Alexandria Calendar – August 2026
Summer in Alexandria is full of events and festivals worth planning around. The Annual Summer Restaurant Week brings exclusive, chef-driven menus to tables across the city, while the Annual Sidewalk Sale spills the city’s independent boutiques out onto the streets for one of the region’s most beloved seasonal shopping events. Add in excellent seasonal hotel rates and you have every reason to stay a little longer and explore a little further.
Whether you’re spending a long weekend or making a day trip from Washington, D.C., you’re in for an unforgettable experience in Alexandria, Virginia, voted a Travel + Leisure top 10 Best City in the US 2026 and a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the US 2025.
A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria hums 200+ independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront, all surrounding the walkable King Street
Through the 30th
Rooted in Place: Occupied Alexandria Civil War Tour
Sundays at 9 am & 11 am-times subject to change
Visitors Center
211 King Street
Please meet your guide at the Visitors Center, not along the street. Your guide will have a red flag and be wearing Rooted in Place, LLC merchandise.
Explore the rich historical era of Civil War Alexandria and its occupation by Union forces. Discover significant places of interest such as hospitals, prisons, and military barracks. Gain insider knowledge and unique perspectives on the events that shaped not only this city, but also the nation.
Step back in time with your expert guide, Historian & Criminologist Madeline Feierstein, who has conducted extensive research on the sites you will:
– Follow in the footsteps of soldiers and citizens from the 1860s
– Learn about the unique experiences of African Americans, women, and POWs
– Visit original and untouched buildings in historic Alexandria
– Listen to real stories from both Unionists and Confederate sympathizers
Meet outside the Alexandria Visitor Center on King Street. Tours run 1.5 hours. For tickets, please visit www.madelinefeierstein.com/guidedtours
Contact Madeline at (301) 708-1334 or madeline.feierstein@gmail.com
Through the 31st
Torpedo Factory Art Center: Mourning in America
Recurring daily: 10 am – 6 pm
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street Studio 14
Some of our most influential citizens, carved in wood and printed on handmade paper from retired US Flags are featured in this exhibit.
Reflect in the expressions of people like James Madison who understood that the Constitution alone could not preserve freedom. A republic depends upon citizens who are informed, curious, and willing to participate thoughtfully in civic life.
Knowledge allows people to distinguish fact from rumor, principle from passion, and temporary interests from enduring ideals.
His words remind us that liberty is sustained not simply through laws, but through an educated citizenry committed to understanding both their rights and their responsibilities.
Join us in thoughtful reflection and participate in dialog as we honor our collective past while shoring up our future foundation.
“Mourning In America” is open to the public in the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Printmakers Inc in Studio 14.
8th
George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Purple Heart Commemoration
10 am – 12 pm
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Pay tribute to the oldest military decoration in the U.S. at the home of its founder, George Washington. Join Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the estate’s official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony to recognize Purple Heart recipients.
Visit the Purple Heart Memorial Trail Marker, which was dedicated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart to commemorate the establishment of the Purple Heart decoration.
Purple Heart recipients receive free admission to Mount Vernon all year.
14th
Alexandria Sidewalk Sale
Throughout Alexandria
This Sidewalk Sale is one of the longest-running seasonal summer shopping events in the D.C. region, featuring dozens of independent Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise.
14th to the 23rd
Alexandria Restaurant Week Summer of 26
For 10 days and two weekends, dozens of restaurants across Alexandria’s neighborhoods will offer special menus for in-person dinner. Plus, find additional special offers and discounts at fast casual restaurants throughout the city. Go to VisitAlexandria.com for a complete list of restaurants and a menu book.
29th
The Around the World Cultural Food Festival
A decade of global flavors, culture, and community—bigger than ever in 2026.
11 am – 7 pm
Oronoco Bay Park
Celebrating 10 Years Around the World, this event transforms into a global destination of food, music, and culture right here in Old Town. The Around the World Cultural Food Festival brings together the best of international cuisine, live performances, and cultural experiences—all on a vibrant waterfront setting.
This isn’t just a food festival—it’s your passport to the world.
What to Expect:
Eat Across Continents – Taste authentic dishes from around the world—from bold street food to unforgettable desserts. You’re not just sampling—you’re traveling.
Drink Around the World – Two beer gardens featuring local and international craft beers—perfectly paired with your global food journey.
Feel the Culture Live – Live music, dance, and cultural performances throughout the day that bring traditions from around the world to life.
Shop the World – Explore handcrafted goods, art, jewelry, and unique finds from global artisans.
Family-Friendly Fun – Kids’ Corner with moon bounces and activities for all ages—fun for the whole family.
Join us as we celebrate a decade of bringing people together through food, culture, and community in Alexandria. Come hungry. Stay all day. Don’t miss it.
Free Entry, Pet Friendly, Easy parking nearby and Metro accessible. Rain or Shine.
29th
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: Corks & Corridors
5:30 pm – 9 pm
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden
614 Oronoco Street
Begin the evening with a special guided tour of the historic house, offering a unique opportunity to explore its beautifully preserved rooms after hours in an intimate setting.
Following the tour, enjoy a guided tasting of carefully selected Prince Michel wines, led by Prince Michel staff, who will share insights into the craft behind each pour. Sip, swirl, and unwind as you discover the stories behind both the museum and the wines—making for the perfect summer evening.
Tickets include a guided tour of the museum, an exclusive wine tasting, and light hors d’oeuvres. Glass and bottle purchases will be available for an additional charge.
To ensure an enjoyable and intimate experience, each time slot is limited to 10 guests. For detailed information go the leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789.