Autumn brings favorite art events, outdoor festivals, Halloween haunts and bright-hued foliage to Alexandria, Virginia, located minutes from Washington D.C., on the Potomac River. Voted a Travel + Leisure Best City in the U.S. 2022, Alexandria boasts beautifully preserved historic architecture to enjoy on the 80th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour or during a goosebumps-inducing Ghost & Graveyard Tour. Explore events celebrating Ethiopian culture, browse al fresco art festivals including Carlyle’s 20th Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival and Del Ray’s 27th Annual Art on the Avenue, attend ever-popular autumn events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon like the Fall Harvest Festival, plus many more seasonal happenings. Nightly in October Alexandria Colonial Tours’ Ghost & Graveyard Tour 7:30 pm M-Th 8:30 & 9 pm Fri & Sat Admission: $$ Alexandria Visitor Center 221 King Street alexcolonialtours.com Walk your way through the charming streets of historic Old Town Alexandria. Follow a colonial-costumed guide by lantern light for an engaging history tour on Alexandria’s original Ghost & Graveyard Tour. During this entertaining tour, you’ll hear ghost stories, legends, folklore, unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts looking for revenge. 1st 27th Annual Art on the Avenue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Free Mount Vernon Ave. between Hume Ave. and Bellefonte Avenue artontheavenue.org The 27th annual arts festival held in the Del Ray features more than 350 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 20+ food vendors and set to the soundtrack of live music along the avenue. 5th Waterfront Wednesday Music Series 5 to 7 p.m. Admission: Free Robinson Landing Promenade and Pier 7 Pioneer Mill Way oldtownbusiness.org Head to Robinson Landing for the Waterfront Wednesday Music Series presented by Yellow Door Music Concert Series featuring a range of music genres by local musicians. Bring a chair or simply stop by to enjoy some…
Featured Fall Events 17th 20th Annual Alexandria Art Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free 300 John Carlyle Street artfestival.com/festivals Rated one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine, the annual art festival features a variety of works exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. 17th & 18th Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon September 17 and 18, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Included with general admission ($28 per adult; $15 per youth; free for children 5 and under); free for members George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares, hear live music from the colonial era and watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques. Plus, see General Washington in the General’s Tent. 24th 80th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: $40 in advance; $45 day of tour Various locations throughout Old Town thetwig.org/homes-tour The TWIG’s 80th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour will showcase seven addresses including a home recently featured in Southern Living magazine, a home shaded by a 75-year-old fig tree and a home with a guest room featuring an “Alexandria-centric,” hand-painted mural. Docents will share interesting information and details about each property. Proceeds from the tour support Inova Alexandria Hospital which is celebrating 150 years of serving the health and wellness of the community. Oct 1st 27th Annual Art on the Avenue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Free Mount Vernon Ave. between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues artontheavenue.org The 27th annual arts festival held in the Del Ray features more than 350 juried artists, from quilters to card-makers to cartographers, displaying their one-of-a-kind wares. Arrive with an appetite…
Sundays through September 4th Junior Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Admission: $5 per adult; $3 per child (ages 5 to 12) and free for city residents Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal Street alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Junior Docent Program is back with an exciting new offering this summer thanks to American Heritage Chocolate! Every Sunday, through Labor Day weekend, from 2 to 5 p.m. guests can meet Junior Docents (grades 4 and older) who will be stationed throughout the tavern. They will be sharing the history of the early America and the tavern, but also the history of chocolate, including a hands-on demonstration of historic chocolate-making in the ballroom. Through October 7th Potomac Paddle Club Booze Cruises Admission: $75 per person 107 N. Union Street seasuitecruises.com/locations/potomac-paddle-club-alexandria 202-656-3336 The nation’s capital’s only passenger pedal boat, the Potomac Paddle Club, is cruising its second season from Old Town Alexandria. Passengers have the option of cruising southbound underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, past the Jones Point Lighthouse and around the channel markers to National Harbor and back or cruising northbound towards either DC’s Wharf or Navy Yard before circling back to Old Town for a total cruise time of two hours. The 20-passenger vessel is powered by ten cycle stations surrounding a mahogany bar. The party is bring-your-own-food and drink and is assisted by a captain and motor if needed, allowing guests to enjoy monumental views on an intimate cruise at their own pace. Through November 13th Lives Worth Celebrating: Stories of Resilience, Rebellion and Freedom at Lee-Fendall House Admission: $7 per person Lee-Fendall House 614 Oronoco Street 703-548-1789 leefendallhouse.org Explore a timeline of major events related to the history of slavery in the Americas as you learn about legendary African American leaders, stories of self-liberation and family legacies including the descendants…
4th An American Celebration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Included with general admission ($28 for adults; $15 for youth ages 6 to 11; free for children); free for members George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org/july4 Salute the first commander-in-chief during Mount Vernon’s annual Independence Day event. Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, and observe a moving ceremony in which people from across the world become U.S. citizens. July 9th Alexandria’s 273rd Birthday Celebration 6 to 9:45 p.m. Admission: Free Oronoco Bay Park 100 Madison Street alexandriava.gov The City of Alexandria celebrates its 273rd birthday and the USA’s 246th birthday on Saturday, July 9, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the return of the big birthday experience of years past with cupcakes, local vendors, live music and an extended runtime. More Summer Events & Tours For more summer events and activities in Alexandria, see the listings below and explore more at VisitAlexandria.com/Summer. Through August First Thursdays in Del Ray 6 p.m. Admission: Free Various locations in Del Ray visitdelray.com Held the first Thursday from April to August along Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, First Thursday is a series of free outdoor street festivals that bring the community together around a fun theme, benefiting a local nonprofit. This summer’s themes include “Unmask Your Superhero First Thursday,” “First Thursday Red, White & Blue,” “First Thursday Aloha Thursday” and “First Thursday Show Your Spirit,” respectively. Sundays Through September 4th Junior Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Admission: $5 per adult; $3 per child (ages 5 to 12) and free for city residents Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal Street alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Junior Docent Program is back with an exciting new offering this summer thanks to American Heritage Chocolate!…
The perfect home base for visitors, Alexandria is a welcoming and inclusive destination mere minutes away from D.C.’s Capital Pride activities occurring throughout the month. Plan your stay in Old Town Alexandria with special Pride Month hotel packages. Explore more ways to celebrate Pride Month in Alexandria at VisitAlexandria.com/Pride. June 4th 5th Annual Celebrate Alexandria Pride Event 1 to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Charles Houston Recreation Center 901 Wythe Street alexandriava.gov/LGBTQ The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force invites you to join its 5th Annual Celebrate Alexandria Pride Event at Charles Houston Recreation Center. Back by popular demand in partnership with the Alexandria Library is “Drag Queen Story Time with Venus” at 2 p.m., perfect for children ages 3 to 8. Enjoy spoken word with C. Thomas at 3 p.m. Collect Pride swag, enjoy music and food, make some art, pose for a Pride pic, and learn about LGBTQ-inclusive services in Alexandria. Free and confidential HIV testing available. June 10th The Late Shift: ALX Pride at the Torpedo Factory Art Center 7 to 10 p.m. Admission: Free Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N Union Street 703-746-4570 torpedofactory.org ALX Pride is a community-focused event to celebrate LGBTQ+ creatives in Alexandria and beyond with a night of arts projects along the waterfront and the Union Street entrances as well as throughout the building in a myriad of styles and celebrations. June 21st Make Your Own Pride Patches 12 to 1:30 p.m. Admission: Free Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen Street alexlibraryva.org Teens are invited to come to the Barrett Branch Library to make a LGBTQIA+ Pride patch that can be added to your jacket, your backpack or wherever you like. Make a patch in one of four styles for yourself and for friends. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting ruined. Weather permitting, the workshop will take place outside. Otherwise, it will take place on the second floor…
Main Events 17th & 18th Portside in Old Town Summer Festival 6 to 9 p.m., Fri. – 1 to 9 p.m. Admission: Free Waterfront Park 1A Prince Street portsidefestival.com Kick off summer with the return of the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. This free festival features an array of live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the whole family on the Alexandria waterfront. New this year, the event merges with the 44th Annual Alexandria Jazz Fest on Friday evening to showcase jazz performances and readings by Alexandria poets. Saturday the festival continues with an eclectic musical lineup, local food, hands-on art and history activities and more. The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival is produced by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts, a division of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. 10th – 12th George Washington’s Mount Vernon Summerfest 6 to 9 p.m. Admission: $48 for general public; $40 for members George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org/summerfest Experience Mount Vernon after hours and sample craft beer from breweries from throughout the region while enjoying live music. Your ticket includes a commemorative tasting cup and eight tasting tickets. Additional tastings are available to purchase on-site. 24th & 25th Independence Fireworks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon 6 to 9:30 p.m. Admission with mansion tour: $50 for general public; $40 for member; $38 for youth; $28 for youth member Admission without mansion tour: $45 for general public; $35 for member; $33 for youth; $22 for youth member George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org/fireworks Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks along with patriotic music to celebrate our nation’s founding. Tickets are available with or without Mansion tours. Access to the Mansion…
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….
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