5 Things: Avenue Q, Harry Potter, Parker-Gray and More

Yes, it’s Monday. And yes, July is almost over, which means summer is moving much quicker than you ever imagined.

You have every reason to get down, so here are 5 Things to look forward to this week in Old Town. We try to look on the bright side for you.

Avenue Q — The Tony Award-winning musical comedy featuring racy puppets and rowdy songs recently kicked off its run at The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St.). Performances of the coming-of-age tale will be shown on Wednesday through Saturday this week. Tickets range from $22 to $27. For mature audiences only.

Dragon's Blood — Stop by the unique Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town for a special exploration of the science behind the fictional Harry Potter. In honor of Harry’s birthday, the Old Town Alexandria shop will explore the real world of science and medicine behind author J.K. Rowling’s book series, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. The museum is located at 105-107 S. Fairfax St. $6 per person, no reservations required.

BAR Meeting — The Board of Architectural Review for Parker-Gray meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. Earlier this month, the city’s Planning Commission altered the architectural guidelines for the Parker-Gray Historic District.

Three principle changes include reduced regulations on buildings constructed after 1932, less regulations on the rear and sides of “Early Era” buildings constructed prior to 1932 (the exception being corner buildings), and changes in the projects that can be approved administratively and those exempt from BAR review and administrative approval.

GI Film Festival Summer Rewind — The Old Town Theater is showing the three top films from the GI Film Festival, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the stories of military veterans and promoting the creative work of military veteran filmmakers, beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday. "The Jockstrap Raiders," "The Fifth Horseman," and "The Real Inglorious Bastards" will be shown. Tickets are $12.

Sales Tax Holiday — The Commonwealth of Virginia will hold its annual August sales tax holiday from Friday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales taxes.