Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to Art on the Avenue

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria’s favorite multicultural arts festival, Art on the Avenue, returns this Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues.

This free, volunteer-run event brings together 350+ artists, four stages of live music, 30+ food vendors, children’s activities, and community fun. Voted Best Art Festival in Northern Virginia by Virginia Living, it’s one of the city’s signature fall traditions.

🎨 Festival Highlights

• 350+ artists from across the region

• Four live music stages with continuous performances

• 30+ food vendors featuring local restaurants and international cuisine

• Art demonstrations and free kids’ activities throughout the day

• Pie Baking Contest — with youth and adult competitions

• A vibrant community atmosphere in the heart of Del Ray

🚧 Street Closures

The 1900–2900 blocks of Mount Vernon Avenue will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4.

• Adjacent side streets will also be closed.

• Bus routes will detour to Commonwealth Avenue.

• Expect traffic delays and consider alternate routes.

(Related: See more seasonal events on Zebra’s Community Calendar)

🚍 Getting There

Parking in Del Ray will be scarce. Organizers recommend walking, biking, or public transit.

• Metro Access: Free trolleys from Braddock Road and Potomac Yard Metro stations.

• Bike Valet: Free, secure parking for bikes and scooters at:

  • Truist lot (Hume & Mt. Vernon Aves.)

  • Fire station (213 E. Windsor Ave.)

  • Register here

• DASH Bus: Always free to ride within Alexandria.

🐾 Can I Bring My Dog?

Del Ray loves dogs (there’s even a dog mural in the neighborhood!), but with the large crowds expected, organizers strongly recommend leaving pets at home for their comfort and safety.

🥧 How Do I Enter the Pie Baking Contest?

The beloved Pie Baking Contest returns with both youth and adult categories.

• Register at artontheavenue.org/pies

• Drop off pies between 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Pie Booth in front of The Dairy Godmother

• Judging begins at noon; slices will be sold afterward

• All proceeds benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse

🥕 Farmers’ Market Note

There will be no Del Ray Farmers’ Market or composting during the festival. For your Sunday market fix, head to the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market (4109 Mt. Vernon Ave.) from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

🙋 How Can I Volunteer?

Art on the Avenue is entirely volunteer-run. Neighbors and visitors alike are invited to pitch in:

• Sign up at linktr.ee/artontheavenue

• Volunteers help with setup, clean-up, information tents, and more

• Donations are also welcome to support the festival

ℹ️ Festival Help

Need assistance during the event? Each block has a block captain in a safety vest, and there’s an information tent on the 2300 block of Mount Vernon Avenue.

🎉 A Community Tradition

For nearly three decades, Art on the Avenue has celebrated Alexandria’s rich cultural diversity and creative spirit. With art, food, music, and neighbors coming together, it’s a festival that truly captures the heart of Del Ray.

👉 Learn more, see the schedule, and plan your visit at artontheavenue.org.

👉 Full details, schedule, and artist list: artontheavenue.org
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