Banned Book Read Out, 'The Velocity of Autumn' and Eggplant Eggstravaganza

It's the first week of fall and it's expected to be one filled with mid-70s weather. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and participate in some wonderful events going on this week in NoVa.

Monday, Sept. 23

Alexandria’s Athenaeum hosts the Banned Book Read-out. Participants will read segments of their favorite banned books, bringing attention to the issue of censorship. The event begins at4:30 p.m. at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., 703-548-0035.

Tuesday, Sept. 24

“The Velocity of Autumn,” a play by Eric Coble, is now playing at Arena Stage. It’s the story of a 79-year-old woman who lives alone in a Brooklyn brownstone, with a lot of explosives. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays; noon Oct. 8, 9 and 16. The performance runs through Oct. 20. Arena Stage is located at 1101 6th St., SW. Tickets range from $40-$90. Call 202-488-3300 for more information or visit www.arenastage.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Stop into Old Town Alexandria’s Sugar Cube confectionery to indulge in one (or more) of its seasonal caramel apples, which just returned to stock last week. Apples are available Thursdaythrough Sunday this fall. 1218 King St., Alexandria, VA 703-548-2868.

Thursday, Sept. 26

Author Rosemary Gibson discusses the book “Medicare Meltdown: How Wall Street and Washington Are Ruining Medicare and How to Fix It,” at the Arlington County Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Free. 7 p.m. 703-228-5990. 

Friday, Sept. 27

Eggplant Eggstravaganza cooking demonstration. Join the Cook sisters – Adrienne Cook and Danielle Cook Navidi - for new ways to use eggplant. At noon and 1245 p.m. at the U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 202-225-8333. Usbg.gov