Good morning, Alexandria! 👋Today is Saturday, Aug. 2, the 214th day of 2025. There are 151 days left in the year.
⛈️ Today’s weather: Increasing clouds, with a high near 82 degrees. East wind 5 to 7 mph.
🚨 You need to know
Alexandria residents and visitors have plenty to choose from this weekend, with a packed schedule of outdoor markets, live entertainment, and unique community events spanning Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday kicks off early with both the Old Town Farmers Market at Market Square Plaza and the Del Ray Farmers Market at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square opening at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively. Shoppers can take advantage of the tax-free weekend at select Old Town boutiques while exploring the city’s vibrant market scene. The Friendship Firehouse Festival begins at 9 a.m., offering families a chance to explore local history while enjoying community festivities.
For those seeking active weekend plans, Saturday offers everything from Murphy’s Saturday Run at 8:30 a.m. to the “Pedals and Pints” experience at Handy Bikes starting at 10:30 a.m. Fitness enthusiasts can join “Fitness at the Brewery” at Aslin ALX, while pet lovers won’t want to miss the Carlyle House Family Fun Day pet fete at noon. The day concludes with Paddle DMV’s first annual glow paddle at Daingerfield Island at 8 p.m.
Sunday maintains the momentum with three farmers’ markets throughout the city, including the West End Farmers Market and Four Mile Run Farmers Market. Cultural highlights include Summer Sundays Chamber Music at the Lyceum by WMPA at 3 p.m., while families can enjoy arts and crafts activities at Hops N Shine. The weekend’s live music scene is particularly robust, with venues like the Birchmere, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub and Daniel O’Connell’s offering everything from Irish sessions to jazz trios.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, cultural experiences or simply want to enjoy Alexandria’s thriving food and music scene, this weekend delivers options for every interest and schedule. From sunrise farmers markets to late-night entertainment, Alexandria proves once again why it’s a premier destination for weekend adventures in the D.C. metro area.
See the full rundown of events, live music, and entertainment below.
📈 Friday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for July 31, 2025.
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- The Real Housewives of Potomac wraps production for Season 10 in Alexandria
- Alexandria police officer charged with reckless driving after pursuit collision
- Alexandria firefighters extinguish apartment fire on Sheffield Court
- Senator Warner introduces bill requiring ICE agents to identify themselves, remove masks during routine operations
- Alexandria extends Duke Street planning poll to Aug. 18
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 10:30 am Saturday: The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show
- 12:00 pm Saturday: Carlyle House Family Fun Day – Pet Fête
Saturday, August 2
Things To Do
- All Day: Tax Free Weekend at Select Old Town Boutiques
- 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.: Friendship Firehouse Festival at Friendship Firehouse Museum
- 10 a.m.: Fitness At The Brewery at Aslin ALX
- 10:30 a.m.: Pedals & Pints at Handy Bikes
- 10:30 a.m.: Orpheus Collar: Cartooning and Drawing Workshop at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library
- 12 p.m.: Carlyle House Family Fun Day – Pet Fête at Carlyle House
- 1 p.m.: Silent Reading Party at Hotel AKA Alexandria
- 8 p.m. Paddle DMV’s First Annual Glow Paddle at Daingerfield Island
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Live music at 9 p.m.
- Alexandria Bier Garden: Holding A Grudge at 9:30 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: David Andrew Smith at 9 p.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Irish Session at 1 p.m., David Thong Trio at 9:30 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: O.V Summer Sendoff at 7 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: Practically Einstein at 9 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: The Extraordinary Card Magic of Jason Ladanye at 7:30 p.m.
- The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 9 a.m.: Friendship Firehouse Festival
- 9:30 a.m.: Duke Street Land Use Plan Pop-Up
Sunday, August 3
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
- 1 p.m.: Kids Arts & Crafts at Hops N Shine
- 3 p.m.: Summer Sundays Chamber Music at the Lyceum by WMPA
Live Music & Entertainment
- 219 Restaurant: Live music at 9 p.m.
- Aslin ALX: Super Smash Bros. Tournament at 12 p.m.
- Blackwall Hitch: Black Coffee at 10:30 a.m.
- Daniel O’Connell’s: Brian Gaffney at 5 p.m.
- Galactic Panther Art Gallery: Open Mic at 7:30 p.m.
- Hops N Shine: Marvel Trivia Night at 5 p.m.
- Laporta’s Restaurant: Antonio James at 11:30 a.m., Walt Johnson Trio at 6 p.m.
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: O’McPub Band at 4 p.m., Rook Richards at 8:30 p.m.
- Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
- The Birchmere: Vincent Ingala & Lindsey Webster at 7:30 p.m.
City of Alexandria & Alexandria City Public Schools
- 2 p.m.: Family Day with Young Historians
