A Pop-Up Banned Book Speakeasy Returns to Alexandria

Guests can cozy up with a forbidden story and specialty cocktail.

By Debbie Williams • Posted October 17, 2025 at 10:10 a.m.

Courtesy Morrison House

A pop-up event highlighting banned books is back by popular demand. Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria will again be hosting a Banned Book Speakeasy.

Cocktail menu at Banned Book Speakeasy returning to The Study at Morrison House — *Courtesy Morrison House*

The event will be held from November 4 to 8 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the The Study at Morrison House. Guests will be given a timed-entry “Prologue Pass.” The secret phrase “is your key to slipping past the librarian and into the hidden world of forbidden tales.”

Cocktail and book at Banned Book Speakeasy returning to The Study at Morrison House — *Courtesy Morrison House*

Guests can enjoy live piano music and order from a banned–book–inspired drinks menu. Cocktails and mocktails will spotlight different banned books, including titles from Pen America’s 2025 List. One dollar from every cocktail sold will go to the Virginia Library Association to help fund librarian scholarships and library book budgets.

116 South Alfred St., #101 Alexandria

Feature image courtesy Morrison House

Debbie Williams

Senior Editor

Northern Virginia Magazine Senior Editor Debbie Williams is a George Mason University graduate and longtime NoVA resident. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of nonprofit, lifestyle, and government publications, including for AARP.org and USA TODAY magazines.