Fall Events Feature Art Festivals, Cocktail Week, Halloween Happenings and More!
Autumn ushers in glorious foliage for fall strolls through centuries-old streetscapes, crisp air for al fresco events and the start of spooky season. Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. 2024, Alexandria invites visitors to soak in its architecture and sip local libations during Old Town Cocktail Week. Plus, visitors can immerse themselves in a beloved annual art festival – Del Ray’s 28th Annual Art on the Avenue. Dive deeper into fall events and activities in Alexandria with the listings below and at VisitAlexandria.com/Fall.
Through the 6th
Old Town Cocktail Week
Admission: Prices vary; tickets to Art on the Rocks are $70 per person
TBA locations throughout Old Town
Old Town Cocktail Week will feature spirited events, workshops and activities at shops and restaurants around Old Town. The festivities kick off at Art on the Rocks at the Heron Hotel on September 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can sample up to ten unique cocktail and appetizer pairings and vote for their favorite pairing while enjoying imaginative artwork, live music and more. Tickets to Art on the Rocks are available via Eventbrite.
4th – 6th
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Friday: $50 for members, $60 for general public; Saturday: $54 for members, $64 for general public; Sunday: $44 for members; $54 for general public
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
703-780-2000
Taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours at George Washington’s estate. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River, and enjoy concessions available for purchase from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Please note that the Mansion will not be open during this event.
5th
29th Annual Art on the Avenue
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Mount Vernon Ave. between Hume Ave. and Bellefonte Ave.
The 29th Annual Art on the Avenue festival held in Del Ray features more than 300 juried artists, from quilters to card-makers to cartographers, displaying their one-of-a-kind wares. Arrive with an appetite and grab a bite from dozens of food vendors while soaking up live music (Irish, folk, rock-n-roll, country and more) along the avenue. Plus, kids activities abound with pumpkin painting, screen art weaving and more. Please note parking is extremely limited. Trolley transportation will be available from the Braddock Road Metro.
26th
Old Town Family Trick or Treat
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Old Town
Bring the family and enjoy trick-or-treating in various shops and restaurants in Old Town along upper and lower King Street and select side streets. Visit oldtownbusiness.org in the coming weeks for details on the starting point and map pick-up location.
27th
Old Town Doggie Trick or Treat
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
The Dog Park
705 King Street
Bring your dog for a howling day of walking through Old Town and visiting participating merchants who will offer treats for your four-legged companion. Start at The Dog Park boutique, located at 705 King Street. Visit oldtownbusiness.org in the coming weeks for more details.
28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Ave.
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, returns once again. Costumed children, pets and babies in decked-out strollers are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. For more information, including details on entering the house decorating contest, pet costume contest and stroller decorating contest, head to visitdelray.com.