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.
Ongoing
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.
Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services present free dance workshops at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, from 3:30-5 p.m. on May 8. To register, 703-324-4386.
Beginning Feb. 25, the T.C. Williams High School Planetarium will welcome the Alexandria community one night each month during the school year for a free hour-long show. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for “A Night With the Stars,” which will run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advance registration, required, may be completed online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw/planetarium/ or by calling the planetarium at 703-824-6805, extension 6300.
Mount Vernon will bring back its popular National Treasure Tour through Oct. 31. Included in this approximately hour-long walking tour is the Mansion's basement and cornerstone, the setting for a pivotal scene in the movie. This daily tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot, takes place at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., and costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under. Advance tickets are available online at MountVernon.org.
Spectacular gardens are in bloom as Mount Vernon hosts its annual outdoor garden and gift sale beginning April 11 through May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual sale includes ornamentals, perennials and annuals, garden items, books, and heirloom plants propagated from historic cuttings. No admission is required to shop in the Gardening Days tent (located in front of the Mount Vernon Inn Complex). Visit.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Join City archaeologists and trained volunteers for a program for children of all ages at Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days. Monthly Family Dig Days will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2009 dates are: Saturday, May 30; Saturday, July 18; Saturday, Aug. 15; Saturday, Sept. 12; Saturday, Oct. 17. $5/person. Registration required, 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.
Mount Vernon commemorates George and Martha Washington’s 250th wedding anniversary with a new collection of fine stationery available at the Shops at Mount Vernon, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Visit.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Friday/May 1
Sing Along with Mr. Skip. 12:30 p.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Enjoy singing and dancing with Mr. Skip. $5 per child. No pre-registration required. More info at spillthebeansva.com.
Art show and Sale. 1-8 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Partial proceeds benefit Lazarus Ministry. Free.
Theater Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road. Watch “Footloose.” $10/person.
Annual Gala. Terminal A of Reagan Washington National Airport. $150/person with proceeds benefiting New Hope Housing. Reservations at 703-799-2293.
Music Performance. 8:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Hear music by Cole. Free. Visit www.themusicofcole.com for more.
Saturday/May 2
Kentucky Derby Party. 4-8 p.m. at an undetermined location. Enjoy food, bets and more. All proceeds benefit the Campagna Center. 703-549-0111 ext. 107.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. $20-$80/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Old Town, 228 S. Pitt St. Hear the keyboard scholars. Free. Donations accepted.
Garden Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse shrubs, plants, flowers and more from local growers. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org or 703-642-5173.
Grandma Rita’s Children Fund-raiser. 2-7 p.m. at Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Road. Enjoy a crop space, light dinner and more. $45. E-mail avonlady_jihanna@msn.com for more.
Art show and Sale. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Partial proceeds benefit Lazarus Ministry. Free.
BIG Sale. Items donation by Washington Metro Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers will be on sale, including wall hangings, blinds, shades and more at Habitat ReStore of Northern Virginia, 7770 Richmond Highway. Visit www.restorenova.org or 703-521-9890 ext. 105.
British are Coming. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Carlyle House. Hear stories from British soldiers, view equipment and more. For more information regarding this event, contact the Carlyle House at 703-549-2997 or Carlyle@nvrpa.org.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Schlesinger Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Season finale of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. $20-$70/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Theater Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road. Watch “Footloose.” $10/person.
Mother’s Day Art Studio. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Get ready for Mother’s Day by making cards and gifts for mom, grandmas and anyone else. Visit www.artatthecenter.org/classes for details.
Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Williamsburg Manor Community. Free. 703-780-5009.
Sunday/May 3
Reception. 1-3 p.m. see paintings by the Potomac Valley Watercolorists at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Runs from April 28 through June 28. Visit potomacvalleywatercolorist.com for more.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Hear the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra. $25/adult; $20/senior; $5/student. 703-635-2770.
Opening Day. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park. The West End Farmers’ Market is open. Free. 703-838-4343.
Concert with a Cause. 4 p.m. at Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Hear Shaun and Jina Tirrell perform. Free. Donations benefit Faith Ministry. Visit www.opmh.org for more.
Art show and Sale. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Partial proceeds benefit Lazarus Ministry. Free.
Benefit Brunch. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Union Street Public House, 121 S. Union St. Hosted by the Board of Lady Managers. Donations benefit NICU of INOVA Alexandria. 703-919-1149.
Architecture in the Afternoon. 2 p.m. at Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road. Learn about George Mason’s home. Admission applies. Visit www.gunstonhall.org for more.
Family Fun Festival. Noon-4 p.m. at Browne Academy, 5917 Telegraph Road. Free admission, cost for tickets and food. Enjoy games, rides, and more.
Mother’s Day Art Studio, 2-3:30 p.m. at Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Get ready for Mother’s Day by making cards and gifts for mom, grandmas and anyone else. Visit www.artatthecenter.org/classes for details.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Hear music by South American composers. $25/person. 703-264-1258.
Bach Vespers. 6-6:45 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Free. www.wpc-alex.org.
Chorus Concert. 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Hear the Alexandria Choral Society. Free. Visit www.alexchoralsociety.org or 703-548-4734.
Walk Through Old Town. Five mile Walkathon to raise funds for the ALIVE! Child Development Center. Starts at 2723 King Street at 1:30 p.m. Community picnic to follow. More information at www.alive-inc.org or 703-548-9255.
Monday/May 4
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Workshop. Learn how to create spring-inspired centerpieces at 7 p.m. at the Studio, 8088 Danewood Drive. $255/three classes. Visit www.WisteriaFlorals.com or 703-336-1042 to register.
Mother’s Day Art Studio, 2-3:30 p.m. at Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Get ready for Mother’s Day by making cards and gifts for mom, grandmas and anyone else. Visit www.artatthecenter.org/classes for details.
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children 1-2 years can enjoy stories and activities. Free. Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/May 5
Benefit Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road. Hear Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-Flat Major. Donations accepted. 703-933-4135.
Lullaby Stories. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children 1-5 can enjoy stories and activities. Free. Registration required, 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/May 6
Girls Night Out. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Teens can discuss books. Call for titles. Age 12-15. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Thursday/May 7
Fiesta Cinco de Mayo. 6:30 p.m. at Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota, 3750 Jefferson Davis Highway. $100/persn, proceeds benefit health care of low-income families. Enjoy music, raffles, auction, food and more. E-mail cincodemayoalex@aol.com
BBQ. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road. Enjoy bbq pork, chicken, hot dogs and more. $8/proceeds benefit church. Visit www.saintlukeschurch.net or 703-765-4342.
Book Discussion. Noon at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Discuss “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. Free. 703-339-4610.
Poetry Read-Around. 7 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Adults can share their favorite poems. Free. 703-765-3645.
Friday/May 8
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive. See the Alexandria Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus perform. $15-$30. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 703-910-4600.
Saturday/May 9
Spring Bus Tour. Meet 7:30 a.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Visit Richmond area Civil War sites. $120/FFW member; $135/nonmember. Deadline is May 1. 703-838-4848.
Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna. Browse antiques, collectibles, art and more. Proceeds benefit Friends of Homeless Animals. Visit www.foha.org for more.
Outdoor Art Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Colasanto Park, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Browse works from more than 20 artists. Visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for more.
Garden Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse shrubs, plants, flowers and more from local growers. Free. Visit www.greenspring.org or 703-642-5173.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. at Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive. See the Alexandria Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus perform. $15-$30. Visit www.harmonizers.org or 703-910-4600.
Spring Garden Party. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Enjoy meeting Mrs. Washington, music, games and more. $15/adult; $14/senior; $7/child. Visit.MountVernon.org for more.
Shop for Shelter. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square. Proceeds benefit Carpenter’s Shelter. Free, RSVP to polished@tuanh.com or 703-888-3696. $5/door.
VisionWalk. Fight blindness by walking at 9 a.m. at Cameron Run Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave.
Family Fun Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, 1000 St. Stephen’s Road. Enjoy a march, painting, games, magic, food and more. Proceeds benefit Mattie Brow. Visit www.mattiebear.blogspot.com for more.
Book Sale. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Enjoy searching books for all ages from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 703-339-4610.
Sunday/May 10
Music Performance. 5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Old Town, 228 S. Pitt St. Hear the Choral Evensong. Free. Donations accepted.
Free Mother’s Day Tours. Noon-5 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. or Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. $4/other adults; $2/child. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the Marine Band. Free. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com for more.
Spring Garden Party. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Enjoy meeting Mrs. Washington, music, games and more. $15/adult; $14/senior; $7/child. Visit.MountVernon.org for more.
Music Performance. 2:30 p.m. at Episcopal High School, 3900 W. Braddock Road. Hear the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.
Spring Open House Sale. 5-8 p.m. at Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Browse works, listen to music, enjoy food, activities and more. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Family Tour Days. 1-5 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Enjoy tours by junior Docents. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242 for admission prices.
Bach Vespers. 6-6:45 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Free. www.wpc-alex.org.
Monday/May 11
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Workshop. Learn how to create spring-inspired centerpieces at 7 p.m. at the Studio, 8088 Danewood Drive. $255/three classes. Visit www.WisteriaFlorals.com or 703-336-1042 to register.
Book Group. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6328 Richmond Highway. Discuss “In the Ring” by Robert Bennett. Free. 703-768-6700.
Early Reader Book Discussion. 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children 6-8 years can enjoy book activities. Free. 703-971-0010.
Books and Ideas. 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Free. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/May 12
Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6328 Richmond Highway. Discuss “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. Free. 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/May 13
Plant Lecture. 7:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Learn about Dyke Marsh wildlife preserve. Free. 703-768-2525.
Rising Words, Rising Images. 11 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children 9-12 can discuss “Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution” by Ji-li Jiang. Free. Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Thursday/May 14
Toast to Fashion. 6:30 p.m. at Belle Have Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road. See new trends from area shops and more. $40/advance or $45/door. Visit www.campagnacenter.org or 703-549-0111.
Art Night. 6-9 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Enjoy artist receptions and more. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Mosaics for Moms, 7-8:30 p.m. at Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Give mom a night out for mother’s day and a chance to create a beautiful mosaic work of art. Visit www.artatthecenter.org/classes for details.
Friday/May 15
Needlework Identification Day. 12:30-4:30 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Bring needlework and learn how to properly care for it and see if it is an 18th or 19th century piece. $5/piece is requested. Reservations required, 703-838-4994.
Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Hear the United States Air Force Band. Free. Visit www.usafband.af.mil for more.
Saturday/May 16
5K Run/Walk. 8:30 a.m. at South Run Park. The run benefits the National Capital Lyme Association. Registration day of or at www.active.com.
Soldier-Led Tour. 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Free. Learn about the defenses of Washington. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Opening Reception. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The von Brahler Ltd./Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St. See pieces from “International Children’s Book Illustrators.” Free. 703-798-8686.
Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Raceway Farms. Free.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the American Balalaika Symphony. Visit www.absorchestra.org or 703-351-1331 for tickets.
Community Day. Noon-5 p.m. at UCM’s Community Center at Creekside Village, 7966 Janna Lee Ave. Free. 703-799-3832.
Celebration. 6 p.m. at Mount Vernon Country Club, 5111 Old Mill Road. Celebration of Gum Springs Community. Reservations required, 703-799-1198.
Harambee Readers. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “Black Girl, White Girl” by Joyce Carol Oates. Free. 703-765-3645.