Weekend Planner: Wine Fest, Art and History

Check out Patch’s list of events happening in the local area this Columbus Day weekend.

Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour

• Where: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria
• When: Friday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 7 from 6 – 9 p.m.
• Why Go: Sample local wines and listen to a live blues band as you tour the Washington home and estate.  Fruit and cheese boxes will be available for purchase.
• Price: Tickets are $35

Activate Alexandria! 5K

• Where: Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
• Why Go: Raise money to fight childhood obesity by participating in this run-walk event sponsored by the YMCA. 
• Price: 5K race day registration is $35 for adults and $20 for ages 7 – 17; Kids’ 50 yard dash is FREE. 

1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery Program

• Where: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Why Go: Experience Union army life with the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery reenactment group. View artillery equipment and ammunition on display and observe live cannon firing demonstrations.
• Price: FREE.

Art on the Avenue

• Where: Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria
• When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Why Go: This popular festival celebrates multi-cultural arts in Del Ray.  Enjoy arts and craft sales, live music, food vendors, children’s activities and more.
• Price: Admission is FREE.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House In-Depth Tour

• Where: Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria
• When: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Why Go: The tour offers behind the scenes details, as well as the rare opportunity to take photos inside the home. 
• Price: Tickets are $30, reservations required.

Fairfax County Dance Coalition Gala Showcase

• Where: Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale
• When: Sunday, 3 p.m.
• Why Go: This celebration of dance in Fairfax County will feature 12 local dance companies showcasing a variety of styles.
• Price: Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door 

Library Events:

• Wag a Tail at Kingstowne Library, Alexandria. Saturday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. For ages 5 to 12. FREE, but registration required.
• Autumn Inspirations: Jewelry Class at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Saturday at 2 p.m. FREE, but registration required.
• Election Movie Series at Beatley Central Library, Alexandria. Sunday at 2 p.m. FREE.