Alexandria Events
Alexandria Headlines
Arts and Entertainment
The Alexandria Ballet
703-548-0035
Admission Charged
Known for its dance school and special performance for young audiences. The
45-minute version of "The Nutcracker" is a community favorite.
Call for schedule
Alexandria Citizen Band
Concerts
Market Square, 301 King St.,
703-883-4686
Admission Free
Fridays, June – August, 7:30 p.m.
Alexandria Symphony
Orchestra
703-845-8005
Admission Charged
For the past decade, Maestro Kim Allen Kluge's charismatic virtuosity has guided
the ASO through critically-acclaimed performances full of passion, power and
emotion.
Call for schedule
Lunch Bunch Concerts
Market Square, 301 King St.,
703-883-4686
Admission Free
Every Wednesday, June - August at 12:15 p.m.
Montgomery Park Concerts
Montgomery Park (Montgomery & Royal sts.),
703-883-4686
Admission Free
Wednesdays. June – July, 7:30 p.m., grass seating.
Music At Twilight
Concerts
Fort Ward Park amphitheater,
4301 W. Braddock Rd.,
703-/883-4686
Admission Free
A variety of musical
performances
Thursdays, June - August. A. Time varies: 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., call for
details
Rachel M. Schlesinger
Concert Hall and Arts Center
On the Northern Virginia Community College campus at 3001 N. Beauregard St.
703-/845-6156
Admission Charged
Brand-new, 1000-seat hall with wonderful acoustics is year-round site for
performances, including the acclaimed Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.
Call for schedule
The Birchmere
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
703-549-7500
Admission charged
Featuring the biggest names in country, folk and other musical varieties.
Call for schedule and list of performances
Theater
Old Town Theater
815 1/2 King St.,
703-683-8888
Admission Charged
Historic theatre that will feature live entertainment and movies for the family
and community.
Call for performance times
West End Dinner Theatre
4615 Duke Street,
703-/370-2500
Admission Charged
Offers fine dining and the best of Broadway on the largest dinner theatre stage in the area.
Call for list of performances and times
Parks and Recreation
Mount Vernon Forest
Trail
703-780-2000
Admission Free
This nature walk through George Washington's wilderness leads past mature Oak
and Hickory trees, past Holly and Laurel shrubs and features attractions such as
Washington's cobble quarry and a wooden footbridge over a 100-foot wide ravine.
Interpretive signs throughout the trail list fascinating facts about the woods
and wildlife.
Call for hours of operation.
Mount Vernon Trail
Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St.
Admission Free
With the river as your companion, walk, bike, or jog the 18.5-mile trail from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Along the way enjoy a view of the Potomac at Riverside Park, take a side trip to the Dyke Marsh wildlife habitat or visit Jones Point Park, which features a 19th-century lighthouse. Beyond Alexandria, you can view the Washington skyline from Gravelly Point and the Navy-Marine Memorial depicting gulls in flight over a wave.
Potomac Heritage Trail
Pick up a brochure at the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St.
Admission Free
Explore Northern Virginia's heritage by following the Potomac Heritage National
Scenic Trail. The trail includes historic sites such as Mount Vernon, Civil War
sites, waterways, scenic vistas and more.
Virginia Civil War Trails
Stop by the Ramsay House
Visitors Center, 221 King St., for a free brochure.
The Virginia Civil War Trails is a state-wide system of over 200 authentic Civil
War sites divided into five regions, and linked by a combination of driving,
biking and walking trails. Alexandria is the first city to become an official
site and is part of the Northern Virginia Trail.
Cameron Run Regional Park
4001 Eisenhower Ave.,
703-960-0767
Family fun! This park offers something for everyone - waterslide, wave pool, lap pool, batting cages and miniature golf.
Call for hours and dates of operation as they vary per venue and season.
Events
January
The Holidays at Mount Vernon
703-780-2000
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
The Washington’s' seasonal entertaining is authentically interpreted daily,
including Christmas Day and New Year's Day; the rarely seen third floor is open,
and ginger cookies and hot cider are served around the bonfire near a replica of
a Valley Forge military encampment.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Lee Birthday Celebration
703-548-1789
Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco
Celebrate the birthdays of Revolutionary War hero Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee
and his son, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Meet the guests of honor, tour the
home and enjoy live period music and refreshments.
2-4 p.m.
Call for exact dates
February
George Washington Birthday Celebration
703-991-4474
A city-wide celebration for Alexandria's favorite son.
Call for exact date and schedule
Ceremony Honoring the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
703-549-6670
Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. 11 a.m.
Admission Free
Ceremony held at the grave of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War.
Call for exact date and schedule
George Washington’s Farewell Address
703-991-4474
201 South Washington Street
Admission Free
A reenactment that has become an Alexandria tradition.
11 a.m. and 12 noon
Call for exact dates
George Washington Birthday Parade
703-991-4474
Admission Free
The largest parade honoring the first president and Alexandria's hometown hero
features marching bands, floats, military and reenactment units, Masonic groups,
equestrian entries, antique cars, and of course, George and Martha Washington
throughout Old Town Alexandria.
1 p.m.
Call for exact dates
March
Annual Needlework Exhibition
703-780-4000
Woodlawn Plantation, 9000 Richmond Hwy., Mount Vernon
Admission Charged
The largest and most prestigious needlework exhibit in the country. View amateur
and professional stitchery at the plantation George Washington gave to his
granddaughter, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis Lewis.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Call for exact dates
Annual Antiques in Alexandria
703-548-7469
Episcopal High School, Flippin Field House, 3901 W. Braddock Rd.
Admission Charged
Features 60 dealers from around the country and includes early American furniture
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call for exact dates
.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade
703/ 237-2199
The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at King and West sts and proceeds east on King to N. Fairfax.
Admission Free
Join the festivities throughout Old Town, including the Fun Dog Show at 10:30 a.m. at Market Square, and Classic Car Competition, also at 10:30 a.m. on N. Royal and Pitt streets.
April
Family Easter Egg Hunt
703-548-1789
Garden of the historic Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street.
Admission Charge for children, adults free
Children of all ages invited to look for colorful eggs in the garden of the
historic Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St.
Hunt begins promptly at 1 p.m. (Canceled in case of inclement weather.)
Call for exact date
Annual Historic Garden Tour of Alexandria
703-549-2289
This tour features seven privately-owned Old Town homes and gardens, one
historic church and four historic properties.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for exact date
Mount Vernon’s Annual Gardening Days
703-780-2000
Admission Free
The estate's annual garden sale, including plants grown from historic cuttings,
plus this is the only time the Orangerie, Washington's greenhouse, is open to
the public.
Call for exact dates and hours
Annual Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
703-836-2176
301 King St.
Admission Free
More than 70 crafters display wares including painted clothing, stained glass, watercolors, jewelry, pottery and more at Market Square.
Open 1-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. with live music from 1 to 4.
Call for exact dates
May
Lantern Tours
703-838-4242
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Admission Charged
These popular candlelight tours, offered Friday nights, focus on tavern life in
the 18th century.
Call for exact dates and hours
Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival
703-883-4686
Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd
Admission Free
Performers include the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, Yvonne Johnson, Doc Dikeman Big Band, Al Williams and the Village Jazz Band.
1-8 p.m.
Call for exact date
June
Civil War Camp Day
703-838-4848
Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road
Admission Charged
Living history program featuring Union and Confederate reenactors and civilian
interpreters. This late-war event features camp scenes, children's games, period
music, vignettes, firing demos and tours of the fort.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call for exact date
Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront
703-549-8300
Oronoco Bay Park, Union and Madison Streets
Admission Charged
Jazz, rock & roll and oldies, visiting tall ships, living history exhibits, children's events, arts & crafts, and concession stands
6-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 10
a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Call for exact date
June-October 2005
Doggie Happy Hour
703-549-6080
480 King St.
Admission Free
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., meet two- and four-legged friends
in the courtyard of the Holiday Inn. Select eats, treats and drinks for all.
Call for exact dates
July
USA & Alexandria Birthday Celebration
703-883-4686
Bay Park, Union and Madison Streets
Admission Free
Celebration starts at 4 p.m. with a festival saluting Alexandria's ethnic
diversity at 4 p.m. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents 'Swinging on the
Waterfront,' a salute to Big Bands with swing dancers at 9 p.m. Grand finale
with "1812 Overture" and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Call for exact date
Annual Virginia Scottish Games
703-912-1943
Episcopal High School, 3901 W. Braddock Rd
Admission Charged
Alexandria celebrates its rich Scottish heritage with one of the nation's
largest exhibitions of Scottish culture. See the Retreat Parade featuring
bagpipe bands, Highland dancing with hundreds of competitors, a British antique
auto show, dog events, clan tents, concession stands and the kirkin o' the
tartans church service
Call for exact date and times
August
Tavern Day at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
703-838-4242
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St.
Admission Free
A day of tavern life with displays, activities and programs.
Noon-4:30 p.m.
Call for exact date
Carlyle Housewarming
703-549-2997
Carlyle House Museum and Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.
Admission Free
Music, refreshments and costumed interpreters bring Carlyle House alive, recalling when John Carlyle and his bride Sarah Fairfax moved into their newly built mansion in 1753.
Noon-4:30 p.m. August 1-15, 2004
Call for exact date
Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival
703-838-4994
107 S. Alfred St.
Admission Free
See antique fire-fighting equipment, crafts, displays and live music with special treats for children.
Call for exact dates and hours
September
Alexandria Festival of the Arts
703-838-5005
King Street, "Old Town" Historic District.
Admission Free
Join more than 150 local and nationally known artists for this two day, outdoor
art festival featuring paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glassware, photography and
more!
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Annual Tour of Historic Alexandria Homes
703-683-5544
Old Town
Admission Charged
Tour some of the city's most beautifully restored and decorated homes.
10a.m.-3 p.m.
Call for exact dates
18th-Century Fair at Mount Vernon
703-780-2000
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Admission Free
Several juried artisans demonstrate their crafts and sell their wares, with Colonial music, a variety of entertainment, including fire-eaters and grave robbers, and hearty food. George Washington's 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call for exact dates
October
Art on the Avenue
703-683-3100
Mount Vernon Avenue
Admission Free
Multicultural arts festival celebrating diversity through the arts in the Potomac West community. Artists and artisans of all kinds discuss their work and demonstrate. Also features tastings from restaurants and musical performances.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Alexandria Arts Safari
703-838-4565
Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St
Admission Free
Art demonstrations, lots of hand-on activities for children and adults as well
as architectural and archeological tours. This family event celebrates the
diversity and creativity in Alexandria
Call for exact dates and hours
Fall Harvest Family Days
703-780-2000
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Admission Charged
Harvest celebration with dancing, blacksmithing, wagon rides, bake sale and free
pumpkin for children under age 11.
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Historic Hauntings – “Nights of Lost Souls”
703-838-4242
Admission Charged
The historic sites around Alexandria's Market Square are haunted! From 7-10 p.m. brave these sites, if you dare.
Call for exact dates
November
Historic Alexandria Antiques Show and Sale
703-549-5811
Holiday Inn & Suites, 625 First St.
Admission Charged
Features dealers from around the country with a preview party.
Noon-8 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; noon-5.p.m. Sun
Call for exact dates
Mount Vernon By Candlelight
703-780-2000
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens.
Admission Charged
Learn about the Washington's Christmas traditions, meet historic characters and
tour the home by candlelight, including the rarely seen third floor.
5-9 pm.
Call for exact dates
December
Holidays at Mount Vernon
703-780-2000
Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Admission Charged
The Washington’s' seasonal entertaining is authentically interpreted daily,
including Christmas Day and New Year's Day; the rarely-seen third floor is open,
and ginger cookies and hot cider are served around the bonfire near a replica of
a Valley Forge military encampment. George.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Plantation Christmas and Family Holiday Buffet
703-550-9220
Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton.
Admission Charged
Celebrate the season with a tour of the candle-lit house, cider by the glowing
fire, open-hearth cooking demonstrations, and carriage rides. Buffet of Yuletide
fare also available.
6-10 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Annual Campagna Center’s Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
703-549-0111
Old Town Alexandria
Admission Charged
Parade honors Alexandria's Scottish heritage with more than 100 Scottish clans
dressed in tartans and playing bagpipes, living history reenactment units, dog
clubs and antique cars. Other Christmas Walk activities include sale of greens
and heather, musical performances, children's events
Call for exact dates
Annual Campagna Center’s Designer Tour of Homes
703-549-0111
Old Town Alexandria.
Admission Charged
Features six charming, architecturally interesting homes decorated for the holidays.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Annual Holiday Parade of Boats
703-838-5005
Alexandria Marina at the foot of Cameron St., behind the Torpedo Factory 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Admission Free
Alexandria's harbor lights up when more than 50 brightly lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City's historic waterfront.
Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m.
Call for exact dates
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
703/838-4994.
Admission Charged
Enjoy the warmth and beauty of the holiday season at five festively decorated historic sites in Old Town Alexandria. Tours are self-guided and highlight the social, musical and sentimental aspects of the holidays in 18th and 19th century Alexandria. Light refreshments served; trolley available between sites. Sunday is family day!
Call for exact dates and hours
Christmas in Camp Open House
703-838-4848
Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road
Admission Charged
Learn how the holiday was observed during the Civil War with living history
interpreters, period music and light refreshments. Victorian decorating ideas
demonstrated at 11 a.m.
1 - 4 p.m.
Call for exact dates
First Night Alexandria
703-838-5005
King and Washington streets and throughout Old Town
Admission Charged
Non-alcoholic, family-oriented New Year's celebration with music, performing
arts and fireworks at midnight.
6 p.m.- midnight
Call for exact date
