5 Fun Things To Do This Month Around Greater Alexandria

FORT HUNT, VA—Summer's going by fast, and there's just a month left to enjoy the season. There are plenty of events going on around Greater Alexandria to soak up the remainder of the summer.

There's a mix of free and paid events. Whether you're looking to go out for drinks or have fun with the whole family, there's a variety of events going on.

Here are five that caught our eye. Do you know of another event going on in August? Share in the comments below, or add it to the Greater Alexandria Patch Calendar. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

1. Tree Fest at River Farm, Aug. 5, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA 22308

The American Horticultural Society is partnering with TREE Fund to present a free event for nature lovers. The event will start as the STIHL Tour des Trees is finishing up so attendees can cheer on the riders. The event will feature crafts, prizes, giveaways and a fun celebration of trees. The event will happen rain or shine. The schedule is:

• 9:15 a.m. – Cheer on Tour des Trees cyclists concluding week-long tour
• 10 a.m. – Trees Please! With Professor Pricklethorn. Kids can learn how trees help us everyday.
• 10:45 a.m. – Liberty Tree Dedication
• 11:15 a.m. – Tour des Trees Closing Ceremony
• 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Lunch available for purchase from Rocklands BBQ Food Truck

2. Annual Sidewalk Sale, Aug. 12-13

Around Del Ray and Old Town Alexandria

The annual tradition of sidewalk sales in Alexandria returns. Come support local businesses in Del Ray and Old Town Alexandria. Over 50 businesses will offer discounted summer merchandise. Local retailers will sell a variety of products, from fashion and jewelry to home decor, culinary, seasonal and gift items. Participating businesses will have bright yellow balloon markers outside their stores. Metered parking will be free in Old Town Saturday in addition to Sundays, and parking is always free in Del Ray. See participating businesses here.

3. Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-27

Around Alexandria

At least 57 restaurants are serving up special menus for the annual Alexandria Summer Restaurant week. For 10 days, restaurants will be serving up special menus. Over 50 restaurants will offer a $35 three-course dinner or dinner for two, and over 20 will have lunch specials for $10, $15 and $20 in addition. Restaurants around the city will participate. See more details here.

4. Solar Eclipse Peak, Aug. 21, 1 p.m.

Historic Huntley Plantation, 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria

For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. It is expected to happen Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kingstowne will see around 81 percent of the sun covered during the event. There's a nearby eclipse watching event at Historic Huntley Plantation (6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria) starting at 2 p.m. The event will include fun experiments, storytelling, crafts and viewing of the eclipse. Admission is $8-$10, but this event has a wait list. See more events and details about the solar eclipse here.

5. Fort Hunt Summer Concerts, Sundays in August, 7 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308, Pavilion A

Summer concerts in the park are sure to please a variety of musical tastes. The remaining schedule is:

• Aug. 6: Vox Pop DC - Vox Pop DC is a 9 member, award winning, vocal band that has been rocking the DC area since 2003 and has earned a reputation of providing wildly entertaining, top-notch a cappella music.
• Aug. 13: Northern Virginia Saxaphone Ensemble - A quartet of local saxophone enthusiasts performing a mixed program of classical, popular, theatrical and jazz songs, utilizing the full range of single reed instruments.
• Aug. 20: Hard to Tell - Out of the northern neck of Virginia, Hard To Tell plays classics, rockabilly, blues, and oldies from the 50's and60's.
• Aug. 27: Collective Delusion - Collective Delusion plays an eclectic variety of rock music from the 1970s to today at venues and gatherings all across Northern Virginia.

Image via Patch