November 6 – 20
18th-Century Dance Lessons – In preparation for the Governors Ball on Nov. 22, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. Held at Gadsbys Tavern, 134 N. Royal St., Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $12 per class; $30 for the series of three. Reservations recommended. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-838-4242.

November 7 – 30
Beat It To Bead It! 3 – The Del Ray Artisans present Bead it! 3 to celebrate the art of bead making and beading. The juried show will run from Nov. 7 – 30 at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. The opening reception, free and open to the public, will be held Nov. 7 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. The show also includes the Bead It Marketplace where visitors may purchase unique bead art. For more information, visit www.thedelrayar
tisans.org or call 703-838-4827.

November 8
Veterans Day Walking Tour – In honor of Veterans Day, Fort Ward Museum offers soldier-led tours of the historic site at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about the history of Fort Ward, construction of Civil War forts, and soldier life in the Defenses of Washington. Held at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Free. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703-838-4848.

Swordsmens Rendezvous – Experience this unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. Held at Gadsbys Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., this popular family event is suitable for all ages. Price is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Reservations required. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-838-4242.

Jazz For Peace – Internationally renowned jazz pianist and composer Rick DellaRatta  will perform in concert at 6 p.m. at Minnie Howard Middle School, 3801 West Braddock Rd., to raise funds and awareness for Sierra Leone Relief and Development Outreach. A limited amount of discount tickets are available for $25 on a first come first served bases by calling 703-823-3600, 703-507-5576 or online at www.jazzforpeace.org . Tickets at the door will be $35.

Grace Episcopal Church Fall Festival Auction – The Journey to Adulthood youth group of Grace Episcopal Church, 3601 Russell Rd., will hold a Fall Festival Auction from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. The proceeds from the auction will benefit youth programs at the church. Tickets ($10 per person; $30 per family) can be purchased in advance by phone or at the door on the night of the event. Live entertainment and refreshments included. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Robby Schrum at robert.schrum@gmail.com or 203-435-7248. To donate an item, service, or gift certificate for auction, please contact Mr. Schrum as well.

Through November 9
Primary Colors – The Athenaeum Gallery, 201 Prince St., is alive with Primary Colors! Betsy Anderson and Murney Kelehers bright abstract paintings, monotypes, and mixed media pieces interpret landscapes, nature, and everyday rituals. Free. For more information, visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035.

Pearl Bailey…By Request – MetroStage presents Roz White as the legendary songstress. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. at MetroStage, 1201 North Royal St. All tickets $35. For more information, visit www.metrostage.org or call 800-494-8497.

Through November 11
Picnic by William Inge – The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents William Inges 1953 Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Performances are at 8 p.m. Wed. through Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. For more information, visit www.thelittletheatre.com or call 703-795-0659.

November 13
Second Thursday Art Night – The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., presents Naked November Nights. Browse open studios, interact with the artists, and enjoy refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. From 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.torpedofactory.org/thursday.htm or call 703-838-4565. 

November 14 – 23
Beauty and the Beast – The Mount Vernon Community Childrens Theatre is performing Disneys Beauty and the Beast at Carl Sandburg Middle School auditorium, 8428 Fort Hunt Rd.  Performance dates are November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23. Tickets, $10 adults and $8 children and seniors, can be purchased at the door, online at www.mvcct.org, or by calling 703-360-0686

November 15
O Thankful Voice – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of thanks of the season with composers classic and contemporary. Featuring: Mozarts Piano Concerto #21 with Yuliya Gorenman, piano; and Wilders Suite for Horn and Strings with Amy Horn, French Horn. 8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets from $20. For more information, visit www.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.

Annual Bazaar – Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St., will hold its annual holiday bazaar from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information call 703-836-4324.

Ft. Hunt Preschool Fall Festival – Enjoy a carefree afternoon treating yourself to multi-cultural food and baked goods while the children are entertained with a moon bounce, storytelling, calligraphy, truck touch, games and crafts. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1909 Windmill Lane (on Mason Hill off Ft. Hunt Road). For more information call 703-768-7584.

Blessed Sacrament Fall Festival – Join Blessed Sacrament School, 1417 W. Braddock Rd., for an afternoon of shopping, food, games, and fall fun!  From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission, wristband for unlimited childrens rides $25 ($20 pre-sale). For more information, visit www.blessedsacramentcc.org/school/.

Art and Craft Fair – Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd., will host an Art and Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Mission Outreach of the church. For more information, visit www.mountvernonumc.com. 

Through November 15
Ah, THAT Jack and Jill! Exhibition – Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jack and Jill of America with the Alexandria Black History Museum. The exhibition shows how Jack and Jill empowers children and builds strong African-American communities. Located at 902 Wythe St., the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-838-4356.

November 15 – 16
Auditions for Aladdin, Jr. – Aldersgate Church Community Childrens Theater is pleased to announce auditions for Aladdin, Jr., a 70
minute version of the popular Disney musical. Audition dates are Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, and Nov. 16 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Rd. All roles are open. Any youth, ages 8 – 18, is eligible to audition. For more information, call  703-799-3098.

Through November 16
Wendy Wassersteins An American Daughter – Port City Playhouse, Alexandrias award-winning theatre company, presents An American Daughter by Wendy Wasserstein. Performances run through Nov. 16. PCP performs at the Lee Center for the Performing Arts, 1108 Jefferson St. Tickets: $16 Adults, $14 seniors and students. For more information, call 703-838-2880 or visit www.portcityplayhouse.com.

Nov. 19 – Dec. 10
Singers Wanted! – Potomac Harmony Chorus, an award-winning chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is offering four weeks of FREE group vocal lessons for women of the community.  Its a great way to meet the women of PHC and an opportunity to come on stage with us! Classes will be held at The Hermitage, 5000 Fairbanks Ave., from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Nov. 19, Nov. 24, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. No Fee. No Obligation.  To reserve your spot, call 703-764-3896. For more information, visit www.potomacharmony.org.

Nov. 20 – Dec. 21
Isnt It Romantic- MetroStage favorite Jimi Ray Malary returns with this new musical tribute featuring songs from Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and George and Ira Gershwin. Malary will be joined by Lori Williams, another MetroStage favorite. 1201 N. Royal St. For ticekts or more information, visit www.metrostage.org or call 703-548-9044.

November 22
Miracles on Green Street! – St. Marys School Christmas Bazaar will be held November 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Marys School, 400 Green St. The bazaar includes over 60 exhibitors/vendors, Santas Workshop Crafts, Gingerbread Houses, Bake Sale and Christmas Caf, Flea Market/Kids Closet, Childrens Games and Prizes, Visit with Santa/Keepsake Photo, Yesterdays Book Sale, and Holiday Cinema.   Admission is free.

Fashion and Inspirational Entertainment Show – Walk This Way Productions/Kalaj will present their 2008 fashion and inspirational entertainment show at 7 p.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street.  This is a community event and all are welcomed.  A portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to the Youth Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church. Tickets for this event are now on sale.  Tickets costs: Ages 6 and under, free, ages 7-12, $7.50, Ages 13 and up, $15.00.  To Purchase your tickets, call 703-927-2927.

Governors Ball with Patrick Henry – Taking place in 1786, Gov. Patrick Henry will be welcomed at a special pre-ball reception, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The evening will feature a variety of English country dances, live music, dessert collation, gaming, and cash bar. Period costume optional, after-five attire encouraged. Special reception and ball tickets $75 each. Ball is 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; tickets for the ball only $45 in advance; $50 at the door. Reservations are required. Gadsbys Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-838-4242.

November 27
33rd Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot – Runners will once again pound the pavement for the 33rd running of the Alexandria Turkey Trot, held each Thanksgiving morning in Alexandrias Del Ray community. This years five-mile road race will be held at 10 a.m. at Cora Kelly Elementary School at the intersection of West Reed and Commonwealth Avenues. The entry fee — with two cans of food – is $15 for individuals ages 13-21 years and $20 for those age 22 and over. Children 12 and under can participate for $10 at the door and two cans of food. The food will be donated to ALIVE!, Inc., an ecumenical organization serving Alexandria families in need. For more information or to register online, visit www.visitdelray.com/turkeytrot.

November 28
City of Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting – Musical entertainment with greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King Street. For more information, visit www.AlexandriaVA.gov or call 703-838-4844.

November 28 – January 6
Christmas at Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon is joyfully decking the halls for Christmas at Mount Vernon, a special daytime program offered from Thanksgiving Day weekend through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Exciting additions this year include a dozen themed Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon by former White House pastry chef Ronald Mesnier, historical chocolate-making demonstrations, 18th-century dancing, and a Christmas camel just like George Washington had on the grounds during Christmas 1787! For more information, visit www.MountVernon.org or call 703-780-2000.

November 28 – December 14
Mount Vernon by Candlelight – Mrs. Washington hosts an enchanting evening of candlelit tours, fireside Christmas caroling, and hot cider and ginger cookies. A newly-formatted tour includes the first and second floors, featuring characters from the Washingtons world guiding visitors through the home and adding ambiance and authenticity to a traditional Christmas evening at Mount Vernon. Tickets, $18 for adults, $12 for youth, are available now at Mount Vernons Ford Orientation Center or at MountVernon.org. For more information, call 703-780-2000.

November 29
Scottish Heritage Preview – Come celebrate Alexandrias Scottish heritage at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., a week before the Scottish Walk. Meet Scottish Tartan Day leaders and learn about Scottish breeds of dogs while enjoying bagpipes, highland dancing, historical re-enactors and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free! For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703-838-4994.