Your Weekly Del Ray Guide: June 23-26
Heat wave. Cool Yoga. Figure Drawing. Board Game Night. Wine Tasting and Wine Book Club. DIY Crafts. Taylor Swift Trivia. Pride Speakeasy. And more.
Hi Neighbor,
Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Del Ray is officially in a heat wave. There are lots of fun things happening around the neighborhood this week, but please keep hydrated and cool!
Here’s what’s happening around Del Ray this week:
🧘🏽♂️ Free Yoga Classes
✏️ Figure Drawing
📚 Book Clubs
🍷 Wine Tasting + Wine Book Club
👶 Baby Time + Stories & Songs
🎲 Board Game Night
🌳 Land Use Committee Meeting
🤝 Finding Resilience Session
🎨 Mini Makers Artist of the Week
🌈 Pride Month Speakeasy
💖 Taylor Swift Trivia
❓ More Trivia
🐉 D&D
✂️ DIY Crafts
🎶 Lots of Live Music
⭐ English Language Learning
🍻 Free Beer Tasting
🧶 Nerdy Knotters
…and more!
– Rachel Turula
Publisher, Things to do: Del Ray, VA
Congratulations to Shannon S., the winner of the $50 Stardust Vintage + Gift gift card — the giveaway in last week’s newsletter.
Scroll down to enter this week’s giveaway from Scuttlebutt Bakeshop!
Monday, June 23
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.Cigar Night, 3pm-10pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mount Vernon Ave. Bring your own cigars and enjoy a relaxing evening on the patio at Hops N Shine. A great way to unwind and start the week.
Classics Book Club: Don Quixote, 6pm-8pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave. Join the Classics Book Club for a lively discussion of Miguel De Cervantes' timeless novel, Don Quixote. All are welcome to join and share their perspectives on this literary masterpiece.
Yoga at the Library, 6:30pm-7:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Join Human Kind Yoga Collective for a free, all-levels flow yoga class designed for everyone. This supportive space helps you explore and deepen your practice at your own pace.Board Game Night, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Benny Diforza’s, 1504 Mt Vernon Ave.
Roll in for games, pizza, and good vibes. Bring your favorite board game or join one at the table.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, June 24
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.
A new weekly D&D campaign with a limited number of player slots. All experience levels are welcome, materials are provided, and registration is required to join the adventure.Live Music with Jay Byrd, 6pm-9pm at Lena's Beer Garden, 401 E Braddock Rd. Enjoy live music on Tuesdays at Lena's Beer Garden, featuring the talented Jay Byrd. The first-come, first-served space has fans, umbrellas, and a dog-friendly vibe.
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.Land Use Committee Meeting, 7:30pm-9:30pm via Del Ray Citizens Association Zoom.
Email landuse@delraycitizen.net for details.
Giveaway time
Craving cookies that are better than your mom’s? 🍪
Scuttlebutt Bakeshop is a woman-owned, small-batch bakery in Alexandria known for their creative flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Scuttlebutt serves up treats like the CHIPwreck (a chocolate chip walnut cookie), the Salty Siren (a salted caramel espresso cookie), and the Sharkbait (a sugar cookie sandwich with sprinkles and buttercream frosting).
You can find their whimsical food truck at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, offering a rotating menu that includes gluten-free options like the Black Beard chocolate cookie and Barnacle Bars, as well as dog-friendly treats like Bosun Biscuits.
Now, @thingstododelrayva and @scuttlebuttbakeshop are giving away a $50 gift card so you can treat yourself—on us!
To enter, just refer a friend to Things to do Del Ray using the button below. (It includes your personal referral code)!
Every referral = an entry. We’ll pick the winner at random and announce them next Monday, June 30. Good luck!
Wednesday, June 25
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.Reclaim Your Power: Finding Resilience in Challenging Times, 1pm-2:30pm on Zoom through the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
A supportive virtual space for anyone laid off, forced to resign, or recently retired. This session offers writing prompts and self-care tools to help process emotions, explore passions, and begin moving forward.Creatives' Club, 4pm-5pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
A creative community for kids ages 6–12 to draw, write, and make art together—no registration needed. Follow the monthly theme or work on your own project, in English or Spanish.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.Taylor Swift Trivia, 5pm-7pm at Del Ray’s Pop-Up Bar, 2312 Mt Vernon Ave.
Calling all Taylor fans: Trivia nights are every Wednesday at the ERAS-themed cocktail pop-up bar. Each week features questions from a different Era. Tickets required via Eventbrite.DIY Shrinky Dinks, 6pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Create your own rainbow-themed Shrinky Dink craft to celebrate Pride and show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity. (Adults only)Cool Yoga, 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Wellness Junction Del Ray parking lot, 1900 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Summer means free cool yoga time! Enjoy free outdoor yoga at the Wellness Junction Del Ray parking lot every Wednesday from June 18 to August 20.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.D&D Session, 6:30pm-9pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join Dungeons & Dragons at The Company of Books every other Wednesday. New players are welcome. Bring a character if you have one ready-made, or play one they’re pre-created.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.MaKayla’s Hideaway – An LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Speakeasy, 7pm-9pm upstairs at Del Ray Pizzeria, 2218 Mount Vernon Ave.
Escape to MaKayla’s Hideaway, an intimate Pride Month speakeasy with strong cocktails, rotating hosts, and zero apologies.Cancelled: TARTAN TERRORS, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Experience the high energy of the Tartan Terrors, a Celtic-inspired group that blends music, comedy, and dance. A lively and entertaining show for all ages.
Thursday, June 26
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.Mini Makers: Artist of the Week, 12pm-2pm at Mulberry Lane, 2016 Mt Vernon Ave.
Each week in Mini Makers: Artist of the Week, kids ages 6–12 will explore a new iconic artist and create their own inspired project. Lunch, materials, and a fun end-of-class gallery share are all included.Crafting for Teens, 1pm-2pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Get creative this summer with the teen team at Duncan Library. Drop in to make fun crafts like decorated vinyl records and custom stamps—supplies provided.Erin's Wine Book Club: The Wandering Vine, 6pm–7pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join Wine Director Erin Dudley for a discussion of The Wandering Vine. Enjoy a curated tasting of wines related to the book's themes, paired with artisanal cheeses, and receive discounts on featured selections.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.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. This week features Artur Carneiro.Thursday Trivia Night, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Gather your team for an evening of trivia, friendly competition, and fantastic prizes.PETER ASHER: A Musical Memoir of the 60’s & Beyond, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join Peter Asher for a musical journey through the iconic music of the 1960s and beyond. A nostalgic evening of stories and songs from a legendary musician and producer.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 Kit Wannen & Friends.
Del Ray Bulletin Board
Sustainable changes start with real training. Book your free session today at Alloy Personal Training Old Town or join one of the evening sessions for 20% off your membership! Text 703-686-8404 to start today!
Bring your friends, your bike, your helmet, and your Pride spirit for the 2025 Pride Ride on Saturday, June 28. The ride starts at Trek Bicycle Alexandria North, goes through Del Ray and out to Jones Point Park, and back. All paces welcome, all vibes positive.
Del Ray Explore Cards support the community, give you great discounts, and are a fun Del Ray bucket list. 10 awesome Del Ray businesses along The Avenue. 10% off at each one. Grab a card and explore while supporting local.
Del Ray’s Bulletin Board is a classic-now-digital way for our fellow neighbors to get the word out about their businesses and opportunities. Interested in grabbing a spot? Email me for more info.
Upcoming events
Hundreds of local happenings. All there for you on the Del Ray Events Calendar. One place to look for everything going on in the neighborhood.
Some extra magic
Research less and enjoy more. Become a Del Ray Insider to enjoy access to the Del Ray Events Calendar. Plus automatic entry into all giveaways (including today’s) and extra perks to keep you in the loop.
Reading: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, a thriller/mystery New York Times bestseller. I am having a hard time getting into it, but will power through. Also just got Isola by Allegra Goodman off the waitlist.
Book Club: Last week, I asked if you’d be interested in a Things to do Del Ray Book Club, and 100% of voters said yes! Let’s get our reading on. More to come.
I’m still working on my garden. If you are too, add color to your backyard with these moveable grow bags. Great for small spaces or patios.
I recently ordered a portable tripod for my phone. Partly for content, but it also comes in very handy for taking family photos. I used it on Father’s Day last weekend to take a group photo and it was totally worth it.
Nail polish kit of the summer
Grill tool of the summer.
Pool of the summer.
Kids game of the summer (could be for adults too…)
Weather
Monday
101 🌡️ 80 | ⛅ | 3% | 💨 NNW 8 mph
Tuesday
103 🌡️ 80 | ☀️ | 3% | 💨 NNW 7 mph
Wednesday
100 🌡️ 79 | ⛅ | 17% | 💨 NNW 6 mph
Thursday
95 🌡️ 73 | ⛈️ | 53% | 💨 NE 5 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! If you enjoyed this roundup, share it with a neighbor who likes iced coffee.
See you around the neighborhood,
I have a few partnership opportunities coming up. Email me at hello@rachelturula.com if you’re interested.
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.
This newsletter includes affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we truly love!