Around Town | ALXnow

Alexandria celebrating 100 years of Black History Month with music, exhibits and more

Published February 3, 2026 at 1:15PM | Updated February 3, 2026 at 4:30PM

The Washington Revels perform "The Courage to Be" at the Alexandria Lyceum for Black History Month 2025 (via Washington Revels/Facebook)

Various events will honor Black history in Alexandria as this February marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month being nationally observed.

Founded in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is an observance to preserve and honor Black history as a month-long celebration. Alexandria has its own rich Black and African American history, dating back to 18th century free Black communities to the 19th century slave trading operations and Civil War, to the 1939 library sit-in protest and 2020 protests after George Floyd’s death.

Alexandria author releases book with stories she made for Charles Barrett Elementary students

By James Cullum

Published February 3, 2026 at 11:45AM

Seven Days of Sophie, a new book by Southerlyn Marino (staff photo by James Cullum)

A new children’s book from an Alexandria author is rekindling the stories she told local students during virtual storytimes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Seven Days of Sophie” by Southerlyn Marino captures a week in the life of Sophie, a lovable black-and-white French bulldog. Though Marino released the book at the Made In ALX store just last month, the stories are from five years ago, when she was asked to be a virtual mystery reader for her nephews’ class at Charles Barrett Elementary School.

Cafe in Del Ray makes Eater DC list of ’16 Best Coffee Shops Around D.C.’

By Katie Taranto

Published February 3, 2026 at 10:45AM | Updated February 3, 2026 at 4:06PM

Latte from Swing's Coffee (via Swings Coffee Roasters/Facebook)

Swing’s Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in the D.C. area, according to one ranking.

A new list from Eater DC lists the cafe in the top 16 coffee shops in the area, highlighting “the best drip java, pour-overs, and lattes in town.” The coffeehouse with historic local roots has two downtown D.C. shops and a flagship Del Ray roastery at 501 E. Monroe Avenue.

Port City Brewing Company will celebrate 15 years with new release, weekend festivities

By James Cullum

Published February 3, 2026 at 9:30AM

Port City Brewing Company (courtesy of Port City Brewing Company)

Port City Brewing Company is doing something special this weekend for its 15th anniversary.

The brewery and tasting room at 3950 Wheeler Avenue will host a two-day release party for its new Golden Rum Barrel-Aged Colossal Anniversary Ale, with “familiar notes of toffee, dried dark fruit, and subtle hop balance paired perfectively with the sweet vanilla, coconut, honey, and molasses flavors of the rum.”

AHD offering local business ‘Cupid Coupons’ to sexual and reproductive health patients

By James Cullum

Published February 2, 2026 at 2:45PM

Eliana Curated at 1003 King Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the Alexandria Health Department is partnering with a dozen local businesses to offer discounts customers who book a sexual or reproductive health appointment this month.

AHD is offering 5% “Cupid Coupons,” valid for up to $10 off at 12 local businesses to customers who book the appointments during the February Love Safely and Save promotion.

CVS Pharmacy shutters in Potomac Yard, leaving a dozen remaining Alexandria locations

By Emily Leayman

Published February 2, 2026 at 1:45PM

The CVS at 2601 Richmond Highway (via Google Maps)

CVS Pharmacy has closed a location in Potomac Yard, bringing the pharmacy’s locations within the City of Alexandria to 12.

CVS’ last day at 2601 Richmond Highway was Jan. 21, CVS spokesperson Roslyn Guarino confirmed to ALXnow. Prescriptions from the pharmacy have been transferred to the CVS Pharmacy at 415 E. Monroe Avenue in Del Ray, and employees were offered similar roles within the company.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Boone, a playful puppy ‘sure to bring sunshine to your life’

By Katie Taranto

Published January 30, 2026 at 8:15AM

Boone (courtesy of Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet Boone, a puppy from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who just experienced his first snow with his foster home as he awaits a forever family.

The 7-month-old Boone weighs about 32 pounds and still has some growing to do. He would love a buddy who can take him on walks or hikes and give him enriching activities, like food puzzles. He “is sure to bring sunshine to your life through his playful puppy energy,” wrote a volunteer at AWLA.

Alexandria couple starts campaign to provide medical debt relief in Northern Virginia

By Emily Leayman

Published January 29, 2026 at 2:45PM

Scott and Kara Pitek (courtesy of Kara Pitek)

As the cost of health care continues to be a nationwide issue, an Alexandria couple has launched a fundraiser to help regional residents burdened by medical debt.

Scott and Kara Pitek introduced the campaign through the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, which was established by former debt collectors to purchase and eliminate medical debt. Funds raised through the campaign will help residents facing medical debt in the City of Alexandria and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties.

Empty Bowls Alexandria returns next month amid increased demand for services

By Katie Taranto

Published January 29, 2026 at 1:45PM

Pottery bowls at Empty Bowls 2025 (via ALIVE!/Facebook)

The annual Empty Bowls Alexandria event is returning next month as host ALIVE! says demands for food, housing and emergency financial assistance are on the rise.

In its ninth year, the historically sold-out event brings local restaurants and artisans together to fundraise for the nonprofit’s efforts to address food and housing insecurity. The event comes as ALIVE! has weathered the region’s economic losses over the past year, with requests for support up roughly 30% since the fall, spokesperson Grace Terlinden told ALXnow.

Alexandria Restaurant Week extending one week at select eateries due to winter storm

By Emily Leayman

Published January 29, 2026 at 9:30AM

Meal at Vermilion (photo via Vermilion Restaurant & Bar/Facebook)

Alexandria Restaurant Week will run an additional week, after last weekend’s winter storm put many families’ plans to dine out on pause.

The winter restaurant week, originally set to end this Sunday, Feb. 1, will now run through Sunday, Feb. 8. A Visit Alexandria spokesperson confirmed to ALXnow that the weather prompted the organization to extend restaurant week, giving diners more chances to safely visit participating restaurants.

Girl Scout cookie sales begin in Alexandria next week with new ‘rocky road’-inspired treat

By Katie Taranto

Published January 27, 2026 at 2:45PM

Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital members hold boxes of cookies at a booth in 2024 (courtesy of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital)

Girl Scout cookie season is back, and it’s coming soon to Alexandria.

In-person cookie booth sales with Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital return next week on Friday, Feb. 6. Shoppers will be able to snag the classics like Thin Mints and Trefoils, as well as a new rocky road ice cream-flavored cookie, Exploremores.