Hello Fall

Top things to do in (and near) Del Ray, VA this week: September 22-25, 2025

Sep 22, 2025

Happy Monday, Neighbor!

Today is the official first day of fall! I have been holding onto summer the past couple weeks, but I’m feeling ready for ‘official fall.’ How about you?

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. September + October in particular are: my wedding anniversary, my parents’ wedding anniversary, my husband’s birthday, and my birthday. There’s a lot of celebrate (and I plan to)!

Beyond the personal days, it’s just a lovely time. The crisp air. The activities you can do with family and friends, like apple picking and pumpkin carving. Enjoying all things pumpkin spice. Hiking. Halloween. S’mores.

The community events are vibing with lots of activities this week. Let’s dive right in.

We’ve got:

🧵 Crafting: Velvet Pumpkins, Fiber Group, Wood Workshop
📚 Book Sale (Members Preview) + Book Clubs + Book Release Parties
🍸 Cocktail Week Kickoff
✨ Charm Bar
💚 Del Ray Wellness Networking
🎨 Art on the Rocks
🧘🏻‍♀️ Yoga at the Library + Beer Yoga
🧠 Trivia Every Night
🎶 Live Music
🎤 Concerts
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons
🍻 Beer Tasting
🍷 Wine Tasting
🍣 Sushi-Making Class
🎤 Karaoke & Comedy
🧒 Storytime + Craft + Book Clubs for Kids
🎮 Game Night
🗣️ English Language Learning
📖 Classics Book Club
👶 Baby Time
💨 Cigar Night
🏃‍♂️ Running + Beers
…and more!

Thank you for being here. Have a wonderful week!

– Rachel Turula
Publisher, Things to do: Del Ray, VA

P.S. Want to add or feature an event? Submit it here.

Featured upcoming event: Aslin Beer Co. 10th Anniversary Party

ASLIN10 is the local beer, food, music, comedy fest that NoVA has been waiting for. Over 60 Aslin beers, wild food collabs, and live music + comedy on stage. Plus a KidZone™ with bottomless lemonade bar, funny competitions, spin art, and more. It's all happening Saturday, September 27 at Aslin Beer Co Alexandria. Spots are limited so grab your tix now and get ready for an epic party.

Monday, September 22

Baby Time, 10:15am–10:45am & 11:15am–11:45am at the James M. Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Wiggle, scoot and sing during finger‑play and songs for babies ages 0–14 months.
Cigar Night, 3pm–10pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Bring your own cigars and relax on the patio; $6 drafts and $5 bottled beers set the mood.
Spitfire Book Club (4th–5th Grade), 5pm–6pm at James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
The Spitfire Club is a book club celebrating strong, diverse girl-positive stories. Designed for 4th and 5th grade girls to build confidence, literacy, and community.
Adults & Dragons, 5:30pm–7:30pm at James M. Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Join fellow adventurers for a D&D campaign.
Classics Book Club: Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, 6pm–8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join the monthly Classics Book Club for a discussion of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. All are welcome, whether it’s your first read or your fifth.
Yoga at the Library, 6:30pm–7:30pm at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Join Human Kind Yoga Collective for a free, all-levels flow yoga class. A welcoming space for adults to move, breathe, and recharge—no experience needed.
Joggers & Lagers, 6:30pm–8pm at Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave.
Join in for a weekly fun run, then stick around for a beer after.
Pour House Trivia, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mount Vernon Ave.
Enjoy a fun night of Pour House Trivia at Del Ray Pizzeria every Monday. Test your knowledge and compete for prizes in this lively weekly event.

Tuesday, September 23

Del Ray Wellness Biz Networking, 6pm–8pm at Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr.
Connect with local business owners and wellness professionals at this casual networking event hosted by the DRBA. Free to attend—bring a friend and share ideas over cider.
Live Music, 6pm-9pm at Lena's Beer Garden, 401 E Braddock Rd.
Enjoy live music on Tuesdays at Lena's Beer Garden. The first-come, first-served space has fans, umbrellas, and a dog-friendly vibe.
Beer Yoga, 7pm‑8pm at Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave.
A 45‑minute yoga class followed by a pint of beer.
Trivia, 7pm-9pm at The Garden Del Ray, 1503 Mt Vernon Ave.
Gather your team and get ready to put your knowledge to the test.
Figure Drawing – Gesture and Short Poses Session, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Practice your figure drawing skills with live nude models in this relaxed drop-in session. All skill levels are welcome—just bring your supplies and creativity.

Neighbors tell each other about fun things.

Del Ray is such a supportive community with so many fun things to do! Loop in your friends and neighbors by clicking the ‘refer a friend’ button below so you can all enjoy these activities together.

Refer a friend

Wednesday, September 24

Kids Storytime and Craft, 11:30am-12:30pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join local author Ganeya Gajaram for storytime. You’ll read a book or two for the first half hour, and then have a related craft afterward.
Spitfire Book Club (K–3rd Grade), 5pm–6pm at James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
A book club for younger girls focused on diverse, girl-positive stories that build confidence and connection. No registration required—just drop in and join the fun.
Roll For Initiative: D&D, 5pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Join DM Jacob for another exciting session of Duncan and Dragons. Open to both new and veteran players, this bi-weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaign promises adventure, laughter, and camaraderie. All materials provided.
Free Wine Tasting, 5pm–8pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy a 10% discount on tasting wines to take home.
DIY Velvet Pumpkins (Adults Only), 6pm–7pm at James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Make your own velvet pumpkin just in time for spooky season. Learn basic hand-stitching and take home a festive fall decoration—supplies provided, registration recommended.
Bad for Business Release Party, 6pm–8pm at Friends to Lovers Bookstore, 301 Cameron St.
Celebrate new romance releases by Kat Singleton and Elizabeth O’Roark with an in-store author talk and signing. Hear the authors in conversation and get your books personalized.
Game Night, 6pm-9pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
New players are always welcome. Bring a favorite game or try theirs—from classics like Scrabble and Clue to modern hits like Wingspan.
Sushi & Cider, 6:30pm–8pm at Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr.
Learn to make sushi rolls in this hands-on class covering rice prep, ingredient selection, and rolling technique. Includes all supplies—plus cider to sip while you roll.
Trivia Night, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Gather your team for an evening of brain-teasing fun! Patio seating available, arrive early to grab your spot.
English Language Learning, 6:45pm-7:45pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Practice English and build vocabulary in a relaxed, conversational setting led by instructor Don. Open to beginner and intermediate speakers; no registration required.
The Robert Cray Band, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.
Catch five-time Grammy winner Robert Cray live for a night of soul, blues, and rock.

Thursday, September 25

First Day of Old Town Cocktail Week, September 25–October 6 at various locations across Old Town Alexandria.
Celebrate Alexandria’s cocktail creativity with featured drinks at 40+ restaurants, curated events, and exclusive hotel stay packages. Presented by Suntory Global Spirits and Captain Gregory’s.
Friends of Duncan Library Fall Book Sale – Members-Only Preview, 4pm–8pm at James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Get early access to thousands of books across all genres at the members-only preview sale. Hardcovers are $4, paperbacks $2—perfect for stocking your fall reading list.
Nerdy Knotters: Fiber Craft Group, 6pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Weekly gathering for both beginners and advanced fiber artists. Whether you need help with a project or just want to knit with others, join in.
Free Beer Tasting, 6pm-8pm at Market 2 Market, 116 E Del Ray Ave.
Enjoy free beer tastings and browse craft beers and homemade sandwiches for a relaxed, delicious Thursday night.
Live Music, 6pm-8pm at Rosemont Cellar, 2 E Walnut St.
A wonderful way to spend an evening. Join Rosemont Cellar every Thursday night for live music.
Art on the Rocks, 6pm–8:30pm at Heron Hotel, 699 Prince St.
Celebrate the kickoff of Old Town Cocktail Week at this spirited competition where top local chefs and mixologists create art-inspired food and drink pairings. Sample 10 creations, vote for your favorite, and support The Art League’s campaign to stay in Alexandria.
Live Music, 6pm-9pm at The Loft at Lena's, 401 E Braddock Rd.
Enjoy live music in The Loft every Thursday. Reservations are recommended.
Charm Bar, 6:30pm–8pm at Stardust Vintage & Gift, 1904 Mt Vernon Ave.
Create your own purse charms, wine charms, or anything you’d like in this fun, hands-on workshop. $5 entry plus charms ($8+), with all participants receiving 10% off in-store purchases.
Thursday Trivia Night, 6:30pm–8:30pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Join the neighborhood trivia night hosted by Pour House Trivia. Free to play—compete for gift cards, merch, and bragging rights.
Thurs-DIY Signature Wood, Canvas + Textured Art Workshop, 6:30pm–9:30pm at AR Workshop Alexandria, 1212 King St.
Make a custom home decor piece using wood, canvas, or textured art techniques in this hands-on crafting session. Includes two drinks and 10% off in the boutique—project prices vary.
Aslin Trivia Night, 7pm at Aslin Beer Company, 847 S. Pickett St.
Grab a beer and team up for this free trivia night hosted by Cap City Trivia—prizes awarded and bragging rights on the line.
Trivia Night, 7pm‑10pm at Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr.
Test your knowledge at this lively Thursday trivia night hosted by MAPPS Trivia. Free to play with prizes for top teams, local cider on tap, and a food truck on site.
Iris DeMent, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave.
Beloved Americana artist Iris DeMent brings her soulful voice and heartfelt storytelling to the stage. Tickets are $49.50 for this one-night-only performance.
Live Acoustic Music, 8:30pm at Pork Barrel BBQ, 2312 Mt Vernon Ave.
Stop by Pork Barrel BBQ on Thursdays for live acoustic music by a different artist each week.

Upcoming Events

Want to look forward to the weekend? The Del Ray Events Calendar is fully updated for this weekend (Run Geek Run, 80s Dance Party, Aslin’s Anniversary Party, comedy, more), plus upcoming events like Art of the Avenue, Paws in the Park, and Oktoberfest events. PLUS fantastic upcoming ticketed events you can get dibs on, like Fall Oysterfest, GW’s Fall Wine Festival, lots of wine classes.

It’s all there for you as a Del Ray Insider. The super-affordable membership that connects you with the community and helps in planning ahead. So you can feel good while always knowing what’s happening.

Check out the Del Ray Events Calendar

Some extra magic

Cozy season is coming. I just got this sweater and it’s my new go-to.
Fall fun: For festive fall photos, head to nearby Nalls Produce (7310 Beulah St.)—their picturesque pumpkin wall is officially up!
Officially welcome fall into your home with these cute, festive kitchen towels.
This Fall candle, aptly named “Hello Fall,” is currently getting me in the fall mood whilst writing.
Currently wearing: One of my favorite fall staples is my jean jacket. I ordered this denim jacket last year in silver cloud and cannot wait to wear it this season.
If you’re having a gathering this season, for fall, football, or general fun, you’ll love this copper beverage tub.
I am so excited to make a firepit (with s’mores) as the temps cool down and extra grateful for the Solo Stove. The Yukon is my favorite.
Outdoor upgrade: Solar-powered string lights with a dusk sensor. Backyard magic, no outlet electricity required.

Things that are free: Like, restack, share

If you liked this week’s newsletter, the best compliment I could receive would be if you liked it ❤️, restacked it, or shared it. All 3 and you’re both my hero and supporting local with just a few quick clicks.

Monday

80 🌡️ 65 | ⛅ | 8% | 💨 SSW 8 mph

Tuesday

84 🌡️ 67 | ⛅ | 15% | 💨 SSW 9 mph

Wednesday

82 🌡️ 70 | 🌧️ | 38% | 💨 NE 5 mph

Thursday

80 🌡️ 70 | ⛈️ | 52% | 💨 SSE 9 mph

Temperatures sourced from weather.com, updated the night before publication.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for being part of the Things to do Del Ray community! Share this with a neighbor who loves fall.

See you around the neighborhood,

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