Around Town

Alexandria’s ‘Make in Public Day’ returns to showcase local creativity

Alexandria is gearing up for its annual Make in Public Day on Sunday (June 8).

Make in Public Day is a vibrant, community-wide celebration of creativity and craft. Originally launched 16 years ago as a small local meet-up for World Wide Knit in Public Day, the event has grown into a beloved tradition that drew over 350 participants last year.

Makers of all kinds—knitters, crocheters, painters, potters, and more—are invited to bring their works-in-progress and create together in public.

This year’s event, which runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., will take place at two dedicated locations designed to inspire creativity, connection, and community, outside fibre space (1319 Prince Street) and at Market Square at City Hall (301 King Street).

  • Outside fibre space (200 block of Commerce St): This pedestrian-only zone will be transformed into a dynamic creative space. To honor World Pride Month, fibre space will launch a new monthly Queer Stitch Meet-Up and will also collect gently used hooks and needles for donation and reuse.

  • Market Square at City Hall: Experience hands-on art demos and family-friendly craft activities in partnership with the Mobile Art Lab, a traveling arts vehicle that brings visual and performing arts experiences to the public.

Everyone’s welcome to bring their projects, whether it’s knitting, crocheting, painting, or pottery. There’s no cost to join in.

Local businesses are getting in on the action too. Here are some highlights from around Old Town;

  • fibre space – Yarn and stitching-themed flash tattoos by Madison Street Tattoo

  • Bishop Boutique – Custom trucker hat making with Beatrix and Greta

  • MADE IN ALX Maker Faire – Live sketches, candle making, and interactive booths

  • Penny Post – Handwritten letter crafting (mailing included)

  • Pippin Toy Co – Story time and children’s craft activities

  • Wear Ever Jewelry – DIY jewelry making

  • The Pink Reef (Market Square) – Custom earrings created on-site by designer Janice Park

  • Mobile Art Lab (Market Square) – Family-friendly arts programming and live demos

  • Red Barn Mercantile – Glittery sangria and margaritas

Want more details about Alexandria Make in Public Day? Check out fibre space’s website at https://fibrespace.com/event/alexandria-make-in-public-day/.

fibre space Announces Alexandria Make in Public Day: A Colorful Celebration of Creativity to Celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day (via fibre space)

About the Author

  • Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].