News

Emergency repairs will be made on a leaking valve replacement today in Alexandria’s Parkfairfax neighborhood, and it could result in some discolored water or no water at all for a short period.

The utility advised residents in the areas of Preston Road, Coryell Lane, and Martha Custis Drive might see “discolored or cloudy water, low water pressure, or no water” from the time that the project starts Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 9 p.m. until it concludes at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3.


News

Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that killed a 34-year-old Maryland woman early Sunday morning on Interstate 495 in Alexandria.

Tyneeka L. Strickland of Capitol Heights, Maryland, died at the scene after her 2017 Cadillac XTS went off the left side of I-495 westbound at the 177-mile marker around 5:15 a.m. Aug. 31, according to a Virginia State Police news release.


Sponsored

Enjoy the return of jazz at Metropolitan Park with a free concert series co-presented by the DC Jazz Festival and National Landing BID. Listen to live stylings from Go-Go to bossa nova across the four-part series, from 5-7PM on select Thursdays: May 7, May 21, June 4, and June 18.

Refresh with onsite vendors including Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream and Taqueria Xochi, plus free samples from Mocktail Club—non-alcoholic beverages inspired by travel destinations. Take part in artist-led Studio Sessions curated by Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington while enjoying the music. Visit businesses around Met Park to pack a picnic or sit down for a meal after the show.

Music kicks off at 5PM and concludes at 7PM, with a set break in the middle.

Featured Performers and MoCA Studio Sessions

May 7The JoGo Project (Jazz Meets Go-Go)

Art Activity: “Even Colors Dance (Synesthetic Watercolor)” | Led by David Ignaciocurrent Resident Artist at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington’s main museum

May 21Joe Brotherton (New Orleans)

Art Activity: “Paper Garden” | Led by Jaqui Falkenheim of Arlington Collage Collective

June 4Eric Byrd Trio (Acoustic Jazz Piano/Vocals)

Art Activity: “Stitching Systems: Mapping Home” | Led by Lauren Crawford, current Resident Artist at MoCA Arlington’s main museum.

June 18José Luiz Martins (Brazilian Jazz)

Art Activity: “Day Inking with JD” | Led by JD Deardourff, recent Resident Artist at MoCA Innovation Studio.

For transportation and Met Park information, visit nationallanding.org/met-park/faqs. Met Park is a five-minute walk from the Pentagon City Metro.

Jazz @ Met is presented by DC Jazz Festival and National Landing BID, sponsored by Amazon. Additional support for performances is provided by The Galena-Yorktown Foundation and The Leonard and Elaine Silverstein Family Foundation.

Note: Performance schedule is subject to change.


Around Town

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.


News

A new speakeasy is opening next month in Alexandria.

After a year in development, Bar 86 will open next month at Café du Soleil. The Tiki bar is the work of owner Chef Samuel Darlo and consultants Jacob Sunny and Kelvin Sone, the latter two having recently finished work at the new Madam Coco Emporium at 115 S. Royal Street.


Event

Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


News

Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins outlined the city’s preparations for potential federal funding cuts and addressed numerous infrastructure concerns during her monthly community conversation Tuesday, emphasizing the need for proactive planning as the City Council prepares to resume meetings Sept. 9.

The mayor detailed ongoing “scenario planning” efforts to assess the city’s vulnerability to federal funding reductions, noting that Alexandria receives more than $50 million in direct federal funding, with most supporting the Department of Community and Human Services.


News

The Bradlee Shopping Center is hosting a free fall festival and safety fair on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Fire trucks and firefighters, police cruisers, face painting, a balloon artist, craft tables, and games are just a few of the offerings at the outdoor event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the shopping center (3660-3690 King Street). More on the event is below.


News

A proposal to build a 275-unit workforce housing multifamily apartment building on the southwest portion of the sprawling WestEnd development is heading to the Alexandria Planning Commission.

Plans for the seven-story development from landowner Foulger Pratt and its partner Landmark Holdings LLC call for a seven-story structure with 210 parking spaces (a reduction from the 327 required spaces), with 80% of the units available for between 80% and 120% area median income. The proposal heads to the Planning Commission on Thursday, Oct. 9.


Around Town

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.


News

Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 245th day of 2025. There are 120 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78 degrees. East wind 3 to 6 mph. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 57 degrees. Light and variable wind.