Alexandria NewsCommunity ALertCommunity BriefsCommunity News Alexandria VirginiaCover StoryEvents CalendarFoodie BitesFoodie NewzLOCAL NewsPress ReleaseSlice of Life

Alexandria Community Cookouts Return for Spring and Summer

Free Events Bring Together Residents, City Resources and Family Activities Across Alexandria

policesheriffcookoutphoto
Community cookouts have become a major citywide community-building effort. And it’s free! Photo courtesy of the City of Alexandria website.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The City of Alexandria invites residents to attend one or more of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) Annual Community Cookout events taking place throughout the spring and summer.

These free family-friendly events offer residents an opportunity to connect with neighbors, city agencies and community organizations while enjoying food, games, activities and giveaways.

Representatives from Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) will also attend the cookouts to provide information and resources for families. School and department leaders will be available to answer questions and share how ACPS supports students throughout the year.

Community Cookout Schedule

May Events

  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Mason at Van Dorn Apartments, 140 South Van Dorn Street
    Rain date: May 14
  • Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Ruby Tucker Center, 300 block of Tancil Court
    Rain date: May 21
  • Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Brent Place Apartments, 375 S. Reynolds Street

June Events

  • Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Princess Square, 400 North West Street
    Rain date: June 4
  • Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street
    Rain date: June 11
  • Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Andrew Adkins, 1200 block of Wythe Street
    Rain date: June 18
  • Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Sinclaire on Seminary Apartments, formerly Southern Towers, 4900 Seminary Road
    Rain date: June 25

July Event

  • Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m.
    Casa Chirilagua, 4100 Mount Vernon Avenue
    Rain date: June 30

A Growing Community Tradition

The City of Alexandria community cookouts began as a small outreach effort led by two dedicated RPCA staff members seeking to increase program participation and engagement in underserved communities.

Since then, the initiative has grown into a major citywide community-building effort supported by the Office of the City Manager. More than 50 city agencies and nonprofit organizations now participate in the events, which have served more than 20,000 residents over the years.

Language and Accessibility Services

Reasonable disability accommodations are available by contacting Michael Johnson at [email protected] or calling 703-898-5115 (Virginia Relay 711).

Free interpretation and translation services are also available for residents who prefer communication in another language. Email [email protected] or call 703-746-3960.

The City of Alexandria and RPCA look forward to welcoming residents to this year’s community cookouts and continuing to strengthen connections across the community.

Jane Collins

Jane Hess Collins is a communications consultant and coach, and holds a masters’ degree in Public Relations & Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. She is the founder and executive director of Heard, an Alexandria-based nonprofit that teaches life skills disguised as art to underserved populations. She retired from the United States Air Force in 2009.

Related Articles

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Back to top button
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x