Creative Events, Scenic Runs and Historic Haunts
Fall foliage provides the perfect backdrop to Alexandria’s historic brick and cobblestone cityscape. More than a welcome sight for leaf-peeping, the lush display of reds and oranges signals the start of the city’s most vibrant festivities: outdoor art festivals, Halloween jaunts at historic spots, and riverside road races with a view.
Alexandria welcomes autumn with a burst of the arts: over 250 artists converge on the streets of Old Town for the King Street Art Festival, and eclectic Del Ray turns into a lively venue for artisan wares and live music for Art on the Avenue. Crisp air and picturesque views of the Potomac River spur on runners for the Woodrow Wilson Half Marathon and the .US National 12K. And for a colorful dose of history, Carlyle House stages a Scottish Heritage Weekend: Outlander Style! with an 18th century fashion show, Scottish dancing and more. As Halloween season creeps in, this historic city presents fun and spooky events throughout October, including the Ghost & Graveyard Special Halloween Tour, 19th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, and the Bark or Treat Halloween Canine Cruise.
An easy drive from Southern Maryland, yet a world away, Alexandria especially shines in the fall, the city’s most colorful season. With luxurious accommodations just steps from festival and event venues, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, visitors can easily transform a culture-centric afternoon into a creativity-filled weekend.
Find fall events and more at www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/fall
13th Annual King Street Art Festival
September 19-20, 2015
Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
King St., from Washington to Union Sts, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3301
Free
www.visitalexandriava.com/artfest
At this popular art festival, King Street from Washington Street all the way to the Potomac waterfront is transformed into a gallery filled with art from more than 250 artists from the US and abroad. Visitors can purchase original artwork, participate in hands-on art activities at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and enjoy a scoop of ice cream at The Art League’s annual Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser.
A Scottish Heritage Weekend: Outlander Style!
September 19-20, 2015
Sept. 19, 10 a.m.—2:15 p.m. Fashion show, highland dance, Scottish Celtic concert, and pipe and drums
Sept. 20, 11 a.m. Outlander Tea and Tour
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Various programs are free, ticketed, or require reservations
www.carlylehouse.org
During the King Street Art Festival weekend, stop by Carlyle House for some Scottish fun, Outlander Style! On Saturday, September 19th at 10am, there will be a Scottish fashion show discussing dress at the time that Jamie, Claire AND John Carlyle lived in the 18th century! Advanced tickets must be purchased. Coffee and shortbread cookies (baked by the Dairy Godmother) will be provided as refreshments and included in the ticket price. At 11:15am the Granfling School of Highland Dance will give a free performance of Scottish dancing which has strong roots in history. Then at 12:30pm, the Devil’s Tailors will perform on period style instruments. This event will also include the City of Alexandria Pipe and Drums making an appearance. On Sunday, September 20th, Carlyle House is hosting an Outlander Tea and Tour. Check our website for details and pricing at www.carlylehouse.org. Advance reservations will be required. Call us at 703-549-2997 or email us at [email protected] with questions or to reserve your spot at the fashion show or tea.
74th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
September 26, 2015
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
703-823-1273
Advance/$35, Day-of/$40
www.thetwig.org/homes-tour
For the 74th annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour, the public can step inside and get a glimpse of six gorgeous homes and gardens in Old Town Alexandria, all within walking distance of one another. Tickets are $35 each in advance and may be purchased online through September 25th. Thereafter, tickets will be $40 and available at The Twig’s Thrift Shop (106 N. Columbus St.) or at various locations to be determined. Tickets are also available at the Alexandria Visitors Center (221 King St.). Proceeds will go to Inova Alexandria Hospital.
20th Annual Art on the Avenue
October 3, 2015
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3301
Free
www.artontheavenue.org
This annual family-friendly festival includes more than 325 juried artists selling handmade wares across ten blocks of Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue, along with five stages for live entertainment plus food vendors and interactive art activities. Nancy Belmont, creator of the Courage Wall, will build a Canopy of Courage, a living sculpture of courageous declarations soaring as origami birds.
9th Annual Alexandria Film Festival
November 6-8, 2015
AMC Hoffman 22 Theater and Beatley Central Library
www.alexandriafilm.org
The Alexandria Film Festival is a yearly celebration of film, presenting short and feature length films of all genres from emerging and established, local and international filmmakers. Last year, the festival brought more than 60 films and 50 filmmakers to Alexandria from as far as Sri Lanka and Uruguay. All ticketed events will be held at the AMC Hoffman Theater 22, with Beatley Central Library offering free programs to the public.
