This week in Del Ray: goats, games, wine, + workshops

Your guide to everything happening in Del Ray this week: April 21-24, 2025.

Apr 21, 2025

Hi Neighbor,

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Whether you were celebrating Easter, strolling the markets and shops in Del Ray, or adventuring elsewhere, here’s to enjoying this glorious time of year.

Del Ray makes that easy, with so many events and activities right here in the neighborhood. Let’s get into it:

We’re bringing this week’s newsletter to you together with Thrive Market — a convenient way to get healthy, organic foods and household essentials delivered right to your door at discounted prices. I’ve been a member for years and save an average of $40 on every order. The best part: You get 40% off.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening this week:

☀️ Goat Social
🎲 Board Game Night
💐 Paper Blooms Workshop
🎶 Lots of live music
🖼️ Art Inventory Class
❓ Trivia
📚 Book Clubs
👦🏽 Kids Activities
🥂 Wine Events
✏️ Figure Drawing
🧶 Nerdy Knotters
✨ Poetry Workshop
🍻 Free Beer Tasting
🍷 Free Wine Tasting

…and more!

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

Monday, April 21

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.
Secret Stash, 4pm-9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Kick off your week at Hops N Shine with a ‘secret stash’ surprise—enjoy a special discount on an exclusive bottle.
Create an Art Inventory System in Excel (Register by 4/18), 6:30pm-8:30pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Learn how to organize and track your artwork with an easy-to-use Excel inventory system. This workshop helps artists manage sizes, pricing, show history, and locations—all in one place.
Unnamed Book Club, 6pm-8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
The Unnamed Book Club meets every third Monday.
Board Game Night, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Benny Diforza’s, 1504b Mt Vernon Ave.
Game on! Board Game Night returns to Benny DiForza’s. Bring your favorite game or join one at the table—pizza, strategy, and laughs included.
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, April 22

Stories & Songs, 10:15am-10:45am or 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Wiggle with glee at Stories and Songs, perfect for toddlers and siblings. Enjoy fingerplay, songs, and storytelling for ages 0-5.
Duncan and Dragons, 5pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Dive into beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons sessions, one-shots, and campaigns.
Live Music, 6pm-9pm at Lena's Beer Garden, 401 E Braddock Rd.
Enjoy live music on Tuesdays at Lena's Beer Garden. Seating is first-come, first-served. Fans, umbrellas, and a dog-friendly vibe make the Beer Garden a great spot to relax!
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.
Trivia, 7pm-9pm at The Garden Del Ray, 1503 Mt Vernon Ave.
Trivia night returns for another round of brain-teasing fun. Gather your team and get ready to put your knowledge to the test.

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Invite your friends and neighbors to join the Things To Do Crew. This is an all-are-welcome space, the more the merrier. Let’s get all our people in here.

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Wednesday, April 23

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, 5pm-6pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
The Spitfire Club is a book club for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade, featuring stories with strong, diverse female characters. It builds literacy, confidence, and community through engaging discussions and activities.
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.
Gulp of America Free Wine Tasting, 5pm-8pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
From Virginia to Uruguay—explore bold and brilliant wines from across the Americas in this globe-hopping lineup.
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.
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.
Traffic Calming Committee Meeting, 7pm-8:30pm via Del Ray Citizens Association Zoom.
Contact tcc_chair@delraycitizens.org for details.

Thursday, April 24

Here Nor There Story Time, 10:15am-10:45am or 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Formerly known as Toddler Rock N Read, join Mr. Josstin for a storytime adventure perfect for toddlers and siblings. Ages 0-5.
Goat Social, 6pm at Gustave Boulangerie Jardin, 2213 Mt Vernon Ave.
Meet and mingle with a playful herd of Nigerian dwarf goats at this unique social event—no yoga, just fun. Your ticket includes a drink, and Gustave Boulangerie will have food and drinks available for purchase.
Drinking Local: Wines Across Virginia, 6pm-7pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Explore the rise of Virginia’s wine industry with a seated tasting led by Wine Director Erin Dudley. You’ll sip six standout wines from across the state while learning about the region’s past, present, and growing reputation on the global stage.
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.
Narrative Poetry Workshop by Serena Wills, 6pm-7:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Explore the art of storytelling through narrative poetry in this 1.5-hour workshop for ages 15 and up. Learn the basics, write your own poem, and optionally share your work in a supportive space.
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.
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.
Everlasting Paper Blooms Workshop, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Craft your own stunning, long-lasting paper flowers in this hands-on workshop. No experience needed—just cut, shape, and color your way to a beautiful bloom to take home, with skills you can keep growing.
Thursday Trivia Night, 6:30pm-9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Gather your team for an evening of trivia, friendly competition, and fantastic prizes.
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. This Thursday, enjoy the talented Jet Capriest.

Del Ray Bulletin Board

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Create the perfect brunch spread for Mom this Mother’s Day. Founding Farmers’ Mother’s Day Brunch at Home features scratch-made specials and favorites for Mom and the whole family. Started in their kitchens, ready to be finished in yours with easy, step-by-step instructions. Order by Tuesday, May 6 at 12pm and pick up on Saturday, May 10 from 10am-3pm.

Want to build your resume, get your name published, and be part of something local and loved? Things to do Del Ray is bringing on 1–2 summer interns or volunteers to support content and social media. You’ll contribute to a newsletter read by thousands, gain hands-on experience in digital publishing, and help tell the story of one of Alexandria’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Email me (Rachel) directly to learn more.

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Upcoming events

MV Big Flea, GardenFest, Well Ray, Mystic Market, Bands and Brews, Art on the Avenue — and 100s more events coming up in the neighborhood. It’s all there for you on the Del Ray Events Calendar. So you can save time and plan ahead. You know you want to be the one who’s always in the know.

Del Ray Events Calendar

Some extra magic

If this newsletter helps you discover new events or feel more connected to Del Ray, consider buying us a digital latte. It helps keep this whole thing running.
The Del Ray Swag Store is open and everything ships free right now. Grab a tee, tote, or mug and rep your favorite neighborhood in style.
Currently reading: I just finished The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin. A total page-turner about redemption, reinvention, and what it means to start over—highly recommend.
For organic and specialty pantry staples at a discount, delivered to your home: Try Thrive Market for 40% off.
Outdoor upgrade: Solar-powered string lights with a dusk sensor. Backyard magic, no outlet required.
Add color to your backyard with these moveable grow bags—great for small spaces or patios.
Looking to stay active? These best-selling workout leggings are great for yoga, running, or even lounging at home.
Preparing for the season with natural plant-based pet-safe mosquito coils.
Enjoying spending days sitting in this Adirondack chair, sipping Caliwater — my new go-to non-alcoholic beverage.

Weather

Monday

74 🌡️ 64 | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 SE 12 mph

Tuesday

82 🌡️ 58 | ⛅ | 8% | 💨 WNW 11 mph

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 55 | ⛅ | 1% | 💨 ENE 7 mph

Thursday

79 🌡️ 57 | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 ESE 10 mph

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

THANK YOU!

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