Alexandria Gazette Packet

Jan. 1 - Feb. 23, 2025

Ice & Lights at Cameron Run offers daytime ice skating on weekends/holidays throughout January and February.

Jan. 16 to Feb. 23

Eclipse: An Athenaeum Sculpture Invitational. At The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria. Artist Talk: Sunday, February 23, 2 p.m. Curated by Alison Sigethy, Eclipse is an all sculpture show examining light and shadow, liminal space, and the passage of time. Every artist brings a unique perspective to their work. Pairing sculptures by different artists amplifies that perspective. Sometimes those perspectives sing in harmony, sometimes they debate. In either case, the experience of each individual work is heightened by the art it is paired with. 

Now Thru Feb. 9

Alexandria Restaurant Week returns January 31 to February 9, 2025. For 10 days and two weekends, nearly 100 restaurants will offer a $30, $40 or $50 prix fixe dinner for one. Plus, find special fast casual offers.

https://visitalexandria.com/restaurants/restaurant-week/?mc_cid=6333e6a5dc&mc_eid=c8aed55232

Feb. 7 to March 1

The “MeWOW: Fabulous Felines” exhibit. At Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Celebrate the mysterious and fascinating world of cats with “feline forward” artwork. Opening Reception on Friday, February 7, 7-9 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits

Feb. 8-March 1

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. At the Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria. Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Matilda Wormwood is an exceptionally gifted child with an extraordinary love of books, an incredibly vivid imagination, and just plain rotten luck in the parental department. Along with her friends and her teacher, Miss Honey, Matilda stands up for justice against the headmistress (appropriately dubbed “The Trunchbull”) and other adults who “can’t be bothered with the affairs of “wretched, filthy children.”

Saturday/Feb. 8 

Garden Talk - Spice It Up with Herb Gardening. 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. At Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Bring out the best in your cooking with herbs grown in your own garden. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make, adding fragrance and flavor to your recipes. Join Extension Master Gardeners to learn to how to plan, plant and harvest herbs in your garden or in a container, that look as good as they taste. $12 per person. Register online at  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Code A4P.W62F 

Saturday/Feb. 8 

Starting from Scratch with Seeds. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Grow flowers, vegetables and herbs from seed and expand your garden. Be inspired by Green Spring staff members as they discuss potting mixes, containers, seed treatments, lighting, fertilization, watering, seed sources and timing. Then take home a few seeds to start your own collection. $23 per person. Register online at  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Code J1V.KQFD. 

Sunday/Feb. 9 

Grand Romantic Gestures. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. (Adult) Expressions of love have taken many forms throughout the centuries, from the sublime to the ridiculous. As Valentine’s Day approaches, explore some history-making grand romantic gestures that went far beyond cards and flowers. $40 (lecture + tea); $18 (lecture only). 

Sunday/Feb. 9 

Winter Lecture - Gardens in the Age of Jumping Worms. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Researcher Jordan Thompson will dive into the impacts of the invasive Asian jumping worms on soil health and garden ecosystems. Learn about the unique challenges these worms pose to soil structure, nutrient cycling and plant growth and get practical advice and actionable steps to preserve your garden in the face of this growing threat. $15 per person. Register online at  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Code KØ7.9K57 

Tuesday/Feb. 11

Cocktail-Making Class. 6 p.m. At Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide Lounge, 101 North Union Street, Old Town Alexandria. Vola’s invites guests to join them for a fun and interactive cocktail-making class at the Hi-Tide Lounge. Guests will have the opportunity to shake up two signature cocktails while enjoying a variety of appetizers, all for $60 per person (plus tax). Whether celebrating Valentine’s Day early with a special someone or simply looking for a unique night out with friends, this event offers something for everyone. The service charge is included in the price, but space is limited, so reservations are recommended to secure a spot. Visit https://www.volasdockside.com.

Wednesday/Feb. 12

Galentine’s Celebration. 6 to 8 p.m. At Palette 22 VA, 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Join Palette 22 VA for a fun-filled Galentine’s celebration at Art & Sip – “I Can Make My Own Flowers”. For just $65 plus tax, guests will dive into the art of crafting stunning, long-lasting paper flowers in a relaxed, creative setting. No prior crafting experience is needed—under the guidance of skilled instructor Jill Welch, attendees will learn to transform simple sheets of paper into beautiful blooms. By the end of the night, each participant will walk away with at least one gorgeous flower, plus the skills and materials to create a small bouquet of three to five flowers at home. Visit https://arlington.palette22.com/.

Thursday/Feb. 13

“Romance & Mystery.” 6 p.m. At Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria. Best selling romance author Robin Covington and mystery writer John Adam Wasowicz combine for “Romance & Mystery Night.” Robin will highlight ‘Daring the Player,’ a prequel novella to her new sexy sports romance series. John will discuss ‘Spite House,’ book 7 of the popular Old Town Loves Mystery series. 

Friday/Feb. 14

Barca Pier & Wine Bar. 6 to 8:30 p.m. At 2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria. Barca Wine Bar will host a special Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting with Ardi Staka. Guests will be greeted with a welcome drink before enjoying a multi-course wine tasting paired with food. Throughout the evening, Ardi will share captivating stories from the vine, offering insights into the grapes and wine regions behind each selection. The experience is priced at $90 per person (plus tax). Whether attending with a partner, close friend, or on a first date, this event promises to be a memorable evening. After the tasting, guests are invited to stay and enjoy a delicious dinner at Barca to round out the night! Visit: https://www.barcaalx.com.

Saturday/Feb. 15

“History & Mystery.” 4:15 p.m. At Heron Hotel, Old Town Alexandria. Attend “History & Mystery” at the new Heron Hotel at the corner of Washington and Prince Streets, with a focus on George Washington as the first Spymaster-in-Chief who employed spy craft to win the American War for independence. The event will feature Town Cryer Ben Fiore-Walker, retired civilian U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Historian Kathy Shenkle, Brendan O’Neil, and John Wasowicz, author of ‘Spite House,’ the new Old Town mystery. Copies of the book signed by all of the speakers will be available, with 20% of the proceeds donated to a local non-profit educational organization. The free event will serve hot chocolate to all attendees! 

Saturday/Feb. 15

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. At Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall Alexandria Featuring James Ross plays and conducts Mozart & Schubert. Also featuring Lee Hinkle, marimba Mozart Horn Concerto No. 2; Kevin Puts, Marima Concerto Schubert Symphony No. 9, “The Great C Major.” Visit AlexSym.org.

Saturday/Feb. 15 

Workshop – Make a Hand- Bound Watercolor Journal. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Learn from Mani Maree how to make a hand bound journal by sewing signatures together filled with watercolor paper and various types of paper. You will create a unique cover and add other special touches to some inside pages. Your journal will be a unique treasure ready to be filled with drawings, paintings or writing. It will be special but it is made to be used often. $107 per person. Register online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Code Y1S.QTNQ 

Saturday/Feb. 15

George Washington Birthday Parade. 2-4 p.m. At 300 King Street, Alexandria. Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country! This year’s parade theme is George Washington: America’s Commander-in-Chief, marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War and founding of the United States Army. The Parade Grand Marshal will be Lieutenant General Heidi J. Hoyle, Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries, and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. 

Saturday/Feb. 15

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. At Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, Alexandria. Featuring James Ross who plays and conducts Mozart & Schubert. Alexandria Symphony, James Ross, Conductor and Horn Soloist; Lee Hinkle, Marimba; Mozart Horn Concerto No. 2; Kevin Puts Marimba Concerto; Schubert Symphony No. 9, “The Great C Major.”

Sunday/Feb. 16 

Winter Lecture - Rethinking the Invasive Plant Issue. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. At Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria. (16-Adult) Join the conversation with JC Raulston Arboretum director, Mark Weathington as we assess what is a native plant and what plants are truly invasive. Mark shares his insights into these complicated issues and proposes ideas about where we should be focusing our time, energy and money. Exclusionary ecology cannot put the genie back in the bottle, so let’s rethink our approach to invasive plants to achieve realistic, optimum outcomes. $15 per person. Register online at  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173. Code PSO.QN87 

Sunday/Feb. 16

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. At George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Featuring James Ross who plays and conducts Mozart & Schubert. Alexandria Symphony, James Ross, Conductor and Horn Soloist; Lee Hinkle, Marimba; Mozart Horn Concerto No. 2; Kevin Puts Marimba Concerto; Schubert Symphony No. 9, “The Great C Major.”

Wednesday/Feb. 19

“Strategies for Addressing Solo Aging, Social Isolation, and Mental Health for Seniors.” 1-2:30 p.m. At Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. Many older adults in our community are aging by themselves or what we like to call “solo aging.” This can cause anxiety and a fear of loneliness, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By taking advantage of resources to stay connected to the community and developing a network of friends, solo aging isn’t so scary, and even maybe the best time of one’s life. Senior Services of Alexandria, along with At Home in Alexandria (AHA), a local senior village, is bringing together a group of experts in the field to talk about this topic by exploring practical strategies for supporting older adults as they navigate solo aging, combatting social isolation and prioritizing their mental health. Speakers include Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, and Rhonda Williams, Supervisor of the city’s Older Adult Clinical Services Team. Also, attendees will learn about local resources on how to stay connected to the community. This event is free! Please RSVP by email at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

Friday/Feb. 21

The Thirteen: To The Field of Stars. At 7:30 p.m. At Virginia Theological Seminary, Immanuel Chapel, 3651 Deanery Dr. Alexandria. The Thirteen returns to the mystical Camino de Santiago de Compostela – Camino of St. James of the Field of Stars – with two works that explore transfiguration: David Lang’s Pulitzer Prize-winning the little match girl passion and Gabriel Jackson’s 2011 To the Field of Stars.

The Birchmere 

At 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com. Contact The Birchmere at 703-549-7500 or www.Birchmere.com.

FEBRUARY

Thu. 6: Karyn White $49.50

Fri. 7: Yasmin Williams – Acadia Tour, with Amadou Kouyate $29.50

Sat. 8: Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience $39.50

Tue. 11: Mdou Moctar (Special Acoustic Performance) with Janel Leppin $35.00

Thu. 13: Infamous Love Songs: An OVER THE RHINE Valentine’s Concert $39.50

Fri. 14: Valentine’s Day with KEVIN ROSS $65.00

Sat. 15: Valentine’s Day with KEVIN ROSS $65.00

Sun. 16: Daryl Davis Presents: Thanks For The Memories 2024! $39.50

Wed. 19: Billy F. Gibbons $89.50 SOLD OUT!

Thu. 20: Drew Lynch $45.00

Fri. 21: Gary Gulman “Misfit Stand Up Tour” $59.50 SOLD OUT!

Sat. 22: Newmyer Flyer Presents: Laurel Canyon $39.50 SOLD OUT!

Sun. 23: Chayce Beckham $29.50

Fri. 28: Aaron Watson “Buy The World A Round” Tour 2025 $35.00