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The first annual Alexandria Book & Craft Festival was a huge hit: Oct. 18, 2025

When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 10am-4pm

Where: Made in ALX: 415 King Street, Alexandria VA

Elaine’s Literary Salon and Made in Alexandria were proud to present the first Alexandra Book & Craft Festival.

The free event was held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, in the plaza behind 415 King Street, in the heart of Old Town Alexandria’s Historic District.

Readers were thrilled to meet 13 artists and 25 authors. Elaine’s, voted runner-up for best fine dining in Alexandria, offered food for sale at the event.

AUTHORS: John Wasowicz, Adam Meyer, Tom Milani, Rick Pullen, Patrick Hyde, Austin Camacho, Laura Wetsel, Lynda Allen, Lane Stone, Alex Matsuo, Cathy Wiley, Christopher Chambers, Dale Nelson, David Wessel, Diane Helentjari, Jennifer Milder, Ralph Peluso, Richie McGinnis, RumJum Sarkar, Tom Young, Carolyn McBride, John B. Wren, Jeffrey Rosoff, Jim Meisner Jr., Sherry Hall, Hope Katz Gibbs and Jeffrey James Higgins.

ARTISTS: Mei Tomko, Annemarie Kuhns, Allene Abrahamian, Walter Gordon, Chanthal Harris, Dwayne Lawson-Brown, Mary Ann Russell, Ileana Barajas, Sarah Bever, Jessica Ly, Janna marks, Megan Levanduski, Tristen Blake, and Denise Williams.

Please direct any questions about the Alexandra Book & Craft Festival to Jeffrey Higgins: jeffrey@jeffreyjameshiggins.com.

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

About Made in Alexandria, 415 King St., Alexandria, VA: Made in ALX is a unique marketplace rooted in Alexandria, VA, dedicated to showcasing and selling art and handmade products crafted by local artists. Founded in 2020, as a response to the pandemic’s impact on local artists, Made in ALX quickly evolved from an online market to a seasonal pop-up shop to a permanent fixture in Old Town Alexandria. Its mission to connect the community with local creators has fostered both a marketplace and a meeting point for art lovers and artists alike.

Hours:
- Weekdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 10a.m. – 6p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In addition to our retail boutique, Made in ALX hosts classes, events and more.
If you’re interested in joining Made in ALX as an artist, please click here.
If you’re interested in teaching classes at Made in ALX, please use the Contact Us form here.