Things To Do Around Alexandria This April Weekend

The weekend's shaping up to be a busy one in DC thanks to the peak bloom on the cherry blossom trees. If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds or just want something else to do, there's plenty going on around Alexandria.

Here are some events going on throughout the weekend. Do you have another event you'd like the community to know about. Sign up for a free Patch contributor account and add it to the Old Town Alexandria Patch Calendar.

Architecture at its Best: An Exhibit of Projects by Local Architects

April 8-15

Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 North Union Street

The Torpedo Factory will host a week-long exhibit of award-winning work from local architects as well as a lecture on cultural spaces. Virtual reality demonstrations will occur at the Durant Recreation Center and for families, there’s an architectural scavenger hunt through Old Town and a ‘Scrap City’ building activity at the Torpedo Factory.

Apothecary Geek Tour: Civil War

Sunday, April 7, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

105 S. Fairfax Street

On this guided tour learn about the events in Alexandria during the Civil War through the lens of this family pharmacy. $15 per person; tour is recommended for adults only. Advance purchase is recommended due to limited space. Tickets can be purchased at shop.alexandriava.gov.

“Looking Up” Art Pop-Up

Through May 1

104 South Union Street

The Art League, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), and the International Institute of Photography are partnering together to bring a collaborative and educational pop-up exhibition showcasing the artwork of at-risk girls from the City of Alexandria alongside the work of seminal female artists. The exhibit will feature the photography of 26 ten-year-old girls from the SOHO outreach program juxtaposed with iconic photographs of groundbreaking women in the field.

The “Grandest Congress”: The French and Indian War in Alexandria

Saturday, April 7, noon

Carlyle House: 121 N Fairfax Street

Spring, 1755: Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America, landed in Alexandria on March 26th to assume command of all North American military forces. He lodged at the grandest dwelling in town, Carlyle House. While staying at Carlyle House, Braddock convened a meeting of five colonial governors. Among Braddock’s objectives was to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Carlyle called this gathering “the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent.” Visitors to the Carlyle House will experience Braddock’s visit and the French and Indian War firsthand through costumed interpreters. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Vola's Oysterfest

Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

101 N Union Street

Vola’s is for Oyster Lovers! Join Vola's on Saturday for unlimited fresh shucked oysters, fried and broiled oysters, oyster stew, and more, as well as beer & wine. Reserve your tickets. Sales end April 6 at 11:30 p.m.

Del Ray Spring Bar Crawl

Saturday, April 7, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Around Del Ray

Trek through Del Ray with friends and enjoy drink specials at numerous restaurants throughout the afternoon. Each ticket comes with beer and cocktail specials at each bar, 16 oz cups for the first 200 people and one raffle ticket for a gift basket of local business gift cards and items. At least 13 restaurants are participating. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Dog-Themed Events At Alexandria Library Locations

Saturday, April 7

Various library locations

Taking Care of Alexandria's Animals: Saturday, April, 7, 11 a.m. at Burke Branch Library. Meet a representative from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and learn about the services offered by the League to the City of Alexandria's residents including Animal Adoption, Animal Services, Summer Camp, Behavior Advice, Vaccine Clinics, Handling Wildlife, and Pet Food Assistance (AniMeals). (All ages)

Saturday Stories: Courageous Canines: Saturday, April, 7, 11 a.m. at Beatley Central Library. Join us for a special edition of our Saturday Stories program where we learn all about some brave dogs! All ages with a grownup.

PAWS Dogs Meet and Greet: Saturday, April, 7, 1 p.m. at Beatley Central Library. All ages. Meet adorable trained therapy dogs and learn about some of the jobs they do.Beatley Central Library

Celebrate Dogs With Art Drawing Class (ADULTS 18+): Saturday, April, 7, 2 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library. Dogs play important roles in our lives: they work in service to help and protect us, and they are friends and family members. This is the year of the dog in the Chinese Zodiac calendar, so come make some dog art to celebrate these important companions! Learn basic dog drawing skills and have fun adding personality with color. Artists from the Loft Gallery will conduct the class at the Barrett Branch Library (with canine models from the Old Towne School for Dogs.)For adults ages 18+. Supplies provided. Email awilliams@alexlibraryva.org to register.

Del Ray's First Poetry Walk

Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

2501 Commonwealth Avenue

Renée Adams of Del Ray’s poetry fence and Wendi Kaplan, Alexandria Poet Laureate, invite everyone to walk Mt Vernon Avenue to read the poems outside 30 businesses and the Farmer’s Market that Renée “poem-bombed” for April, poetry month. The group will meet at 10 a.m. at the Duncan Library in the meeting room, leave at 10:15 to walk the Avenue Poems.

MV Big Flea

Sunday, April 8, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

444 Swann Avenue

This fundraiser benefits the Mt Vernon Community School PTA by taking your unwanted household items and furniture and selling them. Proceeds are used for things such as field trips, enrichment activities, special events, computers, musical instruments and art and classroom supplies. Plus, the big event is coming up April 28 at the Mount Vernon Rec Center.

Image via R. Kennedy/Visit Alexandria