Outdoor Festivals, Historical Happenings and More
4th
An American Celebration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Included with general admission ($28 for adults; $15 for youth ages 6 to 11; free for children); free for members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org/july4
Salute the first commander-in-chief during Mount Vernon’s annual Independence Day event. Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, and observe a moving ceremony in which people from across the world become U.S. citizens.
July 9th
Alexandria’s 273rd Birthday Celebration
6 to 9:45 p.m.
Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park
100 Madison Street
The City of Alexandria celebrates its 273rd birthday and the USA’s 246th birthday on Saturday, July 9, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the return of the big birthday experience of years past with cupcakes, local vendors, live music and an extended runtime.
More Summer Events & Tours
For more summer events and activities in Alexandria, see the listings below and explore more at VisitAlexandria.com/Summer.
Through August
First Thursdays in Del Ray
6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Del Ray
Held the first Thursday from April to August along Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, First Thursday is a series of free outdoor street festivals that bring the community together around a fun theme, benefiting a local nonprofit. This summer’s themes include “Unmask Your Superhero First Thursday,” “First Thursday Red, White & Blue,” “First Thursday Aloha Thursday” and “First Thursday Show Your Spirit,” respectively.
Sundays Through September 4th
Junior Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Admission: $5 per adult; $3 per child (ages 5 to 12) and free for city residents
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street
alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Junior Docent Program is back with an exciting new offering this summer thanks to American Heritage Chocolate! Every Sunday, June 19 through Labor Day weekend, from 2 to 5 p.m. guests can meet Junior Docents (grades 4 and older) who will be stationed throughout the tavern. They will be sharing the history of the early America and the tavern, but also the history of chocolate, including a hands-on demonstration of historic chocolate-making in the ballroom.
Through October
Potomac Paddle Club Booze Cruises
Select Thursdays and Fridays
Admission: $75 per person
107 N. Union Street
seasuitecruises.com/locations/potomac-paddle-club-alexandria
202-656-3336
The nation’s capital’s only passenger pedal boat, the Potomac Paddle Club, is cruising its second season from Old Town Alexandria. Passengers have the option of cruising southbound underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, past the Jones Point Lighthouse and around the channel markers to National Harbor and back or cruising northbound towards either DC’s Wharf or Navy Yard before circling back to Old Town for a total cruise time of two hours. The 20-passenger vessel is powered by ten cycle stations surrounding a mahogany bar. The party is bring-your-own-food and drink and is assisted by a captain and motor if needed, allowing guests to enjoy monumental views on an intimate cruise at their own pace.
Thursdays through October
Old Town Art Walk
5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Old Town Alexandria
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Old Town Alexandria and explore the fine art and studio crafts found in art galleries and boutique shops on the third Thursday of each month, May to October. The stroll is a great activity after an early dinner, or before enjoying a meal at one of Old Town Alexandria’s restaurants. The Old Town Art Walk is presented by the Old Town Business Association.
Through November 13th
Lives Worth Celebrating: Stories of Resilience, Rebellion and Freedom at Lee-Fendall House
Admission: $7 per person
Lee-Fendall House
614 Oronoco Street
703-548-1789
Explore a timeline of major events related to the history of slavery in the Americas as you learn about legendary African American leaders, stories of self-liberation and family legacies including the descendants of free and enslaved African Americans who worked at the Lee-Fendall House. Part 1: “Freedom” will launch this 3-part exhibit which will delve into stories of rebellion and resilience by enslaved people in America over the next two years.
9th & 24th
Free Yoga in the Fresh Air in Old Town North
10 to 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park Gazebo
901 North Royal Street
571-218-2161
Start your day with a burst of energy from this all-level al fresco yoga class offered on select Sundays throughout the summer.
8th & 22nd
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $8
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history.
Registration must be done in advance. Limited capacity so register early! Tickets include snacks and one complimentary drink. Additional drinks can be purchased at our bar. Teams are limited to 6 people, ages 21+ only. Each trivia night will have a different theme, ranging from literature to horror to 1990s. There will be weekly prizes for the winning team as well as a grand prize for the team that wins the most points over the entire summer.
9th
“The Quanders” with Rohulamin Quander at Lee-Fendall House
6 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
Join us for an evening with Rohulamin Quander, founder of the Quander Historical and Educational Society, as he discusses his book The Quanders – Since 1684: An Enduring African America Family Legacy, which introduces stories that constitute the Quander Family legacy as one of the oldest consistently documented African American families in the United States.
16th
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour with Carlyle House
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Admission: $20 per person
Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join Carlyle House for a tour of Alexandria, exploring the various architectural styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes for this one and a half-hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
16th
Workshops on the Waterfront
1 to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
703-746-4570
Enjoy a free workshop or live demo with a Torpedo Factory Art Center artist at the Waterfront entrance of the Art Center. There will be a different project every third Saturday of the month from April to October.
17th
Taste of Art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $15 to $50 per person
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union Street
703-746-4570
Cool off inside Torpedo Factory Art Center, then surprise your taste buds with delicious masterpieces from local food truck vendors, breweries, and culinary arts partners as we pair studio artists with culinary artistry. Plus: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a special Torpedo-inspired dessert inside the Art Center at the Waterfront, along with iced coffee and tasty beverages.
21st
Music at the Market at Old Town North
July 21
6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park
901 N Royal Street
The Old Town North Community Partnership, with support from NOTICe, The Old Town North Alliance and local businesses and residents, present Music at the Market on the third Thursday of the month throughout the summer. Head to the Old Town North Farmer’s and Artisans Market to browse, pick up a bite and picnic in the park while soaking in great live music. Rain dates are June 23, July 28 and September 8.
31st
The Science Behind Harry Potter Specialty Tours at the Apothecary Museum
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tours offered every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour; last tour starts at 8 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S Fairfax Street
703-746-3852
In honor of Harry’s birthday on July 31st, the Apothecary Museum is offering a special guided tour for families (and adults who missed their Hogwarts letter) that will explore the old Apothecary and the historic Muggle medicines that inspired the Herbology and Potions of Harry’s wizarding world.