What’s Happening in Alexandria This Summer?
Visit Alexandria releases schedule with tons of fun events. There's Alexandria's birthday, the Art Walk, and so much more!
ALEXANDRIA, VA – It may not seem like it yet because of the weather, but summer is almost here. Yes, that’s right. Summer fun is about a month away! Visit Alexandria, the city’s tourism bureau, just released their annual listing of summer events taking place in Alexandria. And there’s a lot happening. So take a look! [EDITOR’S NOTE: Event summaries written by Visit Alexandria.]
Featured Summer Events
Portside in Old Town Summer Festival
Fri. and Sat., June 17 and 18, 2022
Time: 6 to 9 p.m., Fri., June 17; 1 to 9 p.m., Sat., June 18
Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314
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.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Summerfest
June 10 to 12, 2022, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $48 for general public; $40 for members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
703-780-2000
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.
Independence Fireworks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
June 24 to 25, 2022, from 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 Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
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 is by guided tour only. This event features performances by the National Concert Band and The Fifes & Drums of Yorktown.
USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration
July 9, 2022, from 6 to 9:45 p.m.
Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314
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
Potomac Paddle Club Booze Cruises
Select Thursdays and Fridays through October 7, 2022
Admission: $75 per person
107 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
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.
King & Rye’s Cocktail Garden
Open through Summer 2022
King & Rye, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-842-2761
kingandrye.com
The seasonal cocktail garden in King & Rye’s courtyard has returned. The redesigned space at The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, features lounge areas, intimate dining spaces, fire pits, and a summer music series. The garden features a special cocktail program curated by General Manager and Executive Bourbon Steward Allison Strunk highlighting a variety of spirits infused with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Old Town Art Walk
May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15 and October 20, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Old Town Alexandria and explore the fine art and studio crafts found in art galleries and boutique shops on the third Thursday of each month, May to October. The stroll is a great activity after an early dinner, or before enjoying a meal at one of Old Town Alexandria’s restaurants. The Old Town Art Walk is presented by the Old Town Business Association.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Walking Tour of Civil War Alexandria
May 28 and June 11, 2022, 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, covering the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation.
First Thursdays in Del Ray
June 2, July 7 and August 4, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301
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.
Lives Worth Celebrating: Stories of Resilience, Rebellion and Freedom at Lee-Fendall House
June 3 to November 13, 2022
Admission: $7 per person
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
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 of free and enslaved African Americans who worked at the Lee-Fendall House. Part 1: “Freedom” will launch this 3-part exhibit which will delve into stories of rebellion and resilience by enslaved people in America over the next two years.
13th Annual Taste of Del Ray
June 3 to 5, 2022
Admission: $5 per person
Various restaurants in Del Ray, Alexandria, VA 22301
visitdelray.com
Top area restaurants are slated to participate in the 13th Annual Taste of Del Ray, a delicious competition where each venue offers a special $5 taste at their restaurant. Taste of Del Ray weekend kicks off with a VIP reception on June 2 featuring wine and unlimited tastes from top Del Ray restaurants. VIP tickets are $50 per person; for more information, visit visitdelray.com.
Interpreting the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon
June 3, 2022, at 7 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person
Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
Join in this talk and learn about various ways of interpreting the enslaved people at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Learn about the different techniques, the challenges and future goals. The talk will be given by Jeremy Ray, the Director of Interpretation at Mount Vernon.
Summer at The Little Theatre Alexandria
June 4 to 25, 2022, and July 23 to August 13, 2022
Admission: $21 to $24 per person
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-5778
This summer, The Little Theatre Alexandria has two exciting shows planned. From June 4 to 25, the theatre will perform “Prelude to a Kiss,” a different kind of fairy tale that is a celebration of life and love. From July 23 to August 13, patrons can enjoy “Something Rotten,” a Tony-award nominated musical farce that’s more fun and festive than a trip to the Renaissance Faire.
Free Yoga in the Fresh Air in Old Town North
June 5 and 19, July 10 and 24, from 10 to 11 a.m., and August 14, 2022, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park Gazebo, 901 North Royal St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
901 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
571-218-2161
Start your day with a burst of energy from this all-level al fresco yoga class offered on select Sundays throughout the summer.
Trivia Nights at Historic Sites
June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19, 2022, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $8
Lee-Fendall House Museum & 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 gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history.
Registration must be done in advance. Limited capacity so register early!Tickets include snacks and one complimentary drink. Additional drinks can be purchased at our bar. Teams are limited to 6 people, ages 21+ only. Each trivia night will have a different theme, ranging from literature to horror to 1990s. 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.
The Late Shift: ALX Pride at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
June 10, 2022, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
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.
7th Annual Well Ray Festival
June 11, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Mount Vernon Ave, from Hume St. to Raymond St. and the Mount Vernon Recreational Center, Alexandria, VA 22301
The Del Ray Business Association will host its 7th Annual Well Ray Festival on Saturday, June 11 in the heart of Del Ray from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family and pet-friendly event will include more than 100 health and lifestyle-inspired vendors offering demos and sample treatments such as health screens, massages, acupuncture, physical therapy, nutritional assessments, and reiki energy treatments.
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour with Carlyle House
June 11 and July 16, 2022, 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 the various architectural 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 one and a half-hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.
Workshops on the Waterfront
June 18, July 16 and August 20, 2022, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
Enjoy a free workshop or live demo with a Torpedo Factory Art Center artist at the Waterfront entrance of the Art Center. There will be a different project every third Saturday of the month from April to October.
Juneteenth at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
June 19, 2022, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
America’s second Independence Day is a time to celebrate, reflect, and learn about the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a celebration of freedom, and also an opportunity to deepen our awareness of the nation’s legacy of systemic racism and oppression. Join artists at the Art Center for a shared community space in the Grand Hall to create artistic messages with your loved ones.
Junior Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Sunday from June 19 to September 4, 2022
Admission: $5 per adult; $3 per child (ages 5 to 12) and free for city residents
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
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, June 19 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.
Music at the Market at Old Town North
June 16, July 21 and August 18, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park, 901 N Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
The Old Town North Community Partnership, with support from NOTICe, The Old Town North Alliance and local businesses and residents, present Music at the Market on the third Thursday of the month throughout the summer. Head to the Old Town North Farmer’s and Artisans Market to browse, pick up a bite and picnic in the park while soaking in great live music. Rain dates are June 23, July 28 and September 8.
The Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
June 25, 2022, from 3 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Market Square, 300 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
volunteeralexandria.org/arts-and-crafts-festival
Volunteer Alexandria is thrilled to implement the popular Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, June 25th at Market Square featuring local and regional artists and crafters who showcase their pieces across various mediums, including pottery, stationery, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more.
Growing Pride at The Garden
June 26, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
The Garden at Building Momentum, 5380 Eisenhower Ave. Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22304
703-566-9000
Growing Pride at The Garden is back for its second year celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride on Saturday, June 26th. This family-friendly event is Alexandria’s largest Pride celebration. It will feature 15 local LGBTQ+ makers and allies, local food trucks, live music and crafting at The Garden ALX.
An American Celebration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
July 4, 2022, 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/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.
9th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl hosted by Port City Brewing Company
July 9, 2022, 2 to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations throughout Old Town, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-797-2739
This popular event is returning to the original live and in-person format for 2022. Visit eight of Port City’s top bars and restaurants in Old Town, enjoy their daily specials and stamp your pass at each stop. Then turn in your completed pass for this year’s Pub Crawl Pint Glass.
“The Quanders” with Rohulamin Quander at Lee-Fendall House
July 9, 2022, at 6 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1789
leefendallhouse.org
Join us for an evening with Rohulamin Quander, founder of the Quander Historical and Educational Society, as he discusses his book The Quanders – Since 1684: An Enduring African America Family Legacy, which introduces stories that constitute the Quander Family legacy as one of the oldest consistently documented African American families in the United States.
Taste of Art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
July 17, 2022, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $15 to $50 per person
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
Cool off inside Torpedo Factory Art Center, then surprise your taste buds with delicious masterpieces from local food truck vendors, breweries, and culinary arts partners as we pair studio artists with culinary artistry. Plus: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a special Torpedo-inspired dessert inside the Art Center at the Waterfront, along with iced coffee and tasty beverages.
The Science Behind Harry Potter Specialty Tours at the Apothecary Museum
July 31, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tours offered every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour; last tour starts at 8 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3852
In honor of Harry’s birthday on July 31st, the Apothecary Museum is offering a special guided tour for families (and adults who missed their Hogwarts letter) that will explore the old Apothecary and the historic Muggle medicines that inspired the Herbology and Potions of Harry’s wizarding world.
Friendship Firehouse Festival
August 6, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person; free for city residents
Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-3891
alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse
Head to the 100 block of South Alfred Street to celebrate Friendship’s 248th year. Visit the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum, learn about fire safety today and in centuries past, and see City firefighting equipment up close. There will be displays by community organizations, local vendors, and food and beverages available. Children receive free Friendship fire hats.
The Late Shift: Sidewalk Art Party at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
August 12, 2022, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
Find early discounts and specials in select studios throughout the building on the eve of the 2022 Alexandria Sidewalk Sale, discover new art to love with a visit to Artist Row, featuring local artists from across the DMV and take part in the massive sidewalk chalk mural party on the steps and sidewalk along the Union Street side of Torpedo Factory Art Center. Rain location will be inside the Grand Hall.
Bands and Brews Summer Bar Crawl
August 20, 2022, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
Various locations along Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
Del Ray’s annual summer bar crawl features live music, food and drink specials at 15+ restaurants, trolley transportation, and more. For more details and tickets, visit visitdelray.com.
Around the World Cultural Festival
August 27, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314
facebook.com/events/AroundTheWorldCulturalFestival
The Around the World Cultural Festival takes attendees on a day trip around the world and present you the cuisine, culture and traditions of over 40 countries participating at the event held in the expansive Oronoco Bay Park.
See even more events by visiting visitalexandria.com/Summer.
(Feature photo: Sam Kittner for Visit Alexandria)
