Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
National Symphony Orchestra at Mount Vernon
Cold weather got you down? There's plenty doing in Alexandria this time of year. Get out your calendar and start penciling in some fun things to do around town!
Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week
Jan. 19-28
Make your reservations now — every year, dozens of Alexandria restaurants participate in Restaurant Week and offer a variety of lunch and dinner specials.
Various locations, visitalexandriava.com
Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series
Sundays in January and February | 1:30-2:30 p.m.
$12 advance registration, $14 for out-of-county
Join friends of Green Spring Gardens for this popular annual series of virtual and in-person presentations by authors, garden designers, scientists and other garden enthusiasts on the cutting edge of horticulture who present on topics such as horticulture, historic landscapes and sustainability. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.
A list of lectures can be found at friendsofgreenspring.org
Cherry Challenge
Feb. 1-15
Every year, in the spirit of the famous cherry tree myth, Alexandria celebrates George Washington’s historic presence in his hometown by inviting restaurants to create and serve one or more menu items that feature cherries. Categories are beverage, appetizer, entrée and dessert. Restaurant patrons then vote on the winners. Find out more at washingtonbirthday.com/cherry-challenge
Visible Touch: A Look at Texture at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
Feb. 2-24
This exhibit will explore different textures in art. An opening reception will be held Feb. 2 from 7 -9 p.m. to meet the curators and artists. Other tactile programs will be held like a Card-Making Party and a Flowers Everywhere Workshop.
Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org
Alexandria Warehouse Sale
Feb. 3-4
Old Town Business Association presents the Alexandria Warehouse Sale, an opportunity to score deep discounts on post-season clothing, accessories and home decor from Alexandria businesses. More details will be available at oldtownbusiness.org.
African American Emancipation in an Occupied City
Feb. 3 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Hear from editor Audrey Davis and the authors of “African American Emancipation in an Occupied City,” which tells the story of formerly enslaved and self-emancipated people in a newly occupied city during the Civil War. They sought refuge in Alexandria, coming with only hopes and dreams for life as free people. They came seeking freedom, but many did not live long in it. Those who survived used their labor for the cause of freedom. A book signing will follow after the authors’ presentations. This event is free but attendees must pre-register.
Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., shop.alexandria.gov
Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Maestro
Feb. 3 | 3 p.m.
When the orchestra is ready to begin their concert and suddenly discover the Maestro is nowhere to be found, they begin to panic. Thankfully, the world’s greatest detective is available and agrees to take the case. All the musicians are suspects and thus Sherlock Holmes must investigate each of the instrument families to deduce who is behind this mystery. "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Maestro" features classical and modern orchestral favorites while teaching the audience about the different instrument families of the orchestra. Will Sherlock be able to solve the mystery of who kidnapped the Maestro? This Concert is suitable for ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome!
George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. alexsym.org
Washington Gardens Seed Exchange
Feb. 3 | 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
Washington Gardener Magazine is co-hosting the annual seed exchange at Green Spring Gardens with lectures, a face-to-face seed swap and more. Bring your extra seeds to swap and leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends and expert planting advice. $15 for Friends of Green Spring members and Washington Gardener subscribers; $20 for guests.
Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road,
fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring
Ayreheart - A Celtic Savory Soiree
Feb. 4 | 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy a concert by the band Ayreheart while dining on a multi-course Celtic dinner and wine pairings. As winter’s chill lingers, picture yourself amid the comforting embrace of Celtic melodies. This February, Ayreheart beckons with a blend of age-old Celtic Renaissance tunes and contemporary marvels. Tickets are $195.
The Rectory on Princess Street, 711 Princess St., classicalmovements.com/secretgardenconcerts
National Symphony Orchestra at Mount Vernon
Feb. 6 | 7-9 p.m.
March 12 | 7-9 p.m.
April 9 | 7-9 p.m.
Learn about the history of Mount Vernon before enjoying intimate chamber music performed by members of the National Symphony Orchestra. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and are followed at 8 p.m. by a reception of champagne and chocolates with the musicians.
Tickets are $68 per concert or tickets can be purchased for all three concerts for $128 for members of Mount Vernon or $153 for the general public. Concerts will be held at the Ford Orientation Center.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Ford Evening Book Talk: The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley
Feb. 8 | 7-8 p.m.
Hear from Professor David Waldstreicher, author of “The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley: A Poet’s Journey Through American Slavery and Independence. The book is the most deeply researched biography of the poet whose extraordinary poetry set African American literature at the heart of the American Revolution. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions and have their books signed. Admission is free. The lecture will be held at the George Washington Presidential Library.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Floral Design Workshop - Valentine’s Arrangement
Feb. 10 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Create an eye-catching Valentine's Day-themed arrangement with Green Spring Gardens horticulturist Parker Jennings. Mix balance, scale, proportion and contrast to create a Valentine’s Day décor to keep or give away to a loved one. Please register for the program and $35 supply fee. $42 per person.
Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road,
fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring
Mozart Requiem & Copland - Do Not Go Gentle
Feb. 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 | 3 p.m.
Mozart’s final work has touched the souls of generations of music lovers. Aaron Copland’s ballet "Appalachian Spring" helped bring about a truly American musical style of beauty and simplicity. Saturday concert attendees are invited to the pre-concert talk with Maestro Ross at 6:30 p.m. in the Terrace section.
Saturday: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Dr.
Sunday: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. alexsym.org
"Annie"
Feb. 10-March 2
Leapin’ Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Based on the popular comic strip, "Annie" has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The down-on-her-luck orphan fights her way out of the Depression and into the heart of Daddy Warbucks while singing about her “Hard Knock Life” and her eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., thelittletheatre.com
Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert
Feb. 18
Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices for an exploration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and life in St. Simons Island, Georgia. This multimedia program, "Wade in the Water," was developed in partnership with Mercer University. It blends songs and stories of the Gullah Geechee community and features six student films that capture the history, lives and spirit of these proud people, whose numbers are dwindling due to several factors, including increasing development. The event is free, but space is limited.
Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., shop.alexandria.gov
George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade
Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m.
Celebrate the birth of our first president at the annual George Washington Birthday Parade. Community organizations and businesses, vehicles, dogs, elected officials and marching bands will fill the streets of Old Town. This year marks the 275th year of Alexandria's founding. The theme this year is George Washington: Alexandria's Original Living Legend. Keep an eye out for other George Washington birthday-related events at washingtonbirthday.com.
Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Feb. 19 and 22 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission is free at Mount Vernon for President’s Day and George Washington's birthday. The number of tickets available is limited and will be distributed on-site upon arrival. Mansion tours are timed and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arrive early to receive the earliest tour times.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
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