A fireworks show tops the list of events happening around Alexandria for the city’s birthday weekend.
While many communities around the D.C. region held their fireworks last week, Alexandria’s event falls on the weekend after July 4. This year, Alexandria celebrates its 277th birthday and America’s 250th birthday. Alexandrians have the option to attend the full event with performances and vendors at Oronoco Bay Park or catch the fireworks in a less crowded spot.
While the fireworks event is the highlight of the weekend, there will also be Historic Alexandria events, markets and a lecture on women disguised as soldiers during the Civil War.
Here’s a guide to what’s going on around the city this weekend:
Conversational Tour: America250 – Who We Remember
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will host this conversational tour to reflect on who is remembered in history and why. Participants will be encouraged to make connections and reflect on the past and present. There will be an option to purchase water, soda, or locally crafted beer or hard cider at the event.
134 N. Royal Street
Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 11
The free party at Oronoco Bay Park includes music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Decades Band, remarks by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso, local vendors, cupcakes distributed by City Council members and a grand finale fireworks display over the Potomac River. Port City Brewing Company will sell its craft beer, and food trucks serving food and dessert will be located on Pendleton Street.
Other fireworks viewing locations include Canal Center Plaza, Rivergate Park, Founders Park, Waterfront Park, Point Lumley Park, Windmill Hill Park, Fords Landing boardwalk, Jones Point Park and George Washington Masonic Temple.
In the event of rain, fireworks would be rescheduled for Sunday, July 12.
100 Madison Street
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 Join the latest market to browse vintage furniture, antiques, handmade goods, clothing and more. The market is held on second Saturdays of each month.
1804 and 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue
Gustave Art & Craft Market
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 11
Browse art and gifts from local artisans at this market every second Saturday of the month. This month’s market celebrates America’s 250th birthday and Bastille Day. Children’s activities and local musicians are also in the mix.
2213 Mount Vernon Avenue
Moses Street Rededication
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 11
Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Genealogist Char Bah, Historic Alexandria Director Gretchen Bulova and a member of the Stevens family will provide remarks as the city rededicates Moses Street at the Alexandria Black History Museum. The street name will remain but will be rededicated for a Black church founder rather than the Confederate leader it was originally named for.
902 Wythe Street
Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies
When: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, July 11
Inspired by the musical Hamilton, this event will evaluate how Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison and Burr intersected at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. The discussion will look at issues they faced and how their choices affected local residents.
134 N. Royal Street
Del Ray Artisans Summer Art Market
When: Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12
This fifth annual indoor market will feature original handmade artwork by local artists. Each of the two days will feature different local artists showcasing a range of art types, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography and more.
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Disguised and Determined – Women Who Fought in the Civil War
When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, July 11
Tracey McIntire and Audrey Scanlan-Teller will lead a discussion on the hundreds of documented cases of women who fought disguised as men during the Civil War. The event takes place at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, which had once been a Union Army hospital.
614 Oronoco Street
Art in the Attic Pop Up Market
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, July 11
Shop handmade goods, art, prints, apparel and more from local artists to support the independent creative scene.
1012 Madison Street
Bastille Day at Bastille Brasserie & Bar
When: Saturday, July 11, Sunday, July 12 and Tuesday, July 14
Bastille Brasserie & Bar will celebrate Bastille Day with a special menu of seasonal French dishes, curated wines and cocktails.
606 N. Fayette Street
Specialty Tour: Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 12
Explore the darker side of the medicine in this one-hour tour at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. It will cover poisons, their historic uses at the apothecary, and what is known about them in the modern day.
105-107 S. Fairfax Street
