Citizens Academy, Dog Days Dog Show and Run/Walk for a Cause

As stated by Rebecca Black in possibly one of the worst songs ever, "It's Friday, Friday. Gotta get down on Friday." Here are some local events and information you should know about in Alexandria for the beginning of your weekend.

Fire and Rescue Department's Citizens Academy. Possibly one of the coolest jobs on the planet is that of a firefighter. It's also a very dangerous one. These men and women risk their lives to help their communities. Learn more about the Fairfax County fire department by signing up for the free Citizens Academy program.

Adopt a dog at the Dog Days Adoption event hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at the Athenaeum in Old Town Alexandria 1 p.m. on Saturday. The event coincides with photographer Kathleen Ewing’s Dog Days Dog Show, an exhibit of more than 50 contemporary and vintage photographs celebrating dogs and their people.

“Can’t Hardly Wait” is part of the Outdoor Film Festival hosted by the Rosslyn BID. The PG-13 film, made in 1998, is a teenage comedy about high school graduates each with a different agenda on graduation night. The film will be shown Friday at dusk in Gateway Park in Rosslyn. Parking is available for $3 after 6 p.m. in the Atlantic Parking Garage on Moore Street next to the Continental.

Run (or walk) with track and field Olympian Carl Lewis while helping an athlete with intellectual disabilities at the Best Buddies Challenge in Washington, DC. The event takes place Oct. 19, but registration just opened. If running isn’t your thing, participants can choose to bike with pro cyclist George Hincapie either 100, 62 or 20 miles. Event organizers say the 5K walking portion is suitable for young children.

Sup on popular pre-Prohibition cocktail the Rickey at a local bartender competition. Cheer on your favorite mixologists, including staff from Old Town Alexandria’s PX, competing to make the best Rickey cocktail, which includes gin, bourbon or rye whiskey, lime juice and soda water. The event will be held at the Jack Rose Dining Saloon on Sunday, Aug. 4, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 2007 18th St., NW in Washington, DC. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $35, cash only. Admission includes unlimited Rickey cocktails and appetizers.