12 Fall Events You Can't Miss Around Alexandria In 2019

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Even as summer unofficially ends when kids return to school and outdoor pools close, there's plenty of fun to look forward to in Alexandria. There's a wide variety of fall events and festivals planned around the city.

We've rounded up some of the fall event highlights. Among the events are the King Street Art Festival, Art on the Avenue, Classic Car Show and Del Ray Halloween Parade. Some events are ticketed; others are free. Visit Alexandria has a full fall event calendar.

SEE ALSO: Mount Vernon Fall Events: Wine Festival, Trick-Or-Treat

September

Mirror Mirror Performance Series: Sept. 6 through Oct. 6

Admission: Free

Location: Waterfront Park, 1 King Street

Waterfront Park comes alive with a series of original site-specific performances in conversation with the sound-responsive, interactive installation Mirror Mirror. David Schulman, who performs on amplified violin with live effects, has composed an original score to interact with Mirror Mirror to present with saxophonist Sarah Marie Hughes and vocalist Bonnie Lander. Orange Grove Dance is exploring movement and sound within and around Mirror Mirror. Their choreography explores both the installation’s and audience’s relationship to land and river to tap into deep relationships that communities have with the spaces they inhabit. See a schedule for the event series.

Old Town Boutique District’s Shop & Stroll: Sept. 12-15

Admission: Free; $25 VIP Experience

Locations: Various boutiques throughout Old Town

At this year’s Shop & Stroll, 20 Old Town Boutique District shops will transform into a Passport Destination offering shoppers VIP swag, activities, discounts and refreshments representative of their chosen location, city or country. Experiences include a Parisian-style flower and macaroon bar at Periwinkle, Oktoberfest at Patina, and a KAThmandu-themed celebration at The Dog Park. The VIP experience includes an invitation to the Kick-Off Party, sponsored by Keller Williams Old Town, discounts, a custom monogrammed tote and automatic double entry into raffle drawings, including the grand prize $1,000 gift card to boutiques of choice and a one-night stay at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa.

Alexandria King Street Art Festival: Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: King Street from Washington Street to Union Street

More than 200 artists from around the country will showcase fine jewelry, handcrafted apparel, decor, paintings, life-sized sculptures, glasswork, photography, ceramics and other works of art at this outdoor gallery. Artists will be on site for the entirety of the festival, allowing visitors to learn the inspiration behind the works. Guests can also enjoy The Art League's popular Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser and Torpedo Factory Art Center's Beer & Wine Torpedo Garden.

Classic Car Show: Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street

Co-sponsored by Packards Virginia and the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, this Classic Car Show will feature a variety of Packards ranging from the 1930s to the 1950s as well as other “orphan” vehicles that are invited to register as well. Packard was a luxury automobile manufactured in Detroit, Michigan, between 1899 and 1956, and orphan cars are any marque of vehicle built by an out-of-business manufacturer. The Packard Club aims to maintain, preserve and restore Packard motor vehicles.

Historic Alexandria Homes Tour: Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: $40 in advance; $45 day of tour

Location: Old Town Alexandria

The Twig’s 78th annual tour lets guests look inside 18th and early 19th-century homes in Old Town and learn of their historic pasts. Tickets can be purchased in advance at thetwig.org/homes-tour, the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street or The Twig Thrift Shop at 106 N. Columbus Street (beginning Sept. 3). The tour will also feature a raffle and prizes. All proceeds benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital.

October

Art on the Avenue: Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Mount Vernon Avenue between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues

Art on the Avenue is a multicultural arts festival celebrating Alexandria’s diversity with over 300 artists and a variety of musicians and food vendors. Activities for children include scarecrow-stuffing, pumpkin-painting and more. The event happens rain or shine.

Portside in Old Town Fall Festival: Oct. 12, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: Free, cost for food, drinks and some activities

Location: Waterfront Park, 1 King Street

Enjoy a day of live music, maritime history, nautical demonstrations and children’s activities on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront. Savor local food, beer and wine while experiencing boat building demonstrations from Alexandria Seaport Foundation Apprentices and knot tying from tall ship Providence. Explore Portside History from the Office of Historic Alexandria, highlighting the archaeological findings of 18th-century ships uncovered along the Old Town waterfront. Continuing Alexandria’s fall tradition of Seaport Day, select activities benefit the Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of young people through adult mentoring, project-based learning and the craft of wooden boat building.

Art Safari: Oct. 19, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street

An Alexandria tradition for almost a quarter-century, Art Safari returns for a day of hands-on activities for kids and families. Dozens of artists lead budding art enthusiasts in exciting and creative projects throughout the building. Dress to get a little messy. This event is ideal for children ages 5 and up. Younger children may need some extra help but will still have a lot of fun.

Del Ray Halloween Parade: Oct. 27, 2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Avenue

Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade returns for a 23rd year. The parade begins at Mount Vernon Avenue south of E. Bellefonte Avenue and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. Following the parade, awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller during a brief ceremony. There is no fee to compete for Best Pet Costume or Best Decorated contests. Judges include elected officials and city dignitaries.

November

Fall Harvest Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: Nov. 9, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Admission: $45 per person

Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street

Experience this 1770s-style ball with live music, English country dancing, cash bar and seasonal dessert collation. 1770s attire or cocktail attire welcome. Gadbsy’s Tavern Museum will be offering Fall Harvest Ball dance classes leading up to the event. Tickets are available online at shop.alexandriava.gov.

Torpedo Factory Art Center Anniversary Ball: Nov. 16, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: $60 through Oct. 31; $75 beginning Nov. 1

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street

At Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Anniversary Ball, enjoy light fare and drinks, a retrospective showcase, guest presenters and live music. The night will feature the opening of 45: An Anniversary Exhibition in Target Gallery, honoring the legacy of the founding artists of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The event will also premiere a new documentary on the history of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, directed and produced by Alexandria’s own Istrico Productions.

Alexandria Cider Festival: Nov. 23, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $45 pre-sale; $55 at door

Location: Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street

Enjoy a selection of ciders from more than 10 Virginia cideries. Ticket includes tastings, a souvenir glass, live music and fun fall activities. This event features a food truck and will take place outside.