October 24
Taste for Giving – Join with the Alexandria Rotary Foundation and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts at the Taste for Giving Event at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It benefits Alexandria Charities and includes the presentation of the 2008 Alex Awards. It will be an evening of fine food and community spirit supporting many charities in our community. Tickets are $75 and available by calling 703-535-1200.

October 25
Heritage Trail Bike Ride – Join Alexandria Archaeology for this years Heritage Trail Bike Ride. Meet at Daingerfield Island at 10 a.m. for a 10-mile guided tour, with a shorter 3-mile family ride to Founders Park and back. Tour returns to Daingerfield Island at 1 p.m. Free, but reservations and helmets required. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703-838-4399.

October 26
The 12th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade – Families and parade enthusiasts will not want to miss this annual tradition beginning at 2 p.m. For the fifth year, we will collect and distribute Halloween costumes for children who would otherwise have to go without. We will be collecting donated costumes at the Caboose Cafe, 2419 Mt. Vernon Avenue and A Show of Hands, 2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue, and distributing them on October 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.  We are especially in need of larger size costumes. For more information, contact Gayle Reuter at 703-684-3535 or gayle.reuter@mail.house.gov.

Through October 27
Tavern Toddlers – A special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers, Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in the historic Gadsbys Tavern ballroom, 134 N. Royal St., anytime on Mondays (excluding Federal holidays) between 10:30 a.m. and noon. $10 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or purchase a 5-week pass for $35. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-838-4242.

Through October 29
King Street Fresh Farmers Market – Locally grown produce plus dairy and baked goods at the regions newest farmers market. Held every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in King Street Gardens, just steps from the King Street Metro. For more information, call 703-683-1696.

October 30 – 31
Poe in Alexandria – Actor David Keltz recreates Edgar Allan Poes visit to Virginia in 1849. The performance at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., includes recitations from classic works such as The Raven, Annabel Lee, The Tell-Tale Heart, and many others. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703-838-4995.

October 31
Wendy Wassersteins An American Daughter – Port City Playhouse, Alexandrias award-winning theatre company, presents An American Daughter by Wendy Wasserstein.  Opening night is October 31, with additional performances Nov. 1, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15 and 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.

November 1
Mount Vernon Scouting Days – Historic Mount Vernon welcomes all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire Club members (in uniform or wearing an official pin) to FREE admission during its Scouting Days program beginning Nov. 1 and running through Feb. 15, 2009.

Special activities for scouts Nov. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Scouts have an opportunity to earn merit badges through projects and stations set up with professional surveyors, Mount Vernon archaeologists, woodworking projects, and cooking demonstrations. Scouts are also encouraged to make their own wreath to lay at the tomb of George Washington. For more information please visit www.MountVernon.org.

November 2
Old Town Handbell Concert – The Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble will perform at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St., on Nov. 2 at 4 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public but donations for the music ministry will be gratefully accepted. Visit www.wsumc.com or call Victoria Shields at 703-836-4324 for more details.

Through November 2
From our Trees…Artistry is Revealed – The Del Ray Artisans and the Washington Woodworkers Guild collaborate on an exhibition of both reproduction and studio furniture, turned vessels, delicate carvings and original sculpture crafted by the woodworkers. Free admission at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. For more information, visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org or call 703-838-4827.

Death Comes to Carlyle House – To commemorate the 227th anniversary of the death of John Carlyle and to honor the memory of the many untimely deaths associated with his family, Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., presents an exhibit on the mourning practices of 18th-century Virginia through the experience of the Carlyle household. For more information, visit
www.carlylehouse.org or call 703-549-2997.

November 3
Good Shepherd Christmas Bazaar  – This years Good Shepherd Christmas Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GSSC, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway.

November 5 – 6
INOVA Book and Gift Sale – The INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary will hold a new Book and Gift Sale on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 in the lobby of the hospital, located at 2501 Parkers Lane, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale will feature an assortment of new books, including best-sellers, gardening, cookbooks, and a wide selection of childrens books discounted up to 70 percent off retail price. Proceeds will benefit INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, its patients, and the community. For more information or directions, call 703-664-7260.

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. For more information, visit www.thedelrayartisans.org or call 703-838-4827.

November 8
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 Ga
dsbys 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.

November 8 – 9
Its All About You! – Inova Alexandria Hospital Womens Health Expo 2008. Bring your daughters, neighbors and friends for a day of health education and fun. Free seminars, flu shots, free screenings, infant CPR class, free massages and health and wellness booths. Learn about breast health, pre-pregnancy and pregnancy health and menopause myths and facts. Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Rd., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free parking on site. Please register by calling 703-750-8800 or visit www.inova.org/events for more information.             

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.

November 11
Veterans Day at Mount Vernon – In honor of our nations veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty or retired military. Special activities include a free patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers and a special wreathlaying by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information, visit www.MountVernon.org or call 703-799-5203.

Veterans Day Program – Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country with this annual program featuring speakers, music and dramatic presentations at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the museum, Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage and American Legion Post 129. Free, but reservations requested. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703-838-4399.

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 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.

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.

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.