ALEXANDRIA, VA-The first day of summer is June 21. Yes, it’s more than a month away, but time flies. Today, Visit Alexandria released information on a variety of events that celebrate the season and its holidays. There are drive-in movies, Juneteenth commemoration events, fireworks at Mount Vernon, and much more.
Alexandria Drive-In Movie Series
Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer
Admission: $40 per car
5001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
571-281-2083
The Alexandria Drive-In series, located in city’s Eisenhower corridor, announces new films every month and features a popular collection of movie classics and family favorites. Proceeds from the movie series benefit local Alexandria charity, ATHENA Rapid Response Innovation Lab, which funds projects for local students and healthcare workers, including custom-made PPE. Food trucks will be on-site each night providing delicious sweet and savory concessions with online ordering available. Masks are required any time guests leave their cars. Note: The July movie will be announced at the end of May, and the August movie schedule will be announced at the end of June.
“Sounds of Hope & Harmony” Secret Garden Concert Series from Classical Movements
Thursdays at 5:30 and 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 and 7 p.m. throughout the summer
Admission: $42 per person
The Rectory at Princess Street, 711 Princess St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-6040
classicalmovements.com
Classical Movements is delighted to announce their next series of intimate, socially-distanced concerts and recitals at the Secret Garden of the Rectory on Princess Street, Classical Movements’ home in Old Town Alexandria. “Sounds of Hope & Harmony” returns for a 40-concert season, extending from March 27 through August 26, 2021. The 2021 season features chamber music, recitals by stars of instrumental performance and opera, fascinating choral programs, jazz, dance and more – as well as four Savory Soirees, pairing elegant concert programs with gourmet meals and wine. The season features a starry line-up of acclaimed soloists, including recitals by Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim and Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled, and local favorites, including members of the National Symphony and the Choral Arts Chamber Singers, among many others. Select programs celebrate holidays including Juneteenth and Bastille Day.
Tall Ship Providence River Cruises and Dockside Tours
Potomac River cruises beginning May 27, 2021; Dockside ship tours available now
Wednesdays through Sundays
Admission: Dockside ship tours – $16 adults, $14 military/senior, $12 children, age 5-12; Cruises between $45-69 per person
Tall ship Providence, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-772-8483
tallshipprovidence.org
Enjoy Potomac River cruises and dockside ship tours aboard Alexandria’s resident tall ship, Providence. Each week, Wednesday to Sunday, dockside ship tours will be offered in the morning and two river cruises will be offered in the afternoon. Specialty cruises will include tasting cruises featuring cideries, rum and bourbon distilleries and maritime heritage cruises highlighting maritime history topics and/or guest speakers.
Providence is a reproduction of the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and John Paul Jones’ first American command. This reproduction of an 18th-century sloop also appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
Dockside ship tours and tickets are available on weekends now and Wednesday through Sunday beginning May 27; River cruise tickets will be available online beginning in early May and cruises will begin May 27. Reservations are also available for private cruises and dockside events. Masks are required to join all cruises and tours.
Craft Beer Festival at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
June 19 to 20, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $40 for members; $48 for general public
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Sample craft beer from local breweries and see how beer was brewed in the 18th century. Enjoy concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck, enjoy an 18th-century ice cream-making demonstration and more.
Independence Fireworks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
June 25 to 26, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Admission: From $35 for adult members and $45 for adult non-members; from $22 for youth members and $33 for youth non-members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks along with patriotic music to celebrate our nation’s founding. Tickets are available with and without Mansion tours. Access to the Mansion is by guided tour only.
MORE SUMMER EVENTS AND TOURS
King & Rye’s Cocktail Garden
April 21 through summer 2021
King & Rye, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-842-2761
kingandrye.com
King & Rye is excited to announce the next pop-up in its series of seasonal experiences located in its expansive courtyard. Following on the heels of the Winter Wonderland Igloos and Spring Greenhouses, the new Cocktail Garden will open April 21, lasting through the summer months. Make a reservation for yourself and members of your pod at this redesigned space featuring lounge areas, intimate dining spaces, fire pits and—of course—a special menu of stellar seasonal cocktails to explore. The cocktail program, curated by General Manager and Executive Bourbon Steward Allison Strunk, is an addition to the already-robust cocktail experience at King & Rye, with a focus on a variety of spirits and fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs. Chef Peter McCall has curated a Southern-inspired menu for the garden, made from scratch with the highest-quality regional ingredients ideal to share and enjoy al fresco. King & Rye continues to adhere to the strictest COVID safety standards to keep its guests and staff healthy.
Taste of Old Town North
April 21 to June 21, 2021
Admission: $10 for a passport
Various locations throughout Old Town North, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-836-8066
oldtownnorth.org
Enjoy a two-month stroll through the neighborhood with this year’s reimagined Taste of Old Town North. Passport holders will be able to use their Passport to receive discounts at small businesses throughout Old Town North: The Arts and Cultural District, Parker-Gray and Braddock Road West. Passport sales will begin Sunday, March 21. Passports may only be used once at each participating business; if 75% of a Passport has been used by June 21, the Passport holder will be entered into a drawing to receive prizes. Passports may be purchased online at oldtownnorth.org or at the Community Table at the Old Town North Thursday Farmer’s Market. Proceeds will support the work of the Old Town North Community Partnership and ALIVE-inc.org.
Discover Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour with Carlyle House
May 15, June 12 and July 17, 2021, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Admission: $20 per person
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join Carlyle House for a tour of Alexandria, exploring at the various architecture styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID-19 procedures will be in place during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
Legacy of the Green Cabinet Walking Tour
May 23 and June 20, 2021, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $20 per person
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
In the early 19th century, William Green started the Green Furniture factory in Alexandria and by 1823 his son, James, would take over. James expanded his father’s factory and established himself as a prominent Alexandrian through building and operating Green’s Mansion House Hotel. Join Carlyle House on a tour to learn about James Green and his family’s life here in Alexandria. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID procedures will be in place during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5 hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
First Thursdays in Del Ray
June 3, July 1, August 5 and September 2, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m.
Various locations in Del Ray in Alexandria, VA 22301
Held the first Thursday from April to September 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. Order dinner and drinks for carryout from one of Del Ray’s local restaurants, stroll the neighborhood and have dinner on your front porch, front steps or front yard.
12th Annual Taste of Del Ray
June 4 to 6, 2021
Admission: $5 per person
Various restaurants in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301
visitdelray.com
Top area restaurants are slated to participate in the 12th Annual Taste of Del Ray, which will shift to a take-out format from Friday, June 4 to Sunday, June 6. Throughout the weekend, each participating restaurant will offer participants up to three select “tastes” for just $5 each. Restaurants are also encouraged to offer cocktail pairings to complement their dishes. Online registration is just $5 and includes the exclusive menu of available tastes and specialty cocktails, plus a ballot for the People’s Choice Award.
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
Bi-weekly throughout the summer, beginning June 11 and 25, 2021
Admission: $8 per person; includes snacks and one drink ticket
Lee-Fendall House Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
Staff members at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the beautiful Lee-Fendall gardens. With a different theme each night, test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history. Registration must be done in advance. Tickets include snacks and one complimentary drink. Additional drinks can be purchased at our bar. Teams are limited to 6 people, ages 21+ only. Attendees should wear face masks when not seated at their tables. Tables will be spaced to allow for social distancing. There will be weekly prizes for the winning team as well as a grand prize for the team that wins the most points over the entire summer.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Walking Tour of Civil War Alexandria
June 12, 2021, at 9 a.m.
Admission: $15 per person
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens, and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation. For your safety and for those around you, face masks are required. The tour is limited to 10 participants and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Walking tours take place rain or shine so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $15 per person. Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation (703) 548-1789 or [email protected].
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
June 12, July 10 and August 14, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking lot of 1900 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
703-915-2214
delrayvintageflea.com
Hosted monthly by Del Ray residents and businesswomen, Lauren Fisher, PsyD, and Amy Eggers, the market is held on the second Saturday of each month. The goal of the market is to give community members a chance to participate in a grass-roots event, either as shoppers or vendors, with vintage/antique/flea market items they are hoping to sell or acquire. Items for sale range from vintage and like-new clothing to housewares, sports memorabilia, child and baby items, artwork and more. A wide variety of prices and items are represented.
“Tell Me Your Name” Tour at Carlyle House
June 18, 2021, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Join Carlyle House Historic Park staff for a tour focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and his plantations. The guided tour will explore the historical context of slavery in 18th century Alexandria and the importance of ongoing research efforts to connect with descendants. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID-procedures will be in place during this tour.
Under the Same Roof: Enslaved and Free Servants at the Lee-Fendall House
June 19, 2021, at 2 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
This Juneteenth, explore the Lee-Fendall House from the perspectives of the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked in the home as domestic servants, both before and after the Civil War. Hear the stories of how they built and shaped the Lee-Fendall House over the course of its history. For your safety and for those around you, face masks are required. The tour is limited to 8 participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person. Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation (703) 548-1789 or [email protected].
An American Celebration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
July 4, 2021, from 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 Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Salute the first commander-in-chief during Mount Vernon’s annual Independence Day event.
Summer Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
July 16 to 18, 2021, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: From $43 for members and $53 for general public; VIP tables are also available
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Join Mount Vernon for the attraction’s most popular event of the year. Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries.
Tea with Martha Washington at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
August 14, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Admission: $45 per person
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
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.
For a complete listing of activities, see visitalexandriava.com/summer.
ICYMIL Boeing Commits $50 Million to Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
2 Comments