Photo above by Lee Moody.
Fall into the season with bright-hued foliage, favorite art events, outdoor festivals and haunted Halloween activities this autumn in Alexandria, Virginia, voted a Travel + Leisure and a Condé Nast Traveler. Say “prost!”, stroll King Street during a spooky ghost tour and explore historic homes. A few exciting events are listed on these pages. Please check out the fall webpage for all fall events: www.visitalexandria.com/fall.
6th
Made in ALX Fall Maker’s Market
Noon – 5 pm
Port City Brewing Co.
3950 Wheeler Avenue
We’re excited to be back at Port City Brewing in Alexandria for the Made in ALX Fall Maker’s Market! More than 25 vendors, food, music and a lot of our vendors will have activities — you can make your own charm bracelet, create a relief print, design your own tote bag and much more. Special thanks to event sponsors Williams Professional Painting and Willway Services!
There’s plenty of free parking, and this event is kid-friendly and pet-friendly, too!
We’re excited to welcome DJ Neidermeyer to spin tunes, and we’re excited to try the latest menu items from La Tingeria! visitalexandria.com/events/fall-makers-market-at-port-city-brewing-co/
13th & 14th
23rd Annual Art Festival
10 am – 5 pm
John Carlyle Square Park
300 John Carlyle Street
Free to attend, the festival features a juried selection of artwork from local and national fine artists. See thousands of pieces, all made in the USA, across every medium. Offerings include, but are not limited to: life-sized sculpture, paintings, jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
This festival has been voted as one of the top-ranked art festivals in the nation by “Sunshine Artist Magazine.” Information at the carlylecommunity.com.
18th
Annual Taste of Old Town North
4 pm – 8 pm
Montgomery Park
901 North Royal Street
The Taste of Old Town North is back, celebrating the neighborhood’s unique restaurants, performers, artisans and more! The Taste of Old Town North is free, family and pet friendly, and features an artisans’ market, gourmet restaurant tastings, and other activities for all to enjoy including music from two local bands. In addition, the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts’ Mobile Art Lab will be featured at the Taste event. The Mobile Art Lab offers supplies and support staff for kids of all ages to make art. On street parking is available in the Old Town North neighborhood or public parking located at 625 North Washington Street.
The rain date is September 25, 4:00-8:00 p.m. For more information visit www.oldtownorth.org.
25th – October 5th
Old Town Cocktail Week
Presented By Suntory Global Spirits in partnership with Captain Gregory’s, Old Town Cocktail Week is a celebration of the imagination and innovation within Alexandria’s cocktail scene. Grab a featured cocktail from one of the over 40 participating restaurants or join us for a curated event and enjoy it all while on a staycation at one of the participating hotels with a stay and play package specially curated for Old Town Cocktail Week. Visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-cocktail-week/
25th
Art On the Rocks
6 pm-8:30 pm
The Art League
Torpedo Factory
105 North Union Street
Theartleague.org
Join us at the Art League as we pair artwork by local artists with sips from the best bartenders in Alexandria. Participate in picking your favorite cocktail and food pairing as you sip the night away to live music and great vibes for a good cause.
27th
Alexandria Oktoberfest – Prost to a Day of Bavarian Fun!
11 am – 6 pm
John Carlyle Square
300 John Carlyle Street
FREE Admission
visitalexandria.com/events/alexandria-oktoberfest-john-carlyle-square/
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Alexandria Oktoberfest! Celebrate the season with the best of German culture, food, music, and fun at the beautiful John Carlyle Square in Alexandria. This family-friendly event captures the unmistakable spirit of Bavarian merriment with traditional music, lively entertainment, and a lively beer garden. Whether you’re here to enjoy the delicious food, shop for unique handmade crafts, or dance to the rhythms of authentic German tunes, there’s something for everyone. Participate in the Beer Stein Holding contest or don your finest Bavarian attire and vie for Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest.
This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the simple joys of life. Gather your friends and family and enjoy a day of music, food, fun, and good times at Alexandria Oktoberfest! Parking available in nearby garages. Rain or Shine Event
27th
83rd Annual Historic Homes Tour
10 am – 3 pm
Various homes throughout Old Town
Self-Guided Tour $45
TheTwig.org
Since 1997, The Twig has hosted the Homes Tour offering a self-guided walking tour of beautiful homes and gardens in Old Town Alexandria. The Tour, which began in 1941, was originally hosted by the Hospital’s Senior Auxiliary to raise money for the Hospital. Home highlights often include original and preserved structures, curated artwork, and historical collections. The tour also offers guests an opportunity to enjoy Virginia’s lovely autumn weather and the sites of Old Town as they walk from home to home. Tickets available for purchase online. Check in on the day of the tour can be made at The Twig Thrift Shop located at 106 North Columbus Street or at Boxwood located at 1205 King Street.