Alexandria’s summer will kick off this weekend with the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. Here’s what you need to know.
The free event, which includes the 45th annual Alexandria Jazz Fest, will be held at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street) on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m.
“This free festival features an array of live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the whole family on the Alexandria waterfront,” said Visit Alexandria.
The musicians were chosen by the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest Activation Team, which includes John Hasse, a music curator at The Smithsonian Institution, Suraya Mohamed of NPR Music and Jeremy Castillo, the director of Performance and Contemporary Music at the Levine School of Music.
Food will be provided by Borinquen Lunch Box, Chalkboard Wings & BBQ, Kungfu Kitchen, Dolci Gelati and The Italian Place.
Port City Brewing Company will provide the beer, as well as:
- Lost Boy Cider’s Comeback Kid
- Breaux Vineyards wine
- Hopwell, Port City’s hops-infused sparkling water
The Portside Festival is organized by Visit Alexandria and the City’s Office of the Arts and is sponsored by Ting Internet.
Friday schedule
- 6:00 – 6:10 p.m. — Opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies C. Alexandria-Bernard Thomas
- 6:15 to 7 p.m. — Joe Baione Quintet
- 7:15 to 8 p.m. — Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood
- 8:15 to 9 p.m. — Sharón Clark
Poetry will be read between sets by:
- Zeina Azzam, Alexandria’s Poet Laureate
- Sami Miranda
- Two poet laureates from Alexandria City Public Schools
During the performances, muralist Aniekan Udofia will paint a new piece from 6 to 9 p.m. Udofia is best known for the mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C.
Saturday schedule
- 1 to 1:15 p.m. — Opening remarks
- 1:15 to 2 p.m. — Ouros (Flamenco)
- 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. — Kalkidan Meshesha (Ethiopian folk and jazz)
- 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. — Oh He Dead (Indie soul)
- 5 to 5:45 p.m. — The Linwood Taylor Band with special guest Sol Roots (Blues)
- 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. — Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (Zydeco)
- 7:45 to 9:00 p.m. — Hermanos Galvan y Orquesta (Latin)
Image Via Facebook
Later this month, the outside parking lot at Port City Brewing Company will be transformed into a holiday-themed pop-up market for local artisans.
The Small Business Saturday Holiday Pop-Up Market is a partnership between the hometown-favorite beer company and Made in ALX. The event will feature local artists and creators with their handcrafted products.
“The event taking place on Saturday, November 26 from noon to 5 p.m. will feature over 30 artists displaying their crafts in a diverse family-friendly local pop-up market,” Made in ALX said in a release. “Items available range from jewelry, home décor, woodcrafts, candles, wellness items, gifts for children and much more — to list a few, providing a variety of handmade gift-giving ideas to pick up this holiday season.”
This is the third year for the pop-up market. The full list of artisans scheduled to attend is on the Made in ALX website.
Image via Made in ALX/Facebook
Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue) is going to the dogs on Saturday, October 1, with their annual Dogtoberfest celebration.
The free outdoor festival goes from 12 to 5 p.m., and will feature dog-friendly activities, including pet portraits, a bulldog kissing booth and an agility course.
Food and drinks will be provided by Haute Dogs & Fries, Pho Wheels and Daddy G’s Chips and Salsa, and Scuttlebutt Bakeshop.
The event is hosted in partnership with Frolick Dogs and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Port City Brewing Company is collaborating with Made in ALX for a pop-up market next weekend featuring around two-dozen local artists and businesses.
The market is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18, from noon-5 p.m. at Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue). Admission is free and the market is pet-friendly.
“The pop-up market is a collaboration between Port City and Made in ALX,” Made in ALX said in a release. “The event will be a fun way to welcome fall, and several makers will debut fall lineups of candles and cozy items.”
Parkin gis available on the street and at a lot across the street.
According to the release, participating makers include:
- Alexandra Schmeling
- Apothecary Spices
- Bashford & Pitt
- Blonde Spiritual Millennial
- Blue Lark Designs (by Michelle Wee)
- Bradshaw Sauce Co.
- C&A Soy Candles
- Calming Connections & Wellness
- Chandra Designs
- Cosmic Crayon Co.
- Daniel Horowitz
- Fire in Hand Jewelry
- Garden Home
- Grateful Pup
- Inti Phaxsi Gems
- Isle & Wild Creations
- ISO Candles
- John Adam Wasowicz
- Julianne Woehrle Art
- Passionately Pets
- Samhara Ceramics
- Sophisticate Supply
- Stephen Lally Pottery
- Syd Evans Art
- Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer and Pet Treats
- Victoria Barnes Photography
- Whink’s Coffee Roasters
Image via Whink’s Coffee Roasters/Instagram
Alexandria brewery Port City Brewing is bringing back an ale next week at an event that marks the anniversary of one of the city’s most famous urban legends: the Female Stranger.
The event is scheduled for next Thursday, Oct. 14, from 3-9 p.m. at Port City Brewing (3950 Wheeler Avenue). For every 16 oz pour, the brewery said $1 will be donated to the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N Royal Street).
Long Black Veil, which first debuted in 2014, makes its annual return at the event to coincide with the anniversary of the Female Stranger’s death in 1816.
Long story short: a woman arrived sick on a ship in 1816 and her husband swore the local doctor to secrecy about their identity — only inscribing “Female Stranger” on her gravestone after she died in Gadsby’s Tavern on October 14, 1816. Today, visitors still leave flowers at her grave and it’s rumored that she haunts Gadsby’s Tavern. There’s endless speculation about who the Female Stranger was, including suggestions that she may have been Theodosia Burr.
The ale, at least in past years, has been described as piney with citrusy hops that mingle with notes of coffee and dark chocolate, according to the kind of people who describe beers like that. The event is also planned to include a Rocklands Barbeque food truck.
“So toast to the Female Stranger, Alexandria’s most famous urban legend, at Port City Brewing Co, Alexandria’s most famous brewery!” the brewery said in a press release. “Staff of the Museum will be there to tell the tale… and perhaps the famous lady will make an appearance at some point in the evening.”
Alexandria announces $7.1 million in funding for first-time homebuyers — “The City of Alexandria is pleased to announce the availability of Sponsoring Partnerships & Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) funds to provide eligible first-time homebuyers with permanent financing for their home purchase. SPARC is a special allocation to local governments to reduce first trust mortgage interest rates.” [City of Alexandria]
Six ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Alexandria — “Port City Brewing Company’s Hefeweizen brew is a Bavarian-style wheat hale pouring hazy golden with fluffy white foam, tinged with aromas of clove and spice with a softer note of ripe banana. Pick up a four-pack via curbside pickup or Port City On Demand, or sip at an outdoor table at the West End headquarters.” [Visit Alexandria]
Today’s weather — “Showers likely along with a possible rumble of thunder in the morning, then partly cloudy late. High 72F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%… Partly cloudy skies (in the evening). Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New job: Play expert — “Play Experts provide engaging and educational services to children in their homes. A step above a typical caregiver, our Play Experts are trained in child development as well as positive-behavior systems. They understand the importance of developmentally appropriate and engaging play, as well as consistent structure and boundaries.” [Indeed]
Carjacking at Gunpoint Near Potomac Yard — “The Alexandria Police Dept. is investigating a carjacking in the 400 block of Calvert Ave. It happened just before 5pm. Victim’s vehicle stolen at gunpoint. No injuries were reported. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]
Port City Brewing Co. Turns 10 — “We can’t celebrate 10 years of PCBC w/ a big in-person event so we’ve put together a Virtual Event to celebrate 10 years. The Anniversary video includes a message from our Founder, a Tasting Room update, 2021 beers, & a Colossal X tasting w/ a brewer!” [Twitter]
Dozens of Trees Planted at Four Mile Run Park — “55 trees were installed along the eastern edge of Four Mile Run Park. At maturity, the tree buffer will improve sightlines, expand habitat fauna, and create shady areas for park and trail users to enjoy. We look forward to seeing this project continue to grow!” [Twitter]
Snow Sculpture in Oronoco Bay Park Honors Disappeared Duck — “Thus, when the snow came down in Alexandria Monday, February 1, Robert decided to pay homage to Lex by sculpting the Snow Duck, which he named Lex Jr.” [Zebra]
Today’s Weather — “Sunshine and some clouds (during the day). High 38F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph… Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 28F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Tennis Instructor — ” We are looking for positive coaches with communicative, motivated, life-experienced/educated, and relevant qualifications. We value diversity. Your work here is both independent and team collaborative. You will be a key valued team member.” [Indeed]
Local brewery Port City Brewing Company has expanded its delivery radius to ten miles around Virginia and is offering same-day delivery for beer sales made before noon — twice the usual distance and extending as far as McLean and Lorton.
Most of the beers available are $11.75, though Port City is also offering a $23.50 variety pack with 12 bottles of various types. The offer is only valid through the end of today (Wednesday).
The delivery window is 3-6 p.m. and those who order must be at home to receive the delivery and show proof of age.
Just in time for the holidays, we've expanded Port City On Demand Beer Delivery to a 10-mile radius from the brewery (VA only – not available for DC & MD)! Order by noon and get your beer delivered on the same day! Available through Wednesday, 12/23. 🍻🚙https://t.co/PtvmNAUB8W pic.twitter.com/ycgTlQezrK
— Port City Brewing Co (@PortCityBrew) December 22, 2020
File photo
Local Democrats Divided Over Expunging Criminal Records — “House Democrats and Senate Democrats are deadlocked over how people accused of minor crimes should be able to clear their records, a clash that has stalled action for now on one of the most important criminal-justice reform efforts on the agenda for Democrats now that they have seized control of the General Assembly.” [Alexandria Gazette]
Personal Property Taxes Due Next Week — “The City of Alexandria reminds taxpayers that 2020 Vehicle and Business Personal Property Taxes are due December 15. City Council extended the Personal Property Tax due dates until December 15, 2020 to provide vehicle and business owners with additional time to pay.” [Patch]
Port City Founder Warns Excise Tax Rate Increases Could be Final Blow to Small Breweries — “I talked to the founder of Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, Virginia, and he told me he used his tax cut savings to start offering retirement benefits to his full-time employees. If his taxes go up, he’s going to have to start cutting back on those benefits.” [Yahoo]
Zebra Compiles List of Restaurants With Outdoor Heating — “Don’t let winter cold stop you from your favorite restaurant around town. Many restaurants have installed heaters to make your outdoor dining more comfortable.” [Zebra]
Free COVID-19 Testing Today in West End — “FREE COVID-19 TESTING! Tomorrow (Thursday) from 3 PM until 6 PM @NeighborhoodHth will be hosting another COVID-19 testing pop-up in partnership with the City. The event will be held at Burke Library at 4701 Seminary Road.” [Twitter]
Beyer Says Trump Has Made Fortune While in Office — “Donald Trump has a secret Chinese bank account, new properties in Scotland opened while he was in office, half a billion dollars owed to creditors like Deutsche Bank, licensing deals in Turkey, India, and the Philippines, and the Saudi government spent millions at his hotels.” [Twitter]
‘Top Chef’ Alum to Debut PLNT Burger Friday at Whole Foods — “In Old Town, you’ll find ‘Top Chef’ alum Spike Mendelsohn opening PLNT Burger Friday at Whole Foods at Carlyle, 1700 Duke St. The vegan fast-casual eatery serves up a variety of Beyond Burgers, a chili bowl, sweet potato fries, “blooms” fried onions and more. This will be the seventh PLNT Burger in the Northeast”.[Alexandria Living]
Port City Brewing Company Wins Beer Award — “WOW! We are so excited and honored to have won a Bronze Medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival for our Oktoberfest!” [Facebook]
Alexandria Drive-In Showing ‘The Mummy’ and ‘Casper’ on Halloween — “Announcing our movie lineup for Halloween Weekend!” [Facebook]
Today’s Weather — “Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Partly cloudy early (in the evening) with increasing clouds overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Anthropologie Seasonal Customer Associate — “We are looking for individuals whose primary role will be to connect and engage with our customers in a socially responsible manner. Seasonal employees will typically work between 8 and 20 hours a week, with an average shift being 4 hours long. Please be prepared to discuss your holiday season availability.” [Indeed]
