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.
Around Town
Alexandria’s fall music calendar is packed with performances from Sept. 22 through Dec. 21, featuring Grammy winners, breakthrough artists, and community events across the city. Here are the standout shows:
The Birchmere
The Sweetside Coffee and Creamery opened this week next to Northside 10 restaurant at 10 E. Glebe Road in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood.
The shop, operated by Northside 10, posted on Instagram Thursday that it was “ready to have some fun in the Sweetside.”
Alexandria residents have plenty of options to choose from this weekend, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. The 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival serves as the marquee event alongside multiple farmers markets and live entertainment venues.
The Alexandria Art Festival runs both Saturday and Sunday at John Carlyle Square Park starting at 10 a.m., offering visitors a chance to browse local artwork while enjoying perfect fall weather with highs near 83 degrees Saturday and 86 Sunday. Art enthusiasts can also check out the Fall Arts & Crafts Fair at Made in ALX and Art in the Alley on Fort Hunt Road, both beginning Saturday morning.
Alexandria comes alive this weekend with an exciting blend of live music, cultural events, and community gatherings that showcase the city’s vibrant arts scene and rich history.
From tribute bands rocking The Birchmere to intimate jazz performances in cozy neighborhood venues, music lovers will find everything from Eagles covers to contemporary folk acts. The weekend also features major cultural happenings, including the 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival at John Carlyle Square Park, where visitors can browse works from juried artists, and the monthly Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market, offering unique treasures and local crafts.
The city’s second annual Chalk-A-Block festival, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed due to wet conditions and continuing rain in the forecast.
Sarah Almy, executive director of the event, announced the postponement Sunday morning, saying “Unfortunately, due to wet pavement and continued rain in the forecast, Chalk-A-Block is postponed to our rain date.”
Summer may be winding down, but Alexandria is heating up with an eclectic mix of events this week that showcase the city’s vibrant arts scene, family-friendly attractions, and thriving nightlife. From outdoor book clubs soaking up the last rays of summer sunshine to indoor poetry readings perfect for cozy September evenings, there’s something for every interest and age group across the city’s neighborhoods.
Music lovers will find plenty to celebrate, with live performances ranging from bluegrass jams at Port City Brewing Company to jazz trios at local restaurants. Meanwhile, families can enjoy everything from library storytimes and robotics workshops to farmers markets and outdoor yoga sessions. The week also brings several unique experiences, including antique appraisals in Del Ray, a hot wings showdown, and the second annual Chalk-A-Block festival that will transform Old Town North into an outdoor art canvas. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, support local artists, or simply unwind with friends, Alexandria’s packed calendar ensures you won’t be short on options.
Max knows what he wants in life: a fenced yard to lounge in, puzzle toys to solve, and a devoted human to lean against for scratches behind his perfectly mismatched ears.
The 3-year-old, 73-pound tan and black mixed breed at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria describes himself as more of a cuddler than a long-distance walker. This social, people-loving pup has already mastered the commands for sit and down, and his treat-motivated nature means there’s no limit to what he could learn with the right person.
Fall festival season is heating up in Alexandria, with signature events, new restaurant openings, and unique experiences highlighting the best of local arts and historic charm this September.
Looking to kick off autumn with some culture? These events offer perfect opportunities to enjoy Virginia’s beautiful fall weather while exploring Alexandria’s artistic and historic treasures. Plus, recently named a Top 5 Best U.S. City by Travel + Leisure, Alexandria is bringing fresh openings and local flavor to the season.
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The annual Taste of Old Town North will return Thursday, Sept. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Montgomery Park, featuring local restaurant tastings, live music and family-friendly activities.
The free event at 901 North Royal Street will showcase neighborhood restaurants, including Jula’s on the Potomac, Hank’s Oyster Bar, MacMillan Spirit and Ale House, Hank’s Pasta Bar, Hotel AKA Alexandria’s a.lounge+bar, and St. Elmo’s Old Town North Coffee Pub.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will host its final Family Day with Young Historians of the summer season on Sunday, Aug. 31, from 2 to 5 p.m.
The interactive program at 134 N. Royal Street features Junior Docents — students in grades four through seven — who lead museum tours and share stories of early Alexandria. Activities include chocolate making and period clothing demonstrations.