Titans Football, Fort Ward Tours, Artisan Holiday Market, Film Fest and Al Stewart

Events and ideas for the weekend ahead in Alexandria:

Alexandria Film Festival — The 2013 Alexandria Film Festival kicks off Thursday, Nov. 7 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 10 at venues across the city. You can find information on more than 60 participating films and showtimes on the festival website and read more about the event here: “Alexandria Film Festival Kicks Off Thursday at Old Town Theater”

Cheer on the Titans — The T.C. Williams football team (6-3, 4-2 Patriot District) plays host to West Potomac (4-5, 4-2 Patriot) at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium (3330 King St.) in their final regular-season game. The Titans can wrap up their first playoff berth since 1990 with a win over the rival Wolverines.

“It’s our biggest rival,” Titans Coach Dennis Randolph told Patch. “Our players go to the same parties. … Throw out the records and who’s going to play. It’s always a dogfight, goes right to the end of the game.”

“The 39 Steps” — Adapted from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film of the same name, “The 39 Steps” runs through Nov. 16 at The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St.). The play follows dashing Richard Hannay and his heroic efforts to solve the riddle of The 39 Steps while staying a step ahead of Nazi spies. This two-time Tony Award-winner features four actors playing more than 100 roles. Ticket and showtime information is available online.

Soldier-led Tours of Fort Ward — In honor of Veterans Day, free, 90-minute tours of Fort Ward (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Fort Ward staff member Kevin Moriarty, who will be portraying a Union army veteran reminiscing about Civil War military service at the fort, will conduct the tours. Participants will learn about the history of Fort Ward, army life in the Civil War and the design and construction of Civil War forts. This event is weather dependent.

Artisan Holiday Market — Shop for unique and handmade gifts and support local artists who will be exhibiting fine art, jewelry, handmade knits, natural skincare products, home-baked goods and much more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Charles Barrett Rec Center (1115 Martha Custis Dr.). Free face painting will be available for the kids. The event is sponsored by and supports the Charles Barrett Recreation Advisory Council, which raises funds and presents activities and programs at the center for children and community members. More information is available at the Artisan Market website or by emailing event contact Claudine Sangaré at claudinebosticksangare@yahoo.com.

Wilson Bridge Half Marathon — This race, set for Sunday, Nov. 10, from Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens to National Harbor was postponed from October because of the government shutdown. The rescheduled race will come through the south end of Alexandria early in the morning. If you’re looking to participate, spots are available and registration will be held in-person at the Holiday Inn Eisenhower Avenue (2460 Eisenhower Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. More information is available on the Wilson Bridge Half Marathon website. 

Al Stewart — This Scottish singer-songwriter stops by the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave.) at 7:30 p.m. for a show with Kiki Ebsen. Stewart had a string of successful albums in the late 70s and early 80s that produced hit singles “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages.” Tickets are $29.50 and available through the Birchmere website.