Data center plans just outside Alexandria city limits has raised concerns among residents and officials.
Starwood Capital Group filed the permit application and building plans to Fairfax County for the 34-acre Plaza 500 site at 6299 Edsall Road in Lincolnia. The application is for Plaza 500 South, the first of two data center buildings it is seeking.
Alexandria City Public Schools is making a push to get new students registered in time for the new school year.
The city’s public school system has already seen 1,637 early student registrations between April 15 and July 1, a 15.5% increase of early new student registrations compared to April 23 and July 1 last year. Over 900 families have been fully registered or are completing enrollment.
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.
The 20th annual Alexandria Film Festival is off to a flying start.
In August and September, the film fest will showcase screenings of documentaries about gun violence and E. Jean Carroll, the former advice columnist who won a sexual assault and defamation trial against President Trump.
Preparations for Mayor’s Cup — “The women’s teams and the men’s [rugby] team for the Mayor’s Cup are practicing and getting ready for our big trip to Scotland. In case you haven’t heard the news, we are bringing back the Mayor’s Cup, which is a friendly competition between the City of Alexandria and our sister city in Dundee, Scotland.” [Alyia for Alexandria/Facebook]
Traffic and Parking Board Meets Monday — “The Traffic and Parking Board will hold its next public hearing on Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Docket materials have been posted for the upcoming meeting. At the public hearing, members of the public can weigh in on Russell Road Safe Routes to School improvements and a curb cut appeal, among other topics.” [Alexandria T&ES]
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.
Good Friday 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 24, 2026.
Here are today’s most-read articles:
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
Expect partly sunny conditions with a high of about 83°F and a gentle east wind between 3 to 6 mph. During the night, skies will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 66°F, accompanied by an east wind at approximately 5 mph that will become calm as the evening progresses. See more from Weather.gov.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!
Foodies will have the chance to try new eateries or return to old favorites during the next Alexandria Restaurant Week in August.
Alexandria Restaurant Week, held twice a year in January and August, will be held over 10 days from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 23. Full-service restaurants will serve prix fixe dinner menus at $35, $45 or $55 per person, and fast casual restaurants will have their own offers.
Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire honored his 15 predecessors this week with the unveiling of a wall of their portraits.
In the city’s history, there have only ever been 16 police chiefs, and McGuire said the wall recognizes the men who sat in his seat.
City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 29 to approve more investigation into the August 2025 death of a man in Alexandria Police Department custody.
Earlier this month, the city’s Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB) voted unanimously to send back an “incomplete” report on the death of Allan Tucker II. Board Chair Deborah Porter told City Council in a July 17 letter that it needs the council’s go-ahead to approve an additional investigation into a sergeant supervisor’s actions, more details on the auditor’s interaction with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and clarity behind Independent Police Auditor Ameratu Kamara’s decision to not publicly share disciplinary recommendations against the officers that she gave to Police Chief Tarrick McGuire.
Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family — from picky toddlers to adults seeking variety — can be a challenge in any city. Alexandria has no shortage of family-friendly dining options, from casual spots with children’s menus to restaurants with activities to keep little ones entertained.
Here are the nominees for “Best Family Dinner Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your go-to restaurant? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for the Best Race for Runners is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Food Truck in Alexandria. The results are now official:
1. La Tingeria
2. Flavor Hive
3. Flavor of Mexico Taco Truck
