<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 7
<cal2>18th Century Dance Classes. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dance master Corky Palmer will lead a fun series of 18th-century English country dance classes in preparation for the Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Oct. 23. Singles or couples are welcome at this beginner-level series. The cost for lessons is $30 for the series or $12 per class. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 703-746-4242. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St., Alexandria. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 8
<cal2>Book Signing and Lecture. 7:30 p.m. Author Ron Chernow will sign copies of his book, Washington: A Life. Tickets are $125/person. The evening will conclude with a booksigning, dessert, champagne, and a toast to George Washington. At the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Theatre in the Ford Orientation Center at Mount Vernon. To make a reservation, contact Stephen McLeod at 703-799-8686.
Memorial Service and Wreath Laying. 11 a.m. The Alexandria Fire Department will observe National Fire Prevention Week with a Memorial Service and Wreath Laying for Fallen Firefighters. At Ivy Hill Cemetery, 2823 King St., Alexandria.
Jazzercise Fundraiser. 6 p.m. $25 registration fee. Fannie Mae will match all money raised. Join Mindy LaBruno for an hour-long high-energy Jazzercise class to raise funds to help the homeless. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Visit www.jazzmtvernon.com
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 9
<cal2>OktoBeerfest Celebration. Noon to 6 p.m. A block party featuring great food, beverage, live music and family-friendly entertainment. Dishes prepared by Rustico, Buzz, The Evening Star Cafe, Vermilion, Tallula, EatBar, Columbia Firehouse, Birch & Barley and Star Catering. And 30 different seasonal beers on draught. Sponsored by Neighborhood Restaurant Group. At Rustico, 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria. Visit www.rusticorestaurant.com or call 703-224-5051.
Native Plant Propagation: Expand Your Garden. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Laura Beaty for a fun and practical workshop on plant propagation methods and a hands-on opportunity to pot some selected native plants. At Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Cost: $10 for ASNV members, $15 non-members. Limit 20. To register, email info@audubonva.org or call 703-438-6008.
Film Screening. 4:30 p.m. Free. "From Barbados to Carolina: The Colony of a Colony." Part of "Movies with a Mission." At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.
Used Book Sale. Friends of the Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. Call 703-339-4610.
Alexandria Arts Safari. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Festival of hands-on arts and craft activities for children. Children will enjoy the Clay Experience, Arts Safari Painting, Fabric Collage, Treasure Box Making & Origami, Giant Papier Mache Animal, and much more. At the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, #327, Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or visit www.torpedofactory.org.
<cal1>Oct. 9-10
<cal2>Old Town Alexandria Wine Festival. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $35. Visitors will educate their palate with tastings of Virginia's locally grown world-class wine, and enjoy fine arts, fancy foods and culinary seminars. At the Crown Plaza Hotel, 901 North Fairfax, Alexandria. Email: donna@OldTownWineFestival.com or visit www.OldTownWineFestival.com.
<cal1>Oct. 9-17
<cal2>Alexandria Boutique Week. 62 retailers tempt shoppers with special promotions and free gifts at this annual event of shopping in a charming, walkable setting. Snap up deals on fashion, home decor, art and antiques, culinary goods and doggie products. With stamps from five of the participating locations, enter to win a $1,000 shopping spree and an overnight getaway in Old Town Alexandria. VisitAlexandriaVA.com; 703-746-3301.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 12
<cal2>Domestic Violence Reception. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join the Alexandria Commission for Women, Friends of the Commission for Women and the Domestic Violence Program to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At Vola Lawson Lobby, City Hall, Alexandria. Call Claire Dunn at 703-746-4911 or e-mail claire.dunn@alexandriava.gov.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 13
<cal2>Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $6. A DJ Dance Party with DJ Dabe Murphy. At Nick’s Nightclub, 641 South Pickett Street, Alexandria.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 14
<cal2>Sol Roots Performs. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. His talent stretches from fiery rock to laid-back jazz, and from funky innovative grooves to soulful ballads, always drawing on a deep background in blues. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit www.sol-roots.com.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 15
<cal2>"Hiding" Film Screening. 7 p.m. This film exposes the struggle North Korean refugees must go through in China to find freedom. Through this film, you will be introduced to those still in hiding and learn about ways to help bring them to safety. Representatives from LiNK, an organization that educates people on the refugee crisis in North Korea, will lead the after-film discussion. At Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Call 703-721-0595 or gpourchot@yahoo.com.
An Evening of Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. Free. With the U.S. Air Force Band Chamber Players. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 202-767-5658 or www.usafband.af.mil.
<cal1>Oct. 15-17
<cal2>Live Gaming Event. Major League Gaming will combine its Pro Circuit competition and the MLG Doritos Pro Gaming Combine to create competitions for the 2010 season’s two remaining events. More than 2,600 players will compete. At the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md. Registration for the Pro Circuit and the amateur competition is open at http://www.mlgpro.com/pro-circuit/2010. For details, visit www.mlgpro.com.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 16
<cal2>Nelly’s Needler’s Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmade items by the Nelly’s Needler’s, a volunteer fundraising organization with proceeds benefiting Woodlawn. Items include: quilts and quilted items; baby gifts and toys; clothing and jewelry; holiday decorations; ornaments; painted furniture; canned/preserved/baked goods. On the grounds of Woodlawn, 9000 Richmond Highway, three miles west of Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-4000 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org.
Ice Well Fundraiser. 7 to 10 p.m. Silent auction and raffle tickets, fine food and drink. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $75/members and $100/non-members. $150 per person for pre-party cocktail reception. All proceeds benefit Gadsby's Ice Well Restoration. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Old Town Alexandria. Call Karen Byers at 703-836-3939.
St. Aidan's Oktoberfest and Silent Auction. 3-7 p.m. German Food and Music. 50/50 raffle. Kinderfest from 3-5 p.m. Games, Pumpkin Patch, Face Painting. Fun for everyone. St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Rd., Alexandria. www.staidansepiscopal.org.
Big Top Country Market. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carnival games and rides, airbrush tattoos, spin art crafts, cake walk, clowns and balloon animals. Marketplace with local vendors and BBQ cafe from Famous Dave's. At Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria. Visit www.acdsnet.org.
Mega Bazaar and Craft Sale. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 30 crafters, silent auction with services and new merchandise, bake sale, door prizes and lunch. At Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Call 703-765-4573 or TTY/711.
Family History Workshop. 1 to 4 p.m. . "Saving Your Stories for Seven Generations: A Family History Workshop" will give participants helpful tips, innovative ideas and hands-on experience to document and preserve family stories. Cost is $50/person. At the Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street in Old Town. Visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703-746-4994.
Sketching with Live Model. 6-8 p.m. Free. Musical performance at 8 p.m. Complimentary special show cocktail by Mie N Yu Restaurant. At Art Whino Gallery, 122 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Md.
Flea Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Large selection of collectibles, trinkets, gadgets, books and attic treasures; children's items, toys and books; baked goods and lunch. All proceeds will be donated to charities. At Trinity United Methodist Church, 2911 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Call 703-549-5500.
Burgundy Farm Fall Fair. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Live performances, local artisans, delicious food, a used book sale, and games and prizes for kids. At Burgundy Farm Country Day School, 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria.
Community Yard Sale. 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Alexandria Jaycees which are seeking sellers. Sellers may sell anything legal (appliances, clothing, toys, books, etc.) except for food and drinks. The cost for sellers is $15 per space. Seller set-up is from 6-7 a.m. At Anthony Lane Elementary School, 7137 Beulah Street, Alexandria. Visit www.alexjaycees.org or call : 703-866-7171.
Steven Gellman Concert. 8 to 10 p.m. At St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Call 703-739-9268.
<cal1>Oct. 16-17
<cal2>Artist Open Studios. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. See various artworks by eight local artists, ranging from oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings to works in wood, murals, trompe l'oeil, architectural works, and more. In their building at 3211 Colvin Street, Alexandria. Call Heidi Mirka at 571-641-9930.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 17
<cal2>Fall Festival. 3 to 6 p.m. Pony rides, moon bounce, games, crafts, decorating pumpkins, sing-a-longs and storytelling. At Fort Hunt Preschool, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. The rain date is Sunday, Nov. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. Call 703-768-7584.
Rock and Roll Flea Market and Guitar Show. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 80 tables of guitars, amplifiers, drums, musical instruments, recording gear, DJ systems. Admission is $4, children under 12 free. At Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale.
Andrew McKnight and Beyond Borders. 7 p.m. Tickets are $18/general; $15/advance at www.FocusMusic.org. At Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. Visit www.andrewmcknight.net.
Bishop Ireton Cardinal 5K Run. Online registration through Oct. 13 at www.cardinal5krace.com. Mail registration with check to BI Athletic Boosters to Pacers of Arlington, 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington VA 22201 by Oct. 8. Entry fees: $30 pre-registration, $35 Race Day. Takes place 9 a.m., 4001 Eisenhower Ave. (Cameron Run), fundraiser for Bishop Ireton Athletic Boosters. Bring canned food for United Community Ministries.
Book Signing. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Author Michael Lee Pope will sign his book, Ghosts of Alexandria. At the pumpkin patch at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Road, corner of Seminary Road and Quaker Lane, Alexandria.
Taste of Spain: Dinner and Flamenco Dance Show. 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $55. At Las Tapas Restaurant, 710 King Street, Alexandria. Call 703-836-4000.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 18
<cal2>College Night. 7 to 9 p.m. Fairfax County Public Schools will host representatives from 300 colleges and universities as well as military academies and business and technical schools. Also, workshops on financial aid, the SAT and ACT, college readiness and career planning. At Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road in Alexandria.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 19
<cal2>Preschool Fair. 9 a.m. to noon. Free. Sponsored by the MOMS Club of Alexandria-NE. If you are a local preschool representative interested in presenting at the fair, call 678-571-3653. At the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, Alexandria.
Author Talk. 6 p.m. Free. Local author Kristin Levine will talk about her children’s book, The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had, and discuss how kids can write and share their own stories. Age 8 and up. At John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-971-0010.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 20
<cal2>Swing Dancing. 9 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10. With the band, JP McDermott and Western Bop. At Nick’s Nightclub, 641 South Pickett Street, Alexandria.
<cal1>Oct. 20-23
<cal2>Fall Book Sale. Sponsored by Burke Branch Friends of Alexandria Library. Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. is the Friends-only preview sale; Thursday from 1 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Call 703-746-1704.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 21
<cal2>Mt. Vernon Branch AAUW. 7 p.m. Speaker Weis Sherdel will discuss the role of newcomers in our society, cultural identity and the American Dream. At the Mt. Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria. Call Mary Ellen Mehler at 703-780-8494.
Virginia's Role in Restoring the Treasure of the Chesapeake Bay. 10:45 a.m. Free. Presentation by Claudia Hamblin-Katnik, Watershed Program Administrator, City of Alexandria, on things homeowners can do in their yard or garden to reduce harm to our local water resources, which feed into the Bay. Sponsored by the Garden Club of Waynewood, Fellowship Hall of Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Ft. Hunt Road, Alexandria. Call 703-549-4245.
<cal1>Oct. 21-24
<cal2>Excavate Shuter’s Hill. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gain hands-on experience in site-excavation methods and record keeping. On the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria. Sponsored by the Alexandria Archaeology Institute. Visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703-746-4399.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 23
<cal2>Haunted Old Town After Dark. 8:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Bars, food, live entertainment and a ghost tour of Alexandria. Hear ghost stories of our founding fathers and creep through the dark night of Old Town. Have drinks at Chadwicks, pizza at Bugsy’s Restaurant, hear live guitar music at the Fish Market and hear a live Irish band at Murphy’s. Cost is $35. Meet at the corner of King and Fairfax Street (by the Town Square) in Old Town. Call 301-519-8030 or email: events@thingstododc.com.
Masquerade Ball. 8 p.m. Tickets are $45/advance; $50/door. Come dressed in pre-19th century costume. Enjoy live music, English Country dancing and a seasonal dessert. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ballroom, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-746-4242.
FACETS’ "A Taste of Fall." 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. Food, fun, entertainment, and a live and silent auction to raise funds to help families and individuals struggling with homelessness. At 8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale. Register online at www.FacetsCares.org or call 703-352-3268.
Lecture. 5 to 7 p.m. "The Lees of Virginia in the Digital Age." Learn about the effort to bring online the papers of the historic Lee Family of Virginia. The presentation will be made by historian and author Frank E. Grizzard, Jr., Director of the Lee family Digital Archive at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. At Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. Call 703-548-1789 or visit www.leefendallhouse.org.
Community Yard Sale. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Raceway Farms,
Newington, off Telegraph Road, between Beulah Road and Fairfax County Parkway. The Rain Date is Sunday, Oct. 24.
Del Ray Chili Cook-Off. 4 p.m. New this year is a special award for the best Veggie Chili. At 1904 La Grande Ave., Alexandria.
Halloween Party. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Book Sale by The Burke Branch Friends; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Story Time with Miss Beverly; 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Face Painting by Heavenly Face Designs; 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Live Interactive Music Show w/ Mr. B.; at Alexandria’s Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria. Call 703-746-1704.
<cal1>Oct. 23-24
<cal2>Fall Harvest Celebration. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, early-American games, music and demonstrations. $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children 6-11; free for children under 5. At George Washington’s Farm in Mount Vernon. Visit.MountVernon.org or call 703-780-2000.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 24
<cal2>Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. 7 p.m. Free. Conducted by Ulysses James. Pre-concert lecture with Dr. Stephen Bertino at 6:15 p.m. At Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria.
New Dominion Chorale. 4 p.m. "Great Opera Moments," with New Dominion Chorale and Bel Cantanti Opera company. $30 general admission; $25 seniors. Students: $5. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria. Visit www.newdominion.org or call 703-442-9404.
Swordsmen’s Training. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fencing Master Peter Ryan of the Living History Foundation will provide the instruction. At Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria. Contact Michele Longo, Curator of Education, at 703-746-4242.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 25
<cal2>Supper With the Symphony. Presented by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. With guests Maureen Bunyan, ABC-7 News; Mayor William D. Euille; and Vice Mayor Kerry Donley. At The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria. Make reservations by calling 703-548-0885 or emailing Adrien Finlay at finlay@alexsym.org.
<cal1>Tuesday/Oct. 26
<cal2>Independent School Information Night. 7 p.m. Free admission. Learn about the value of an Independent School education as well as affordability and financing, the financial aid process, the admissions process and admissions testing. Also present will be representatives from Alexandria Country Day School, Browne Academy, Grace Episcopal School, and St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School. At Burgundy Farm Country Day School, 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria.
<cal1>Wednesday/Oct. 27
<cal2>Art on the Rocks. 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Art League has challenged five mixologists to each select a juried piece from the October exhibit Dinner Party as inspiration to create a cocktail. Ticket holders may sample the cocktails and vote for their favorite at the event. Buy tickets by phone at 703-683-1780, in person, or downloading an order form from http://theartleague.org/content_pages/view/184 and faxing it to 703-683-5786. Tickets are $25/advance, $30/door. At The Art League Gallery, 105 North Union Street, Torpedo Factory, Alexandria.
Freedmen’s Cemetery Archaeology Lecture. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free. With Dr. Steven J. Shephard, an archaeologist with Alexandria Archaeology. At the Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street, Alexandria. Visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703-746-4399.
<cal1>Thursday/Oct. 28
<cal2>Jeff Hamilton Trio. 7:30 p.m. Free concert. At Episcopal High School, Pendleton Hall, 3900 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. Visit www.episcopalhighschool.org or call 703-933-4135.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 29
<cal2>"The Spirit Realms of Woodlawn." Cost is $45/person. Three speakers will demonstrate their craft for each session: Barb Mallon, psychic medium; Geraldine Amaral, Tarot; and Peggy Arvidson, Certified Hand Analyst. First session is: 7–8:30 p.m. Second session 8:30–10 p.m. Woodlawn is located at 9000 Richmond Highway, three miles west of Mount Vernon. For reservations, call 703-780-4000 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org.
Fashion Show Luncheon. 10:30 a.m. reception and silent auction; 12 noon luncheon, fashion show and door prizes. Tickets are $43/general; $53/patron; $65/benefactor. Sponsored by the Board of Lady Managers of Inova Alexandria Hospital. At the Alexandria Hilton Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria. For reservations and tickets, call Lynda West at 703-836-8853.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 30
<cal2>Safe Night Out Haunted House. 6 to 9 p.m. Ghoulish games, freaky fun, frightening food. All ages welcome. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. At Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Road, Alexandria. Call 703-360-6088 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec.
L.B. Taylor Lecture and Book Signing. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. With author of Ghosts of Virginia, Volume I and Civil War Ghosts, L.B. Taylor. At Woodlawn, 9000 Richmond Highway, three miles west of Mount Vernon. Call 703-780-4000 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org.
Forgotten Cemeteries Heritage Trail Bike Ride. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Cycle back in time on this 14-mile guided loop of Alexandria’s forgotten burial sites. Meet at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria.
Story Time Tea. 2 p.m. "Corduroy's Best Halloween Ever!" by Don Freeman, Lisa McCue. Personalized readings, arts and crafts activities and house-made treats. Reservations are required. Cost is $38/adults; $28/children. Call 703-838-8000 or email storytime@morrisonhouse.com. At the Grille at Morrison House,116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria. Visit www.thegrillealexandria.com.
Bird Walk. 8 a.m. Free. With the Aubudon Society of Northern Virginia. Join Bill Brown to explore the wetland and woods at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria. Call 703-438-6008.
Rummage Sale. 8 a.m. to noon. High-quality used infants', children's and maternity gear, including clothing, toys, games, books and furniture. At Fort Hunt Preschool, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria. Visit www.forthuntpreschool.com or call 703-768-7584.
Used Book Sale. Friends of the Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria. Call 703-768-6700. All ages.
<cal1>Friday/Nov. 5
<cal2>World Community Day. 10 a.m. Church Women United World Community Day, an ecumenical service sponsored by the local Church Women United unit serving Alexandria/Annandale/Burke/Lorton/Springfield/Woodbridge. This will be a round-table discussion on economic injustices with discussion on how each one of us can play a vital role in improving the situation one person at a time. At Lincolnia UMC, 6335 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria. Call 703-451-6830.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 6
<cal2>Church Yard Sale. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date is Nov. 13. Tables are available for $15. Crafters are welcome. Sponsored by the Presbyterian Women of Fairlington Presbyterian Church. 80 percent of proceeds go to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund and others to build permanent housing in Haiti. At Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street, Alexandria.
Fall Modern Dance Concert. 7 p.m. The Choreographers Collaboration Project presents works-in-progress and improvisation that explore chance, play, risk, spontaneity and fun. Special guest DancEthos, a new DC-based modern dance company. Admission is $10/adults; $5/kids ages 12-17. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. ccpdance@gmail.com, 703-683-2070, www.ccpdance.org
Soldier-Led Walking Tours. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A guide in the period uniform of a Union soldier will conduct the tours. At Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. Call 703-746-4848 or visit www.fortward.org.
Copland and Mendelssohn. 8 p.m. Featuring Jenny Oaks Baker, violin. Part of the Norway Comes to Washington Festival sponsored by the Embassy of Norway. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, NVCC, Alexandria campus, 3001 north Beauregard St., Alexandria.
Cocker Spaniel Adoption Show. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet cockers of all ages available for adoption. All dogs are spayed or neutered. Visit www.cockerspanielrescue.com. At Alexandria/ Hybla Valley Petsmart, 7690 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria. Call 703-533-2373.
Alexandria Art Market. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A variety of original artwork from over 20 artists will be displayed for sale including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and glasswork. At the Nicholas A. Colasanto Park, adjoining the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue). Contact Kimberley Bush at 703-627-7656 or email DRA.AlexandriaArtMarket@gmail.com.
<cal1>Tuesday/Nov. 9
<cal2>"Making Friends with Change." 7 p.m. Author and certified astrological professional Dianne Eppler gives tips for not only surviving in turbulent times, but thriving while creating a joy-filled life. At Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., Alexandria. Sponsored by AHA! At Home in Alexandria. Call Margaret French 703-549-0266.
<cal1>Thursday/Nov. 11
<cal2>Margot MacDonald Performs. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit www.myspace.com/margotmacdonald.
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 13
<cal2>MVHS Cares 5K Turkey Trot/Wellness Walk. Registration 7:30 a.m.; Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $35/general; $25/student or teacher. At Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria. Call 703-619-3100.
Toast to Hope. 6 to 9 p.m. Fundraiser for SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), annual celebration of children. Tickets are $75. Wine tastings, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a Silent Auction. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Call 703-820-9001 or visit www.scanva.org.
"The Principal Story" Film Screening. 4:30 p.m. Free. Part of "Movies with a Mission." At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.
<cal1>Nov. 16
<cal2>Master Gardener Open House. 6:30 to 8 p.m. For gardeners in Alexandria interested in the Master Gardener Training Class in January, 2011. Hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. Classes will begin Jan. 11, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 15th at the Fairlington Community Center in Arlington. For more information and an enrollment form, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension office, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington VA 22206, 703-228-6414; e-mail: ex013mg@vt.edu
<cal1>Saturday/Nov. 20
<cal2>Story Time Tea. 2 p.m. "A Plump and Perky Turkey" by Teresa Bateman. Personalized readings, arts and crafts activities and house-made treats. Reservations are required. Cost is $38/adults; $28/children. Call 703-838-8000 or email storytime@morrisonhouse.com. At the Grille at Morrison House,116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria. Visit www.thegrillealexandria.com.
Gift/Craft Fair. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a art/craft/music/gifts or any personal invention or service that you would like to sell at the Gift Fair, check out website at www.tjgiftshow.com or contact tjgiftshow@gmail.com. Tables are $75. At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria.
<cal1>Dec. 4
<cal2>Cocker Spaniel Adoption Show. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet cockers of all ages available for adoption. All dogs are spayed or neutered. Visit www.cockerspanielrescue.com. At Alexandria/ Hybla Valley Petsmart, 7690 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria. Call 703-533-2373.
<cal1>Thursday/Dec. 9
<cal2>Jon Carroll Performs. 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Jon Carroll is the Grammy winning songwriter-performer from the Mary Chapin Carpenter Band and Starland Vocal Band. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Call 703-548-0035 or visit www.joncarroll.org.
<cal1>Saturday/Dec. 11
<cal2>"The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration" Film Screening. 4:30 p.m. Free. Part of "Movies with a Mission." At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-746-4356.
<cal1>Dec. 18
<cal2>Story Time Tea. 2 p.m. "Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. Personalized readings, arts and crafts activities and house-made treats. Reservations are required. Cost is $38/adults; $28/children. Call 703-838-8000 or email storytime@morrisonhouse.com. At the Grille at Morrison House,116 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria. Visit www.thegrillealexandria.com.