Main Attractions! 2nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival May 14th & 15th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free John Carlyle Square 300 John Carlyle Street thecarlylecommunity.com The Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival is heading back to John Carlyle Square in 2022. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine. Please be mindful and follow all CDC guidelines. The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style May 22nd 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free 200-400 blocks of King Street 100 blocks of N. Royal and N. Fairfax Streets festivalspeedstylealex.com The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, presented by Burke & Herbert Bank, highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community—history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style and energy. All proceeds benefit USO Washington-Baltimore and ALIVE! View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. More Spring Events & Tours First Thursday in Del Ray May 5th 6 p.m. Admission: Free Various locations in Del Ray in Alexandria visitdelray.com First Thursday is a series of free outdoor street festivals that bring the community together around a fun theme, benefiting a local non-profit. The May theme is Dog Days in Del Ray. Be sure to bring your pooch. Secret Garden Concert Series at The Rectory on Princess Street Various Dates through June 23rd 5 and 6:30 p.m. Admission: $25 to 45 per person The Rectory 711 Princess Street 703-683-6040 classicalmovements.com Classical…
April 2nd– May 1st Torpedo Factory Cherry Blossom Events 105 N. Union Street 703-746-4590 Torpedofactory.org Cherry Blossom Exhibition Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art lovers are encouraged to stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center throughout April to view floral art displayed on all three floors. Masks are required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. April 10th Cherry Blossom Jubilee 12 to 3 p.m. Kick off the celebrations at noon with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko on the waterfront side of the Art Center all while enjoying music and live art demonstrations from participating artists. New Art Installation On the Waterfront! I Love You On display through November Admission: Free Waterfront Park 1A Prince Street visitalexandriava.com/public-art I Love You, the latest temporary art installation on Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront is a luminous declaration of affection from the city to the public, creating a photo-ready postcard of Alexandria which represents the city’s welcoming spirit and a message of hope through the COVID-19 pandemic. Created by award-winning and globally recognized R & R STUDIOS, I Love You is a plaza with the words “I Love You” scripted in rose-hued metal and lighted neon standing 15 feet high above a pink ground mural emulating a giant “magic carpet.” This “social sculpture” utilizes three words at once universal and utterly personal to establish a place of encounter, friendship and camaraderie on the river. Miami-based R & R Studios is helmed by husband-and-wife Argentinian-born, American architects Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt. I Love You is the fourth installation of the City of Alexandria’s annual temporary public art series, “Site See: New Views in Old Town.” 2nd ALX Dog Walk check-in from 7 to 7:45 a.m.; walk from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission: Regular registration: $35; Teens ages 13 to…
Nothing is more symbolic of springtime in the D.C. region than cherry blossoms. This year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fluffy pink and white wonders in Alexandria, VA. Take a stroll along Old Town Alexandria’s picturesque streets lined with cherry blossoms and flowering trees and enjoy food and drink specials available for in-person dining or takeout. See the D.C. cherry blossoms from a Potomac River perch with high-speed water taxi tours or take a bike ride to the Tidal Basin. New this year, enjoy special cherry blossom-themed workshops at just-opened Shop Made in VA, and sip seasonal coffee from brand-new Turkish Coffee Lady. Don’t forget to check out highly anticipated return of The National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20 to April 17, 2022. Find events that honor both American and Japanese cultures, such as the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Cherry Blossom Jubilee. Learn more about cherry blossom experiences in Alexandria at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/CherryBlossoms and find a list of cherry blossom tours, special events and food and drink offerings. Beginning March 18th Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms Departures beginning at 12 p.m.; check website for details Admission: Starting at $23 one-way; $39 round-trip for adults Alexandria Marina 1 Cameron Street 888-809-7109 cityexperiences.com/alexandria Wednesdays through Mondays, beginning March 18th, cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms from the water. City Cruises anchored by Hornblower offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station. Beginning March 19th Washington Monuments Cruise to the Cherry Blossoms Saturdays and Sundays Departures beginning at 11:30 a.m.; check website for details Admission: Starting at $26 one-way; $42 round-trip for adults Alexandria Marina 1…
Celebrating Our Nation’s First President All events listed below are subject to change. The most up-to-date information about any celebration event is published on washingtonbirthday.com by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC). 1st – 15th The Restaurant Cherry Challenge In honor of George Washington’s birthday, participating Alexandria restaurants will create unique, cherry-centric dishes. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son, of course. The competing restaurants and their entries will be listed on the George Washington Birthday Celebration website and Facebook page, and the winners will be announced on Parade Day. 1st to 28th Hunt for Washington A fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington. The hunt, which should take about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, will take individuals and families to places in Old Town Alexandria associated with the General. Start by printing a clue sheet from washingtonbirthday.com at home and bring it with you as you traverse the heart of Old Town and then use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. Submit your findings to gwbirthdayevents@gmail.com any time before the end of the day on February 28. There are prizes and mementos associated with this event. FREE. American Legion Post 24 Run, Walk, n’ Roll This George Washington Birthday Commemorative event is intended to build community and enhance the physical, mental and emotional resiliency of participants—veterans and non-veterans alike. This month-long event during February 2022 encourages participants to run, walk and/or roll on their own for at least 24 miles in increments and routes they choose. Registration is $24 and open until February 5th. Visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Alexandria/GWB24RunWalkRoll for more information. 3rd ¡Viva George! Celebrating Washington in Laredo and Alexandria – Virtual 7 p.m. Alexandria has celebrated hometown legend George Washington for hundreds of years with parades and balls….
Alexandria Events Jan 2022 8th and 29th Tea with Martha Washington George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 Join Martha Washington for tea and conversation at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Mrs. Washington will share memories of her and the General’s life as a young married couple, during the Revolutionary War and presidency, and at their beloved Mount Vernon. Following the program, guests are invited to take a self-guided tour of the estate. Mountvernon.org 15th to February 5th “Bright Star” Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe Street 703-683-5778 This Tony Award nominated musical, created by comedy legend Steve Martin and Grammy winner Edie Brickell, is a sweeping tale of love and redemption set in the American South during the 1920s and 1940s. This emotional story weaves two chapters in the life of literary editor Alice Murphy and an ambitious young soldier just home from World War II. Their connection helps discover a stunning secret with the power to transform their lives. This original and hopeful musical, based on a true story, is propelled by a rousing country and bluegrass score. Don’t miss it! *All patrons are required to wear a mask (even if vaccinated) for the duration of the performance. Thelittletheatre.com 21st to 30th Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week 2022 For 10 days and two weekends, more than 60 restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia will offer a $35 prix fixe dinner for one or two people during Alexandria Restaurant Week, January 21 to 30, 2022. Special menus will be available in-person at participating restaurants, many with heated outdoor dining options and more than 50 restaurants will also offer to-go options. Visitalexandriava.com/event/alexandria-restaurant-week
Alexandria Enchants Visitors with Nostalgic Holiday Wonder This holiday season marks the return of Alexandria’s biggest holiday weekend featuring the Campagna Center’s 50th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and the 21st Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon. Don’t miss cherished holiday traditions throughout the season, including Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon and Waterskiing Santa on Christmas Eve. Throughout the season, holiday markets abound citywide for festive al fresco experiences. Lovers of the arts can soak up live performances from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, Little Theatre of Alexandria, and more. For parades, candlelight tours, festive performances and more, check out the upcoming events below. For more holiday events and activities, visit VisitAlexandriaVA.com/holidays. 3rd & 4th Campagna Center’s 50th Anniversary Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade Taste of Scotland: Friday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. Parade: Saturday, December 4, at 11 a.m. Admission: Free to view; $75 registration fee to march in parade; $200 and above for Taste of Scotland Scotch Tasting Throughout Old Town Alexandria 703-549-0111 campagnacenter.org Campagna Center is thrilled to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Scottish Walk Weekend in Alexandria. In 1749, the City of Alexandria was established by Scottish merchants. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with a weekend of festivities. At the Campagna Center’s iconic 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 from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds. The weekend kicks off with the Taste of Scotland Scotch Tasting on Friday evening in the newly renovated Atrium Building. 4th Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street) Admission: Free; $ for food/drink and some activities Parade viewing areas: Founders Park (351 N. Union St.), Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron St.), Waterfront Park (1A…
Tall Ship Providence Happy Hour Cruises Friday evenings throughout the Fall 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission: $45 per person Tall ship Providence 1 Cameron Street 703-772-8483 tallshipprovidence.org Take up your Friday night happy hour game a notch higher. The historic tall ship Providence is now hosting Friday evening happy hours on the Potomac. Our two-hour cruises allow you to take in sweeping views of the unique D.C. skyline while sipping a seasonal adult beverage. Reserve your place now, as space is limited. Alexandria Ghost Tour Pub Crawl with Nightly Spirits Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the Fall 7:30 p.m. Admission: $25 per person Various locations throughout Old Town 844-678-8687 nightlyspirits.com Experience a haunting mixture of ghostly sights and pub crawling on this walking tour of historic Old Town Alexandria. Listen to creepy stories of ghosts and local history. Your costumed guide will take you in and out of several haunted pubs and other locations in Old Town. Hear about murder, death and tragic love stories as you walk along historical streets. Tours last about two hours, cover approximately one mile, and include plenty of time to calm your nerves with a few strong spirits along the way. Must be 21+ for this tour. 11th – 14th The 15th Annual Alexandria Film Festival Admission: $12 per showcase or $75 per All-Festival Pass alexfilmfest.com The Alexandria Film Festival will take place as a hybrid event—virtual, with some in person events. The festival footprint is expanding this year to include a partnership with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, which will feature six original films and will be presented with a “live to picture” performance of the orchestra on November 6 and 7. This performance will be in person but will observe current safety protocols such as social distancing. To get the latest information, the website. 13th Discovering Alexandria Architecture Tour 10:00 a.m. Admission:…
Special Events – October 26th Annual Art on the Avenue October 2nd 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Free Between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues artontheavenue.org Art on the Avenue is a multicultural arts festival held the first Saturday in October, rain or shine. Stroll down Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue between Bellefonte and Hume Avenues and discover more than 300 artists, from jewelers to glass makers to painters, while enjoying a variety of musicians and food vendors. Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour October 8th to 10th 6 to 9 p.m. Admission: Friday: $49 for members, $59 for general public; Saturday: $53 for members, $63 for general public; Sunday: $43 for members, $53 for general public George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org Taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours at George Washington’s estate. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River and meet General Washington. Del Ray Halloween Parade October 24th 2 p.m. Admission: Free Begins at Mount Vernon Ave. south of E. Bellefonte Ave. visitdelray.com/halloween Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mount Vernon Recreation Center play fields. Children, pets and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb; awards are given for Best Pet Costume, Best Decorated Business, Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Stroller. More Fall Events & Tours Alexandria Ghost Tour Pub Crawl with Nightly Spirits Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the fall 7:30 p.m. Admission: $25 per person Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria 844-678-8687 nightlyspirits.com Experience a haunting mixture of ghostly sights and pub crawling on this walking tour of historic Old Town Alexandria. Listen to creepy stories of ghosts and local history. Your costumed guide will take…
5th The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Free 200 to 400 blocks of King Street festivalspeedstylealex.com The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, presented by Burke & Herbert Bank, is a spectacular, high-sensory event held annually on the unique lower blocks of King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Featuring over 100 rare and exotic supercars and motorcycles from around the world – combined with dazzling and glamorous fashion elements and events – the festival celebrates the heart and spirit of the community and highlights the elegance and style of Old Town. It is free to spectators and open to all. Creation & Libations at The Garden 2 to 8 p.m. Admission: Free (Donations recommended) The Garden at Building Momentum 5380 Eisenhower Ave. Suite C 703-566-9000 thegarden.net Celebrate local this September at The Garden at Building Momentum. Browse 10+ artists set up throughout the event space for an end of summer bash. On the patio, enjoy live music from Yellow Door Concert Series, food trucks and local libations from Lost Boy Cider and Aslin Beer Co. 10th – 19th Old Town Cocktail Week Admission: Varies per event Various locations throughout Old Town oldtownbusiness.org Old Town Alexandria has a vivacious and growing craft cocktail community that has caught the eye of the press and locals alike. To celebrate and honor the talent of the bartenders and businesses that support such cocktail innovation, the Old Town Business Association established Old Town Cocktail Week. This fall, celebrate all things cocktail with outdoor activities, cocktails to-go and more. 10th Art on the Rocks 5 to 8 p.m. Admission: $55 per person Waterfront Park oldtownbusiness.orgExperience the exciting kick-off to Old Town Cocktail Week. Join the Art League in tasting cocktail creations and small bites crafted by…
Tea with Martha Washington at George Washington’s Mount Vernon August 14th at 1 p.m. Admission: $45 per person Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org Join Martha Washington for a cozy tea as she shares memories of her and the General’s life as a young married couple, during the Revolutionary War and Presidency, and at their beloved Mount Vernon. Enjoy some of the Washingtons’ favorite treats and delicacies prepared by the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Following the program, guests are invited to take a self-guided tour of the estate. Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale August 14th & 15th Throughout Old Town and Del Ray VisitAlexandriaVA.com/SidewalkSale Alexandria’s summertime deal-snagging tradition features deep discounts from dozens of independent boutiques throughout Old Town and Del Ray, plus free parking at four City of Alexandria parking garages in Old Town. Stroll the D.C. region’s Shop Small destination for deals on fashion, jewelry, home décor, gifts and more outside of participating boutiques. The event is led by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria, Old Town Boutique District, Old Town Business Association, Old Town North and Del Ray Business Association. Alexandria Restaurant Week August 20th – 29th For 10 days and two weekends, dozens of restaurants in Alexandria will offer a $49 in-person and/or to-go dinner for two. Some participating restaurants will offer a $25 in-person and/or to-go dinner for one in addition to the $49 deal for two. This expanded offering was created during Alexandria Restaurant Week To-Go in January 2021 in response to increased interest from single diners during COVID-19. Restaurant Week showcases the inventiveness of local chefs in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Del Ray, Carlyle and Eisenhower, and the West End. From neighborhood favorites to restaurants specializing in international cuisine, Alexandria’s distinctive collection of eateries offers…
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