Around Town

Notes: Alexandria celebrates final summer weekend with seasonal events, Oktoberfest

By Ryan Belmore
Oktoberfest at Atlas Brew Works (photo courtesy Atlas Brew Works)

Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Increasing clouds tonight, with a low around 64. East wind 5 to 7 mph.

🚨 You need to know

Alexandria residents and visitors have plenty of options this weekend, from traditional farmers markets to unique seasonal celebrations across the city.

Saturday kicks off with the weekly Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square Plaza at 7 a.m., followed by the Del Ray Farmers’ Market an hour later. Families looking for fall fun can head to the free Tons of Trucks event at Chinquapin Park starting at 10 a.m., or check out the Classic Car Show at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. The city’s Oktoberfest celebrations continue with events at multiple venues, including Atlas Alexandria Brewery & Tap Room and Alexandria Bier Garden, which features a stein holding competition at 4 p.m.

Pet owners can get an early start on Halloween festivities with “Pets & Pumpkins” photo sessions at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue beginning at 9 a.m. Art enthusiasts can browse the HalloWEIRD Art Market at Del Ray Artisans, while history buffs can take a Civil War walking tour starting at the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden at 10 a.m.

Sunday’s highlights include the West End Farmers Market at Brenman Park and the Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market, both offering local produce and handmade goods. Dog owners shouldn’t miss “Dogtoberfest” at Alexandria Bier Garden, featuring “brats, brews and barks” starting at 11 a.m. The weekend wraps up with unique offerings like “Tai Chi With Cats” at Mount Purrnon Cat Café & Wine Bar at 6 p.m.

Multiple venues throughout the city will feature live music both nights, from jazz brunches to karaoke nights, ensuring entertainment options for every musical taste.

See the full roundup of listings below.

📈 Friday’s most read

The following were the most-read ALXnow articles on Sept. 19, 2025:

  1. Former Alexandria City High swimmer Emil LaSida, 21, dies; held college records
  2. New farmers market opens Sept. 25 near King St.-Old Town Metro station
  3. Safety report highlights dangerous Alexandria intersections after 318 near-miss incidents
  4. Students voice strong opposition to DASH bus proposal in survey results
  5. Alexandria pastor’s Charlie Kirk comments lead this week’s top stories

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

  • 219 Restaurant – Bill Pappas Project at 9 p.m.
  • Alexandria Bier Garden – Stein Holding Competition + Saturday Night Party with DJs and live music from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
  • Blackwall Hitch – Jon Cresswell at 9 p.m.
  • Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant – Faraway and Bobby Reed at 9:30 p.m.
  • Galactic Panther Art Gallery – Attack of the Androids! Electric Grandmother + Bassmasters + Sable Drive at 8 p.m.
  • Hops N Shine – Karaoke Night 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 – Lenny Burridge at 4 p.m., Rook Richards at 9 p.m., The Muckers at 9 p.m.
  • Rock It Grill – Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
  • The Light Horse – Collective at 9:30 p.m.
  • The Study at Morrison House – Live Piano Music at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 21

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

  • 219 Restaurant – Kev Powe Thang at 9 p.m.
  • Alexandria Bier Garden – Dogtoberfest with Oktoberfest traditions from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Blackwall Hitch – Jazz Brunch with Black Coffee at 10:30 a.m.
  • Galactic Panther Art Gallery – ESP’s InterGalactic Open Mic at 8 p.m.
  • Hops N Shine – Star Wars Trivia at 5 p.m.
  • Laporta’s Restaurant – Steve Ragsdale at 11:30 a.m., Walt Johnson Trio at 6 p.m.
  • Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub – 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.
  • The Birchmere – Kathleen Edwards at 7:30 p.m.

About the Author

  • Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].