Screech from 'Saved By The Bell,' Canine Cruise, National Night Out and Oysters

Sure, it’s Monday and you’re in a sour mood. If that’s what you want to do, fine. But I think this week has a lot of potential.

Here are 5 Things this week in Old Town Alexandria  to take you away from the Monday doldrums for at least a few minutes:

Standup Screech — Dustin Diamond, AKA Screech from “Saved By The Bell,” will be performing what’s being billed as R-rated standup shows Thursday through Saturday this week at The Old Town Theater (815 ½ King St.). Ticket packages start at $25. For more details, check out the Old Town Theater website.  

Canine Cruise — If you’re brave enough to take your dog on a boat, the Potomac Riverboat Company is presenting a pair of Pet Fashion Canine Cruises on Thursday evening.  See how your pooch fares on the Potomac with cruises at 7 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $9 for children. More information on the Potomac Riverboat Company website.

Second Thursday — The Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria Office of the Arts, and the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association have partnered to expand Second Thursday in Old Town this summer. The theme of Thursday’s event is “Animal Instincts” featuring tributes to all varieties of the animal kingdom - wild or domestic - furry, scaled or feathered. TFAC (105 N. Union St.) is the Second Thursday HQ, with live performances, activities, contests, art receptions and more, all free and open to the public. Live music will also be featured at The Athenaeum ($10 / 201 Prince St.) and in the garden of the Alexandria Visitors Center (221 King St.).

National Oyster Day — This food holiday is celebrated Monday and the Port City has plenty of places to celebrate, including Hank’s Oyster Bar (1026 King St.), The Fish Market (105 King St.), Union Street Public House (121 Union St.), Chart House (1 Cameron St.), The Wharf (119 King St.) and several others. Where are you celebrating?

National Night Out — National Night Out events are scheduled for Tuesday across the city. Alexandria police and fire personnel typically visit a series of block parties throughout the evening, meet with citizens and display their equipment. The Alexandria Police Department plans to release a full list of NNO event locations on Monday. I’ll pass it on when I receive it.