Featured Events in Alexandria A in May, 2025 (June Updated)

Over the past several months in our nation, leaders face a relentless tide of trauma, disillusionment, and uncertainty. Whether in ministry, mental health, nonprofit, government, or justice work, those who guide others often bear the weight of profound suffering – both their own and that of the communities they serve. In a world that is heavy with cynicism and despair, how do you continue to lead others honestly and courageously? Do you desire to lead others with a hopeful imagination, but often feel isolated, confused, and exhausted? These are the pressing questions we will explore at the heart of Leadership, Trauma, and the Struggle with Hope, an event series hosted by The Allender Center and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and sponsored by The Center for Being Known . Join Dr. J. Derek McNeil, Dr. Dan Allender, and Shauna Gauthier in thoughtful dialogue around the modern challenges of leadership and hear from our special guest, Curt Thompson, MD. At the core of this event is a simple yet profound truth: hope is not a solitary pursuit. It is cultivated in relationships, in community, and in honest conversations about the tensions between action and surrender, faith and doubt, grief and healing. Weaving together the topics of leadership, trauma, and hope our event will provide an integrative framework that helps participants metabolize the struggle of the present in order to grow anticipation for our collective sustainable future. Join Derek, Dan, Shauna, and Curt Thompson, MD for an exclusive and interactive dialogue! Friday, May 23rd from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Saturday, May 24th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Dr. J. Derek McNeil is President & Provost of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. His research, writing, and speaking have focused on issues of ethnic and racial socialization, the role of forgiveness in peacemaking, the identity development of African-American males, leadership in living systems, and resilience. Dr. Dan Allender is the founding president of The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and co-founder of The Allender Center. He has pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse recovery (Narrative Focused Trauma Care) over the past 30 years. Dan travels and speaks extensively to present his unique perspective on sexual abuse recovery, love and forgiveness, intimacy and marriage, worship, and other related topics. Dan is also the author of several groundbreaking books, and he co-host of The Allender Center Podcast Shauna Gauthier, MA, is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy. She holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Washington and Colorado. Since 2021, she has been a member of the Adjunct Faculty at The Seattle School, teaching courses such as Human Growth & Development, Vocational and Occupational Direction, and Family Systems, in addition to facilitating Listening Labs and practicums. Shauna is deeply passionate about fostering meaningful dialogue and supporting the healing process of trauma. Curt Thompson, MD is a board certified psychiatrist, author, speaker, and co-host of The Being Known Podcast. He has been in private practice for over 30 years in Falls Church, Virginia, graduated from Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, and completed his psychiatric residency at Temple University Hospital. He strives to help patients develop flourishing lives by telling their stories more truly, in order to become more deeply known, for the purpose of creating beauty and goodness in the world. With conviction and humor, he trains clinicians and speaks at workshops, retreats and conferences, integrating neuroscience, human relationships and Christian faith. He and his wife Phyllis are the parents of two adult children and live in Northern Virginia. Interested in sponsoring? Learn more about that here . Thank you to our Sponsors: The Center for Being Known The Center for Being Known is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to create connections and opportunities for creating beauty and goodness at the intersection of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Christian spiritual formation. CBK provides programming (an Annual Conference and Confessional Communities) to assist individuals in applying the work of being known to their life’s domains (careers, home life, church community). Information Source: The Allender Center | eventbrite

Don’t miss the hottest glow in the dark paint & Sip in VA! Come catch this vibe, sip n paint your masterpiece in low light with glow in the dark paint, while the hottest hip hop hits are played. Ever painted in the dark? Join us for a one of kind experience. 21+ Door raffle Photo area Free Glow Gear Food Catering Vendors & More! **REFUND REQUEST MUST BE SUBMITTED 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT BEFORE THEN YOU WILL BE ISSUED A TICKET CREDIT THAT YOU CAN TRANSFER TO A FUTURE EVENT.** By taking part in this event you grant the event organizers full rights to use the images resulting from the photography/video filming, and any reproductions or adaptations of the images for publicity or other purposes to help achieve the group’s aims. This might include (but is not limited to), the right to use them in our printed and online publicity, social media, and press releases. -We appreciate your business. Information Source: Paint & Sip Entertainment | eventbrite

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Participants will get to create a pressed flower art piece to take home. Throughout the class, they will learn techniques for pressing flowers, how to lay the flowers out, and care tips for their creations. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Hi, I'm Hailey. Growing up I always had a strong passion for of nature, travel, crafting, art, and theatre that has shaped who I am today. As a career field, landscape architecture jumped out at me from the beginning due to the collaboration of art, nature, and the human experience. However, I found that I much preferred working with my hands and not long after college, I transitioned into agriculture where I was most recently Director of Operations for Little Wild Things City Farm . Wildry bloomed out of a love of nature and repurposing items to create sustainable art. I started out slowly selling small designs starting in 2019 and then officially launched Wildry in 2021. Information Source: Shop Made in VA | eventbrite

This Memorial Day May 26th , E60 Fitness is running its 3rd annual Murph Challenge where we recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our service men and women by hosting a hero workout. Everyone is welcome to sign up, so invite your friends! For $15, you'll receive the following when you sign up: Limited Edition E60 Fitness Murph T-Shirt Fresh snacks provided by Vegetable + Butcher , our meal delivery partner! Save 25% on 8 weeks of meals using our exclusive promo-code MEMBER_E60 . A fun workout with our community! Please arrive by 11:45 am on May 26th to sign in for orientation and warm-up. The Murph Challenge will commence at 12:00 noon. Exercises can be scaled to each person's fitness level so everyone can participate, and a mini-Murph is available upon request. What is the Murph workout? The Murph workout honors the life of Lieutenant Michael Murphy (United States Navy) killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2005. The Murph workout (which can be scaled up or down depending on fitness level or willingness to go hard) is done for time and consists of: A one-mile run (alternative distances measured out) 100 pull-ups (band assisted pushups available) 200 push-ups 300 squats Another one-mile run Who was LT Michael Murphy? Lieutenant Michael Murphy grew up in Patchogue, NY. Growing up, he earned the nickname "The Protector" for stopping the bullying of a special needs student at school. After graduating from Penn State college, he was commissioned as an officer and went through grueling training to become a SEAL in 2001. On the morning of June 28th, 2005, LT Michael Murphy and Petty Officers Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell were dropped into the mountains of Kundar Province Afghanistan, only to be ambushed by more than fifty militiamen after a local Afghan accidentally wandered into their position and revealed their location to insurgents. The four SEALs, though heavily outnumbered, put up a strong fight. During the ambush, LT Murphy risked his own life by coming out from cover, finding a clear satellite signal, and calling for help. Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson died that day along with 8 other SEAL team members and 8 Army Night Stalker service members when their helicopter was shot down while attempting to rescue the team. For his valor that day, LT Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the military's highest decoration. Information Source: E60 Fitness | eventbrite

Please join us for a one-hour vinyasa yoga class at Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria. Your $20 ticket includes the class and a post-practice beverage of your choice. Non-alcoholic options are available. Information Source: Beth A Wolfe Yoga | eventbrite

This Memorial Day May 26th , E60 Fitness is running its 3rd annual Murph Challenge where we recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our service men and women by hosting a hero workout. Everyone is welcome to sign up, so invite your friends! For $15, you'll receive the following when you sign up: Limited Edition E60 Fitness Murph T-Shirt Fresh snacks provided by Vegetable + Butcher , our meal delivery partner! Save 25% on 8 weeks of meals using our exclusive promo-code MEMBER_E60 . A fun workout with our community! Please arrive by 11:45 am on May 26th to sign in for orientation and warm-up. The Murph Challenge will commence at 12:00 noon. Exercises can be scaled to each person's fitness level so everyone can participate, and a mini-Murph is available upon request. What is the Murph workout? The Murph workout honors the life of Lieutenant Michael Murphy (United States Navy) killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2005. The Murph workout (which can be scaled up or down depending on fitness level or willingness to go hard) is done for time and consists of: A one-mile run (alternative distances measured out) 100 pull-ups (band assisted pushups available) 200 push-ups 300 squats Another one-mile run Who was LT Michael Murphy? Lieutenant Michael Murphy grew up in Patchogue, NY. Growing up, he earned the nickname "The Protector" for stopping the bullying of a special needs student at school. After graduating from Penn State college, he was commissioned as an officer and went through grueling training to become a SEAL in 2001. On the morning of June 28th, 2005, LT Michael Murphy and Petty Officers Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, and Marcus Luttrell were dropped into the mountains of Kundar Province Afghanistan, only to be ambushed by more than fifty militiamen after a local Afghan accidentally wandered into their position and revealed their location to insurgents. The four SEALs, though heavily outnumbered, put up a strong fight. During the ambush, LT Murphy risked his own life by coming out from cover, finding a clear satellite signal, and calling for help. Murphy, Dietz, and Axelson died that day along with 8 other SEAL team members and 8 Army Night Stalker service members when their helicopter was shot down while attempting to rescue the team. For his valor that day, LT Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the military's highest decoration. Information Source: E60 Fitness | eventbrite

Information Source: Julianne Theoret | eventbrite

Join us to turn upcycled materials into a custom mixed media journal! You can use the journal in many ways: tuck into your planner, make a memory or travel book, garden journal - whatever you want! We will have all the necessary materials. to create the journals, but students are also encouraged to bring some of their own materials to personalize them, such as cereal or product boxes, photos, stickers, maps, tickets, recipe cards, etc. Join local artist Nerissa Alford to learn how to construct and bind together custom-made journals using unconventional materials! Information Source: UpCycle Creative Reuse Center | eventbrite

Please note date change! For this month only we will be meeting on a THURSDAY night. In honor of Taylor’s Midnights album, we’re embracing our thriller era and discussing the new standalone YA title by bestselling author Liz Lawson, Murder Between Friends (ages 12+) . The novel is set in Northern Virginia and as a special treat Liz herself will join halfway through the book club to talk about her process, answer questions about the book, and stay to sign copies. As always, we’ll be making friendship bracelets with Taylor in the background! Please note this is a book club for teens, with parents welcome to purchase a ticket to join the discussion as well. Tickets are $5 to cover material costs. Every participant must purchase a ticket. Mention the book club at the shop or order online and note “book club” to get 10% off! By attending any and all Old Town Books events you are agreeing to our code of conduct . Old Town Books is committed to creating accessible events and spaces for the widest possible audience. Please reach out to us at events@oldtownbooks.com for reasonable accessibility accommodations. About the book Two years ago, the murder of a neighbor tore three best friends apart--now the killer is going to walk free and the ex-friends are going to have to face the past--and each other--in another twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Agathas . Grace, Henry, and Ally grew up together on the same block. They used to be best friends--until Grace's testimony put Henry's brother, Jake, away for killing their English teacher. Now, two years later, Ally and Henry hate Grace, and Grace is doubting what she thinks she saw that night.  It feels like everyone's getting a second chance, then, when due to a mistrial, Jake is suddenly released. And Henry knows his brother is innocent, but when Grace reaches out to say she’s rethinking what she saw the night of the murder, Jake’s reaction is confusing. He doesn’t want Henry—or Grace--getting involved. For Ally not getting involved isn’t an option, and there’s nothing Grace can say to convince Ally she’s not the enemy. But can Ally afford to push Grace out when she’s one of the only other people willing to believe in Jake’s innocence?   The clock is ticking. Jake’s new trial date is about to be set, and he's sure to be found guilty again unless there's new evidence to prove he's innocent. Grace, Henry, and Ally are going to have to decide whether you can trust an old friend now that they’re your enemy. Information Source: Old Town Books | eventbrite

Dedicate time and attention to your work in community with other writers. At The Write Time Retreat at Old Town Books get creative in our cozy bookstore setting with guided writing sessions and a craft book discussion over a locally catered lunch. Day long Intensive - $150 Includes guided writing and discussion, drinks+snacks, and catered lunch. * The craft book is available for purchase from Old Town Books for 20% off to attendees using the code “writetime” FAQs: Q: I’m new to writing, is this the retreat for me? A: All attendees age 18+ are welcome to join in, all skill and experience levels welcome. Q: How long is the retreat? Can I come late or leave early? A: The retreat begins at 9 am on Friday, May 30th and ends at 1:30 pm that afternoon. Please note we can’t accommodate folks arriving partway though or leaving early as it impacts the experience of the group. Q: Who is the retreat for? A: The retreat is for creatives in need of some restorative, nurturing time to relax into some writing. Our main goal for the Write Time retreat is to give folks a place to slow down, connect with themselves, their writing, and others in the community. About the facilitator: Ally Kirkpatrick holds an M.A. in Creative Nonfiction from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She has been a writing fellow at The Vermont Studio Center and The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. She is a 2024 awardee of the McCoy Writer-Bookseller Award. Her debut essay is forthcoming in Roxanne Gay’s The Audacity . Schedule: 9 am - Coffee + welcome, writing warm up. 10 am - Generative Writing 11 am - Lunch + book craft book discussion, Dear Writer by Maggie Smith 12 pm - Generative Writing 1 pm - Wrap up + farewells Information Source: Old Town Books | eventbrite

Welcome to the Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association (CWOA) 96th Annual Meeting! Join us at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town for a gathering of Chief Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers, featuring our Annual Business Meeting, awards banquet, and ceremonial events. This in-person event includes networking, professional development, and camaraderie, along with special moments of reflection such as the Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Members will also receive updates on CWOA initiatives, election results, and the FY 2026 budget request. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow officers, honor our traditions, and contribute to the future of CWOA. We look forward to seeing you there! Information Source: Michael Joseph Little, CWOA Executive Director | eventbrite

Welcome to the Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association (CWOA) 96th Annual Meeting! Join us at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town for a gathering of Chief Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers, featuring our Annual Business Meeting, awards banquet, and ceremonial events. This in-person event includes networking, professional development, and camaraderie, along with special moments of reflection such as the Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Members will also receive updates on CWOA initiatives, election results, and the FY 2026 budget request. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow officers, honor our traditions, and contribute to the future of CWOA. We look forward to seeing you there! Information Source: Michael Joseph Little, CWOA Executive Director | eventbrite

Persian classical and folk music comprises scales, sub-scales, and segments called Gushehes. The scales selected to be showcased on May 31, 2025, are the Shoor and the minor scales. Altogether, there will be 15 songs carefully crafted and composed for the occasion and the taste and savor of the cultural audience who are oriented more towards pure art wroks and not entertainment solely. The songs selected are the works by contemporary Iranian Maestro musicians and Nader Majd. Notes: The doors will open at 5:30 pm, and the event starts at 7:00 pm. There are no age restrictions for attendance; however, we kindly request that children under the age of 7 refrain from participating, as the nature of the showcase may result in potential disruptions. There is ample parking on the premises. Tickets are non-refundable. Information Source: The Persian Classical Music Co | eventbrite

Information Source: eventbrite