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 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.
November 1
Premier of New Cantata – The Ars Choralis presents their fall choral concert at 7 p.m. at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt Street. The repertoire includes the premier of a new cantata, The Peaceable Kingdom, by Douglas Beck and excerpts from Requiem by Maurice Durufle with Gail Collins, soloist. A reception will follow the concert. Donations may be made at the door.
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 and 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. 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. The show also includes the Bead It Marketplace where visitors may purchase unique bead art. For more information, visit www.thedelrayartisans.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.
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
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. All veterans receive free flags. 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.