News

Notes: Eisenhower Partnership announces 2nd annual Rock the Avenue Block Party

Good morning, Alexandria! πŸ‘‹ Today is Monday, Sept. 8, the 251st day of 2025. There are 114 days left in the year.

β˜€οΈ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 75 degrees. North wind around 7 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Clear tonight, with a low of around 54 degrees. Light north wind.

🚨 You need to know

Eisenhower Partnership Announces 2nd Annual Rock The Ave Block Party at Carlyle Crossing (Credit: Eisenhower Partnership)

The Eisenhower Partnership is gearing up to host its second annual Rock the Avenue Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at Carlyle Crossing Plaza on Mandeville Lane. The free, family-friendly event promises to showcase the growing vibrancy of Alexandria’s Eisenhower Corridor with live music, local vendors, community organizations, and activities for children.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration, the block party has quickly established itself as a signature community event that brings together neighbors, families, and visitors from across the region. The partnership with Carlyle Crossing, a luxury apartment community in the heart of the corridor, reflects the collaborative spirit that has made the Eisenhower area one of Alexandria’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

“Rock the Avenue underscores our mission to foster a stronger, more connected neighborhood,” said organizers from the Eisenhower Partnership. The event serves as both a celebration of community and a showcase for the continued transformation of the Eisenhower Valley into what organizers describe as a “vibrant, connected urban community.”

The Eisenhower Partnership represents a unique collaborative network that includes residents, businesses, developers, and public officials working together to drive growth in the area. Through events like Rock the Avenue, the organization continues its work of connecting residents with local businesses while highlighting new developments and amenities that are reshaping this corner of Alexandria.

Community members can follow @eisenhowerpartnership and @carlylecrossing on Instagram for updates about the Sept. 20 celebration and other upcoming events in the Eisenhower Corridor.

What else to know

Eastbound Duke Street closed after rollover crashΒ – A single-vehicle rollover accident closed eastbound Duke Street in the 1600 block Sunday morning, resulting in minor injuries to the driver.

Regional coverage:Β WJLA reports on rollover crash that shut down Duke StreetΒ – “Rollover crash shuts down Duke Street in Alexandria, minor injuries reported.”

Community safety:Β Today marks 988 Day of Remembrance and Action. TheΒ Alexandria Police Department shared a reminderΒ that help is available for those struggling with mental health challenges – dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Election reminder:Β Virginia’s General and Special Election is November 4, 2025, featuring races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Virginia House of Delegates, and local offices. Key deadlines: Register to vote or update registration by October 24; early in-person voting runs September 19 through November 1; apply for mailed ballot through October 24. More info at elections.virginia.gov.

Del Ray real estate:Β “The Duchess of Del Ray” is for sale for the first time in 25 yearsΒ at 2100 Mount Vernon Ave. The $3.995 million property includes the Anne Welsh Salon, Welsh Wood Working Shop, and sits on 5 commercial lots with architectural plans for additional development.

The weekend brought weather-related postponements and several incidents around the city.Β Rain forced postponement of Alexandria’s Chalk-A-Block festival, while Sunday morning saw anΒ eastbound Duke Street closure after a rollover crashΒ and aΒ water main break that shut down N. Beauregard Street.

This week,Β Alexandria City Council will vote on permanent closure of the 200 block of King StreetΒ Tuesday, and the city is seekingΒ public feedback on plans for West End transit hub. Coming up,Β Taste of Old Town North returns Wednesday, Sept. 18Β with food and music at Montgomery Park, while Saturday, Sept. 20 brings theΒ Tons of Trucks event to Chinquapin ParkΒ andΒ vintage cars on display at the Lyceum.

πŸ“ˆ Sunday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Sept. 7, 2025.

  1. Federal agents spotted in Alexandria’s Arlandria neighborhood FridayΒ (3,420 views)
  2. 8 affordable units available via lottery at new luxury condo building in Old Town NorthΒ (2,131 views)
  3. Alexandria police investigate death on W. Braddock RoadΒ (1,530 views)
  4. Eastbound Duke Street closed after rollover crashΒ (1,381 views)
  5. Alexandria City Council to vote on permanent closure of 200 block of King StreetΒ (1,074 views)

πŸ“… Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Things To Do

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

Live Music & Entertainment

  • 219 Restaurant:Β Just For FunΒ at 9 p.m.
  • Augie’s Mussel House:Β Live music at 5 p.m.
  • Daniel O’Connell’s:Β Traditional Irish Music Session at 7 p.m.
  • Del Ray Pizzeria:Β Trivia at 7 p.m.
  • Laporta’s Restaurant:Β Jim WestΒ at 6 p.m.
  • Mason Social:Β Rook Richards at 5 p.m.
  • Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub:Β Colby SardΒ at 8:30 p.m.
  • O’Shaughnessy’s Pub:Β Karaoke at 9 p.m.
  • Rock It Grill:Β Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.

City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings

  • 7 a.m.Β Old Town Pool opens
  • 4 p.m.Β Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility opens
  • 5 p.m.Β Visit Alexandria Executive Committee Meeting (277 S Washington St #210)
  • 6 p.m.Β Housing 2040 Community MeetingΒ at Minnie Howard Campus (3775 W Braddock Road) – Community feedback on draft recommendations for Tenant Rights and Resources and Homeowner Programs
  • 6 p.m.Β ACPS Strategy & Accountability CommitteeΒ (Virtual via Zoom)
  • 7 p.m.Β Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee (In-person meeting)
  • 7 p.m.Β Human Rights Commission Executive Committee Meeting
  • 7 p.m.Β Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing
  • Alexandria Cable TV:Β Live coverage of city meetings on Channel 70

City Services Today:

  • City Government: Open
  • Flag Status: Full Staff
  • Trash Collection: On Time
  • Recycling Collection: On Time
  • Yard Waste Collection: On Time

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].