'American Idol,' Alexandria Restaurant Week and a New Park

A quick look at the week ahead in Alexandria:

“American Idol” on the big screen — The AMC Hoffman Center (206 Swamp Fox Rd. ) is hosting a screening of the 13th season premiere of “American Idol” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14. In addition to the screening, attendees will have the chance to ask questions live with Idol judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and host Ryan Seacrest. Doors open at 6 p.m. Find out how to get tickets.

Council meeting — Alexandria City Council kicks off its 2014 legislative session at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at City Hall (301 King St.). On the docket Tuesday is a regional funding request for the planned Potomac Yard Metro station and an update on the 2014 General Assembly session. 

New park hearing — Alexandria’s Park and Recreation Commission will host a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at Charles Houston Rec Center (901 Wythe St.). to discuss the draft plan for the open space property located at 600 N. Henry St. The public hearing is an opportunity for the community to review the design for the interim open space, which is slated for construction in mid-2014. The open space will be available for public use until the entire block (where the Wythe Street post office is located) redevelops into a 1-acre park, as called for in the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan.

Heather Mae — D.C.-based singer-songwriter Heather Mae takes the stage for a free show at The Light Horse (715 King St.) at 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. Give a listen to Mae’s “One of These Days” here.

Alexandria Restaurant Week — Beginning Friday, Jan. 17 and running through Sunday, Jan. 26, 50 participating restaurants across the city will offer either a $35 prix-fixe three-course dinner or a $35 dinner for two. The promotion will showcase everything from fine dining establishments to casual neighborhood favorites. For more information, see: Alexandria Restaurant Week Begins Jan. 17