Located just minutes from D.C., Alexandria is one of the best places to admire new waterfront public art, enjoy cherry blossom-themed events, tour historic homes and gardens and bring your four-legged friends to canine-themed happenings around the city.

It’s also a gorgeous time to explore the stories and neighborhoods of Alexandria. So, whether you’re taking in the spring scenery while enjoying a pint at the region’s longest running brewery at Port City or dining al fresco in at the many eateries, you’ll find plenty of experiences to unlock this time of year in Alexandria.

Cherry Blossom Season

This is the time of year to soak in the pink and white wonders as you wander Alexandria’s red-brick sidewalks, or see the D.C. blossoms up close with bike tours. Beginning in March, take a water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf for a short 10-minute jaunt to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry blossoms, or take the Cherry Blossom Cruise past the Tidal Basin blossoms and into Georgetown.

Discover Alexandria’s Architectural Gems

Any time of the year is a good time to get outside and stroll the city’s centuries-old streetscapes, but spring time takes on a special air in Old Town. On April 18^th , participate in the annual Home and Garden tour that is a part of Historic Garden Week in Virginia. This easy walking tour includes private townhomes and secluded gardens located along the tree-lined streets of the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects within a short driving distance of the tour area – the Gardens at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens as well as Green Spring Garden. Find more of Alexandria’s standout architectural spots to explore here –   https://visitalexandria.com/things-to-do/architecture/.

Explore a New Waterfront Art Exhibit

New for the spring of 2026, a public art installation titled “Now or Never” will be on display at the Old Town waterfront from March through November. The piece features two 17.5 foot long billboards with opposing messages – “Now” and “Never” – opposite one another in opposing colors and aligned with the sunrise of the summer solstice. Read more about the inspiration behind the design from artist Alicia Eggert at https://visitalexandria.com/the-best-of/now-or-never-waterfront-art/.

Ballyshaners 43rd Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 7th

12:00 pm

Alexandria boasts the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the DC area. Traditionally, this parade is held the first Saturday in March, and serves to attract the finest entries. The parade normally features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups, and a host of other performers and entertainment. It’s a fantastic day to spend with family or friends!

The parade officially starts at the corner of Wolfe and St. Asaph Street at 12:00 pm, with dignitaries leading the procession. The parade proceeds north on St. Asaph with a turn to the east at Queen Street toward Pitt Street where it turns south ending at the corner of Duke and Pitt Streets. With thousands of spectators and participants expected, parade goers are encouraged to take advantage of public transportation. The closest Metro is the Blue Line, King Street/Old Town. There is a free trolley from the Metro, or the activities can be reached by a short 10-minute walk down King Street. Residents and tourists are encouraged to come early to enjoy the events at one of the DC area’s finest parades. All events are free to the public. www.ballyshaners.org for details.

What does Ballyshaners mean?  “Old Towners” in Gaelic, the Irish Language

The Ballyshaners, Inc., were founded in 1980 by a small group of dedicated volunteers for the explicit purpose of organizing a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. The Parade is now well into its fourth decade and the number and variety of participants is greater than ever before. The organization’s mission has grown to promoting and preserving Irish history and culture. Each summer, they host the Alexandria Irish Festival, featuring vendors, musicians, and traditional Irish dancers as well as hosting fundraisers and other social events throughout the year.

Woodlawn Logo uploaded

1^st through 31^st

63^rd Annual Woodlawn Needlework Show

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House

9000 Richmond Highway

Price: $$

Recurring daily except Tuesday, Woodlawn will host the 63rd Annual Woodlawn Needlework Show, the largest judged needlework show in the nation. During this month, Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House gives locals and out-of-towners alike the opportunity to view 500+ pieces of hand-sewn needlework from all over the world. Pieces will be on display for those who visit throughout the month of March. This year’s Needlework Show will celebrate the 51st anniversary of Nelly’s Needlers, an all-volunteer corps who have contributed to the preservation of the site through the pursuit of fine needle art. (703) 780-4000

March 21^st

Fashion and Women’s Liberation: Role of Clothing in the Fight for Suffrage

the pic I uploaded is a web pic so not sure it will work

2:00 pm

Lee-Fendell House Museum & Garden

614 Oronoco Street

Old Town Alexandria

Drawing on her Master’s degree in Public Policy and extensive experience in US domestic politics, Emma will analyze the political forces that drove fashion changes between the 1850s and 1920s. Discover how reformers challenged the typical fashions of the day as a barrier to women’s participation in public life, how the bloomer movement sparked national controversy, and how suffragists strategically used white dresses and yellow roses as visual indicators in their campaigns.

Through authentic antique garments from Emma’s personal collection, attendees will see firsthand how changes in silhouette and acceptable styles reflected and enabled women’s expanding roles beyond the domestic sphere. This lecture offers a unique perspective on women’s history, combining rigorous policy analysis with material culture to reveal how the fight for suffrage was woven into the fabric of everyday life. Details at www.leefendallhouse.org or call (703)548-1789

Mark your calendars for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds on Saturday the 28^th. It’s a bit early this year.