Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Wednesday, Sept. 24, the 267th day of 2025. There are 98 days left in the year.
⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82°F. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. A chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, mainly after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69°F. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
🚨 You need to know
History enthusiasts and cycling aficionados will have the opportunity to explore Alexandria’s canal heritage during a guided biking tour Saturday that traces the city’s connection to Washington D.C.’s 19th-century waterway system. The LocktoberfestDC tour, starting at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Montgomery Street and North Pitt Street in Old Town, will showcase how Alexandria benefited from joining the capital’s canal network.
The 13-mile journey begins at restored Lock 1, where the Alexandria Canal met the Potomac River, before exploring the historic locations of Locks 2, 3, and 4. Participants will see interpretive signs and remnants of the old canal system while riding north toward Georgetown along a path that mimics the original canal route. A highlight of the tour includes viewing the location of the aqueduct that carried canal boats over Four Mile Run and the remnants of the historic Alexandria Aqueduct Bridge, hidden in plain sight near today’s Key Bridge.
From 1843 to 1886, canal boats crossed the Potomac River from Virginia to Georgetown to enter the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, and tour participants will experience this historic connection firsthand. The route includes stops at C&O Canal Mile 0, the ruins of Tide Lock A, and the Lockkeeper’s House, where a docent will explain the massive U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project that created West Potomac Park and East Potomac Park over the historic canal extension.
The 3 hour and 45 minute tour concludes with an optional Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebration at Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is part of LocktoberfestDC 2025, a series of free guided walking and biking tours celebrating the three major canals that served 19th-century Washington. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and doors open at 10:45 a.m. for the Saturday event.
Those interested in Alexandria’s canal history can also attend Tavern Games Night at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring a presentation and pub trivia about the Alexandria Canal and commerce. The $10 event includes tavern games and takes place in the historic ballroom at 134 N. Royal St. Tickets are available online.
(Credit: LocktoberfestDC)
What else to know
Faith Leaders Hold Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Community (WTOP) – Faith leaders and community members gathered in Alexandria Tuesday evening to show support for immigrant families amid escalation of federal immigration enforcement. The vigil addressed growing fears in the community, with participants expressing concerns about potential impacts on local families.
Housing 2040 Feedback Opportunity – The community is invited to provide feedback on two important Housing 2040 projects and revised draft Housing 2040 Principles and Goals. Deadlines approach quickly: Landlord Tenant Rights and Resources feedback is due September 25 (comment form), while Homeowner Programs and Resources (comment form) and Revised Principles and Goals (comment form) feedback is due October 19.
Sign Up for New EcoAmbassadors Program – EcoAmbassadors is a new climate and energy-centered volunteer training program starting Fall 2025, bringing together volunteers passionate about helping neighbors commit to activities that make homes and neighborhoods healthier. Training focuses on reducing energy use, home electrification, eco-friendly transportation, and waste minimization. The program costs $110 (free for students, with need-based waivers available) and is open to volunteers ages 16+. Application deadline is October 1. Contact [email protected] or visit ecoactionarlington.org/
Cleaning Products Conference Takes Over Alexandria – Wipe away your plans—the Cleaning Products US conference is here in Alexandria this week! The two-day event at Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria features sessions like “Clothes Minded – A New Wrinkle in Washing” and “Holy Sheet – Innovation in Laundry Sheets.” How could you miss it?
Also in today’s news: 532 Yoga finds permanent home in Old Town North Arts District after operating from a pop-up space since April. Kingstowne burglary suspects’ vehicle was found in Alexandria with stolen goods and sophisticated burglary tools including Wi-Fi jammers. DASH says it doesn’t ‘expressly prohibit’ hiring sex offenders amid school board safety concerns over student transport. Civil War cannons will fire at Fort Ward Saturday during Artillery Day demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📈 Tuesday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Sep 24, 2025.
- Family seeks funeral funds for Alexandria man killed in Woodlawn shooting (Ryan Belmore)
- Metro service restored after ‘trespasser’ struck by train in Alexandria (Ryan Belmore)
- Springfield man killed in I-395 crash after vehicle struck at high speed (Ryan Belmore)
- Virginia State Police seek help finding family of man with possible Alexandria ties found dead in Colorado (Ryan Belmore)
- Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak adjust schedules to accommodate Long Bridge Project (Ryan Belmore)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 10:00 am: Learn the facts about plastic recycling!
- 7:00 pm: Tannahill Weavers in Concert at the Lyceum
- 7:00 pm: Join the Salute to 9/11 Runners’ Run for Remembrance Shanksville-DC-NYC
Things To Do
- 10 a.m. – Learn the facts about plastic recycling! at Oswald Durant Center
- 10:30 a.m. – Stitcher’s Space – Sew, quilt, knit, crochet at Burke Branch Library
- 10:30 a.m. – 1s and 2s Time at Beatley Central Library
- 11 a.m. – Just Babies (0-12 months) at Barrett Branch Library
- 11:30 a.m. – 1s and 2s Time at Beatley Central Library
- 2 p.m. – Film Series – “Waiting for Dali” at Burke Branch Library
- 5 p.m. – Spitfire Book Club (K-3rd grade) at Duncan Branch Library
- 5:30 p.m. – English Language Learning Workshop at Beatley Central Library
- 6 p.m. – September Sewing – Zenkis! (ages 8-18) at Beatley Central Library
- 6 p.m. – DIY Velvet Pumpkins (Adults Only) at Duncan Branch Library
- 6:30 p.m. – Author Talk at Elaine’s Restaurant
- 6:30 p.m. – Sushi & Cider: Intro to the Art of Sushi Making at Lost Boy Cider
- 6:30 p.m. – Opening Event: Determined Exhibit – The 400 Year Struggle for Black Equality at Barrett Branch
- 6:45 p.m. – English Language Learning Classes at Duncan Branch Library
- 7 p.m. – Tannahill Weavers in Concert at the Lyceum
- 7 p.m. – Join the Salute to 9/11 Runners’ Run for Remembrance at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- 7 p.m. – Romance Book Club (Virtual)
- Future Forward: A Night at Academic Building One at Virginia Tech
Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant – James Bazen at 9 p.m.
- Aslin ALX – Cooking Class at 6:30 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House & Beer Garden – Live music at 5 p.m.
- Evening Star Cafe – Mantis at 8:30 p.m.
- Hops N Shine – Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant – Steve Ragsdale at 6 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider – Sushi & Cider: Intro to the Art of Sushi Making at 6:30 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub – Kenny Kohlhaas 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 – The Robert Cray Band at 7:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse – Trivia at 7 p.m.
City Information & Meetings
- City Government: OPEN
- Flag Status: FULL STAFF
- Trash Collection: ON TIME
- Recycling Collection: ON TIME Yard Waste Collection: ON TIME
City Meetings & Events:
- 6 a.m. – Chinquapin Open
- 11 a.m. – VIRTUAL: Public Health Advisory Commission (PHAC)
- 2 p.m. – Alex Community, Policy & Management Team (ACPMT) Regular Monthly Meeting
- 4 p.m. – Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility Open
- 6 p.m. – Naming Committee Meeting of the Alexandria City Council
- 6 p.m. – Food Frontiers Film Screening (hunger awareness event – wear orange, bring shelf-stable food donations for ALIVE!)
ACPS Meetings & Events:
- Regular school day – all ACPS schools open
Alexandria City High School Sports:
- 4 p.m. – Golf: Coed Varsity vs West Potomac High School at Army Navy Country Club, Arlington
- 5 p.m. – Field Hockey: Coed Freshman vs Wakefield High School at Alexandria City High School
- 6 p.m. – Field Hockey: JV vs Wakefield High School at Minnie Howard Campus
- 7 p.m. – Volleyball: Boys Varsity vs George C. Marshall High School at Minnie Howard Campus
- 7:30 p.m. – Field Hockey: Coed Varsity vs Wakefield High School at Minnie Howard Campus
