Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Thursday, June 19, the 170th day of 2025. There are 195 days left in the year. Today is Juneteenth.
⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m.. Increasing clouds, with a high near 94 degrees. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Showers and thunderstorms likely tonight, mainly before 9 p.m. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 66 degrees. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%—new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
🚨 You need to know
It was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the Civil War’s end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
The resulting Juneteenth holiday — its name combining “June” and “nineteenth” — has only grown in significance over the past one and a half centuries. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated it a federal holiday, expanding its recognition beyond Black America. A guide to what the Juneteenth holiday is.
What’s happening in Alexandria?
On Thursday (June 19), enjoy traditional African American storytelling and songs reflecting the journey toward freedom at the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Juneteenth Concert from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Market Square. Update: Due to forecasted rain, the concert has moved indoors and will now take place from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall (301 King Street).
Also on Thursday, head to the Juneteenth Celebration at The Athenaeum at 6 p.m. to discover the history of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, art, and poetry readings.
On Saturday (June 21), the Friends/Family of Douglass Cemetery are hosting a Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. at 1367-1463 Wilkes Street.
On Saturday (June 21), the NAACP Alexandria Branch, in partnership with the City of Alexandria, will host a Juneteenth Festival from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. This free family-friendly celebration will include live music, food vendors, cultural exhibits, and activities for all ages.
The following tours and museums also have some special programming in honor of Juneteenth.
- Reserve your spot for Specialty Tours: Tell Me Your Name at Carlyle House on Thursday (June 19), focusing on the experiences of the enslaved community at Carlyle House and its 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 minutes of powerful stories on board an Alexandria Black History Bus Tour from Manumission Tour Company on Saturday (June 21).
What else you should know
✍️ Alexandria School Board Chair Michelle Rief responded Wednesday to the stinging letter from the PTSA of Alexandria City High School laying out “serious concerns” with Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt and the school system’s central office.
🚧 Alexandria is preparing to replace the old sewer pipes on the 500 block of South Lee Street. The project aims to boost capacity and prevent backups by replacing existing 6-inch and 8-inch pipes with larger 10-inch ones between Wilkes and Gibbon streets. During the upgrade, the Wilkes Street Tunnel will close briefly.
🏆 The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is set to launch its annual Best in Business Awards, introducing a notable change to its beloved categories. This year, the “Micro Business of the Year” will be a distinct award, celebrating businesses with one to five employees for their exceptional contributions to Alexandria. Applications due August 8th Click To Nominate a Business or apply now via Digital Submission.
🥯 ICYMI: Have your say in who serves up the best bagels in Alexandria.
📈 Wednesday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for June 18, 2025.
- Development of Robinson Terminal North, the last open area on the waterfront, gets green light
- Poll: The best bagel shop in Alexandria
- Suspect out on bond after allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting women at Alexandria Metro stations
- School Board Chair says Alexandria needs to figure out if single-principal model for Alexandria City High School is working
- Alexandria City High School PTSA has ‘serious concerns’ with Superintendent and ACPS Central Office
📅 Upcoming events
Here’s what’s happening today in Alexandria, as per our event calendar.
Things To Do
- 10:30 a.m.: Specialty Tours: Tell Me Your Name at Carlyle House Historic Park
- 1 p.m.: Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Juneteenth Concert at Market Square
- 4 p.m.: Cider & Stems at Petal’s Edge
- 6 p.m.: Happy Hour Concert Series at Carlyle Crossing: Cathy Ponton King at Carlyle Crossing
- 6 p.m.: Nepenthe Gallery Presents A Curated Expo of Original Art by Five Local Artists at Nepenthe Gallery
- 6 p.m.: Juneteenth Celebration at The Athenaeum
- 6:30 p.m.: Book Swap & Sip (With Cats) at Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Mike Kelley & Friends at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Open Mic Comedy Night at 7 p.m., Trivia at 7:30 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Ken Kilpatrick Trio at 6 p.m.
- Lena’s: Dave Manley and Mauro Miranda at 6 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Murphy’s Pub: Pat Carroll at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessys Pub: Thrash Thursday Jam at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- Rosemont Cellar: Sleeper Car at 6 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Tower of Power at 7:30 p.m.
- The Little Theatre of Alexandria: The Play That Goes Wrong at 8 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings
- All-Day: City Offices Closed Juneteenth Holiday
- 1 p.m.: Juneteenth Revels Concert
