As the second weekend of June arrives, Alexandria City Public Schools students are off for the summer and families will be heading out to enjoy events around the city and region.
Sails on the Potomac will coincide with ALX Jazz Fest from June 12-14 at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street). Highlights of the event include tall ship tours, fireworks, ALX Jazz Fest performances and the VA250 Mobile Museum.
There’s plenty more to enjoy, from Pride events to artisan markets and World Cup events.
Here’s a guide to what’s going on around the city this weekend:
Sails on the Potomac and 48th annual ALX Jazz Fest
When: 12-6 p.m. Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 14 and 12-9 p.m. Sunday, June 13
Sails on the Potomac is the city’s signature event for America250, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Free tours of four tall ships will be available from 12-6 p.m. on each of the three days. Attendees are encouraged to reserve free 30-minute timed tickets to visit the tall ships, and a walk-up line will also be available but won’t guarantee entry.
The featured tall ships include the Kalmar Nyckel, a full-size replica of a Swedish Navy warship and colonial vessel; the Sultana, a full-size replica of a Royal Navy schooner that played a role in tensions leading up to the American Revolution; the Providence, a replica of an early Continental Navy ship docked in Alexandria; and the Gazela, the largest oldest ship at the festival dating back to 1883 as a fishing vessel.
ALX Jazz Fest performances begin at noon each day, running until 6 p.m. on Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 14, and until 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 13.
Visitors can also catch fireworks on the waterfront at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Other festival activities include the 250th History Village and Outpost, the VA250 Mobile Museum from 12-6 p.m. each day, food and drink row and an arts area.
Visitors are encouraged to take the Metro to the King Street-Old Town or Eisenhower Avenue Metro stations. The free King Street Trolley is available from the King Street Metro daily, and free DASH shuttles will run every 30 minutes from the Eisenhower Avenue station to Union Street from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
More information on getting to the event, accessibility and tall ship tours is available on the city’s website.
Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street)
Still We Rise: A Broadway Cabaret to Celebrate America’s 250th
When: 8 p.m. Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 14
The Little Theatre of Alexandria will host this three-act musical reflecting the changing American experience from the country’s independence through its 250th year and its future. It features songs and arrangements from “Ragtime,” “Suffs,” and “Hamilton.”
600 Wolfe Street
Alexandria Soccer World Cup Watch Party
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 12
Join Alexandria Soccer for a World Cup Watch Party as the U.S. takes on Paraguay in its opening World Cup match. Attendees will be entered into the Alexandria Soccer Association Watch Party Raffle, with prizes like a limited-edition World Cup jersey. Proceeds will support ASA’s Acess4All Project, which provides financial aid, free after-school programs and safe places to play.
Piece Out (2419 Mount Vernon Avenue)
Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar: Tarot Readings With Cats
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 12
Play with cats while getting a tarot card reading. Tickets are $37.60.
109 S. Alfred Street
King & Rye PRIDE Drag Brunch
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 13
Celebrate Pride Month with a Southern brunch, Pride-inspired cocktails and drag performances by SAD Brunch. Tickets are $25 with a $25 food & beverage minimum at King & Rye.
480 King Street
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 13
This flea market is back with 70-plus vendors featuring vintage items, curated clothing, artisan goods, upcycled goods, vinyl and antiques. Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month.
Outside 1804, 1900 and 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue
Gustave Art & Craft Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 13
This market on the second Saturday of the month takes place at Gustave Boulangerie. June’s event will mark Father’s Day with gifts from local artisans and crafters, as well as have children’s activities and the World Cup with Gustave’s specialties. Singer-songwriter Chris Fotos performs before the World Cup viewing.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Shop the Checkers Boutique Week
When: Sunday, June 14 through Sunday, June 28
Old Town Boutiques will welcome the Croatian National Football Team with specials at participating retailers, such as displays special Croatian red-and-white checkerboard crest flags,Croatian-inspired décor, sip and shop promotions, match-day discounts, soccer-themed activities and Adriatic-inspired food experiences. Shoppers can receive a special “Goal Getter” tote bag with a purchase while supplies last.
Locations throughout Old Town
Pride in the West-End | Radiance Fest
When: 4-8 p.m. Sunday, June 14
Pride in the West End is back at Aslin Beer Company with local vendors, the LGBTQ+ community and partners. A free shuttle will run from local Metro stations.
847 S. Pickett Street
Junction Jam Lot Party
When: 12-4 p.m. Sunday, June 14
Junction Bistro, Bakery & Bar will host this summer block party with food and drink specials, a live DJ, pop-up vendors and outdoor games.
1508 Mount Vernon Avenue #1718
LIVE at the Lyceum: Alexandria Baroque Concert
When: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, June 14
Join the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association for the 36th Annual Summer Sundays Chamber Music Series. Featured performers are Michael De Sapio on baroque violin and John Armato on baroque lute, and the program includes Sonata in G Major for lute with violin by Bernard Joachim Hagen, Sonata in D Minor for lute with obbligato violin by Friedrich Wilhelm Rust, and Suite in A Major for lute and obbligato violin by J.S. Bach. Tickets are not required, but a $25 donation is suggested.
201 S. Washington Street
