Notes: Alexandria shines a spotlight on Black history and culture with Juneteenth festivities and more

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 84 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around six mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low of around 62 degrees. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.

🚨 You need to know

Visit Alexandria, the city’s tourism organization, is inviting the public to explore Alexandria’s Black history and cultural experiences, including upcoming Juneteenth tours and celebrations, museum experiences, and Black-owned businesses in June.

Juneteenth Celebrations

• On June 19, enjoy traditional African American storytelling and songs reflecting the journey toward freedom at the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Juneteenth Concert at Market Square then head to Juneteenth Celebration @ The Athenaeum to discover the history of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, art, and poetry readings.
• Keep the celebration going on June 21 and celebrate African American heritage through music, storytelling, food, and family fun at the Juneteenth Festival at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.

Tours and Museums

• Reserve your spot for Specialty Tours: Tell Me Your Name at Carlyle House on June 19, focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and his plantations.
• Head to Mount Vernon between June 19-21 to take part in Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth, remembering how enslaved people resisted enslavement and sought freedom before the Emancipation Proclamation.
• Ride through 90 mins of powerful stories on board an Alexandria Black History Bus Tour from Manumission Tour Company on June 21.

Black-Owned Businesses

• 1799 Prime Steak and Seafood: Dine at this steakhouse, owned by a member of one of the oldest documented African American families.
• Café du Soleil: Relax and enjoy coffee, pastries and classic French-style dishes at two Old Town locations.
• AR Workshop: This DIY craft studio offers hands-on classes for creating custom home décor.
• Explore more Black-owned businesses here.

Learn more and explore all events and happenings at VisitAlexandria.com/BlackHistory and VisitAlexandria.com/Juneteenth.

Here’s what else you need to know

🔥 On this day in 1897, a large fire broke out at Herbert Bryant’s fertilizer mill on the Strand. According to the City of Alexandria, “it spread quickly, destroying Bryant’s warehouse, Pioneer Mills and the Old Dominion Boat Club, and numerous other buildings and wharves along The Strand from Duke to Prince Streets. Read More

❌ Several streets in Old Town were temporarily blocked or closed last night due to downed live power lines. According to Alexandria Police, the streets included S Pitt & Prince, King & Pitt, St Asaph & Prince, Royal & Prince, and Pitt & Duke.

🎤 The City of Alexandria invites you to share your thoughts on proposed safety improvements near Alexandria City High School on King Street. They’re hosting an open house tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

🆕 Chipotle Mexican Grill will open their new location in the Bradlee Shopping Center (3672 King Street) today.

👉 Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins will join ALXnow for a live one-on-one virtual video conversation on Monday, June 9, at 4 p.m. Have a question for the Mayor? Ask it here.

🗓️ Break out that calendar and plan your week and weekend. Here’s what’s happening in Alexandria for events, civic meetings, and entertainment.

📈 Monday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for June 2, 2025.

1. Alexandria Police arrest suspect in Metro station assaults
2. DHS removes ‘Sanctuary Jurisdiction’ list, which included Alexandria, from its website
3. Alexandria to unveil improvements at Hooffs Run Interceptor and African American Heritage Park

📅 Upcoming events

Here’s what’s happening today in Alexandria, as per our newsletter.

Things To Do

• 10 a.m.: Sunshine Readers – An outside book club at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
• 2 p.m.: Pokemon GO Club at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
• 7 p.m.: Beer Yoga at Port City Brewing

Live Music & Entertainment

• 219 Restaurant: Justin Gillen Trio at 9 p.m.
• Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
• Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
• Lena’s: Indigo Combo at 6 p.m.
• Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8:15 p.m., Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
• Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
• Sonoma Cellar: Sleeper Car at 7 p.m.
• The Birchmere: Steve Earle and Zandi Holup at 7:30 p.m.

City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings

• 6 p.m.: King Street (near ACHS) Open House
• 6:30 p.m.: ACPS Operational Excellence Committee Meeting
• 7 p.m.: Arts Commission Executive Committee Meeting

Here’s a complete look at what’s happening this week and weekend.

Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.