Arts & Entertainment, Events

Events Around Town – May 2026

Photo above courtesy of Lee Moody 

Daily Through December

Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment

9 AM – 4 PM

George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway

Immerse yourself in the daily life of soldiers, military officers, and the camp followers who traveled with the army as you explore a Revolutionary War encampment.

At this hands-on attraction, you can touch the items inside the soldiers’ tents and officer’s tent, wash clothes in the laundry yard, and examine cooking utensils used by camp followers.

See two daily programs about enlisting in General Washington’s army and how soldiers prepared their meals while traveling. This attraction is made possible thanks to Americana Corner.

 

2nd & 3rd

Revolutionary War Weekend

9 AM – 5 PM

George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway

Step back in time to meet Revolutionary War soldiers and experience what it was like during the American Revolution 250 years ago. See the serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals and Redcoats conduct military drills, demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Visit with camp followers and walk through a recreation of George Washington’s War Tent. Plus, shop goods such as pottery, soap, artwork, textiles, fresh-baked bread, and more from colonial artisans and craftspeople.

 

2nd through 23rd

Lost Buildings of Alexandria-Urban Renewal

10 AM – 11 AM

Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax Street

In honor of National Preservation Month, join Carlyle House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Urban renewal projects across the country took place starting in the 1950s were government and private initiatives aimed at addressing urban decay, upgrading infrastructure and revitalizing city neighborhoods. In the 1960s, the Gadsby Commercial Urban Renewal Project changed and demolished portions of multiple blocks including the 300-500 block of King Street.

During May’s Preservation Tours, tour guides will lead groups through the south side of the 300-500 blocks of King Street and parts of the 100 blocks of N. Fairfax, N. Royal, & N. Pitt Streets to discuss what had been here, why they were destroyed, and how that impacted Alexandria. Tours begin at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street. This tour includes walking over many city blocks. South side tours will take place on three Saturdays in May all at 10am. Walking shoes required, bottled water suggested. Held rain or shine. Tickets are required for all tours. Having trouble registering? Please call 703-549-2997 or email carlyle@nvrpa.org

 

8th

Grown-Up Field Trip: Black History Museum

Photo by Adedayo Dayo Kosoko

6:30 PM – 8 PM

Alexandria Black History Museum
902 Wythe Street

For the100th anniversary of Black History Month, venture out on the last of the four-part field trip series for adults highlighting African American history around Alexandria. Explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and be ready to be hands-on as you learn more about Alexandria and American history. This last tour is of the American Stories at Alexandria’s Archives and Records Center. All field trips are based on ones offered to school-age children, but with extra time, so we can go even deeper!

 

10th

Love You A Bunch: Mother’s Day Victorian Bouquet Making

2 PM – 4 PM

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street

Celebrate Mother’s Day surrounded by nature, florals, and feminine history. The two-hour event will include a mini-lecture on Victorian Flower Language, followed by a bouquet making workshop. Participants will choose focal flowers, filler flowers, greenery, and wrapping materials to create their unique arrangements. Alongside the lecture and workshop, light refreshments will be provided. Zoe Kobs, the workshop’s host, has led similar events for her local and collegiate level Anthropology Club, blending history with creativity. Tickets are $40 for a pair of participants – this is labeled as the “best buds” option in ticketing. If you would like to add an additional guest, there is an option to do so for $10 per person. Reach out to contact@leefendallhouse.org or (703) 548-1789 with any questions.

 

15th-17th

 Spring Wine Festival

6PM-9PM

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway

$$

Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival. Relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River as you experience George Washington’s estate after hours. Bottles of wine will be available for purchase. Purchase a VIP table to receive admission for 12 people, three bottles of wine, and private waiter service. No outside food or beverages are allowed, except bottled water. Doors open at 6 p.m. each night.

 

17th

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style

Photo Credit -Old Town Festival of Speed and Style

10 AM – 3 PM

Old Town
200-500 blocks of King Street

This high-energy festival is a celebration of speed, style, music, food, and fun—offering a thrilling, immersive experience that is free to the public. Enjoy a fun-filled, day-long concours/car show and a unique and sophisticated fashion show, where models are styled to perfectly complement the elegance and character of the cars on display.

Now in its seventh year, the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, presented by , has grown into one of the premier automotive events on the East Coast, drawing national and international attention to Old Town Alexandria as a destination for exceptional experiences.

Plus, the fun begins on Saturday, May 16, with the High-Octane Ball supporting Alexandria charities, filled with delicious hors d’euorves, dinner paired with expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines and delectable deserts setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

For details on these events log on to visitalexandria.com/events.

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