Around Town

It was a cool but clear day on Saturday as the 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade passed through Old Town.

Dozens of pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups and local businesses marched along Alexandria’s historic streets for the event, which is hosted by the nonprofit Ballyshaners, Inc, whose name translates to “Old Towners” in Gaelic.


Around Town

The Taco Bell DC 50K that passed through Alexandria for the first time in November is planning a comeback this fall.

About 500 people participated in last year’s Tex-Mex-fueled race, which is not sponsored by its titular fast food chain, but organized by local runners Phil Hargis and Mike Wardian. The 32.4-mile course takes runners and walkers to eight Taco Bell locations throughout Alexandria, Arlington, and D.C., where they are required to eat at least one menu item at every stop.


News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On March 9, 1855, stockholders for a new cemetery held a meeting to elect a president and board of directors. The location of the new cemetery, which was later named Ivy Hill, was described in the Alexandria Gazette as a ‘most beautiful one.'” [Historic Alexandria]

‘Empty Bowls’ Exceeds $75K Goal — “A total of 214 attendees packed the hall February 28, raising more than $81,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auction. The amount surged past the organization’s $75,000 goal. Empty Bowls is a global movement that raises money for non-profits working to fight hunger.  It is ALIVE!’s signature fundraiser, along with the StepALIVE! Walkathon in October.” [The Zebra]


News

Good Friday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Mar 6, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Utility work starting in Alexandria next week to replace aging water main pipes (737 views)
  2. St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Del Ray closing Monday for interior renovations (533 views)
  3. Morning Notes for March 6, 2026 (447 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Alexandria police recover firearm in child’s backpack, prompting investigation (7870 views)
  2. Alexandria joins N. Va. opposition to bill that would allow by-right housing in commercial zones (7131 views)
  3. Health officials suspect rabies after two people report raccoon attacks in Old Town (2770 views)
  4. Shiloh Baptist Church receives $360K grant to preserve historic sanctuary (2379 views)
  5. Alexandria man charged after allegedly firing gun in Landmark apartment (2173 views)
  6. Portion of Mount Vernon Trail near Old Town closing Friday for weeks of shoreline repair (2072 views)
  7. New apartment building for seniors opens next to sister location in Potomac Yard (2001 views)
  8. New startup accelerator program seeks to foster tech company growth in Alexandria (1183 views)
  9. Group of Del Ray dads rock for more than a decade in local band, ‘The Derds’ (1161 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌦️ Saturday’s forecast

Showers are possible before 7am, followed by cloudy skies clearing gradually, and a high near 69. Light southeast winds will become south at 5-10mph in the morning, with gusts up to 20mph. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Saturday night brings another chance of showers, primarily after 7pm, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 64. Southwest winds will be around 10-13mph, gusting to 22mph, and a 50% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
– Mark Twain

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!


Event

July 9th, Revolutionary Fitness, Old Town Alexandria

Your bathroom scale can’t tell you if you’re losing fat or losing muscle. It can’t see the visceral fat wrapping around your organs. It can’t measure the bone density that determines whether you stay strong and independent into your 60s, 70s, and beyond.


News

Two appeals on the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board’s approved Braddock Road changes to accommodate bike lanes are heading to City Council.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Pastor Kate Costa said the church is submitting an appeal Monday, March 9 after getting signatures from church members over the weekend. The appeal concerns the board’s Feb. 24 decision to remove on-street parking on Braddock Road, including an accessible parking space in front of the church.


News

Former Alexandria City Councilmember Mo Seifeldein is second to Rep. Don Beyer in fundraising for the Aug. 4 Democratic primary race in the 8th Congressional District.

According to FEC filings through the end of 2025, incumbent Beyer led Democratic candidates with $1.16 million in fundraising. Seifeldein followed with over $117,000. The only other Democratic candidate reporting donations through the end of 2025 is fired State Department worker Michael Duffin, with over $23,000.


Around Town

Regulars at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub will soon have to get their fix somewhere else — temporarily.

Starting Monday, the coffeehouse at 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue will close for up to 10 days for interior renovations. Owner Larry Ponzi tells ALXnow that the project will give the coffee shop a fresh look.


News

Virginia American Water will embark next week on a six-month, $3 million water main replacement project affecting six street segments in Alexandria.

The project will replace 5,000 feet of aging four-inch and six-inch cast iron pipes at the end of their lifespan with modern eight-inch ductile iron pipe. The water main replacement and associated street restoration is expected to wrap in September, with contractor Utilities Unlimited working 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Opinion

Skilled pediatricians offer trusted, expert care for kids in and around Alexandria, from check-ups and sick visits to vaccinations and more.

Here are the nominees for “Best Pediatrician Serving Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to pediatrician? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.