E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
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The City of Alexandria will host its Second Annual Film Festival at the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium (1108 Jefferson St.) from Sept. 25 through Sept. 28. The deadline to submit a film entry is June 16. To receive a submission form, visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org.
Ongoing
Visit George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See how whiskey got started. $4/adult; $2/child. Get discounts with admission to Mount Vernon Estate. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
Take a seasonal walking tour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. This 30-minute tour explores a variety of contributions. Free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
On Sundays take a Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $9/adult; $5/child in addition to Mount Vernon Estate admission. Visit www.mountvernon.org for schedules.
Every Tuesday and Thursday through October from 5- 8 p.m. at Hotel Monaco Alexandria, enjoy Doggie Happy Hour. Enjoy doggie treats and human treats.
Join City archaeologists and trained volunteers for an exciting program for kids of all ages at Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days. Be part of the fascinating archaeological investigation and discover firsthand the hidden clues left behind by the people who lived and worked there hundreds of years ago, by helping screen excavated soil. Monthly Family Dig Days will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2008 dates are on Saturdays: June 14; July 12; Aug. 16; Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. $5/person and spots fill up fast. Call 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org to reserve a spot.
On Sundays from noon-5 p.m., visit the Waterfront and see history-inspired performances near the Torpedo Factory; do a “meet and greet” of early Alexandria residents and travelers near the Waterfront and lower King Street. Free. Visit www.historicalexandria.org for more.
In celebration of the exhibition “Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China,” visitors to Mount Vernon will have a chance every day from June 1 to Aug. 31 to win a piece of porcelain featuring the Martha Washington “States” pattern. Drawings occur daily at 3 p.m. in the Shops at Mount Vernon, and the grand prize will be drawn on Aug. 31. No purchase is required, and visitors do not have to be present to win. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
On weekdays from June through August, from 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon., children ages 6-12 can hunt for Harry Potter’s favorite plants and explore their lore. Learn how to craft a wand and make potions. Groups welcome. $6/student. 703-642-5173. At Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road.
On Saturdays from June 7 through Aug. 16 from 1-3 p.m., children ages 8-12 years can learn how to create a garden with hands-on activities and will be able to grow a garden. $10/student. At Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. To register, 703-642-5173.
See Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., in a whole new light – lantern light. Tour the 1785 tavern and 1792 City Hotel during the summer season with costumed guides as you experience the tavern as patrons did more than 200 years ago before the advent of electricity. Tours are every Friday night, June through August, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person ages 5 and up. Tours last approximately 30 minutes, with the last tour starting at 9:15 p.m. Call ahead to confirm tour date. For more information, call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Friday/June 20
Music Performance. The Mount Vernon Swing Band will perform from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. $4/person. 703-765-4573.
Art Talk. 7-9 p.m. in the Torpedo Factory Main Hall, 105 N. Union St. Ken Matsuzaki will talk about his career as a potter. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
Closing Reception. 5-10 p.m., Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112-A Mount Vernon Ave., presents “Delray” by K. Wesley E. Clark from June 1 through June 21.
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway starting June 6. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.
Closing Reception. 5-10 p.m. see art by Wesley Clark from June 1 through June 21 at Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112A Mount Vernon Ave. Free. 703-894-8854.
Outdoor Symposium. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Parents, teachers and volunteers can integrate outdoor learning and gardening into the schoolyard and curriculum. $35/person. To register, 703-642-5173.
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6200 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories and a short movie. Free. 703-971-0010.
Creatures Great and Small. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Enjoy a musical review of animal songs and stories for all ages. Free. 703-768-6700.
Comedy Performance. Skippy from “Family Ties” will perform at All Stars Comedy Club, 3100 Mount Vernon Ave. Performances at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Dinner packages available. Visit www.allstarscomedy.com for tickets.
Play Performance. 8 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Watch “Running Scared, Running Free.” $10/person. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Saturday/June 21
Closing Reception. 5-10 p.m., Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112-A Mount Vernon Ave., presents “Delray” by K. Wesley E. Clark from June 1 through June 21.
Soldier-Led Tour. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road. Learn about Fort Ward, soldier’s life and more. Free. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Closing Reception. 5-10 p.m. see art by Wesley Clark from June 1 through June 21 at Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112A Mount Vernon Ave. Free. 703-894-8854.
Older Cat Care. 1-3 p.m. at Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Ave. Learn about adult cats. Free. Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org or 703-838-4774.
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear Rumba Club perform. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
Framed Botanical Art: Pressed Ferns. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden. Learn how to mount flowers on paper and then frame them. $25/person. 703-642-5173.
Garden Sprouts: Tops and Bottoms. 10 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children ages 3-5 years can learn about plants we eat and then enjoy a healthy snack and make a garden. $6/child. To register, 703-642-5173.
Play Ball! 2 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Bring a camera and take a photo with Potomac Nationals mascot Uncle Slam, an item for his autograph and then hear a baseball story. Free. 703-339-4610.
Book Discussion. Discuss and then get signed copies of “The Dark Before the Light at Dawn” by Vanessa Grace at 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Movie. 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Rec Center. Watch “Shrek 3.” Free. www.delraycitizen.org for more.
Dog Massage Class. 1-2:30 p.m. at Tails of Old Towne in Del Ray. Bring a dog and learn basic techniques. Register at www.tailsofoldetowne.com or 703-768-0500.
Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Free. 703-838-4827.
Comedy Performance. Skippy from “Family Ties” will perform at All Stars Comedy Club, 3100 Mount Vernon Ave. Performances at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Dinner packages available. Visit www.allstarscomedy.com for tickets.
Play Performance. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Watch “Running Scared, Running Free.” $10/person. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Digital Photography Seminar. 2-6 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Learn how to take pictures outside, and receive critiques. $90/person. For more information or to register, call 703-768-2525.
Yard Sale. Community yard sale in parking lot of Lincolnia United Methodist Church, 6335 Little River Turnpike from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 703-354-5176 or lincolniaumc@verizon.net.
Sunday/June 22
Workshop. Students can take part in a “Junk Mail Collage Workshop” from noon-3 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. $25/member; $35/non-member. Visit www.thedelrayartisans.org or 703-838-4826.
Movie Night. 6:30 p.m. at Del Ray United Methodist Church, 100 E. Windsor Ave. Watch “A Peanuts Celebration.” Free. Visit www.delrayumc.org.
Summer Herbal Teas. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how to enjoy the herbs in a garden or window box. Includes a full tea. $25/person. To register, 703-941-7987.
Bridge Club. 4 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. Beginners and advanced players age 12 and up can learn. Free. 703-765-3645.
Family Movie Night. 6:30 p.m. at Del Ray United Methodist Church, 100 E. Windsor Ave. Free. Watch “A Peanuts Celebration.” Free. Visit www.delrayumc.org for more.
Play Performance. 2 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Watch “Running Scared, Running Free.” $10/person. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Monday/June 23
Writer’s Group. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Adults can read material aloud for feedback. Free. 703-339-4610.
Mystery Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Discuss “Dead Heat” by Dick Francis. Free. 703-768-6700.
On The Ball. Spinny Johnson performs fun and amazing basketball tricks for children ages 6-12 at 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 12-23 months can enjoy stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. For all ages. Free. 703-51-5900.
Tuesday/June 24
Pinwheel Baby Blanket. 7-9 p.m. at Knit Happens, 127A N. Washington St. Learn to work in the round and increase with this project. $70. Register at 703-836-0039.
Baby Booties Crash Course. 7-9 p.m. at Knit Happens, 127A N. Washington St. learn to increase and decrease. $50. Register at 703-836-0039.
What’s the Matter? 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6200 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 6-12 can explore chemistry with fizz, foam and flash. Free. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion. 7:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Discuss “Pontoon” by Garrison Keillor. Free. 703-339-4610.
Martha’s Movie Madness. 2 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy a movie and popcorn. Free. 703-768-6700.
Teen Poetry Workshop. Meet author Kyndall Brown and learn how to write own poetry at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. For children ages 12 and up. Free. 703-765-3645.
Time For 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 24-36 months can enjoy stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
SummerQuest Jr. 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Children up to age 5 can enjoy Kaydee Puppets. Free. 703-838-4566.
Wednesday/June 25
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Lee District Park Amphitheater, 6601 Telegraph Road. Hear Nothin’ Fancy perform. Free. 703-922-9841.
Writer’s Peer Review. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Review works and receive feedback on own work. Free. 703-339-4610.
J is for June. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 2-5 can have fun with the alphabet and stories for the month of June. Free. 703-765-3645.
Open House and Reception. 6:30-8 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. The museum celebrates its 25th anniversary. Free. Enjoy free gift, refreshments and more. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org for more.
Summerquest. 10 a.m. children up to 5 can enjoy Kaydee puppets; children ages 6-12 at 4 p.m. can enjoy magician Michael Chamberlin. All at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Free. 703-519-5900.
SummerQuest. 3:30 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy “Sea Bugs” with Magician Joe Young. Free. 703-838-4566.
Thursday/June 26
Author Discussion. Charles E. Cobb, Jr. will discuss his new work “On the Road to Freedom: A Guided Tour of the Civil Rights Trail” from 6-8 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Free. Reservations suggested, 703-838-4356.
Reading Magic! 2:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. A magic show full of comedy and good old-fashioned fun with Turley the Magician for children ages 6-12. Free. 703-339-4610.
African Animals. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy stories, fingerplays, songs and crafts. Free. 703-768-6700.
The Nicolo Whimsey Show. 2:30 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Children ages 6-12 can see juggling, comedy and more from Nicolo the Jester. Free. 703-768-6700.
Art Talk. Alison Sigethy will talk about her journeys and more at 7:30 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Free. Visit www.thedelrayartisans.org or 703-838-4826.
Story Time. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 3-5. Free. 703-519-5900.
Short Story Discussion. 7 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Discuss the first three stories in “The Art of the Short Story.” Free. 703-519-3498.
SummerQuest. Children ages 6-12 can see and touch live reptiles, including snakes, tarantulas and more. Free. 7 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. 703-519-6000.
Friday/June 27
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway starting June 6. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.
Designs from the Garden. 1:30- p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how to arrange floral masterpieces. $18/person. 703-642-5173.
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6200 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories and a short movie. Free. 703-971-0010.
Time For 2s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 24-36 months can enjoy stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
SummerQuest. 4 p.m. at Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy “Sea Bugs” with Magician Joe Young. Free. 703-838-4566.
Music Performance. The Choralis will perform at 8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. See Haydn’s “Creation.” Tickets range between $25-$35 with discounts for students. Visit www.choralis.org or 703-237-2499.
Saturday/June 28
Yard Sale. The Alexandria Jaycees will hold a yard sale from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at Anthony T. Lane Elementary School, 7137 Beulah St. Free. Browse a variety of items. Vendors may register online at www.alexjaycees.org/yardsales.htm. For updated rain date information call 703-866-7171.
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear The Winstons perform. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
Designing with Perennials. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Combine perennials and woody plants. $18/session. 703-642-5173.
Del Ray Music Festival. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Free. www.delraycitizen.org for more.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. All ages can enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
Digital Photography Seminar. 2-6 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Learn how to take pictures outside, and receive critiques. $90/person. For more information or to register, call 703-768-2525.
Food Drive. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Mount Vernon Government Center, 2511 Parker’s Lane. Bring non-perishable goods in bags to support the United Community Ministries Food Pantry. 703-780-7518.
Sunday/June 29
Bridge Club. 4 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. Beginners and advanced players age 12 and up can learn. Free. 703-765-3645.
Monday/June 30
Family Story Time. 2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Families of all ages can enjoy stories and then an activity. Free. 703-642-5173.
Juggling and Other Amazing Tricks. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6200 Rose Hill Drive. Learn to juggle, walk on stilts and more. Children ages 12-18. Free. 703-971-0010.
What’s The Matter? 2:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2500 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-12 can learn about chemistry with fizz, foam and flash. Free. 703-765-3645.
Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 12-23 months can enjoy stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-519-5900.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. For all ages. Free. 703-51-5900.
Wednesday/July 2
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Lee District Park Amphitheater, 6601 Telegraph Road. Hear Klezcentricity perform. Free. 703-922-9841.
Friday/July 4
Independence at Mount Vernon. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Enjoy a variety of events including meeting General and Mrs. Washington. $13/adult; $6/child; children under 5 free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.