ALEXANDRIA, VA-As milder weather boosts moods and blossoms brighten spirits, springtime events abound in Alexandria, Virginia, located minutes from Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River and recognized by Travel + Leisure among the Best Cities in the U.S. 2023 and a Condé Nast Traveler Best Small City in the U.S. 2023. Spring brings fresh happenings including a new waterfront public art installation, Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact), and time-honored favorites like the annual Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Gardens Tour, part of the 91st Historic Garden Week in Virginia, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. Plus, four-legged friends can take part in the spring festivities with the 2nd Annual Del Ray Dog Fest and the ALX Dog Walk, featuring a new Sustainability Festival. Plus, cherry blossom tours and offerings abound during one of Alexandria’s most beautiful seasons.
For more spring events and activities in Alexandria, see the listings below and learn more at VisitAlexandria.com/Spring.
Top Spring Events & Happenings
The Ballyshaners 41st Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 2, 2024, beginning at 12:15 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parade begins at King and Alfred Streets, Alexandria, VA 22314
ballyshaners.org/parade
Every year, Alexandria boasts the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the D.C. area. At the Ballyshaners 41st Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, enjoy pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups, and a host of other performers and entertainment. The parade officially starts at the corner of King Street and (From Alfred to Asaph) Street at 12:30 p.m., with dignitaries leading the procession at 12:15 pm. The parade proceeds east on King Street, finishing at the corner of (From Lee and Cameron Streets to Fairfax and Cameron Streets). View the full schedule and parade route at ballyshaners.org/parade.
March150 Art Party and Exhibition
Event: March 2, 2024, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Exhibition: March 3 to 30, 2024
Admission: Free
Gallery at Canal Center, 11 Canal Center Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
Torpedo Factory Art Center’s annual special exhibition and art sale returns with proceeds supporting free community programs at the Art Center. This year’s party and exhibition are at a new location – the new premiere Gallery at Canal Center (11 Canal Center) located on the river, north of the Art Center. This location is a new hub for cultural and artistic events in Alexandria. Experience a wide variety of art from local artists, each on an identical 10×10 wood panel. All works in this exhibition are priced at $150. The opening reception/art party is free and open to all. Jurors will announce their picks for “Best in Show” and participants can vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award. On the final day of the exhibition, all works will be on sale for $100.
Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria
March 16 to April 14, 2024 (subject to change when cherry blossoms are in bloom)
Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; special group times by appointment
Admission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders on cargo or tandem bikes)
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314
571-312-5168
pedegoalexandria.com
Join a three-hour guided tour from Old Town Alexandria to the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., including a ride through the blossoms around East Potomac Park. The views of the blossoms from a Pedego are fantastic, and you don’t have to fight traffic or find a place to park downtown. We anticipate tours running between March 16 and April 14, 2024, or whenever the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. Weekend tours fill up quickly, so make your reservations early through our online portal at pedegoalexandria.com or you can contact us at 571-312-5168 or [email protected]. Special group times are also available with advance reservations. Group tour sizes will be limited. Must be at least 14 years old to ride alone.
Water Taxi to The Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms
Daily, beginning March 20, 2024
Departures beginning at 1:30 p.m.; check website for details
Admission: Starting at $21 one-way; $37 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
citycruises.com
Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to enjoy the famous cherry blossoms. City Cruises Potomac Water Taxi offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf 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.
Temporary Waterfront Public Art Installation: Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact)
Spring to November 2024
Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
visitalexandriava.com/public-art
Coming this spring, Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact) will be unveiled as the sixth annual temporary public art installation at Waterfront Park, on display until November 2024 as part of the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town series. Created by Brooklyn-based, award-winning artist/architect duo Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of STUDIOKCA, the installation explores the impact of an asteroid that hit the earth 35 million years ago near what is now Alexandria. Interstellar Influencer uses metal, water and light to create a 1:1000 scale representation of the asteroid and the 85-kilometer wide, 1.5-kilometer-deep crater it left behind, that shaped the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed and the flow of water through its rivers and tributaries.
Del Ray Dog Fest
April 14, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Yappy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
George Washington Middle School Parking Lot, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
The 2nd Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 14 at the George Washington Middle School parking lot. This festival is dog-friendly and outdoors, rain or shine. After the event, enjoy a “Yappy Hour” for owners and pets at participating restaurants. The event benefits Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic, an incredible local rescue started in Del Ray that is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue made up of Australian Shepherd owners. Special thanks to the presenting sponsor, The Peele Group.
ALX Dog Walk and Sustainability Festival
April 20, 2024, from 7 to 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-717-3672
Walkers and dogs alike can enjoy a two-mile walk down historic Union Street and return to the park along the beautiful waterfront walk for the awards celebration of music, prizes, treats, kids’ activities, dog fun and much more. Each registered walker receives a goodie bag, packed with sustainable items, a t-shirt, one free raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes and a dog bandana. New this year, the event will include a Sustainability Festival, the first of its kind in the area, promoting sustainable living and shedding light on the critical issue of plastic pollution. The Sustainability Festival will feature 25 organizations showcasing sustainable products, services and programs.
91st Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Gardens Tour
April 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $55 per person
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Overlooking the Potomac River with views of our nation’s capital, Old Town Alexandria radiates charm while safeguarding its rich historic roots. In 1946, Alexandria was the third city in the country to establish a historic district to preserve its architectural heritage. This easy walking tour of Old Town Alexandria includes private townhomes and secluded gardens located along the tree lined streets of the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects within a short driving distance of the tour area—George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Green Spring Gardens. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.com.
PNC Parkway Classic
April 28, 2024; 5K begins at 7:30 a.m.; 10-miler begins at 8 a.m.; Kid’s Dash begins at 10:30 a.m.
Admission: $85 for 10-miler and $45 for 5K and $50 for both virtual races; $20 for Kid’s Dash
George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
Lace up your running shoes for the 2024 PNC Parkway Classic. The Parkway Classic 5K course starts and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street) with a scenic and one-of-a-kind course through historic Old Town, Alexandria. Meanwhile, the 10-miler starts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.) and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park with a scenic point-to-point course down the George Washington Memorial Parkway and through Old Town. The exciting 600-meter Kid’s Dash is designed for kids 12 and under (one parent is welcome to run alongside their little ones; no registration required). Each Dash participant will receive a special race bib and a finisher medal. There will be a limited number of Kid’s Dash spots, so register early.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 17 to 19, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Friday: $50 for members; $60 for non-members; Saturday: $54 for members; $64 for non-members; Sunday: $44 for members; $54 for non-members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Head to Mount Vernon for their most popular event of the year. Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy the live music of Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
200-400 blocks of King Street, and the 100 blocks of North Royal and North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community – history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style and energy. 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. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! and Community Lodgings.
ABOUT ALEXANDRIA, VA
Recognized by Travel + Leisure among the Best Cities in the U.S. 2023 and voted a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2023, Alexandria is a welcoming weekend escape on the Potomac River, minutes from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Explore vibrant neighborhoods beyond Old Town, trace George Washington and the Founding Fathers’ footsteps and follow the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history of Alexandria and the United States.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article had a typo in the dates for the Pedego Bike Tours. It has been fixed.
[SEE ALSO: Alexandria Welcomes Cherry Blossom Season With Various Events]
