Juneteenth + Summer's Arrival
What to do in Del Ray, VA this week: June 17-20, 2024.
Happy Monday, neighbor!
I hope you had a fantastic Father’s Day weekend! These are technically the last few days of spring and I am soaking up every minute of the sunshine (before it gets too humid…).
What about you? What did you get up to?
This week is Juneteenth! Juneteenth, observed on June 19th (this Wednesday), commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This historic day marks the announcement of freedom to the last enslaved people in Texas in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a time to reflect on the journey towards equality and celebrate African American culture and achievements.
Here’s what we’ve got this week:
🎨 Life sketch
🎤 Open mic night
🍻 Beer & wine tastings
🎶 Live music
And more!
Thank you for being here. Let’s dive into another exciting week!
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
We’re putting together a Del Ray Happy Hour Guide!
Monday, June 17
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. 👶🏼Unnamed Book Club: The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland, 6pm-8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
The Unnamed Book Club meets on the third Monday of each month. If you order the book through their storefront on BookShop.org, show your receipt, and you'll get 10% of that purchase back in store credit to spend at The Company of Books. No pressure though—libraries are also wonderful partners for book clubs, and they love supporting libraries too!
Tuesday, June 18
Stories & Songs, 10:15am-10:45am or 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Clap and cheer summer is here for Stories and Songs! Perfect for toddlers and siblings. Come enjoy the fingerplay, songs and story-telling with us. Ages 0-5. 👶🏼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.Chayce Beckham with Pug Johnson, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave. Ticket $29.50.
Don’t miss Chayce Beckham, the American Idol winner known for his captivating voice and heartfelt songs, performing live with special guest Pug Johnson. This is a must-see event for fans of great live performances.
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Wednesday, June 19
Today is Juneteenth (aka Freedom Day, celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States)!
Kids Storytime and Craft, 11:30am-12:30pm at The Company of Books.
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. 👶🏼Emansipation Wine Tasting, 5pm-8pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Juneteenth Jubilee—This week’s wine tasting features a selection of black wine makers and wineries in celebration of today’s Juneteenth! 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.Game Night, 6pm-9pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Every other Wednesday is Games Night at The Company of Books. New players are always welcome. Bring your favorite game or play one of theirs—they’ve played classics like Scrabble and Clue, as well as newer, complex games like Wingspan and Betrayal at House on the Hill.Partners in Art Evening, 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Artists of all levels are invited to join an art support group to share goals, techniques, and insights about the local art scene. Participants can show one or two artworks in any medium and stage for advice and feedback. To join this friendly and supportive group, contact Michele Reday Cook at mredaycook@gmail.com for details and registration before the meeting day. This program is free, but donations of $1-3 are appreciated.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!Open mic night, 8:30pm-10pm at the No. 9 Lounge (upstairs at Evening Star), 2000 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join the No. 9 Lounge for Open Mic Night, hosted by The What-Have-You. This biweekly event is a casual, no-stress gathering for musicians, by musicians. The first Wednesday of the month features an open "sing-what-you-will" platform, while the third Wednesday typically has a theme (this week’s theme is TBD). Sign-ups start at 8:00pm, and admission is free. Come join the fun!
Thursday, June 20
Today is the first official day of summer (aka the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere)!
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. 👶🏼Nailed it! 4:30pm-5:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Social group that focuses on nail painting and designs for members of the community. All materials will be provided. Ages 8-18. 👶🏼The Inklings, Library Writing Group: 6pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
The Inklings is a group that meets bi-monthly, dedicated to providing critiques, inspiration, and support when it comes to your writing journey. Experience with Google Docs is required to participate. If you’re interested in joining, email Ally Zomchek at azomchek@alexlibraryva.org.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+. 👶🏼Nepenthe 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.Open Mic Comedy Nights, 8:30pm-10:30pm at the No. 9 Lounge (upstairs at Evening Star), 2000 Mt Vernon Ave.
Calling all comedy lovers! Join the fun at open mic comedy nights in the No. 9 Lounge, where both novice and seasoned comedians are invited to perform their latest sets or workshop in front of a crowd. Save the date for the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. Sign-ups start at 7:45pm, and there's no cover to perform or attend.
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Next up, the weekend
I’ll send you the full weekend roundup on Friday so you always know what’s happening.
Weather
Monday
91 🌡️ 70 | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 S 11 mph
Tuesday
92 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 SSE 10 mph
Wednesday
90 🌡️ 69 | 🌤️ | 6% | 💨 SSE 9 mph
Thursday
92 🌡️ 71 | 🌤️ | 6% | 💨 S 8 mph
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
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