Halloween Contests, 'The 39 Steps,' Park Cleanups and Le Tour d'Alexandria Library

Some ideas for the weekend ahead in and around Alexandria:

“The 39 Steps” — Adapted from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film of the same name, “The 39 Steps” opens at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St.). The play follows dashing Richard Hannay and his heroic efforts to solve the riddle of The 39 Steps while staying a step ahead of Nazi spies. This two-time Tony Award-winner features four actors playing more than 100 roles. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Park Cleanups — Clean Virginia Waterways is holding cleanups on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria and Monticello Park in North Ridge. The cleanups will run from 8 a.m. to noon and volunteers are needed to make the event a success. For more information, check out “Volunteer Cleanups Planned for Two Alexandria Parks.”

Le Tour d'Alexandria Library — Alexandria’s library system invites the community to participate in its first bicycle tour of all branch locations at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. Bring your bike and join library staff for a leisurely 12-mile loop starting and ending at Beatley Central Library (5005 Duke St.). Free gift bags will be given away. Registration for the event is required and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information or to register, visit the event website.

John Carlyle Funeral Reenactment — Death visited Carlyle House in the fall of 1780 and claimed the life of Alexandria founder John Carlyle. On Saturday, Oct. 26, between 6:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Carlyle House (121 N. Fairfax St.), step back in time and be a part of this historic funeral while learning about mourning practices in early America. Admission includes a ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit the Carlyle House website.  

Nightmare On King Street — Head over to the Fish Market (105 King St.) at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 for its annual Halloween event featuring a DJ and dancing on the city’s largest dance floor. The party includes cash prizes for best costumes scariest scream.

Murphy's Haunted Halloween Costume Party — Join the revelry at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub (713 King St.) from 9 p.m. to close Saturday, Oct. 26 for a Halloween costume contest. Event features cash prizes for winners and live music from Pat Carroll and Pat Garvey. Must be 21 to enter and have a valid ID.

The Scrub Pines — Check out this folksy duo from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 27 while picking up your produce at the Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (4109 Mount Vernon Ave.). The market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fall Feast — Load up on seasonal dishes featuring local grass-fed beef at the Union Street Public House’s Fall Feast. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at the restaurant (121 S. Union St.). Reservations required. To make a reservation, call 703-548-1785.

Del Ray Halloween Parade — Get ready for an afternoon of fright and fun, Alexandria, because the Del Ray Halloween Parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.

The parade will run along Mount Vernon Avenue between Bellefonte Avenue and the playing fields at Mount Vernon Recreation Center. Organizers with the Del Ray Business Association are expecting as many as 5,000 participants this year. Prizes will be awarded for best-decorated stroller and best pet costume. For more information, check out “Del Ray Halloween Parade Returns Sunday.”

Spooky Bean Halloween — Families can enjoy the free Spooky Bean Halloween Haunted Graveyard constructed by Bean Creative from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. The graveyard will be located in the vacant lot near the corner of Mount Vernon and E. Del Ray avenues.  

It’s a busy fall weekend in Alexandria with too many events for one Patch Weekender. For event more weekend ideas, check out the city’s events calendar as well as the event listings at the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association website.