Good Thursday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers after 2 p.m. Sunny during the morning, then cloudy during the afternoon, with a high near 80 degrees. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 30%. A chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 p.m. Low around 58 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
🚨 You need to know
The much-anticipated Alexandria Economic Summit is set to commence later today (May 8th) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westin Alexandria (400 Courthouse Square).
This pivotal event, a collaboration between the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), aims to foster a community-wide conversation centered on the city’s economic vitality and future trajectory. Organizers and members of the City Council have said that the summit will play a crucial role in shaping a strategic framework and action plan designed to promote equitable economic development throughout Alexandria.
Attendees will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of current economic trends and their implications for Alexandria. The agenda features a panel discussion titled “Current Trends in Economic Development and Investment: Alexandria’s Opportunities,” moderated by Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies and including insights from Stephanie Jennings of CBRE and Meghan Welch of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Following this, TIP Strategies, represented by President Tracye McDaniel and consultants Jennifer Todd-Goynes and Mishka Parkins, will present key findings relevant to Alexandria’s economic landscape.
A highlight of the summit will be the keynote presentation by Kevin Kelley, a founding partner and principal of the nationally recognized strategy and design firm Shook Kelley. Kelley, author of “Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places that Bring People Together,” will share his extensive experience on how thoughtful planning and design can cultivate vibrant and resilient cities, offering inspiring perspectives for Alexandria’s next chapter.
The latter part of the summit will feature interactive breakout sessions, allowing participants to delve into specific areas such as place-based development, business retention and recruitment, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
The day will conclude with closing remarks and an outline of the following steps, solidifying the community’s collective path forward.
For more information and/or to register to attend, click here.
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📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s happening today in Alexandria.
Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.
Things To Do
- 11 a.m.: Silver Artisans – Zen Calligraphy at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 1:30 p.m.: Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion – “The Bandit Queens” by Parini Shroff at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 2 p.m.: American Style Mahjong – Learn and Play at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 3 p.m.: Alexandria Economic Summit at Westin Alexandria
- 5 p.m.: The Veil Tap Takeover at Lost Dog Cafe
- 6 p.m.: Nepenthe Gallery welcomes local artist, teacher and friend Judy Heiser at Nepenthe Gallery
- 6 p.m.: Coding Game Night at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 6 p.m.: Duncan Literary Society – Not Your Average Book Club at The Company of Books
- 6:30 p.m.: Boozy Bonsai Workshop at Planthouse
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Mike Kelley & Friends at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Trivia at 7:30 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Kenny Kohlhaas at 7 p.m.
- El Cuscatleco Restaurant: Line Dancing at 7 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Ken Kilpatrick Trio at 6 p.m.
- Lena’s: Artur Carneiro at 6 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Murphy’s Pub: Pat Garvey at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere Music Hall: Martin & Eliza Carthy at 7:30 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria
- 3 p.m.: Alexandria Economic Summit
- 3:30 p.m.: Commission on Aging Health Committee
- 4:30 p.m.: Commission on Aging
- 4:30 p.m.: 2025 Youth Spring Job Fair
- 6 p.m.: ACPS School Board Meeting
- 7 p.m.: Beautification Commission Meeting
- 7 p.m.: Seminary West Safety Impr
