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,…
Photo above by Lani Gering Alexandria delivers a high-value winter escape that blends romance, culture, global dining and immersive historic storytelling—without the crowds or the cost of peak-season travel and some of the best hotel rates of the year. Early 2026 also marks the start of America’s 250th commemorations in George Washington’s adopted hometown, offering powerful new perspectives, including the stories of Black Americans who shaped Alexandria and the United States. Add in new wellness offerings and dining spots, and Alexandria becomes a compelling canvas for national audiences looking for high-value, meaningful winter travel. Alexandria invites travelers to discover their own story. Here are a few of the highlights of what is taking place this month. January 18th Preservation of Carlyle House: What if we could do it over? Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 12 pm – 3:30 pm On January 18, 1976, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority opened Carlyle House after a six-year restoration. In celebration of our 50th anniversary, join us for a 1976 museum price of $1 per person and learn about the preservation of Carlyle House from our experts. Registration not required. Last entrance at 3:30pm Through January 25th A Winter’s Walk Weekly Thursday through Sunday The Athenaeum 201 Prince Street 12 pm – 4 pm The Athenaeum Gallery Presents The Botanical Art Society of the National Capital Region’s “A Winter’s Walk” exhibit featuring work by: Joseph Bailey-Esther Carpi-Anne Clippinger-Karen Coleman-Liz Cusell-Nancy Davis-Marcia Dewitt-Joan Maps Ducore-Cheryl Exley-Margaret Farr-Gail Goodrich Harwood-Mary Page Hickey-Ann Lesciotto-Joan Mathys-Elena Maza-Borkland-Marsha Ogden-Cynthia Rice. Visit us online at NVFAA.org. Through February 28th Ice Skating at Cameron Run Weekends & Holidays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cameron Run Regional Park 4001 Eisenhower Avenue Looking for a unique winter activity? Enjoy outdoor daytime ice skating in Alexandria, just minutes from Old Town. Warm up with a hot chocolate or make your own s’mores over the firepit. This fun winter experience…
Photo above courtesy of Visit Alexandria Step into a real-life holiday movie in historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia—named “” by Travel + Leisure. Just minutes from Washington, D.C., and on the Potomac River waterfront, Alexandria blends centuries-old architecture with festive cheer and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination during the holidays. From twinkling lights along boutique-lined streets to festive waterfront parades and cozy neighborhood markets, this walkable destination offers endless inspiration for travel features and seasonal roundups. Feel transported by a sense of holiday wonder with a stroll along the King Street mile, dine around a firepit on heated patios or duck into cozy restaurants, and shop independent boutiques that provide personal service and curated gift selections all season long. Daily through the 30th The Winter Village Ice & Lights Cameron Run Regional Park 4001 Eisenhower Avenue 5 pm – 10 pm Enjoy ice skating amidst a winter wonderland at Cameron Run Regional Park. Ice & Lights offers a fun, unstructured outdoor family experience to explore new, stunning light displays, snap family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. Capacity is limited; reservations are required to ensure access on a specific date. visitalexandria.com/events/ice-lights-the-winter-village-at-cameron-run/ December 6th 54th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Downtown Old Town 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands, as well as terriers and hounds, community groups and more. Sponsored by Wegmans. 25th Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Old Town North to…
7th – 9th Alexandria Film Festival 12 pm – 11 pm Now in its 19th year, the Alexandria Film Festival brings independent films of all genres to the city of Alexandria through its signature, multi-day festival of screenings and Q&A panels with filmmakers. Beginning November 2 and continuing November 7-9, the festival will offer 60 feature-length and short films in venues across the city including Patagonia Old Town, Charles E. Beatley Library, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus. Following the screenings, film directors, producers, and actors in attendance will discuss their films and answer audience questions. The festival’s full program and tickets are available now at AFFfilmsthatmatter2025.eventive.org. Through December 31st Lives Bound Together – Slavery at Mount Vernon Recurring daily 9 am – 5 pm George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Explore the lives of the 317 enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon in new exhibit. Discover how they formed families, built tight-knit communities, earned a living, and acquired personal possessions. Uncover the voices of the enslaved through ancestral histories and recently-excavated archaeological artifacts. Learn about the legacy of Washington’s decision in his will to free those enslaved to him—the only founding father to do so. 703-780-2000, mountvernon.org Through December 31st Union Navy Exhibition Open Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site 4301 W. Braddock Road A new exhibition, “Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy,” opened October 2nd. The theme focuses on the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, and is being held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. The Federal Navy, which began as a small and unprepared force at the outbreak of the Civil War, quickly expanded to succeed in blockading over 3,500…
Photo above by Lee Moody As the air starts to chill, autumn leaves create a scenic canopy above red brick sidewalks in Old Town. Art festivals add to the seasonal spirit as locals load up at and fall festivities pop up in Old Town, Del Ray and beyond. Sip local cider, stroll King Street for seasonal finds and Halloween treats. Dating back to 1749, Alexandria’s history is filled with remarkable stories and mysterious legends embedded in the brick-lined streets and centuries-old sites. This spooky season, embark on a lantern-led ghost tour, hear chilling stories at historic sites and show off your costumes at Halloween events around town. Through the 6th Old Town Cocktail Week Admission: Prices vary Old Town Cocktail Week will feature spirited events, workshops and activities at shops and restaurants around Old Town. Presented by Suntory Global Spirits and, Old Town Cocktail Week celebrates imagination and innovation within Alexandria’s cocktail scene, from curated creations at 40+ restaurants to special events and workshops to stay-and-play hotel packages. 4th 30th Annual Art on the Avenue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Free Mount Vernon Ave. between Hume Ave. and Bellefonte Ave. artontheavenue.org The 30th Annual Art on the Avenue festival held in Del Ray features more than 300 juried artists, from quilters to card-makers to cartographers, displaying their one-of-a-kind wares. Arrive with an appetite and grab a bite from dozens of food vendors while soaking up live music (Irish, folk, rock-n-roll, country and more) along the avenue. Plus, kid’s activities abound with pumpkin painting, screen art weaving and more. Please note parking is extremely limited. Trolley transportation will be available from the Braddock Road Metro. 10th – 12th Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour 6 to 9 p.m. Admission: $$ George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org Marvel at Potomac River views…
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: http://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,…
9th 16th Annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale Old Town, Del Rey and Beyond in Alexandria The Alexandria Sidewalk Sale is presented by Visit Alexandria. This lively event features more than 30 independent boutiques across Old Town, Del Ray and beyond stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted merchandise, showcasing Alexandria as the D.C. region’s premier “Shop Small” destination. Start at the bottom of King Street and work your way up toward the Metro. First-time Sidewalk Sale participants like Eliana Curated, a new jewelry boutique, romance-only Friends to Lovers bookstore and Fantastical Glass artist studio joining beloved shops like Red Barn Mercantile and Old Town Books along with the recently opened Old Town Books Junior. A full list of participating vendors available by logging on to AlexandriaSidewalkSale.com. 16th 5th Annual Bands and Brews Summer Bar Crawl 12:30 pm – 6 pm Join in the fun and vibrant Del Ray community for a special summer event, featuring live music in outdoor restaurant venues along the Avenue! https://www.visitdelray.com/events/5th-annual-bands-brews-bar-crawl/ 22nd through 31st Alexandria Restaurant Week For 10 days and two weekends, dozens of restaurants across Alexandria’s neighborhoods will offer $30, $40 or $50 per person special menus for in-person dining. Restaurant Week showcases the creativity of local chefs and breadth of international cuisine in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Old Town North, Del Ray, Carlyle and Eisenhower, Arlandria-Chirilagua and the West End. This event highlights the city’s vibrant food scene and encourages visitors and locals alike to discover new neighborhoods and tastes. Plus, you will find additional special offers and discounts at fast casual restaurants throughout the city. Extend your stay and sample multiple restaurants with the hotel package. The limited-time offer includes up to $200 in added value, allowing you to savor Alexandria and soak up the end of summer. https://visitalexandria.com/restaurants/restaurant-week/ 23rd Around the World Cultural Food Festival 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Oronoco Bay Park 100 Madison…
Events this month July 12th Let’s Celebrate Alexandria’s 276th Birthday! Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street) Old Town Alexandria 6 pm – 9:45 pm The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 276th and the USA’s 249th birthday on Saturday, July 12th, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.). Experience this one-of-a-kind Alexandria event with your family. The evening includes live music, food and drink vendors, and ends with the grand finale — a fireworks display on the Potomac River at 9:30 p.m. Parking will be an issue so make arrangements to get to town early in order to secure a spot! Admission is free. Figure Drawing Bootcamp 2025 at Del Ray Artisans Monday–Friday, July 7–11, 6pm–10pm 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue Del Ray Artisans invites you to our 5-day Figure Drawing Bootcamp to hone your composition, anatomy, mark making, and portraiture skills. Monday–Friday, July 7–11, 6pm–10pm. Cost for one-day pass is $55 Del Ray Artisans member / $65 non-member. The five-day pass is $200 Del Ray Artisans member / $250 non-member. The five-day pass is a $75 discount! Figure Drawing Bootcamp is Alexandria VA. Details at DelRayArtisans.org/figure-drawing-bootcamp Things to do every month: Stroll the King Street Mile Centuries-old architecture, brick-lined streets, cobblestone alleys and a canopy of twinkling lights during the holidays make strolling King Street the #1 thing to do in Alexandria. Explore dozens of independently owned restaurants and boutiques, or take a ride on the free King Street Trolley. Dine on the Waterfront Enjoy stunning views of the Potomac River while you dine al fresco at Alexandria’s waterfront restaurants. There are plenty of riverside restaurants to choose from. Feel free to consult the Restaurant Guide in the Dining Section of this issue. Experience History Where It Happened Alexandria is a city that predates the American Revolution and is steeped in history. Explore outdoor walking tours by Alexandria Colonial…
World Pride and Alexandria Pride Alexandria welcomes LGBTQ+ couples, families and friends to stay in and explore the city during World Pride 2025 and beyond. Visitors can take advantage of special World Pride hotel packages at The Alexandrian, Hotel AKA Alexandria, Hotel Heron and Morrison House. The fun continues all month. With these fun with events: 13th Pride at Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 North Union Street 7pm – 10pm The renowned Torpedo Factory Art Center will be open late as part of its “2nd Friday” event series. Guests can explore the building full of artists, enjoy music and art activations celebrating Pride Month. This event is free and open to the public. 14th “Priday” Market & Drag Show Port City Brewing Company 3950 Wheeler Ave Market 12pm – 4pm Drag Show 5pm We are celebrating Pride Month at Port City! We Start the day with a mini-market composed of 10+ LBGTQ vendors from 12pm-4pm, food trucks, cold beer, and yard games. Featuring works and merchandise from Alexandria local artists and vendors. More information at http://www.portcitybrewing.com. Be sure to stick around and join us that evening for a Drag Show in our brewhouse starting at 5pm featuring Drag Queens courtesy of Equality NoVA. This event was a huge hit last year, so we recommend arriving early to claim your seat. Make sure to bring your singles! A portion of beer sales will be donated to our friends at Equality NOVA, so make sure to drink a few beers for a good cause! Other than that, the whole day is FREE to attend and open to all! Happy Pride! 28th 8th Annual Alexandra Pride Fair Market Square 301 King Street 3pm – 6pm Stop by Market Square the last weekend in June for the perfect photo op with the Pride-themed “LOVEwork” letters, from Virginia Tourism. The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task…
May 2nd through 24th The Alexandria City High School Titan Student Art Exhibition Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue This exhibit shines a spotlight on flourishing young artists who attend Alexandria City High School. View at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA. Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, May 2, 7-9pm, and enjoy ACHS Performing Arts students’ live chamber music performances and the ACHS Visual Arts Award Ceremony. Gallery hours are Thursdays 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-6pm (closed May 25). Details: DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits May 3rd and 4th 4th Annual Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival John Carlyle Square 300 John Carlyle Street 10 am – 5 pm Savor spring in Alexandria surrounded by artwork at this beloved annual festival. John Carlyle Square is only 2 blocks from the famous King Street in the heart of the Old Town district and is close to the King St. Metro station. Located off Duke Street and near Whole Foods, this beautiful park-like setting is perfectly situated to host this spectacular event. The popular September Art Festival is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine. May 16th through June 8th World Pride 2025 Alexandria welcomes LGBTQ+ couples, families and friends to stay in and explore the city during WorldPride 2025 from May 17 to June 8, 2025, and beyond with special hotel packages, Pride Month events and more. Located on the Potomac River within eyesight of Washington, D.C, Alexandria, Virginia welcomes LGBTQ couples, families and friends to our historic city. Named one of Travel + Leisure’sBest Places to Travel in 2024, one of The South’s Best Cities 2024 by Southern Living and given a perfect score for LGBTQ equality by the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index in 2024, Alexandria is nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture—a…
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