Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Thursday/July 19
Guitar Festival. All day, at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Courses and concerts over four days. Registration required. Call 703-683-2007 or visit www.alexandriaguitarfestival.com for more information.
Author Reading. Eric Jay Dolin will discuss his book "Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America," 7 p.m., Olsson's Books & Records-Old Town, Alexandria, 106 S. Union St.. The book follows the whaling industry, from John Smith the twentieth century decline. Free. 703-684-0077.
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m., Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories and activities for toddlers. No cost. Ages 24-35 months with an adult. Contact Martha Washington Library at 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. 7 p.m., Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Experience poems by Wislawa Szymborska. No cost or registration required. Adults. Contact Martha Washington Library at 703-768-6700.
Story Time. 10 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. Ages 3-5. 703-519-5900.
Great Books Discussion Group. 7 p.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. Discussion of "Guest of the Nation," a short story from Frank O’Connor’s Collected Stories. Cost of reading material only. Adults. For more information, contact Bill Scouton at 703-931-3559.
Friday/July 20
Dancing in the Dark. Dance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. with the Mount Vernon Swing Band at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. $4/person. 703-765-4573.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Little Theatre of Alexandria Benefit Performance. 7-10 p.m., UCM will sponsor a benefit performance of Peter Stone’s "The Will Rogers Follies." For all ages. Reception begins at 7 p.m. Performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Raffle tickets can also be purchased for great prizes. Little Theatre is located at 600 Wolfe St. Call 703-768-7106, ext. 327 for tickets.
Guitar Festival. All day, at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Courses and concerts over four days. Registration required. Call 703-683-2007 or visit www.alexandriaguitarfestival.com for more information.
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring a lunch and listen to stories or watch movies. No cost. Ages 5 and under with adult. Contact John Marshall Library at 703-324-8365.
Doodles & More. 10:30 a.m., John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children can learn to draw from a graphic artist. No cost. Ages 6-12. Contact John Marshall Library at 703-324-8365.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon, Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Listen to stories and bring a lunch. No cost. Ages 1-5 with an adult. Contact Sherwood Regional Library at 703-765-3645.
Time for 2’s. 10 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. Ages 24 to 36 months with an adult. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Harry Potter Art. 7-10 p.m. at Elizabeth Stone Gallery, 1127 King St. Create a Harry Potter poster, make magic wands, drink butterbeer and eat some of the candy from the movie. Signed Harry Potter illustrations will be available for purchase. Visit www.elizabethstonegallery.com or 703-706-0025.
Glass Jewelry Gallery. 5-8 p.m., at Arts Afire Glass Gallery, 1117 King St. Karen Ovington’s work is featured at a trunk show at the end of the gallery’s anniversary sale.
Saturday/July 21
Fairy Flower Gardens. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for children ages 6-11 years. Poems of Cicely Mary Barker in "Flower Fairies of the Summer." At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. A traditional English tea follows this program. $24 and registration required 703-941-7987.
Movie Screening. 11 a.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., watch "Nina Simone: Live at Ronnie Scott’s," which captures the recording of her album. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at Alexandria History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Listen to music by Walidane Drum Group. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Guitar Festival. All day, at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Courses and concerts over four days. Registration required. Call 703-683-2007 or visit www.alexandriaguitarfestival.com for more information.
Cooking For Pets. 2:30 p.m. at PetSage, 2391 S. Dove St. Presentation on pet nutrition, recommended supplements and ingredients, and home-cooked pet meal preparation tips by a holistic pet practitioner and a professional chef in a showroom kitchen. $30; pets attend free. 703-299-5044.
Harry Potter Pre-Release Midnight Parties. Midnight at Olsson's Arlington/Courthouse, 2111 Wilson Blvd., and Olsson's Old Town Alexandria, 106 S. Union St. The pre-release parties start at 9 p.m. Come in costume for refreshments and prizes. Free. Olsson's Arlington/Courthouse at 703 525-4227 or Olsson's Old Town Alexandria at 703-684-0077.
Amazing Escapes: True or False? 2:30 p.m., Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories of survival and bravery told by Gary Lloyd. No cost. Ages 6-12. 703-768-6700.
Black Authors Book Discussion Group. 10:30 a.m., Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discussion of "Interruption of Everything" by Terry McMillan. No cost. Adults. Contact Sherwood Regional Library at 703-765-3645.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. All ages. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Perennials. 9:30-11 a.m. learn about "Perennials in the Heat of Summer" at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Explore the world of perennials and their allies, including cultivation, placement and more. $16/class. 703-642-5173 to register.
Cultural Festival. 1-7 p.m. at Market Square, 300 King St. The Alexandria African American Cultural Festival features music and performances. Free.
Community Day. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Ave. There will be activities, crafts and more for families to enjoy. Free. 703-360-6088.
Glass Jewelry Gallery. 5-8 p.m., at Arts Afire Glass Gallery, 1117 King St. Karen Ovington’s work is featured at a trunk show at the end of the gallery’s anniversary sale.
Flower Fairies at Green Springs Gardens. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Discover flower fairies and listen to illustrator and poet Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies of the Summer. Visit all of the colorful flowers that are in full bloom. Free. Ages 6 and older. Call 703-642-5173 or visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp.
Sunday/July 22
Dramatic Performance. 3-5 p.m. at Dominican Retreat House, 7103 Old Dominion Drive in McLean. "Pretty is as Pretty Does" is a series of interpretations of Women of the Bible, highlighting Abigail, Leah and Bathsheba by Anita Gutschick. Reservations required. $30. 703-356-4243 or visit www.dominicanretreat.org.
Music Performance. The Covington String Quartet will perform at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Donations accepted. 703-799-8229 or visit www.wmpa.us.
Glass Jewelry Gallery. 1-5 p.m., at Arts Afire Glass Gallery, 1117 King St. Karen Ovington’s work is featured at a trunk show at the end of the gallery’s anniversary sale.
Monday/July 23
Music Performance. The Greencards are performing with the Colin Hay Band at the Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., at 7:30 p.m. $25. Visit www.thegreencards.com or www.dualtone.com. 703-549-7500.
First Page. 7 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. A group meeting for aspiring writers, novices and experts of all genres and no registration is required. No cost. Adults. Contact Kingstown Community Library at 703-339-4610 for more information.
Mystery Group. 7 p.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Discussion of "The Hard Way: A Jack Reacher Novel" by Lee Child. No cost or registration required. Adults. Contact Martha Washington Library at 703-768-6700.
How Animals Survive in the Wild. 2:30 p.m., Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Live animals brought by the Animal Ambassadors for show and tell. No cost. Ages 6-12. Contact Sherwood Regional Library at 703-765-3645.
Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke Street. No Cost. Ages 12-23 months with an adult. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke Street. No cost or registration required. All ages. Contact Beatley Central for more information at 703-519-5900.
Photography Class. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. For teenagers age 12-16. Learn how to take nature photographs, print own images and more. All photos will be entered in the annual photo contest. Reservations are required. $90. For more information, call 703-768-2525 or visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley.
Magical Express. Take a ride on the first Magical Express, which departs King Street Train Station at 1:25 p.m. and travels to Old Town Manassas Train Station. Train returns at 3:30 p.m. $15/each and on sale only at Whistle Stop Hobbies, 130 South Royal St. 703-549-4912.
Tuesday/July 24
18th-century Children’s Day. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Experience 18th century Alexandria tavern life with hands-on activities, story telling, dress-up, and games. $5 per person ages 3 and up. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more information.
How Animals Survive in the Wild. 10:30 a.m., John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Experience live animals that the Animal Ambassadors bring to the library. No cost. Ages 6-12. Contact John Marshall Library at 703-324-8365.
Set Sail Virginia. 2 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Games, activities and crafts are used to experience life in a new world. No cost. Ages 6-12. Contact Kingstown Community Library at 703-339-4610 for more information.
Paint & Personalize a Mug. 7 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Clay Café Studios presents this event and they will return fired and glazed mugs two weeks later. No cost. Ages 12-18. Contact Kingstown Community Library at 703-339-4610.
Martha’s Movie Madness. 2 p.m., Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Enjoy a movie and popcorn. No cost. Ages 6-12. Contact Martha Washington Library at 703-768-6700.
Web Page. 3 p.m., Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Learn about web page construction. No cost. Ages 10-18. Contact Sherwood Regional Library at 703-765-3645.
Time for 2’s. 10 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. Ages 24 to 36 months with an adult. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Author Reading. Marc Leepson will read from his book "Desperate Engagement: How a Little-Known Civil War Battle Saved Washington, D.C., and Changed American History" at 7 p.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Photography Class. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. For teenagers age 12-16. Learn how to take nature photographs, print own images and more. All photos will be entered in the annual photo contest. Reservations are required. $90. For more information, call 703-768-2525 or visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley.
Wednesday/July 25
Concert in the Garden. 7-8 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Free music by the Summer Band in the garden. 703-941-7987.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Crystal City Book Club. 2 p.m., Olsson's Crystal City, 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington. Read and discuss "Astrid & Veronika" by Linda Olsson. All are welcome. Free. 703-413-8121.
Music Performance. The U.S. Navy Brass Quintet will perform at 7 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Free. Visit www.navyband.navy.mil or 202-433-2525.
Writer’s Peer Review Group, 7 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. This event is for adults who are seriously working toward the publication of short fiction, novels or scripts. No cost or registration required. Adults. Contact Kingstown Community Library at 703-339-4610.
Stories in the Park. 11 a.m., Fort Ward Part, 4301 West Braddock Road, Area 7 or 8. Come to Fort Ward Park with something to sit on and a lunch for afterwards. No cost. All ages. 703-838-4555, ext. 3.
Photography Class. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. For teenagers age 12-16. Learn how to take nature photographs, print own images and more. All photos will be entered in the annual photo contest. Reservations are required. $90. For more information, call 703-768-2525 or visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley.
Thursday/July 26
Butterflies and Bugs. 1 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Stories and activities for children. No cost. Ages 2-5 with an adult. Contact Kingstown Community Library at 703-339-4610.
Vacation Time. 10:30 a.m. Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Songs, fingerplays, stories and a craft. No cost. Ages 2-5 with an adult. Contact Martha Washington Library at 703-768-6700.
Story Time. 10 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. Ages 3-5. 703-519-5900.
Author Reading. Richard B. Frank will read and talk about his book "MacArthur" at 7 p.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Photography Class. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Huntley Meadows, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. For teenagers age 12-16. Learn how to take nature photographs, print own images and more. All photos will be entered in the annual photo contest. Reservations are required. $90. For more information, call 703-768-2525 or visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley.
Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Learn the dances of George Washington, Jane Austen and others in preparation for the Jane Austen Ball. $30/series or $12/class. Reservations required, 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Friday/July 27
Music Performance. The Boulder Acoustic Society will perform with Gabrielle Louise at 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. They are a modern string band. $18/advance; $20/door and children under 14 with adult are half price. Reservations can be made at www.sunspotpro.com or by calling 800 404-9049.
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring a lunch and listen to stories or watch movies. No cost. Ages 5 and under with adult. Contact John Marshall Library at 703-324-8365.
Crochet Away. 2 p.m., Kingstowne Community Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Learn to crochet a neat pouch for treasures. No cost. Ages 9-12 with an adult. Contact Kingstown Community Library at 703-339-4610.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon, Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Listen to stories and bring a lunch. No cost. Ages 1-5 with an adult. Contact Sherwood Regional Library at 703-765-3645.
Time for 2’s. 10 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. Ages 24 to 36 months with an adult. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Saturday/July 28
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. All ages. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Author Reading. Jane Harrington will read and discuss "Extreme Pets Handbook" at 1 p.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. The book describes how to care for pets such as frogs, ferrets and snakes. For children ages 7-12. They will be able to meet some of the animals. Free. 703-684-0077.
Yard Sale. The Mount Vernon Evening Lions Club will be holding a yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 6001 Monticello Road. There will be a huge collection of bears on sale along with other items. Old eyeglasses and hearing aides will be collected. Call Andrea at 703-960-4973.
Activities on Local Bugs. 10 a.m.-noon, Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Visit the Visitor Center for self-guided activities that focuse on bugs in the park. All favorite bugs will be covered. $2 per child. Ages 4 and older with an adult. For more information visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntley or call 703-768-2525.
Sunday/July 29
Tea 101. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn about tea: varieties, how it is made and more. A traditional English tea follows this program. $24 and registration required 703-941-7987.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.