[Archived] Weekly Event Announcements: July 25 - 31, 2009

For Immediate Release: July 24, 2009

Saturday, July 25 – African Heritage Cultural Festival
The music, culture, and food of Africa takes center stage as the City of Alexandria hosts the African Heritage Cultural Festival at Market Square, 301 King St., from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Sunday, July 26 – West End Farmers’ Market 
The public is invited to the West End Farmers’ Market at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. The West End Farmers’ Market is open to the public every Sunday through November 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note, the market will not be held Sunday, August 23 due to the scheduling of the Annual Cambodian Day Festival. For additional information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Wednesday, July 29 – Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market
The public is invited to the Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market, located at the King Street Gardens Park,1806 King St., just a few steps from the King Street Metro. The Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market is open Wednesdays through October 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information, visit the Farmers’ Market Online.

Wednesday, July 29 – Alexandria Library’s “Stories in the Park”
Children and their parents are invited to join the Alexandria Library for “Stories in the Park” at 11 a.m. This program is recommended for ages 2 and up and will occur in Area 7 of Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Please feel free to bring your lunch and a chair or blanket for your seating. Admission is free. In case of extreme heat or rain, the event will be relocated to Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. For more information, call 703.838.4555.

Wednesday, July 29 – Summer Concert at Ben Brenman Park Amphitheater
Steve Smith & the Meteors perform original blues at 7 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park Amphitheater, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Thursday, July 30 – Summer Quest Junior Event
"Secondhand Stars" Bob Brown Puppets, a "green" variety show with recycled materials, will start at 7 p.m. at the Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd. This program is recommended for ages 5 and under, and children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, call 703.519.6000.

Thursday, July 30 – Music at Twilight Concert at Fort Ward Park
The Music at Twilight concert series features the sounds of traditional Irish music from the Irish Breakfast Band at 7 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Friday, July 31 – Market Square Concert
The Alexandria Citizens Band, the “City’s Oldest Performing Arts Organization,” will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Friday, July 31 – Lantern Tours
Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 N. Royal St., by candlelight with a costumed guide  to experience the historic tavern and hotel before the advent of electricity. Tour times are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the cost is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. The museum may be closed on some occasions; call 703.838.4242 in advance to verify tour dates.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, August 1 – Friendship Firehouse Festival
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Friendship Firehouse Festival celebrates the 235th anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company. Enjoy birthday cake, craft and food vendors, and a special display of antique and modern firefighting equipment at the Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 South Alfred St. Kids get free balloons and fire helmets! Free family fun! For further information, call 703.838.3891 or visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net.

Ongoing!

Open through August 11 – The Fine Art of Jazz Exhibition
The Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St, is featuring the work of Dan White, who spent almost two decades photographing Kansas City jazz musicians. The result of his work is The Fine Art of Jazz, a series of 50 black-and-white portraits of Kansas City jazz musicians. The exhibition also offers a look into the performers’ lives through excerpts of interviews with the musicians. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a suggested admission of $2. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Open through September 20 – “Living Legends” Exhibition 
The latest class of Living Legends of Alexandria is profiled in an exhibit at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S. Washington St. This photography exhibition, featuring the work of Nina Tisara, celebrates people who have made remarkable contributions to the quality of life in Alexandria. “Living Legends of Alexandria 2008-09” showcases 26 nominees who have worked to improve life in Alexandria. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994.

For more information, contact Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, Office of Communications, at 703.746.3961 or jennifer.harris@alexandriava.gov 

PIO#194-09