Poets
Oct. 5 Reading, The Gift of Poetry: Five of our favorite area poets gathered to read their signature work. More poetry events are coming in 2026!
August Northern Virginia Writers Club Monthly Meeting: Meet Anita Nahal, author of her most recent book of poetry, “What’s wrong with us Kali women?”
Celebrate the Art of Poetry at Elaine’s on Oct. 5: Don’t miss an afternoon of writing by some of our favorite writers
Elaine's Writers Club
Have you registered for our next Author party?
In the spotlight: Quintango
Meet three of the members of the ensemble for our conversation about “The Stories Tango Tells”
When: Wednesday, June 3, 6-9pm
Where: Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA
Register for your free ticket: QuinTangoatElaines.eventbrite
ELAINE’S LITERARY SALON IS IN THE NEWS
Check out this fabulous article by journalist and author Rick Pullen in the May issue of CrimeReads
Wednesday, June 03, 20266-9pmQuinTango is coming to Elaine’s! Join us for “The Stories Tango Tells” — an intimate interview with the group’s founder Joan Singer and composers Ali Cook and Emmanuel TrifilioThursday, June 04, 20266-9pm
Humans may “Hang 10” when they surf, but surf dogs always “Hang 20,” insists law enforcement officer turned children’s book author Kerri Hagerty. Meet her at Elaine’s and check out her bestselling books!Friday, June 05, 20266-9pm
Noir at the Bar — Celebrate with 8 short story writers the night before ShortConSaturday, June 06, 20267:30-6pm
June 6: Shortcon 2026 is sold out! Are you on the waiting list for the Premier Conference for Writers of Short Crime FictionWednesday, June 10, 2026In-person live event6-9pm
Dr. Stephen Cook brings us “Daniel: An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary”Thursday, June 18, 20266-9pm
A.R. Milton brings us Augmented Reality: An Axiom Universe NovellaTuesday, June 23, 2026
Author Justin Laborde brings us a story inspired by his grandfather, “Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of ’38 at War”Thursday, June 25, 20266-9pm
Happy Hour at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Friends to Lovers bookstoreSunday, June 28, 20266-9pm
Save the Date: Sunday, June 28, 6-9pm — Hemlock & Hearth is coming back to Elaine’s for its Summer 2026 event! Be sure to check out this independent Southern Gothic-influenced fragrance house based in Alexandria, Virginia founded by ChanthalWednesday, July 15, 20266-8pm
Friends to Lovers bookstore presents, “Falling for You” book release party with Natasha MadisonSaturday, July 18, 2026In-person live event12-3pm
Lynda Allen is bringing her books to Elaine’s, including the Liv Wilde Mysteries newest title “Flashes of Fire and Fury.” She insists, “Menopause is a superpower!”Sunday, July 19, 202612-3pm
Futurist Richard Smith brings us the new Clifi Technothriller, WhiteGrass: “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.”Saturday, August 01, 202612-3pmSave the Date: Saturday, August 1, noon to 3pm — Hemlock & Hearth is coming back to Elaine’s for its Summer 2026 event! Be sure to check out this independent Southern Gothic-influenced fragrance house based in Alexandria, Virginia founded by ChanthalSaturday, August 15, 20266-9pm
International bestseller J.D. Barker is coming to Elaine’s Literary Salon with his new novel, “The Probability of Murder”Wednesday, September 02, 2026In-person live event6-9pm
Policy expert and political operative Matthew Lavoie brings us his debut thriller novel, “Main Street Fringe”Thursday, September 17, 20266-9pm
You are going to love the first two novels by Michelle Cullen, including, “A Field Guide to Murder” — Meet her at Elaine’s on Sept. 17Saturday, September 19, 202610am-4pm
Sign up today for our annual Short Story Seminar with Stacy Woodson and Art Taylor
QuinTango is coming to Elaine’s! Join us for “The Stories Tango Tells” — an intimate interview with the group’s founder Joan Singer and composers Ali Cook and Emmanuel TrifilioThursday, June 04, 20266-9pmHumans may “Hang 10” when they surf, but surf dogs always “Hang 20,” insists law enforcement officer turned children’s book author Kerri Hagerty. Meet her at Elaine’s and check out her bestselling books!Friday, June 05, 20266-9pmNoir at the Bar — Celebrate with 8 short story writers the night before ShortConSaturday, June 06, 20267:30-6pmJune 6: Shortcon 2026 is sold out! Are you on the waiting list for the Premier Conference for Writers of Short Crime FictionWednesday, June 10, 2026In-person live event6-9pmDr. Stephen Cook brings us “Daniel: An Exegetical & Theological Bible Commentary”Thursday, June 18, 20266-9pmA.R. Milton brings us Augmented Reality: An Axiom Universe NovellaTuesday, June 23, 2026Author Justin Laborde brings us a story inspired by his grandfather, “Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of ’38 at War”Thursday, June 25, 20266-9pmHappy Hour at Elaine’s Literary Salon: Friends to Lovers bookstoreSunday, June 28, 20266-9pmSave the Date: Sunday, June 28, 6-9pm — Hemlock & Hearth is coming back to Elaine’s for its Summer 2026 event! Be sure to check out this independent Southern Gothic-influenced fragrance house based in Alexandria, Virginia founded by ChanthalWednesday, July 15, 20266-8pmFriends to Lovers bookstore presents, “Falling for You” book release party with Natasha MadisonSaturday, July 18, 2026In-person live event12-3pmLynda Allen is bringing her books to Elaine’s, including the Liv Wilde Mysteries newest title “Flashes of Fire and Fury.” She insists, “Menopause is a superpower!”Sunday, July 19, 202612-3pmFuturist Richard Smith brings us the new Clifi Technothriller, WhiteGrass: “We call it ‘Climate Change,’ because it’s not just the heat.”Saturday, August 01, 202612-3pmSave the Date: Saturday, August 1, noon to 3pm — Hemlock & Hearth is coming back to Elaine’s for its Summer 2026 event! Be sure to check out this independent Southern Gothic-influenced fragrance house based in Alexandria, Virginia founded by ChanthalSaturday, August 15, 20266-9pmInternational bestseller J.D. Barker is coming to Elaine’s Literary Salon with his new novel, “The Probability of Murder”Wednesday, September 02, 2026In-person live event6-9pmPolicy expert and political operative Matthew Lavoie brings us his debut thriller novel, “Main Street Fringe”Thursday, September 17, 20266-9pmYou are going to love the first two novels by Michelle Cullen, including, “A Field Guide to Murder” — Meet her at Elaine’s on Sept. 17Saturday, September 19, 202610am-4pmSign up today for our annual Short Story Seminar with Stacy Woodson and Art Taylor