News

The annual Wear Orange rally against gun violence will be held at a new location in Alexandria on Friday (June 5).

The Moms Demand Action Alexandria is hosting the rally at John Carlyle Square Park (300 John Carlyle Street) due to the City Hall and Market Square renovation project. Friday is also Gun Violence Prevention Day, and the annual rally is part of Wear Orange Weekend. Hundreds of similar events will be held throughout the country, including in neighboring Arlington,


News

After a raccoon that later tested positive for rabies came into contact with a dog and its owner in Potomac Yard, the Alexandria Health Department is urging caution around wildlife.

The health department said the raccoon was aggressive when it had contact with the dog around E. Glebe Road in Potomac Yard on May 23. The dog’s owner was also potentially exposed while relocating the dog to a safe area. Officials say the dog and owner are safe, and the dog is being monitored for symptoms.


News

Alexandria’s median apartment rental cost is up 3.7% since the start of the year and stands about 3.6% higher than the metro area’s median costs, according to new data.

The city’s median apartment rental cost of $2,239 in May — $2,050 for one-bedroom units and $2,518 for two bedrooms — was up 0.6% from April, another sign that the market ramped up as winter gave way to spring.


News

Reminder on Housing 2040 Review by Planning Commission Tuesday — “The Office of Housing is pleased to announce the release of the Draft Housing 2040 Plan for public review. The Draft Plan will be heard by the Planning Commission as part of the June 2, 2026 docket.” [City of Alexandria]

I-395 Road Work This Week — “Heads up! Crews will be at work along the I-395 ramp and eastbound Duke Street from June 1-5 to conduct site surveys. Mobile single-lane closures may occur while work is underway between 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.” [Alexandria T&ES/X]


News

Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — May 29, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting (1006 views)
  2. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to have $1 scoops at Old Town opening in June (667 views)
  3. Poll: The best outdoor dining spot in Alexandria (592 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Fresh Market’s Alexandria store is staying put as other N. Va. location closes (8162 views)
  2. JUST IN: Jury finds Alexandria man guilty of manslaughter in West End shooting (3133 views)
  3. Alexandria kicks off World Cup welcome with Croatian cultural celebration at Waterfront Park (3017 views)
  4. UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in Taylor Run (2706 views)
  5. Former VP of Alexandria firm indicted for allegedly embezzling $4.5M (2661 views)
  6. Increased building heights, more housing areas considered in Duke Street Land Use Plan (1478 views)
  7. Holland Lane overhaul brings two-way bike lanes, traffic calming to Carlyle neighborhood (1432 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect sunny conditions with a high around 72°F, along with a north wind blowing at 13 to 15 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 52°F and a lighter north wind ranging from 3 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
– George Eliot

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!


Around Town

The last weekend of May brings a variety of activities, from spring markets to the city’s D-Day tribute.

Shoppers can check out the Carlyle Crossing Spring Hue Market Friday and Volunteer Alexandria and Made in ALX Arts & Crafts Fairs Sunday. Foodies will get a chance Saturday to try Little Birdie before it opens in Del Ray later in June.


News

The Hotel Heron in Old Town wants to add live DJ entertainment at its rooftop restaurant, according to a plan going before the Planning Commission next week.

The 134-room boutique hotel at 699 Prince Street, near the intersection with S. Washington Street, opened in 2024 and is owned by the Aparium Hotel Group. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Good Fortune, opened soon after, and now the hotel owners are asking the city to approve DJ and live music Thursday to Sunday nights.


Around Town

Just in time for the hot summer months, Old Town’s ice cream scene continues to expand with the arrival of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

The New York City-based ice cream brand has announced it will hold a grand opening on Thursday, June 18 for its new shop at 400 King Street. Customers can receive celebratory $1 scoops from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on opening day, and the first 100 guests will get a branded tote bag.


Opinion

Picturesque waterfront seating, lively sidewalk dining and spacious outdoor patios present a range of options at restaurants around Alexandria. Whether you’re grabbing small bites, drinks or a full brunch or dinner, these outdoor dining options are great to enjoy with companions.

Here are the nominees for “Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to outdoor dining spot? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Florist in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing Service in Alexandria. The results are now official:

  1. Mr Wash Car Wash
  2. Mr. Xtractor Auto Detailing
  3. Yates Car Wash & Detail Center