July will turn into August this weekend as a packed lineup of events arrives in Alexandria.
Alexandrians may see aspiring witches and wizards around for several Harry Potter-themed events lined up for the weekend — the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum’s A Magical Apothecary tour and Lee-Fendall House’s Pop Culture Trivia: Harry Potter Edition. Both events are already sold out.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 31, 1934, a contract was let for the construction of George Washington High School at 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue in the city’s Del Ray neighborhood. The new school, which opened a year later, replaced the old Alexandria High School on Cameron Street and merged it with the George Mason High School, the former high school of the Town of Potomac, annexed as part of Alexandria several years earlier. The new high school was designed in the Del Ray’s prevalent Art Deco style, and was funded as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The school initially housed a student population of 1,200 with a staff of 35. At the time of its construction, critics claimed that the school was built so large that there would never be enough students to fill its cavernous halls. By 1944, the addition of three wings proved them wrong! The old George Mason High building is still standing as part of the Mount Vernon Elementary School.” [Historic Alexandria]
Rep. Beyer Urges Fairfax County to Deny Substation Associated with Data Center — “U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) [Thursday] urged the Fairfax County Planning Commission to deny the permit application filed for Edsall Data Center Substation 2232 at the Plaza 500 site at 6299 Edsall Road in Lincolnia … In a letter to the Fairfax County Planning Commission, Beyer noted that while Fairfax County has adopted guidelines intended to minimize the impacts of data center infrastructure on surrounding neighborhoods and preserve land for housing, economic opportunity, and transit-oriented development, he shares the concerns of many residents and stakeholders that the proposed substation is inconsistent with those goals.” [Rep. Don Beyer news release]
For more than 60 years, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has brought unforgettable summer evenings of live music to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Nestled among the mountains at historic Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, the Festival combines nationally recognized performers with the beauty of one of the region’s most scenic outdoor venues.
As the 2026 season enters its final weeks, there are still so many incredible performances remaining, offering everything from the iconic sounds of The Beach Boys and Eagles to Americana favorites and heartfelt folk-rock.
On Friday, August 7, original Beach Boy Al Jardine joins The Pet Sounds Band for a tribute to Brian Wilson. Featuring many of Wilson’s longtime touring musicians, the concert celebrates the timeless harmonies and beloved songs that helped define generations of summer memories. Fans can expect classics like “California Girls,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” and many more in an evening honoring one of popular music’s most influential catalogs. The concert starts at 8 pm, with gates opening at 6 pm.
The following evening, Saturday, August 8, The Bacon Brothers bring their People In The World Tour to the Festival, with special guests Martin & Kelly opening the show. Blending Americana, folk, rock, soul, and country, brothers Kevin and Michael Bacon have spent three decades creating a sound that’s uniquely their own. Their engaging live performances pair thoughtful songwriting with plenty of humor, storytelling, and musicianship, making for an entertaining night that goes beyond a traditional concert experience. The concert starts at 8 pm, with gates opening at 6 pm.
Labor Day weekend brings three nights of unforgettable music to close out the Festival’s 2026 season. The weekend begins on Friday, September 4, when legendary Motown group The Four Tops, joined by special guest Meisha Herron, take the stage for an evening of timeless hits. Audiences can sing along to beloved classics like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and more as one of Motown’s most enduring vocal groups brings its iconic sound to the Shenandoah Valley. The concert starts at 7 pm, with gates opening at 5 pm.
On Saturday, September 5, Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute, joined by special guest Robbie Limon, recreates the music of one of rock’s most celebrated bands with remarkable authenticity. From soaring harmonies to note-for-note instrumentals, audiences can relive classics including “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and of course, “Hotel California.” The concert starts at 7 pm, with gates opening at 5 pm.
The season concludes on Sunday, September 6, with the Hot Strings & Cool Breezes Americana Minifest, featuring Grammy Award-winning fiddle virtuoso Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter, acclaimed duo Josh & Jenee of The Wood Box Heroes, and award-winning bluegrass favorites Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki. The afternoon showcases exceptional musicianship and celebrates the rich traditions of bluegrass and Americana music in an intimate festival atmosphere. The concert starts at 6 pm, with gates opening at 5 pm.
Guests enjoy performances beneath the Festival’s open-air pavilion, where cool mountain breezes, star-filled skies, and the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley create an experience unlike any other. Visitors can also extend their stay by taking advantage of ticket-and-lodging packages through Shrine Mont, making it easy to turn a concert into a relaxing weekend getaway filled with scenic drives, local dining, hiking, and exploration throughout the Valley.
With only two concert weekends remaining, now is the perfect time to experience everything Shenandoah Valley Music Festival has to offer! Whether you’re revisiting a favorite artist or discovering the Festival for the first time, these performances promise memorable music in an unforgettable setting.
Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Jul 30, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Expect sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 90°F, accompanied by a gentle northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. On Friday night, the weather will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 70°F and light, variable winds. See more from Weather.gov.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Thanks for reading!
Alexandria’s Clerk of the Court just launched an e-filing system for non-attorneys representing themselves in civil and criminal case filings.
Clerk Greg Parks launched the portal on July 20, reversing a decades-long practice where only Virginia attorneys have been able to file cases and look at court records remotely. The new system allows people who aren’t lawyers to register in the court’s e-filing portal and file documents via the Virginia Judiciary eFiling System.
The Del Ray Business Association’s 6th Annual Bands & Brews is a signature community event that transforms Del Ray into a vibrant celebration of live music (30+ artists), local businesses (15+ restaurants), and community spirit. Featuring costume contests, swag giveaways, and a grand prize raffle. A portion of the proceeds benefits the non-profit, the Scholarship Fund for Alexandria. Pre-sale: $15 per individual ticket/$50 per 4 pack of tickets.
The Alexandria Police Department is asking dog walkers to join a citywide watch program where walkers keep an eye out for crimes and to call 911 if they see a situation needing an emergency response.
APD is launching the Dog Walker Watch program as the city is experiencing a summer uptick in violent crime. APD says that the dog walkers will help strengthen public safety and “serve as extra eyes and ears while walking their dogs, reporting suspicious activity through 911, 703-746-4444, or 311, as appropriate,” according to an email registry with the city.
Yesterday (Wednesday), the Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a request by the city’s police review board to continue investigating last summer’s in-custody death of Allan Tucker II.
Earlier this month, the Independent Community Policing Review Board voted to tell City Council that a report on the Alexandria Police Department’s response to the incident was incomplete and needed further investigation.
National Night Out, an annual program that promotes community and law enforcement partnerships to combat crime, will get record participation from Alexandria this year.
The city will have 54 participating sites on Tuesday, Aug. 4, which is also the date of Democratic and Republican primary elections.
As Black Business Month approaches in August, Montie Green is reflecting back on her journey to open her Old Town business Velvet Wax & Beauty.
Green is a licensed cosmetologist and opened her first salon in Hampton ten years ago. The location at Old Town’s Crilley Warehouse (218 N. Lee Street, Suite 100) has been open for four years.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 30, 1909, Orville Wright and Benjamin Foulois, a U.S. Army lieutenant, flew a plane to Alexandria in a test flight for the military. The biplane traveled from Fort Myer to Shuter’s Hill and back. A tethered balloon flew above Shuter’s Hill so the pilot would know when to turn back toward Fort Myer. This successful demonstration flight was required for the Army’s purchase of its first military airplane.” [Historic Alexandria]
Voters Share Top Issues Ahead of Aug. 4 Primary — “It is an unusual time for a primary election in Virginia, but voters will head to the polls Aug. 4, choosing their nominees in races for Senate, House of Representatives and local offices … Almost every voter talked about the kitchen table issue of affordability, especially the high price of gas.” [WTOP]
