Fall Events Preview: Art Festivals, Homes Tour, Car Show and More

This fall brings a ton of entertainment to Alexandria.

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The arrival of pumpkin-spiced everything is a reminder that fall is just around the corner — and a ton of Alexandria events are, too.

Two art festivals, a cider festival, a car show, a homes tour and much more are coming up as the weather cools off. Pull up your calendar and make a note of these fall events.

ART FESTIVALS

17th Annual King Street Art Festival 

  • Sept. 21, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 22, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Admission: Free
  • King St. from Washington St. to Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • visitalexandriava.com/artfest 

Historic King Street in Alexandria, Virginia, from Washington Street to the waterfront, is transformed into an outdoor art gallery with original fine artwork by more than 200 artists from around the country. Enjoy live music and interactive art activities, as well as The Art League’s Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 2nd Annual Beer & Wine Torpedo Garden Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

24th Annual Art on the Avenue

  • Oct. 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Admission: Free
  • Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
  • artontheavenue.org  

Art on the Avenue is a multicultural arts festival celebrating Alexandria’s diversity held the first Saturday in October, rain or shine. Each year, more than 50,000 visitors stroll down Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues. Discover more than 300 artists, from jewelers to glass makers to painters, while enjoying a variety of musicians and food vendors. Activities for children include scarecrow-stuffing, pumpkin-painting and more. 

OTHER FESTIVALS

Portside in Old Town Fall Festival

  • Oct. 12, 2019 from 1 to 7 p.m.
  • Admission: Free; $ for food and drink; $ for some activities
  • Waterfront Park, 1 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • portsidefestival.com  

Enjoy a day of live music, maritime history, nautical demonstrations and children’s activities on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront. Savor local food, beer and wine while experiencing boat building demonstrations from Alexandria Seaport Foundation Apprentices and knot tying from tall ship Providence. Explore Portside History from the Office of Historic Alexandria, highlighting the archaeological findings of 18th-century ships uncovered along the Old Town waterfront. Continuing Alexandria’s fall tradition of Seaport Day, select activities benefit the Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of young people through adult mentoring, project-based learning and the craft of wooden boat building. 

Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

  • Oct. 11-13, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Admission: $48 October 11; $52 October 12; $42 October 13
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
  • 703-780-2000
  • mountvernon.org  

Enjoy live tunes and spectacular views of the Potomac River at George Washington’s Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. Taste unlimited samples from 20 Virginia wineries during Mount Vernon’s most popular event. Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia at the home of George Washington. Bring a blanket, relax on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River and enjoy live music as you sample wine from Virginia's finest wineries. Take a photo with George and Martha Washington on the piazza, tour the Mansion and cellar and learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s endeavors with wine.

Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days

  • Oct. 19-20, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Admission: Included in general admission ($20 adults; $12 youth)
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
  • 703-780-2000
  • mountvernon.org   

Celebrate the autumn season with 18th-century activities for the whole family at Mount Vernon. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and play colonial games on the bowling green before heading to the Pioneer Farm to observe 18th-century demonstrations and greet General Washington. Find your way through a straw bale maze and listen to the Itinerant Band play colonial tunes. Sightseeing cruises are offered at half the regular price (while supplies last). 

HOMES TOUR

78th Historic Alexandria Homes Tour 

  • Sept. 28, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Admission: $40 in advance; $45 day of tour
  • Old Town Alexandria, VA
  • 703-683-5544
  • thetwig.org/homes-tour  

The Twig’s 78th Historic Alexandria Homes Tour provides the opportunity to tour 18th and early 19th-century homes in Old Town and learn of their historic pasts. Enjoy an autumn stroll through homes that highlight the area’s continuing evolution as a vibrant, livable community. Tickets can be purchased in advance at thetwig.org/homes-tour, the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street or The Twig Thrift Shop at 106 N. Columbus Street (beginning September 3). The tour will also feature a raffle and prizes. All proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.

ARTS

Mirror Mirror Performance Series 

  • Sept. 6, 2019 through Oct. 6, 2019, various dates and times
  • Admission: Free
  • Waterfront Park, 1 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-746-5590 
  • alexandriava.gov/arts  

Waterfront Park comes alive with a series of original site-specific performances in conversation with the sound-responsive, interactive installation Mirror Mirror. David Schulman, who performs on amplified violin with live effects, has composed an original score to interact with Mirror Mirror to present with saxophonist Sarah Marie Hughes and vocalist Bonnie Lander. Orange Grove Dance is exploring movement and sound within and around Mirror Mirror. Their choreography explores both the installation’s and audience’s relationship to land and river to tap into deep relationships that communities have with the spaces they inhabit. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/arts for the full schedule and rain dates.

24th Annual Art Safari

  • Oct. 19, 2019 from 12 to 5 p.m.
  • Admission: Free
  • Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-746-4570
  • torpedofactory.org

An Alexandria tradition for almost a quarter-century, Art Safari returns for a day of hands-on activities for kids and families. Dozens of artists lead budding art enthusiasts in exciting and creative projects throughout the building. Dress to get a little messy. This event is perfect for children ages 5+. Younger children may need some extra help but will still have a lot of fun. 

Torpedo Factory Art Center Anniversary Ball

  • Nov. 16, 2019 from 7 to 10 p.m.
  • Admission: $60 through October 31; $75 beginning November 1
  • Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-746-4570
  • torpedofactory.org

At Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Anniversary Ball, enjoy light fare and drinks, a retrospective showcase, guest presenters and live music. The night will feature the opening of 45: An Anniversary Exhibition in Target Gallery, honoring the legacy of the founding artists of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The event will also premiere a new documentary on the history of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, directed and produced by Alexandria’s own Istrico Productions. 

HISTORY

“Downton Abbey” at Lee-Fendall House Tours 

  • Recurring weekly from September 8, 2019 to October 13, 2019
  • Admission: $10 in advance
  • Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-548-1789
  • leefendallhouse.org  

Explore the surprising connections between people and places of the world of “Downton Abbey” and those of the Lee-Fendall House through special “Downton Abbey”-themed tours of the museum this fall. The current owner of Highclere Castle, the real-world castle where the popular television program was filmed, is a direct descendant of the original owner of the Lee-Fendall House. Find out which of your favorite characters are based on members of the Fendall family. This event is free for members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789. 

“Downton Abbey” Movie Release Party at Lee-Fendall House

  • Sept. 28, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Admission: $25 adults; $15 youth
  • Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-548-1789
  • leefendallhouse.org 

Celebrate the release of the “Downton Abbey” movie at an ancestral home of the current Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle, the real-world “Downton Abbey.” Uncover the connections between “Downton Abbey” and the Lee-Fendall House and find out which of your favorite characters are based on members of the Fendall family. Enjoy refreshments, test your knowledge of “Downton Abbey” in our trivia contest, learn the ins and outs of antique tableware, explore the house through a scavenger hunt and discover plenty of photo opportunities throughout the house and grounds. 

Exhibit Opening: “The Journey to be Free: Self-Emancipation and Alexandria’s Contraband Heritage”

  • Sept. 14, 2019 through December 31, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Admission: $3
  • Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-746-4356
  • alexandriava.gov/blackhistory 

Alexandria’s Black History Museum’s newest exhibition, The Journey to be Free: Self-Emancipation and Alexandria’s Contraband Heritage, highlights the history of Alexandria’s contraband population (those who escaped slavery) during the Civil War. This 2014 exhibit returns in honor of the 5th anniversary of Alexandria’s Contrabands & Freedmen Cemetery Memorial dedication. The exhibition runs through the end of December 2019. 

Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair

  • Sept. 14-15, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Admission: Included in general admission ($20 adults; $12 youth)
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
  • 703-780-2000
  • mountvernon.org  

Discover the 18th century at Mount Vernon’s annual Colonial Market & Fair. Experience early American life with dozens of historic craftspeople and re-enactors. Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon's 12-acre field and chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Colonial music transports you back to the 18th century as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques. There's plenty of fun for the whole family. 

George Washington Whiskey Festival

  • Nov. 9, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Admission: $85 general admission; $225 VIP experience
  • George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
  • 703-780-2000
  • mountvernon.org 

Join George Washington’s Mount Vernon for its new George Washington Whiskey Festival. Enjoy some of the finest spirits from Virginia craft distillers and other famous whiskey producers. Meet celebrated distillers and learn more about George Washington’s whiskey operations at Mount Vernon.

MORE EVENTS

Old Town Boutique District’s Shop & Stroll

At this year’s Shop & Stroll, 20 Old Town Boutique District shops will transform into a Passport Destination offering shoppers VIP swag, activities, discounts and refreshments representative of their chosen location, city or country. Join in the fun and experience everything from a Parisian-style flower and macaroon bar at Periwinkle to Oktoberfest at Patina and a KAThmandu-themed celebration at The Dog Park. The VIP experience includes an invitation to the Kick-Off Party, sponsored by Keller Williams Old Town, discounts, a custom monogrammed tote and automatic double entry into raffle drawings, including the grand prize $1,000 gift card to boutiques of choice and a one-night stay at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa. 

Classic Car Show

  • Sept. 21, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Admission: Free
  • Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-424-5871
  • www.packardsva.org   

Co-sponsored by Packards Virginia and the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, this Classic Car Show will feature a variety of Packards ranging from the 1930s to the 1950s as well as other “orphan” vehicles that are invited to register as well. Packard was a luxury automobile manufactured in Detroit, Michigan, between 1899 and 1956, and orphan cars are any marque of vehicle built by an out-of-business manufacturer. The Packard Club is dedicated to the advancement of the maintenance, preservation, authentic restoration and use of Packard motor vehicles. This event is free and open to the public. 

23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade

  •  Oct. 27, 2019 at 2 p.m.
  • Admission: Free
  • Begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Ave.
  • visitdelray.com/halloween

Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade begins at Mt. Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. Following the parade, awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller during a brief ceremony. There is no fee to compete for Best Pet Costume or Best Decorated contests. Judges include elected officials and city dignitaries. 

Fall Harvest Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

  • Nov. 9, 2019 from 8 to 11 p.m.
  • Admission: $45 per person
  • Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-746-4242
  • alexandriava.gov/gadsbystavern

As the leaves changed and planting time came to a close, the social season in 18th-century Alexandria commenced with a ball. Experience this 1770s-style ball with live music, English country dancing, cash bar and seasonal dessert collation. 1770s attire or cocktail attire welcome. Not familiar with English country dancing? Gadbsy’s Tavern Museum will be offering Fall Harvest Ball dance classes leading up to the event. Tickets are available online at shop.alexandriava.gov. 

Alexandria Cider Festival

  • Nov. 23, 2019 from 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Admission: $45 pre-sale; $55 at door
  • Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
  • 703-746-4554
  • shop.alexandriava.gov

Enjoy a selection of ciders from more than 10 Virginia cideries. Ticket includes tastings, a souvenir glass, live music and fun fall activities. This event features a food truck and will take place outside. 

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