Want to find out what’s happening with crime in Alexandria? A new app created by a lifelong city resident does just that.
Last year, freelance app developer Trevor Weir launched AVAware on the iOS App Store. After a free week-long trial, a $3.99 monthly fee kicks in, giving users an ad-free opportunity to explore publicly available information on all manner of Part 1 crime events occurring in the city.
With pedestrian-only blocks near the Potomac River to local businesses along picturesque red brick sidewalks, King Street in Old Town was just listed as one of the top 100 main streets to walk in the United States.
The King Street mile from the waterfront to the King St. Metro station was listed as 53rd in the new list, “Top 100 Best Main Streets in U.S. to Walk”, compiled by Assisted Living Magazine, behind W. Washington Street in Marquette, Michigan. Main Street in Lake Placid, New York, topped the list. The ranking, first reported by Secret DC, is the result of a survey taken by more than 3,000 Americans, according to the magazine.
Visit Alexandria’s President & CEO Todd O’Leary leads with the belief that travel is a force for good, inspiring visitors to deepen their travel experiences by connecting with Alexandria’s myriad stories. That’s why 2026 National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3-9, 2026) isn’t just any week. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that tourism plays in bringing people together across cultures and geographies, creating shared understandings and memories that last a lifetime. This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” takes on special significance as Alexandria prepares to host several major events this summer, bringing the stories of our local community onto the world stage.
“This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week celebrations seem particularly fitting, given all the momentum we’re seeing in Alexandria’s hospitality industry,” said Visit Alexandria’s President & CEO Todd O’Leary. “As tourism grows in importance here, the dividends from visitor spending support our small business owners and ultimately our residents. Visit Alexandria is proud of the work done by our local industry to keep this city top of mind for domestic and international travelers.”
Last fall, Visit Alexandria announced that Alexandria’s tourism spending from travelers residing more than 50 miles away grew to $1 billion for the first time in history during calendar year 2024. Additionally, Fiscal Year 2025 city consumption tax revenues reached a record $88 million—supporting core city services, saving the average Alexandria household $832 annually, and sustaining more than 5,700 local jobs.
In conjunction with this year’s America 250th commemorations, Alexandria will host programs, exhibitions, historic tours and signature events, including the three-day Sails on the Potomac festival—all of which showcase Alexandria’s renowned historic character and ever-evolving progressive nature. As Alexandria continues to make waves on the world stage, especially as a destination for sports tourism, the city will serve as the official Team Base Camp for the Croatian National Football Team, a FIFA top ten ranked team, during the World Cup. With state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of accommodations, a wealth of visitor experiences and incredible transportation access, Alexandria’s prominence in sports tourism is growing. (more…)
Construction will close East Abingdon Drive north of Slaters Lane starting Monday as part of a long-awaited project to widen the Mount Vernon Trail, the City of Alexandria announced.
The work is scheduled to begin Aug. 18, weather permitting, and continue through early October. Construction crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
You don’t need Spanish to know how to party.
Saturday, May 9th | 7 PM – 2 AM
Alexandria Fire Department extinguished a car fire in the West End on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
The fire was reported at a car parked in the 200 block of S. Reynolds Street at around 5:30 a.m. The 911 caller reported that a black Honda Accord was on fire.
Join us for an evening of made-up-on-the-spot improv comedy! We’ll be calling on you to give us suggestions for a totally unique show that’ll never be seen again!
Show is 18+ recommended. Tickets are free, with a $10 suggested donation.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Alexandria and surrounding areas through 9 p.m. Wednesday as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall are expected to move through the region.
The watch, issued at 11:57 a.m., covers Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax County and parts of the District of Columbia and Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
With summer winding down and students preparing to head back to school, many Alexandria families are making the most of these final weeks with visits to the city’s playgrounds. Now’s your chance to weigh in on which city playground deserves the top spot in our latest ALXnow Readers’ Choice poll.
Alexandria boasts more than 40 city playgrounds scattered across its neighborhoods, from tot lots perfect for toddlers to adventure-filled play areas that challenge older kids. Whether you’re drawn to the sprawling equipment at Ben Brenman Park, the scenic waterfront views at Jones Point Park, or the convenient neighborhood charm of smaller spaces like Mason Avenue Mini Park, each playground offers something unique for Alexandria families.
Alexandria City Public Schools will welcome students back to classrooms on Monday, August 18, marking the start of the 2025-26 academic year for most district schools.
The Aug. 18 start date applies to 17 of the district’s 18 schools following the traditional academic calendar. Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, which operates on a modified calendar, already began classes on July 21.
The Alexandria Fire Department was honored with a featured documentary at Fire-Rescue International 2025, the premier conference for fire and emergency service leaders currently underway in Orlando, Florida.
The department announced Tuesday on social media that WebsEdge IAFC TV produced a five-minute film titled “Stronger Together: The Alexandria Fire Department Story,” highlighting the department’s commitment to service and leadership. The documentary was showcased at the International Association of Fire Chiefs conference, which runs through Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center.
Alexandria businesses dominated Virginia’s representation on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, with 19 local firms earning spots on the annual ranking released Tuesday.
Artemis ARC, a service-disabled, veteran-owned consulting firm, led the Alexandria contingent at No. 34 nationally with a staggering 6,648% three-year revenue growth rate. The federal consulting firm became the highest-ranking Virginia company on this year’s Inc. 5000 list and the only business from the commonwealth to crack the top 100.
