Things to do in Del Ray: Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2025
$100 giveaway! Plus: Alexandria Restaurant Week, Dance Party, Oddball Cinema, Yoga, Book Club, Wine Tasting, Cheese Tasting, more.
Happy Friday, neighbor,
Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the plane crash over the Potomac this week. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
In Del Ray, we show up for each other, and moments like these remind us how important community is. <3
Alexandria Restaurant Week kicks off today (Jan. 31)! Over 90 restaurants across Alexandria City, including Del Ray favorites, are offering multi-course prix fixe menus. If there’s a spot you’ve been meaning to try, now’s a great time. Browse the menu book.
Everything happening in Del Ray, in one place…
ICMYI: The Del Ray Events Calendar is LIVE — your quick and easy guide to everything happening in the neighborhood.
Now, let’s dive into the weekend!
🍝 Alexandria Restaurant Week
💃🏾 Dance Party
🎥 Oddball Cinema
🐉 DnD
📚 Book Club
🍷 Free Wine & Cheese Tasting
🎶 Live Music
🧘🏻♀️ Yoga
🧠 Mindful Living
✨ Storybook Adventure & Craft
🍕 Little Chefs Pizza Party
🍎 Farmers' Market
🧒 Sunday Baby Time
🎨 Free Kids Face Painting and Crafts
and more!
Have a wonderful weekend,
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
P.S. Scroll down for this week’s free-to-enter competition—we’re giving away a $100 Magpie Reclamations Gift Card!
Friday, January 31
Today is National Hot Chocolate Day – A cozy way to warm up in winter! Whether you like it rich and velvety or topped with a mountain of whipped cream, today’s the perfect excuse to grab a hot chocolate from a local spot like St Elmo’s Coffee Pub or Swings Coffee.
Little Chefs Pizza Party, 5pm-6pm at Mulberry Lane, 2016 Mt Vernon Ave.
Kids can become little chefs at this fun, hands-on pizza-making event, learning how to craft their own creations.
Free Wine Tasting, 5pm-7pm at Rosemont Cellar, 2 E Walnut St.
Discover new flavors with Rosemont Cellar’s free Friday wine tastings. Each week spotlights different producers, regions, and styles.WILL DOWNING, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Will Downing, known as “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul,” graces The Birchmere with his smooth vocals and timeless R&B hits. Experience an unforgettable evening of soulful melodies and heartfelt performances.Alexandria Restaurant Week, January 31 - February 9 at restaurants throughout Alexandria, including Del Ray.
From January 31 to February 9, enjoy special prix fixe menus at over 90 local restaurants. Choose from multi-course dinners priced at $30, $40, or $50, or check out fast casual offers. Browse the menu book.
Saturday, February 1
Today is National Freedom Day – This day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the U.S. It’s a time to reflect on history, celebrate progress, and support organizations that continue the work of justice and equality today.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market, 8am-noon at Pat Miller Square, 2311 Mt Vernon Ave.
A great way to start the day. Enjoy warm beverages, tasty treats, and more. Open year round.Creative Book Club – “Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism” by Sebastian Smee, 10am-12pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Discuss “Paris in Ruins” by Sebastian Smee with the Creative Book Club. Free and open to all, this club meets to explore readings that inspire creativity and connection.VETOGA Yoga Series, 10:30am-11:30am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Start your weekend with a free yoga session led by certified instructor Adam Shaw, open to all levels. This 8-week series blends gentle yet focused asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation to nurture both physical and mental well-being—attend as many sessions as you’d like.Free Wine & Cheese Tasting, 11am-1pm at Cheesetique, 2411 Mt Vernon Ave.
Savor a delightful tasting experience at Cheesetique with curated wines and gourmet cheeses. It's a great way to discover new flavors in Del Ray. Every Saturday.
RR: Rhône & Rioja Free Wine Tasting, 1pm-5pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Sip Rhône and Rioja wines in a tasting inspired by Twin Peaks’ best pie—a tribute to David Lynch. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere and a 10% discount on tasting bottles to take home.
Oddball Cinema, 2pm-4pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Join Oddball Cinema for a screening of Lost in America.WILL DOWNING, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Note: This show is now sold out.End of Dry January Dance Party, 8pm at Piece Out Del Ray, 2419 Mt Vernon Ave.
Say goodbye to Dry January and kick off February with a night of dancing! Hit the dance floor with beats by DJ Thunder Bunny.Alexandria Restaurant Week, January 31 - February 9 at restaurants throughout Alexandria, including Del Ray.
From January 31 to February 9, enjoy special prix fixe menus at over 90 local restaurants. Choose from multi-course dinners priced at $30, $40, or $50, or check out fast casual offers. Browse the menu book.
It’s Giveaway Time
Calling all vintage lovers and sustainability seekers!
Magpie Reclamations in Del Ray isn’t just a furniture store…
It’s a treasure trove of upcycled, one-of-a-kind finds, where sustainability meets style. Whether you're looking for a statement piece, a thoughtful gift, or a way to give new life to vintage decor, this shop is full of hidden gems.
And here’s the best part → Things to do Del Ray has teamed up with Magpie Reclamations to give away a $100 gift card to their shop!
To enter the giveaway, simply refer a friend to Things to do Del Ray using the button below (it contains your personalized referral code).
Once they’ve signed up, you’ll be entered. We’ll pick the winner’s name at random and announce in one week, in the newsletter on Friday, February 7. Good luck! 🤞
Sunday, February 2
Today is Groundhog Day – Will winter linger, or is an early spring ahead? If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we’re in for six more weeks of winter; if not, warmer days are coming.
D&D-3rd floor, 12:30pm-4:30pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Storybook Adventure & Craft, 1pm-2pm at Mulberry Lane, 2016 Mt Vernon Ave.
Immerse kids in a magical storybook adventure, followed by a creative craft inspired by the tale. A fun and engaging activity for young imaginations.
Free Kids Face Painting and Crafts, 1pm-5pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Bring your kids for free face painting at Hops N Shine. From Spider-Man masks to unicorns, the talented face painter can do it all! Enjoy select crafts, coloring books, and a kid's construction area too.Palestinian Aid Fundraiser, 1:30pm-5:30pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Shop for a cause at this fundraiser supporting ANERA's medical aid to Palestine. Browse jewelry, art, embroidery, books, and pottery, with proceeds going to humanitarian relief.Mindful Living: Exploring the Mind, 2pm-3:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Explore the workings of the mind and set a positive tone for your week in this eight-week series. Led by mindful performance coach Yvette Trapani, this 90-minute session combines mindful meditation with intention-setting for a “growth mindset” to help you thrive.Sunday Baby Time, 4pm-4:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Wiggle, crawl, and clap along at Baby Time, a fun-filled session with fingerplay and songs for little ones. Perfect for ages 0-14 months.Alexandria Restaurant Week, January 31 - February 9 at restaurants throughout Alexandria, including Del Ray.
From January 31 to February 9, enjoy special prix fixe menus at over 90 local restaurants. Choose from multi-course dinners priced at $30, $40, or $50, or check out fast casual offers. Browse the menu book.
Some extra magic
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Valentine’s Day is coming. These heart cookie cutters are so cute (and on sale at the time I’m writing this).
Want healthy dessert options? Grab this free guide to vegan and gluten-free baking ingredients.
Currently reading: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Fourth Wing fans — it’s finally here! This is the third book in the Empyrean fantasy series, after Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
For one-pot meals: I recently bought The Smithey Dutch Oven and can’t believe I hadn’t done it sooner. Free shipping right now, too.
For healthier hair, skin, nails, and joints, I’ve been adding collagen to my coffee.
Looking to stay active? These best-selling workout leggings are great for yoga, running, or even lounging at home.
Did you stick with your New Year’s Resolutions this month?! Treat yourself with Breville’s Barista Touch Espresso Machine. I got one recently and it brings me pure joy.
Weather
Friday
55 🌡️ 45 | 🌧️ | 100% | 💨 SSW 11 mph
Saturday
49 🌡️ 28 | ⛅ | 6% | 💨 N 16 mph
Sunday
46 🌡️ 39 | ☁️ | 3% | 💨 SE 9 mph
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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See you around the neighborhood,
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