This week brings Alexandria’s biggest celebration of the year as the city marks its 276th birthday alongside America’s 249th on Saturday, July 12 at Oronoco Bay Park. The free waterfront event features the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, fireworks at 9:30 p.m., and birthday cupcakes distributed by City Council members.
The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with DJ Geena Marie, followed by Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Alexandria Poet Laureate Maria Cristina Donoso at 7:30 p.m. The evening builds to a grand finale with fireworks and ceremonial cannons by the Presidential Salute Battery. Port City Brewing will sell craft beer on-site, while food trucks line Pendleton Street and local vendors showcase their wares in a curated arts area.
The week launches with the opening of Milk & Honey, replacing Hen Quarter on King Street on Monday. Tuesday brings the unveiling of Alexandria’s 2025 Health Report at a community event, while Thursday features a free summer concert by the City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums on Market Square at 7:45 p.m.
Beyond the birthday bash, Alexandria offers a packed week of activities, including animal encounters at the Armstrong Recreation Center, a foam party at Burke Branch Library, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at The Birchmere, and the popular Old Town and Del Ray Farmers Markets on Saturday morning. The weekend concludes with chamber music at the Lyceum on Sunday and live music venues throughout the city hosting a range of performances, from jazz trios to rock bands.
Whether you’re looking for family fun, cultural events, or nightlife, Alexandria delivers a full slate of activities leading up to and following the city’s birthday celebration.
Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.
Monday, July 7
Milk & Honey to replace Hen Quarter on King Street, opens July 7
Things To Do
- 5:30 p.m.: Avenue Ambition – Crafting Your Creative Career at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 5:30 p.m.: Family Game Night! – Let’s have a gaming adventure! at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 6:30 p.m.: Joggers & Lagers at Port City Brewing Company
- 6:30 p.m.: Yoga At The Library – with Human Kind Yoga Collective at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 7 p.m.: Diversity Book Club – “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Alexie via Zoom
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Just For Fun at 9 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Traditional Irish Music Session at 7 p.m.
- Del Ray Pizzeria: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Jim West at 6 p.m.
- Mason Social: Rook Richards at 5 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Colby Sard at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 5 p.m.: Visit Alexandria
- 7 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Human Rights -Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 8
Notes: Alexandria to unveil 2025 Health Report at community event Tuesday
Things To Do
- 10:15 a.m.: Fables and Fun at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- 2 p.m.: Animal Encounters: Amazing Adaptations with Bar C Ranch at Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreational Center
- 4 p.m.: The Magic of Drew Blue Shoes at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 7 p.m.: BeerYoga at Port City Brewing Company
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Justin Gillen Trio at 9 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 6 p.m.
- Lena’s: Adrian Duke Project at 6 p.m.
- Lost Dog Cafe: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Trivia at 8 p.m., Pete Baker at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Trivia at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Garden: Trivia at 7 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 3 p.m.: Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission
- 6:30 p.m.: Community Health Assessment Release Event
- 7 p.m.: Personal Finance and Career Building Workshops
- 7 p.m.: Commission for Women Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, July 9
Things To Do
- 2 p.m.: Foam Party at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 3:30 p.m.: Mystery Book Club – “Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies” by Catherine Mack via Zoom
- 5 p.m.: Animal Encounters: Fur, Feathers, and Scales at Charles e. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 5:30 p.m.: Federal Workers and Unions: Virginia Happy Hour at Lost Boy Cider
- 6 p.m.: Danish Stars Workshop with Made in ALX at Port City Brewing Co.
- 6:30 p.m.: Sushi & Cider at Lost Boy Cider
- 7 p.m.: Run Club at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- 7 p.m.: Date & Game at Aslin ALX
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Bill Pappas Project at 9 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 at 6 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: Big Ba Voodoo Daddy at 7:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 8 a.m.: Historic Restoration and Preservation Commission
- 8 a.m.: Special ARHA Board Meeting
- 10 a..m.: Medicare 101 Presentation
- 11 a.m.: COA Virtual Job Fair
- 6 p.m.: Community Cookout Andrew Adkins Public Housing Com
- 7 p.m.: ACPD Monthly Meeting
Thursday, July 10
Notes: Free Summer Concert Series features City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums
Things To Do
- 11 a.m.: Kaydee Puppets at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 2 p.m.: American Style Mahjong – Learn and Play at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 6 p.m.: Curated Exhibit of Artworks by Female Artists at Nepenthe Gallery
- 6 p.m.: Duncan Literary Society – Not Your Average Book Club at The Company of Books
- 6 p.m.: Happy Hour Concert Series at Carlyle Crossing: La Unica
- 7:45 p.m.: City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums Concert on Market Square
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Mike Kelley & Friends at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Trivia at 7:30 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Augie’s Mussel House: Live music at 5 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Rap Is Poetry Open Mic Night at 8 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Trivia at 6:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Ken Kilpatrick Trio at 6 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Murphy’s Pub: Pat Garvey at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Thrash Thursday featuring Kavlick and Holtfaction at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 8:45 a.m.: Fire and Police Officers Pension Plan Board Meet
- 8:45 a.m.: Supplemental Retirement Plan Pension Board
- 7 p.m.: Beautification Commission Meeting
- 7 p.m.: Colonial Ave Sewer Design Update Community Meeting
- 7:45 p.m.: Alexandria Pipes and Drums Summer Concert
Friday, July 11
Things To Do
- 11 a.m.: Double Beer Release: Essential Haze & German Pilsner at Port City Brewing Company
- 6:30 p.m.: Friday Night O’Connell’s Run at Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant
- 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at Historic Sites at Lee-Fendall House Museum
- 8:30 p.m.: Outdoor Movie Night at Alexandria Free Methodist Church
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Myles Deep at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Broken Ground at 9:30 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Giggle Monster Comedy Showcase at 8 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: DeadEye Stare at 9 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Jason Hibler Duo at 9:30 p.m.
- Flipside Speakeasy: Karaoke at 8 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider: DC Ambiance at 7 p.m., Trivia at 7 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Pat Garvey at 9 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Kingpin at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Lauren Canyon: Golden Songs of Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse: The Darts (DMV) at 9:30 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- No public meetings or events are scheduled.
Saturday, July 12
FIREWORKS: Celebrate Alexandria’s birthday on the waterfront on July 12
Things To Do
- 7 a.m.: Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza
- 8 a.m.: Del Ray Farmers’ Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square
- 8:30 a.m.: Murphy’s Saturday Run at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- 9 a.m.: Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market in Del Ray
- 10 a.m.: Fitness At The Brewery at Aslin ALX
- 10 a.m.: Trash Trekkers – Burke Branch Walking and Litter Pickup Club at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- 10:30 a.m.: Handy Bikes & Port City Brewing present Pedals & Pints at Handy Bikes
- 11 a.m.: Trash Trekkers – Burke Branch Walking and Litter Pickup Club at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- 1 p.m.: Lecture: Fashion History of the Carlyle’s 18th Century at Carlyle House Historic Park
- 2 p.m.: Coffee Fest at Beeliner Diner
- 4 p.m.: The Intuitive Ink Market at Crooked Beat Records
- 6 p.m.: Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration at Oronoco Bay Park
- 6:30 p.m.: Succulent & Sangria Workshop at PlantHouse
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Rich Russman at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Too Much Feedback at 9:30 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Black Coffee at 9 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Portrait of Nigeria: Paintings by Kelani Fatai & Samuel Ukpahi Foreversammy at 8 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Sharon Clark Trio at 7 p.m.
- Makeda Restaurant: Negussie & Nani at 10 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Pat Garvey at 9 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Model Citizen, 11 Ounces, and mantagonist at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Classic Stones Live at 7:30 p.m.
- The Light Horse: Broken Ground at 9 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 10 a.m.: Specialty Tour: Hamilton’s BFF & Frenemies
- 10 a.m.: Storytime for Little Historians
- 5 p.m.: Apothecary Night Shift
- 6 p.m.: Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration
Sunday, July 13
Things To Do
- 8:30 a.m.: West End Farmers Market at 4800 Brenman Park
- 9 a.m.: Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market at Four Mile Run Park
- 11 a.m.: Candle Making Workshop at Made in ALX
- 3 p.m.: Summer Sundays Chamber Music at the Lyceum by WMPA
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Kev Powe Thang at 9 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Black Coffee at 10:30 a.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Bobby Reed at 5 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Open Mic at 7:30 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Steve Ragsdale at 11:30 a.m., Walt Johnson Trio at 6 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: Jason Hibler at 4 p.m., Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
- O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 2 p.m.: Family Day with Young Historians
