Events Around Town – February 2026
Photo above by Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria
Just minutes from Washington, D.C. on the Potomac River, Alexandria is a welcoming winter retreat. As you ramble along the red-brick sidewalks with a special someone, many adventures await. Start the day with some self-care at a spa, salon or fitness spot, choose from the many restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a cocktal and catch the action at one of the city’s cozy sports bars. Plus, don’t miss one of the biggest parades of the year celebrating George Washington’s Birthday and experience special events during Black History Month. On these pages are just a few of the events taking place this month. Full calendar at visitalexandria.com.
All Month
Celebrating Black History
From a self-taught mathematician who mapped out the nation’s capital, to abolitionist sisters who partnered with Frederick Douglass, to the first Black athlete to play in the NBA, African American changemakers have shaped the history of Alexandria, VA, and the United States. Minutes from D.C. and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Alexandria offers tours, markers and more to lead you through sites and stories both harrowing and hopeful. Start exploring Alexandria’s Black history and cultural experiences for a better understanding of today. Enjoy discounts on Alexandria’s museums and more regional attractions with the Attractions Key to the City Pass. https://visitalexandria.com/things-to-do/historic-attractions-and-museums/key-to-the-city/
6th through 28th
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Art Exhibit
Del Ray Artisans Gallery
Colasanto Center
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Del Ray Artisans presents “Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse” art exhibit celebrating traditions, mythology, and the dynamic symbolism of the horse in the zodiac through diverse interpretations inspired by movements, heritage, and storytelling with an emphasis on cultural respect and authenticity. The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. Gallery Hours: Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm. For more information, please visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits.
7th
Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria-The Berg & Parker-Gray
Carlyle House
121 North Fairfax Street
10am – 11am
Join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Explore parts of the historic neighborhoods of The Berg & Parker-Gray. Learn why these buildings were not preserved. Tour begins at Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. This tour includes walking over many city blocks. Walking shoes required, bottled water suggested. Held rain or shine. Tour will be cancelled in extreme weather.
This program is non-refundable unless the museum cancels the program. Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvpa.org
8th through May 31st
“Shall Not Be Denied: Alexandria Women and the Fight for the Ballot” Exhibition
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
“Shall Not Be Denied: Alexandria Women and the Fight for the Ballot” is Lee-Fendall’s newest temporary exhibition that explores the vital role Alexandria women played in the struggle for women’s suffrage at the local, state, and national levels. Through stories of activism, organizing, and civic engagement, the exhibition highlights the work of women connected to organizations such as the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia and the Virginia League of Women Voters.
The exhibition also examines the Lee-Fendall House’s historical connections to the suffrage movement, revealing how this site intersected with the broader fight to secure voting rights for women. Together, these narratives place Alexandria firmly within the larger story of the long and determined fight for the ballot. www.Leefendallhouse.org
14th
George Washington Parade 2026
*300 King Street
2:00 – 4:00 pm
571-384-8170
The 2026 parade theme is George Washington: Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father
In honor of George Washington’s leading role in the founding of our country during its 250th Anniversary Year.
Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country! The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries, and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. *Parade route and details on the website at http://www.washingtonbirthday.com. Photo by Visit Alexandria.
February 21st
How Do We Know That?: Documenting the Slave Jail at 1315 Duke Street
2pm – 3pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
In March 2020, the City of Alexandria purchased an office building at 1315 Duke Street. Built in 1812 by an Alexandria merchant, the building became one of the most notorious epicenters of the domestic slave trade starting in 1828. For the next 33 years, a series of slave traders used this site as their northern headquarters as they trafficked thousands and thousands of enslaved people over land and by water to the cotton and sugar plantations of the Deep South. Join City of Alexandria archaeologist Benjamin Skolnik as he discusses the history of the domestic slave trade in Alexandria and shows how we know what we know about the former slave jail at 1315 Duke Street.
Old Town Farmers Market Has Moved…
…next door to North Royal Street and Tavern Square and has come under a bit of scrutiny from “regulars” but keep in mind this is just temporary. This may be old news to many of our readers since the move took place in mid-January, but we feel it’s important to let our visitors know what is taking place.
The new location is just across the street from Market Square. Find the answers – provided by the City – to most of your questions below:
Why the move?
The Farmers’ Market has operated uninterrupted at Market Square since 1753. Because City Hall and Market Square will undergo major renovations starting in early 2026, the Farmers’ Market must move to keep operating during the renovation.
Why N. Royal Street and Tavern Square?
The 100 block of N. Royal Street and the courtyard at Tavern square are just across the street from Market Square. The space is big enough to host all current Farmers’ Market vendors, with plenty of room for shoppers to move comfortably. The Market Square Garage will also be closed during construction, and the new location provides easier access to nearby parking options.
Where can I park?
Farmers Market visitors are encouraged to use the Tavern Square garage (418 Cameron St.), which will offer FREE parking on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. There is also parking at nearby Courthouse Square (111 S. Pitt St.). For a full list of parking locations, visit the Parking on Alexandria page.
How long will the market be in Tavern Square?
The renovation of City Hall and Market Square will take two to three years. The Old Town Farmers’ Market will take place each Saturday in the 100 block of N. Royal Street and the courtyard at Tavern Square during this time. Once renovations are finished, the Market will return to its historic home.
What does this mean for shoppers?
Shoppers can expect the same variety of local produce, baked goods, flowers, meats, dairy, and specialty items from over 70 vendors, now in a more spacious setting.
How can I stay informed?
Stay up to date on the Farmers’ Market relocation, including official move date, maps, parking and transportation options, and vendor updates, by visiting alexandriava.gov/OldTownFarmersMarket.
About the Old Town Farmers’ Market
The Old Town Farmers’ Market is the oldest farmers’ market in the country held continuously at the same site. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold at our Farmers’ Market. Today, the market offers residents of and visitors to Alexandria a way to reconnect to the past while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition. During the peak season, there are more than 70 vendors offering fruits and vegetables, hot prepared foods, meat, poultry, cheeses, breads, pastries, fresh pasta, pickled vegetables, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps, jewelry, and art.
The Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.