moments
- “Musical Connection,” a sound installation shedding light on the uncharted neural territories that music traverses when people living with Alzheimer’s disease engage in music-making
“Collaborating with one of the nation’s top innovative universities provides an opportunity to put Alexandria on the cutting edge, proving how art and creativity are a thread that runs deeply through all forms of innovation, be it scientific, cultural, engineering, health, or technological,” Brett John Johnson, the Torpedo Factory’s curator of artistic advancement, said in a statement.
A free grand opening for the latest installation, Synaptic Soiree, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.
According to Virginia Tech:
The performances push the limits of sound and performance; they will explore scored data composed of music exploring infectious diseases, neuroscience, including Atrium, meditation, PTSD, and more, as well as the juxtaposition of new technology and the human body.
A facilitated discussion will follow at the end of the show, so you can listen to the researchers and ask questions about their work.
The series of exhibitions, performances and events will wrap next September, which is just is time for the opening of Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus in Alexandria.
“Virginia Tech, with its Innovation Campus, is pushing the frontier of technology,” said Ben Knapp, executive director of ICAT. “Together with the Office of the Arts, we will be showcasing innovation in all of its forms.”
(Updated 4:15 p.m.) The celebration of all things cocktail kicks off on Friday with the start of Old Town Cocktail Week across Alexandria. There will be seminars, themed events, and celebrations to engage with local establishments and the burgeoning cocktail culture during Old Town Cocktail Week.
For the little ones, and kids of all ages, the city is bringing its vehicle fleet out to Chinquapin Park for Tons of Trucks 2023 on Saturday.
This weekend has something for everyone, here’s a look at what’s happening for events, live music, and entertainment, enjoy!
Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
THINGS TO DO
- Old Town Cocktail Week
- 9:30 am to 10:30 am: Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace at Carlyle House
- 12 pm: Integral IPA Release at Port City Brewing
- 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm: Lego Competition at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 5 pm to 7 pm: Get Organized with Evolution Home – Tips from a professional home organizer at Evolution Home
- 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Oldtown Cocktail Week: Art on the Rocks at Waterfront Park
- 6 pm: The Art League Gallery September 2023 Open Show at The Art League
- 6 pm to 9 pm: All Bodies Rock Pop-Up Shop with Rock Recovery
- 6 pm to 9 pm: Back To School Party – 70s Theme at Lost Boy Cider
- 7 pm: Classic Restaurants of Alexandria Tour
- 7:30 pm to 10 pm: Pianist Jacqueline Schwab at The Lyceum in Alexandria
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum: Pianist Jacqueline Schwab from 7:30 pm to 10 pm
- Blackwall Hitch: Ryan Forrester from 9 pm to 12 am
- Cuates Grill: Karaoke at 10 pm
- Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar: Live music at 9 pm
- Fish Market: DJ from 9 pm to 1 am in the Anchor Bar
- Laporta’s Restaurant & Jazz Lounge: The Satin Doll Trio from 7 pm to 11 pm
- Makeda Restaurant: Negussie Bogale and Tsehay Kassa at 10 pm
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Powers & McLaughlin, Pat Garvey at 9 pm
- Old Dominion Boat Club: Buck Shot at 8 pm
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 pm
- The Birchmere: Brett Dennen “Fool In Paradise Acoustic Tour” with Mon Rovia at 7:30 pm
- The Light Horse: Live Music at 9:30 pm
- The Study at Morrison House: Live piano music from 6 pm to 9 pm
- Two Nineteen Restaurant: Sol Roots from 9 pm to 1 am, Live DJ from 10 pm to 2 am
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
On ALXnow – Alexandria bringing vehicle fleet out for ‘Tons of Trucks’ event this weekend
THINGS TO DO
- Old Town Cocktail Week
- 7 am to 12 pm: Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza
- 8 am to 12 pm: Del Ray Farmers Market at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenue
- 9 am: ALX Boxing Event: Remember the Titans at Charles Houston Recreation Center
- 9 am to 2 pm: Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market at the corner of E. Bellefonte & Mt. Vernon Avenues
- 9:30 am to 10:30 am: Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace at Carlyle House
- 10 am: Fitness At The Brewery at Aslin Alexandria
- 10 am to 11 am: Trash Trekkers – Burke Branch Walking and Litter Pickup Club
- 10 am to 12 pm: Cars & Coffee at The Haven
- 10 am to 12 pm: Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings in Alexandria at Carlyle House
- 10 am to 1 pm: Tons of Trucks at Chinquapin Park
- 10 am to 4 pm: Fall Festival at The Graham at Southern Towers
- 10 am to 4 pm: American Smallsword Symposium 2023 at Carlyle House
- 12 pm: Pig Roast Series at Pork Barrel BBW
- 12 pm to 8:30 pm: Virginia Arts & Music Festival 2023 at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
- 12:30 pm: Old Town Cocktail Week Cruise
- 1 pm to 2 pm: The First Family with Cassandra Good at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
- 2 pm to 3 pm: The History of Ethiopia at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 2 pm to 5 pm: George Washington Whiskey Tasting at Washington’s Distillery
- 2 pm to 10 pm: 5th Annual Taste of Ethiopia Festival at 100 Madison Street
- 2:30 pm: Old Town Cocktail Week Cruise
- 4 pm to 5:30 pm: Music at Market Square
- 7 pm to 9 pm: This Is Why We Sing – A 75th Anniversary Celebration at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall
- 7:30 pm: Fairlington Family Movie Night: Encanto at Fairlington Community Center
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Live Country Music from 10 pm to 1 am
- Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum: Virginia Arts & Music Festival 2023 from 12 pm to 8:30 pm
- Blackwall Hitch: Black Coffee from 9 pm to 12 am
- Cuates Grill: Karaoke at 10 pm
- Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar:The Pop Rocks at 9 pm
- Galactic Panther: Second Saturday Improv at 8 pm
- Laporta’s Restaurant & Jazz Lounge: Sharon Clark Trio from 7 pm to 11 pm
- Makeda Restaurant: Negussie Bogale and Nani at 10 pm
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Powers & McLaughlin, Pat Garvey at 9 pm
- Old Hat: SugarCoat from 9 pm to 12 am
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 pm
- The Birchmere:4th Annual Danny Gatton Birthday Tribute featuring Dave Elliott, John Previti, Redd Volkaert, David Chappell & more at 7:30 pm
- The Light Horse: Live Music at 9:30 pm
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Two on the Aisle, Three In The Van at 8 pm
- The Study at Morrison House: Live piano music from 6 pm to 9 pm
- Two Nineteen Restaurant: Live Music from 9 pm to 1 am, Live DJ from 10 pm to 2 am
- Zikrayet Lebanese Restaurant & Lounge: Live music after 9 pm
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
THINGS TO DO
- Old Town Cocktail Week
- 7:15 am: 8th Annual George Washington Patriot Run at Mount Vernon
- 8:30 am to 1 pm: West End Farmers Market at 4800 Ben Brenman Park
- 9 am to 11 am: 9Round Fitness Class at Lost Boy Cider
- 9 am to 1 pm: Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market
- 9:30 am to 10:30 am: Run Club at Lost Boy Cider
- 10 am: Cycling at The Brewery at Aslin ALX
- 10 am to 2 pm: Old Town North Farmers Market at 901 North Royal Street
- 10 am to 4 pm: American Smallsword Symposium 2023 at Carlyle House
- 2 pm: Paint Your Pet’s Portrait at Made in ALX
- 2 pm to 4 pm: Oddball Cinema – 3 Women at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 5 pm to 7 pm: Bath & Brew at Port City Brewing Company
- 6 pm to 8 pm: Swing & Cider at Lost Boy Cider
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
- Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum: Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, and Claude Bourbon at 7:30 pm
- Blackwall Hitch: Jazz Brunch with Black Coffee from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar: Live music from 5 pm to 8 pm
- ESP Tea & Coffee: Open Mic Night from 8 pm to 10 pm
- Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market: Live music from 10 am to 12 pm
- Galactic Panther: Open Mic at 7:30 pm
- Hops N Shine: Comedy Open Mic from 7 pm to 9 pm
- Laporta’s Restaurant & Jazz Lounge: Steve Ragsdale from 11:30 am to 3 pm, Walt Johnson Trio from 6 pm to 9 pm
- Lost Boy Cider: Music Bingo from 2 pm to 4 pm, Swing & Cider from 6 pm to 8 pm
- Makeda Restaurant: An Evening of Smooth Jazz at 8 pm
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Rook Richards at 8:30 pm
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 pm
- The Birchmere: The High Kings at 7:30 pm
- The Light Horse: Karaoke at 9 pm
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Two on the Aisle, Three In The Van at 3 pm
- Two Nineteen Restaurant: Kev Powe Thang from 9 pm to 12 am
Ryan Belmore is an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife and two rescue dogs. Email Ryan at [email protected].
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