12th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale Features Record Number of Stores
ALEXANDRIA, VA-One of the longest running seasonal summer shopping events returns to the D.C. region’s Shop Small destination for independent boutiques, Alexandria, Virginia, with the annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale happening Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15, 2021, throughout Old Town and Del Ray. The event features record participation with more than 70 Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise plus activations on King Street and in Del Ray, social media giveaways, free parking at four garages in Old Town and more.
Shoppers are invited to follow the map of participating stores to stroll outdoors along Alexandria’s red brick sidewalks for end-of-summer savings from locally owned boutiques. Maps will be posted online the week of the event and are also available for pickup at the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street. New this year, the 700-1100 blocks of King Street will be closed to cars, allowing pedestrian-only access to the event, and an information tent at the corner of King and Fayette streets will offer maps, bottled water and more.
Explore local items ranging from fashion and jewelry to home decor, culinary goods and environmentally friendly products for your everyday needs. Check out new Sidewalk Sale participants, including Goldfinch, Harambee Books & Artworks, Kate & Lo (pop-up boutique), Lilly Pulitzer, Mason & Greens, Mint Collective and RocketFizz Alexandria.
Alexandria Sidewalk Sale is led by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria, Old Town Boutique District, Old Town Business Association, Old Town North and Del Ray Business Association.
Free Parking at City Garages in Old Town
The City of Alexandria will provide free parking at four garages in Old Town (locations listed below) on both Saturday and Sunday; street parking is always free in Del Ray.
- Courthouse Square Parking Garage – 111 S. Pitt Street
- Market Square Parking Garage– 108 N. Fairfax Street
- USP Parking Garage – 220 N. Union Street
- Thompson’s Alley Parking Garage – 10 Thompsons Alley
Activations Along the King Street Mile
Enjoy pop-up jazz music from the Yellow Door Concert Series Youth Ensemble at the 1000 Block of King Street on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. On Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m., shop around while listening to tunes blending influences of rock, jazz, folk and soul from local singer-songwriter Dan Barry.
Head down to the unit block of King Street at the waterfront to check out a pop-up from The Art League featuring handmade ceramic bowls and small prints for sale. Ice cream bowl purchases include a certificate for a free ice cream from Kilwins at 212 King Street.
Peach-Themed Happenings in Del Ray
In Del Ray, items ranging from children and maternity consignment and seasonal dog toys to bargain books and farmers market goods will tempt shoppers from around the region. This year, embrace Del Ray’s peach theme with participating stores adorned in peach décor, peach-themed specials at select nearby restaurants and more.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy special happenings at the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market, Salvation Army Carnival and Mt. Vernon Rec Center. Plus, check out a pop-up market in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head to VisitAlexandriaVA.com/SidewalkSale for more information.
Social Media Giveaways
Throughout the week of Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale, the Old Town Business Association will give out eight $30 gift certificates to local restaurants encouraging shoppers to “Lunch and Shop” throughout the weekend. Follow Old Town Business Association on Instagram at @oldtownbusiness and Facebook @oldtownbiz for giveaway details. Old Town Business Association and Old Town Boutique District have partnered on additional gift certificate giveaways – stay tuned for more details.
For more chances to win, follow Visit Alexandria on Instagram at @VisitAlexVA for a giveaway on Tuesday, August 10. One random winner will be selected win a $250 gift certificate to a participating Sidewalk Sale boutique.
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