Community Corner

5 Things To Do Around Alexandria This Weekend

Colonial chocolate making and Oktoberfest kickoffs are a few of the things going on around Alexandria this weekend.

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Even though summer's unofficially over, there's plenty to do in Alexandria this weekend. After all, it's fall festival season. Check out some events happening this weekend in the area.

1. Alexandria King Street Art Festival

Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

King Street between Washington Street and the Potomac River waterfront

King Street will transform into an outdoor art gallery with food, interactive fun, meet-and-greets with hundreds of artists and more.

Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Outdoor movies

Various times and dates throughout the weekend

Various locations

As summer is winding down, there are still a few chances to catch movies under the stars. Cinema Del Ray will present Disney's "Moana" on Saturday, Sept. 16 outside of the Vernon Rec Center at Mount Vernon Ave and Commonwealth Ave at 7 p.m. Others nearby are "When Harry Met Sally" playing at sundown Saturday in John Carlyle Square Park (330 John Carlyle Street) and Sunday movies at National Harbor.

3. History by the Glass: Whisky

Friday, Sept. 15, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA

Are you a fan of all things involving history and alcohol? Look no further than History by the Glass at Gadsby's Tavern. Enjoy variety of drinks while learning the history behind them. Tickets are $50.

4. Colonial Market At Mount Vernon

Sept. 16-17 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon

Step into the 18th century at George Washington's estate. The grounds will be transformed into a colonial market with music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, puppet and magic shows, chocolate-making demonstrations, hearty specialty food for sale on site. Free Potomac River sightseeing cruises are available (while supplies last). The first president is even expected to make an appearance. Event is included with general admission.

5. Oktoberfest

Throughout the weekend

Various locations

It's beer lovers' favorite time of year, and restaurants around Alexandria are getting in on the festivities. Stop by for special events at Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap, FireFlies, Portner Brewhouse and more.

Want to post your next neighborhood event on the Patch? We do too! No matter how big or small it may be, if it's local, it has a place on the Patch calendar.


Posting an event is as simple as 1, 2, 3. Here's how to do it:

  1. Create a Patch account and sign up to post your own local content on Patch, totally free. It's probably the easiest thing you'll do all day.
  2. Make a Calendar Event and fill it with all the awesome info that people need to add it to their list of things to do in their neighborhood. Choose a fun image to upload and most importantly - have fun with it! It's your event, and the possibilities are endless.
  3. Post it on Patch! That's it. Get ready for RSVPs.

You can share your event for free to three Patches, or if you really want to get the community's attention, you can pay $20 to feature your event. When an event is featured, it receives priority placement on the local calendar as well as on the homepage, article pages and in the daily newsletter (if available) the week before the event.

Image via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.