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Image for event: 250th Film Festival

250th Film Festival

"West Side Story"
2026-08-26 14:00:00 2026-08-26 17:00:00 America/New_York 250th Film Festival We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of the classic musical West Side Story. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

Wednesday, August 26
2:00pm - 5:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-08-26 14:00:00 2026-08-26 17:00:00 America/New_York 250th Film Festival We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of the classic musical West Side Story. Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library - Large Meeting Room

We are celebrating America's 250th Birthday with a screening of Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of the classic musical West Side Story.

An adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

■ Title — West Side Story
■ Director — Steven Spielberg
■ Cast — Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno
■ Rating - PG-13
■ ©2021 | 2h 36m | Drama
■ Distributed by Twentieth Century Fox
■ Licensed for showing in Alexandria libraries by Swank

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Special Event | Movies & Film |

TAGS: | #America 250 | #250films |

Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
Phone: 703.746.1702
Fax: 703.746.1763
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Thu, Jun 18 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jun 19 Closed
(Juneteenth)
Sat, Jun 20 10:00AM to 5:00PM
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Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Jun 20, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Jun 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Handcraft Tuesday - Weekend Edition
Sat, Jun 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jun 21, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
Alexandria Oddball Cinema - Paradox Lost
Sun, Jun 21, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Oddball Cinema brings you all of the weird, eclectic, and lesser-known films you probably never saw in theaters. Click on the event title for more info!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Pollinator Party - Butterflies, Bees, and Ladybugs — oh my!
Mon, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Drop in to play pretend, make some crafts, and learn about the pollinators who keep our world buzzing in celebration of National Pollinator Week. (ages 2-12)
JUNE English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Jun 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Bar C Ranch: Amazing Adaptations - Adaptaciones asombrosas
Tue, Jun 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
25 W Reed Ave.
This exciting program introduces five or more animals from around the world. Learn about their habitats, diets and some of the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. (Ages 6-12)
Teen Summer Book Club - Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Tue, Jun 23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Small Conference Room
Ages 12-18. Talk about this month's book and share reading suggestions!
Bookworms Compost
Tue, Jun 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Get the dirt on vermicomposting with hands-on scientific exploration! Using our very own worm composting bin, we’ll dig into the natural processes that re-cycle our Earth’s resources. (ages 6-10)
Paleontology Playtime
Wed, Jun 24, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dress for mess, bring your curiosity, and join us for a variety of dinosaur-themed sensory play! (ages 0-6)
Peter Wood: Collector of the Impossible - Peter Wood: Coleccionista de lo imposible
Wed, Jun 24, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
901 Wythe Street
Peter Wood, the Collector of the Impossible, presents incredible magical objects with unparalleled showmanship. (Ages 6-12)
Summer Soccer with ASA - Fútbol de verano con ASA
Wed, Jun 24, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
4800 Brenman Park Drive
Join Alexandria Soccer coaches for an action-packed, fun-filled soccer practice! (Ages 6-12)
JUNE English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Wed, Jun 24, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jun 25, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jun 25, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Let Your Pride Fly
Thu, Jun 25, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room
Use upcycled materials to create a Pride flag magnet.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Jun 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
Munit and Z Lovebugs
Fri, Jun 26, 10:30am - 11:30am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Munit and Z Lovebugs are an Ethio-Haitian family band performing music they wrote and music they love from around the world. (All ages)
Nature Friends Show and Tell
Fri, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
4653 Taney Ave.
Learn about the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center and meet some animals that live there, including reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. (Ages 6-12)
Borrow a Board Game
Sat, Jun 27, 10:00am - 4:45pm
Use the library's board and card games while hanging out in the youth services area!
Parlons Français - Adult Conversation Practice
Sat, Jun 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
Small Conference Room
French language practice for adults ready to move from formal instruction to real life conversation.
Alexandria Pride 2026 - Drag Story Hour
Sat, Jun 27, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
300 John Carlyle St, Alexandria, VA 22314
All ages. Enjoy exhibits, music, games, and more!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
JUNE English Language Learning (ELL) 2 Workshop - Intermediate Conversation
Mon, Jun 29, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Small Conference Room
This volunteer-led workshop provides a space for intermediate speakers to practice English and build confidence. No registration required. No certificates of completion are issued.
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Bookworms Compost
Tue, Jun 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Get the dirt on vermicomposting with hands-on scientific exploration! Using our very own worm composting bin, we’ll dig into the natural processes that re-cycle our Earth’s resources. (ages 6-10)
Handcraft Tuesday - Evening Edition
Tue, Jun 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!Register
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Wed, Jul 01, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Paleontology Playtime
Wed, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dress for mess, bring your curiosity, and join us for a variety of dinosaur-themed sensory play! (ages 0-6)
Learn to Sing the Music You Love - Pop, K-pop and More!
Wed, Jul 01, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Join voice instructor Tessa Marr for a fun, hands-on vocal workshop! (Grades 4-8)
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Thu, Jul 02, All day
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Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 02, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Handcraft Crafternoon
Thu, Jul 02, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Small Conference Room
Attention all handcrafters! Join us to share what you are working on, see what others are creating, and just chat while we craft together!
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Sun, Jul 05, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Writers Group at Beatley
Sun, Jul 05, 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Small Conference Room
This is a twice-monthly forum for writers to work on drafts, network, and share moral support. Meets first and third Sundays. All are welcome!
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Mon, Jul 06, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Mon, Jul 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Expressive Painting Workshop
Mon, Jul 06, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Explore the space where art and emotions mix while using pour painting techniques.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Tue, Jul 07, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Playtime! - ¡Hora de jugar!
Tue, Jul 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Meet your old friends and make new friends at an unstructured, outdoor playtime in the library's Reading Garden! Toys will be supplied. Ages 0-5 with an adult.
Bookworms Compost
Tue, Jul 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Room
Get the dirt on vermicomposting with hands-on scientific exploration! Using our very own worm composting bin, we’ll dig into the natural processes that re-cycle our Earth’s resources. (ages 6-10)
Summer Teen Volunteer Orientation
Tue, Jul 07, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Large Meeting Room
Ages 12-18. Learn more about volunteering with Alexandria Library this summer.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Wed, Jul 08, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Beginners
Wed, Jul 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Weekly sessions with Edu-Futuro from 7/8-8/12 will cover the pros and cons of AI, the basics of ChatGPT, and the best AI tools to use in your daily life. Registration required, class is in English. Register
Paleontology Playtime
Wed, Jul 08, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Dress for mess, bring your curiosity, and join us for a variety of dinosaur-themed sensory play! (ages 0-6)
Peter Wood: Collector of the Impossible - Peter Wood: Coleccionista de lo imposible
Wed, Jul 08, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Large Meeting Room
Peter Wood, the Collector of the Impossible, presents incredible magical objects with unparalleled showmanship. (Ages 6-12)
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Thu, Jul 09, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Storytime in the Reading Garden - Cuentos en el jardín de lectura
Thu, Jul 09, 10:30am - 11:00am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden
Children love to be outdoors! Join us in Beatley Central Library's beautiful outdoor Reading Garden for stories, songs and movement. Ages 0-8 with an adult.
Baby Bounce - for babies 0-14 months and their caretaker(s)
Thu, Jul 09, 1:15pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room
Baby storytime, plus opportunities to build relationships with other caretakers of young children! For ages 0-14 months, accompanied by an adult.
Tai Chi at Beatley Library - Balance Your Mind and Body
Thu, Jul 09, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Join Jorge Banales as he gives free instruction on the Yang Style 24 Movement Tai Chi form on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Free and open to the public.
PINGO! - Plastic Free Bingo
Fri, Jul 10, All day
Come to the Children's Desk to pick up a PINGO Card for Plastic Free July!
Rhythmaya: Bollywood Dance - Rhythmaya: Baile bollywoodense
Fri, Jul 10, 10:30am - 11:15am
Frank and Betty Wright Reading Garden,Large Meeting Room
Dance along with us as Rhythmaya shares Indian culture through music, art and movement. (All ages)
Bar C Ranch: Amazing Adaptations - Adaptaciones asombrosas
Fri, Jul 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
1115 Martha Custis Drive
This exciting program introduces five or more animals from around the world. Learn about their habitats, diets and some of the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild. (Ages 6-12)
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