Happy Monday, neighbor!
I hope you’ve had an A/C filled weekend! Summer surely has arrived in full force. So..let’s talk about the beach!
My husband, pup, and I got away to Cape Cod for the weekend, and I’ve never been so grateful for the cool New England water.
What beaches do you like to get away to?
Here’s what we’ve got this week:
📚 Book clubs
🧘♀️ Yoga nights
🎤 Open mic night
🍻 Beer & wine tastings
And more!
Thank you for being here. Let’s dive into another exciting week!
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
Monday, June 24
Baby time, 10:15am-10:45am and 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Wiggle, scoot and sing at Baby Time! Fingerplay and songs for kids ages 0-14 months.Tabletop Games for Teens, 5pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Where teens can socialize, strategize, and learn tabletop games. All materials will be provided. Ages 12-18.PAWS to Read, 5:30pm-6:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Hot Dog Summer at the Library. Does your 1st-6th grader want to practice reading with a dog? The library has three 15 minute slots from 5:30pm-6:30pm. Call to register, (703)-746-1783. Ages 6-12.Classics Book Club, 6pm-8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
This month’s book is My Antonia by Willa Cather. If you order the book through TCB storefront on BookShop.org, show them your receipt, and you'll get 10% of that purchase back in store credit to spend at TCB.
Tuesday, June 25
Rhythmaya Bollywood Dance Experience, 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Rhythmaya is a professional contemporary dance performance group dedicated to bringing South Asian dance traditions alive throughout our global community. All ages.Duncan and Dragons, 5pm-7:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Introducing the community to D&D through introductory sessions, one-shots, and campaigns. Email Dungeon Master Josstin at jgogue@alexlibraryva.org if you're interested in joining. Ages 12-18. Registration required.Life Drawing Session – Gesture and Short Pose, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Drop in on two select Tuesday evenings each month at the gallery for life drawing. Bring your supplies to sketch or paint a nude model, with traditional media like pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, and ink welcome. The session includes dynamic gesture poses and detailed 20-minute poses. Fees are $8 for Del Ray Artisans members and $10 for non-members; register ahead or pay at the gallery.
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Wednesday, June 26
Kids Storytime and Craft, 11:30am-12:30pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave. 👶🏼
Join local author Ganeya Gajaram for story time. You’ll read a book or two for the first half hour, and then have a related craft afterward.Spitfire Book club - Kindergarten - 3rd grade, 5pm-5:45pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
The Spitfire Club is an after-school book club celebrating diverse, strong female protagonists in children's literature. It enhances literacy and social-emotional skills, fostering a love for reading and self-confidence. Each week, girls track their reading progress with a log. For more info, contact Kayla at kpayne@alexlibraryva.org. No registration required.Chilean Chill, Free Wine Tasting, 5pm-8pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
This week’s Planet Wine Shop wine tasting features Andres Chilean wines—some of the best value wines they’ve come across. Enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while you taste. Plus, take advantage of a 10% discount on any tasting bottles you’d love to take home.DIY Strawberry Corner Bookmark, 6pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Celebrate strawberry season with a fun, beginner-friendly craft session! Teens and adults can create their own strawberry corner bookmarks with minimal sewing. All supplies are provided by the library, thanks to the Friends of Duncan Library. Just bring yourself and a friend! For teens & adults. Registration encouraged, here.Yoga Social in the Garden with Liat from Yoga in Del Ray, 6:15pm-7:15pm at Gustave Boulangerie et brasserie Jardin, 2213 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join Liat in the garden at Gustave Boulangerie for a yoga social. Your ticket includes a 50-minute all-level flow and a beverage of your choice (a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available). Register for $30 here.Cool Yoga, 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Wellness Junction Del Ray parking lot, 1900 Mt. Vernon Avenue (Corner of E. Bellefonte).
Summer means free cool yoga time! Enjoy free outdoor yoga at the Wellness Junction Del Ray parking lot every Wednesday from June 19 to August 21. After class, cool off with treats at the Cool Yoga After Party. Grab your mat and join in! Free cool yoga is sponsored by Wellness Junction Del Ray and Yoga in Del Ray.DnD Session, 6:30pm-9pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Every other Wednesday is Dungeons & Dragons at The Company of Books. New players are welcome. Bring a character if you have one ready-made, or play one they’re pre-created.Open Mic Night, 7pm-9pm at St. Elmo’s, 2300 Mt Vernon Ave.
On the last Wednesday of every month, swing by St. Elmo’s for an open mic night. Sign ups begin at 6:30pm. All are welcome.Duncan Book Group, 7pm-8pm, online.
Join the online book club to discuss a book chosen by one of the members. This month, the book discussion is about On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. This poignant novel explores themes of family history, love, race, class, and masculinity through a letter from a son to his mother. Join via Zoom here.Wednesday Trivia Night, 7pm-10pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Think you've got what it takes to be a trivia champion? Put your knowledge to the test at Wednesday Night Trivia. Swing by Hops N Shine for an evening filled with brain-teasing questions, friendly competition, and tons of fun!
Thursday, June 27
Toddler Rock N' Read, 10:15am-10:45am or 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Take a bite out of summer fun with Mr. Josstin at Toddler Rock N' Read. Great for toddlers and siblings. First come first served with open floor seating and limited chairs. Ages 0-5.Nerdy Knotters: Knitting and Crochet group, 6pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. 👶🏼
Both beginners and advanced fiber artists are welcome. Ages 12+.Väsen Brewery, Free Beer Tasting, 6pm-8pm at Market 2 Market, 116 E Del Ray Ave.
Enjoy samplings of free beer while browsing the collection of craft beers and homemade sandwiches for a casual, delicious Thursday night.Music on the Patio, 6pm-8pm at Rosemont Cellar, 2 E Walnut St.
A wonderful way to spend a summer evening. Join Rosemont Cellar every Thursday night for live music on the patio.Thursday Trivia Night, 7pm-10pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Test your trivia skills this Thursday at Hops N Shine. Gear up for an evening of brain-teasing questions, fantastic prizes, and lots of laughs.Improv Showcase, 8:30pm-10pm in the No. 9 Lounge at Evening Star.
Ready for some improv? Join Reflex Improv on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month for an improv class and showcase. Learn the fundamentals of improv comedy, including Yes-And, teamwork, creating characters on the fly, and scene games. No experience needed—the team will teach you everything you need to know.
Weekend sneak peek
Friday, June 28: Bela Dona Band, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave. Tickets $39.50.
Saturday, June 29: Fetching Goodies Vegan & Gluten-free Popup, 9am-noon at 315A E Windsor Ave. All are welcome (dogs too)! 👶🏼🐶
Saturday, June 29: Well Ray Festival, 10am-2pm in the Salvation Army, Wellness Junction, and Bellies & Babies Parking lot on the corner of Mt. Vernon Ave & E Bellefonte Aves. Sign up for free classes here.
and so much more!
I’ll send you the full weekend roundup on Friday so you always know what’s happening.
Weather
Monday
90 🌡️ 69 | ☀️ | 9% | 💨 NW 13 mph
Tuesday
92 🌡️ 73 | ☀️ | 1% | 💨 S 8 mph
Wednesday
97 🌡️ 74 | 🌧️ | 45% | 💨 SSW 10 mph
Thursday
90 🌡️ 69 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 NW 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
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We try to only include accurate information, but sometimes things can change. Everything included in the newsletter is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time the newsletter is sent out.