We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 21 best things to do in Alexandria, VA between August 17 and August 23. Updated daily.
to see a personalized list by location, interest, and age group.
Mindfulness 101 for Teens (James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library)
A 90‑minute workshop teaching teens stress‑management techniques and confidence‑building tools. Tuesday, August 18, 2–3:30 pm. Teens; free workshop, no experience needed.
Death Café (Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library)
A guided discussion about death and dying to raise awareness and share perspectives. Tuesday, August 18, 6–7:30 pm. Adults; registration required.
DIY Book Bedazzling (John Marshall Library — John Marshall Meeting Room 1, John Marshall Meeting Room 2)
Bring a book and decorate it with glitter and gems in a hands‑on bedazzling workshop. Tuesday, August 18, 7–8:30 pm. Bring your own book; registration required.
Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo (Beatley Library Parking Lot)
Visit the Bar C Ranch petting zoo to meet and feed friendly animals like a llama, donkey and mini‑cow. Wednesday, August 19, 5–7 pm. All ages; open‑air petting zoo.
Alexandria Film Festival (Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library)
Screening of a romantic comedy film, rated PG, for all ages. Saturday, August 22, 10 am–12 pm. All ages; PG rating.
Tuesday, August 18
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just not sure what comes next? Join certified mindful performance coach, Yvette "Evie" Trapani, for a free 90-minute workshop designed just for high schoolers - whether you're heading into graduation season or simply trying to keep up with the everyday demands of school. In this relaxe…
Our aim is to increase awareness of death and dying to help people make the most of their (finite) lives. Please note, this is a discussion group rather than a grief support group or counseling session. Please register. Death Literacy Guide Contact mzimmerman@alexlibraryva.org for more information. Death Cafés were fou…
The book club is led by an experienced moderator and PEN America member who has a passion for creating community and protecting freedom of expression. Participants will vote on books to read. The discussion will span plot, characters and themes in the book as well as why the book has been banned. Book club attendees wi…
Wednesday, August 19
Join Hayfield High School Pep band and Brass Ensemble for some joyful music in the library! While you listen, check out some books about music. The event will take place in the children's area. No registration. All ages
Have a technology question? Get hands-on help with computer basics, software assistance, phones and tablets, social media, and more. Please bring your device, account IDs, and passwords. Offered Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Adults. If there is a wait for assistance we will limit time with each person.
Saluda y alimenta a simpáticos animales como una llama, un burro y una minivaca de Bar C Animal Ranch. (Todas las edades) Can't make it on August 19? Join Bar C Ranch for a petting zoo on June 20 from 10 AM - 3 PM, Duncan Branch Library Butterfly Garden. Sponsors: SummerQuest Jr. is made possible through a generous gra…
Are you ready to dive into the world of periods and explore all the different products available to you? Join us at Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop for an inclusive and informative workshop where we'll uncover the ins and outs of both disposable and reusable period products to help you understand what might work best for you! In…
Thursday, August 20
Teen players of all skill levels are welcome to join us at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library every first and third Thursday in the Teen Area on the second floor to play Dungeons and Dragons! If you don't know the rules, we'll teach you! All supplies will be provided, so just bring your imagination and enthusiasm!…
Prepare yourself for your next career step. With the Department of Community & Human Services, get experience with: Basic computer skills Email and digital communication Google tools (Docs, Drive, Sheets, Meet, and Calendar) Resume and cover letter writing Mock interviews This program is a 7-week experience limited to…
Friday, August 21
Uses stories, songs and poses to teach caregivers and children techniques for breathing moving and relaxing. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Age 1-4 with adult. Register the child only please. Cosponsored by the Friends of Martha Washington Library If you have questions about the appropriate age for a program, its con…
Come to the library for free play with block sets of different shapes, sizes, and materials. Learn how block play can benefit your child's development! For children ages 3 to 5 years old, with an adult. Please only register your child for this event.
For infants, from 6 weeks to almost crawling. Through gentle guided movements, massage and songs, parents bond with their infant while encouraging emotional and physical development. Cosponsored by the Friends of Martha Washington Library If you have questions about the appropriate age for a program, its content, or ac…
Saturday, August 22
Create/fold paper airplanes. Toss/fly them to see how far they go. Which one is fastest? Which one is easier to control? Which one goes the farthest? Collaborate with friends to create/fold the best paper airplane. Ages 6 - 12. Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome.
Come join us to celebrate the end of summer reading with books, music and family fun activities! We will be joined by a local children's author Debora Brown! All Ages.
Book journaling is where reading, scrapbooking, and journaling come together! This introduction to book journaling will show kids ages 6-12 simple, creative, and fun ways to keep a record of their reading for the year. All supplies will be provided, including composition notebooks, art supplies and page templates to he…
June 27 – Tie Dye Party (Please make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, a limited number of shirts are available in a range of sizes. If you want a shirt that matches you perfectly, please bring your own.) July 25 – Summer Wind Chimes (painting required, limited supply available) August 22 – Fairy…
Getting ready to head back to school? Come join us for an afternoon of pencil pouch decoration! Let your creativity shine with colors and designs that show off your style for the new school year. Pencil pouch and supplies provided, as supplies last! For ages 6-11 years old. Registration required.
Sunday, August 23
RESCHEDULED from August 9: Create your own miniature indoor garden in this hands-on workshop for adults. Have fun while you learn to create your own tiny ecosystem to take home. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary. Due to limited supplies, seats are limited for this relaxing, fun activity! Regist…
Monday, August 24
Stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 0-18 months with an adult. Register for a reminder, walk-ins welcome.