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PHOTOS: Market Square packed at ‘No Kings’ protest in Old Town

Published October 18, 2025 at 7:32PM

The No Kings Rally at Market Square in Old Town, Oct. 18, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

An audience of thousands held signs and cheered as Alexandria leaders decried the Trump administration at the second No Kings rally outside City Hall on Saturday.

The first No Kings rally was held in June, albeit against a different backdrop of issues. Today’s event was held amid a shuttered federal government, increased crackdowns from U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, and federal troops occupying cities across the country. The speakers today in Alexandria included U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th), Mayor Alyia Gaskins, retired general Randy Mannor and Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-3rd), all of whom railed against the administration, joining more than 2,700 similar demonstrations around the country.

News

City Hall renovation plans head to review board

By James Cullum

Published October 14, 2025 at 2:00PM

A rendering of the proposed City Hall and Market Square renovation (via City of Alexandria)

With construction expected to start next year, plans to demolish and encapsulate City Hall are heading to the city’s Board of Architectural Review.

Development plans call for City Hall (301 King Street) to be gutted and for the demolition of the Market Square plaza and the underground two-level parking garage. The BAR will review the plans on Thursday (Oct. 16). If approved by City Council at a yet-to-be-scheduled meeting, the project will break ground in the second quarter of 2026 with a completion goal of 2028, according to the city.

News

Bespoke shoemaker draws months-long waitlist in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published October 9, 2025 at 5:30PM | Updated October 9, 2025 at 6:06PM

Shoemaker Drew Altizer of Old House Provisions at 315 Cameron Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

It costs between $6,000 and $9,000 to get a pair of bespoke shoes made at Old House Provisions in Old Town, and there’s a waitlist.

Shoemaker Drew Altizer opened his shop at 315 Cameron Street last December, selling custom-made men’s suits and high-end footwear from Alden, Edward Green & Co. and Viberg. If you want a pair of bespoke shoes, it might take some time, like eight-to-10 months, he says.

News

Activists plan Sunday rally at Market Square to press Warner on Israel policy

By Ryan Belmore

Published October 4, 2025 at 10:05AM

A flyer promoting Sunday's rally at Market Square calls on Sen. Mark Warner to stop U.S. weapons shipments to Israel. The event is organized by Jewish Voice for Peace-DC Metro and Alexandria for Palestinian Human Rights. (Image courtesy organizers)

Pro-Palestinian activists plan to rally at Market Square on Sunday before walking to press U.S. Sen. Mark Warner to end American weapons shipments to Israel.

The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 4 p.m., according to organizers. After a short walk from the meeting point to the final location, participants will remain stationary, organizers said.

News

Alexandria leaders mark 9/11 anniversary with call for unity, civility

By James Cullum

Published September 11, 2025 at 12:15PM

Alexandria's Joint Public Safety Honor Guard at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Alexandria's Market Square, Sept. 11, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria leaders commemorated the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Thursday, Sept. 11, and reflected on the personal and societal impacts that followed.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins was joined by Sheriff Sean Casey, Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr., and Police Chief Tarrick McGuire onstage at Market Square in front of City Hall (301 King Street). Gaskins urged the audience to “remember the lives lost on 9/11 and to look forward with hope and a call to action for peace and a better world.”

News

Alexandria seeks volunteers to deliver donated food by bicycle through farmers market program

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2025 at 2:00PM

Bike for Good at the Old Town Farmers' Market (via YouTube)

Alexandria and the Old Town Farmers’ Market are looking for volunteers to deliver food to residents in need as part of the Bike for Good program.

The groceries are collected as the market outside City Hall (301 King Street) in Old Town winds down, and volunteers can expect to make deliveries from between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., according to the city.

News

Here’s what’s open and closed in Alexandria on July 4

By James Cullum

Published July 1, 2025 at 1:30PM

A street lined with American flags in Old Town, Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s government offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a good time.

Here’s what you need to know about city services on Independence Day.

Around Town

Alexandria’s 8th Annual Pride Fair returns Saturday with drag story hours, health services, and 90+ exhibitors

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 27, 2025 at 11:15AM

8th Annual Alexandria Pride Fair (via City of Alexandria)

Alexandria’s 8th Annual Pride Fair takes place Saturday (June 28) from 3 to 6 p.m. at City Hall and Market Square, featuring more than 90 exhibitors, drag story hours, and free health testing.

The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force partners with the Alexandria Library, Department of Community and Human Services, and community organizations to host the annual event at 301 King Street.

News

PHOTOS: Thousands attend No Kings Rally in Old Town, Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 14, 2025 at 10:21PM | Updated June 15, 2025 at 5:53AM

The No Kings Rally at Market Square in Old Town, June 14, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria leaders railed against the Trump administration at Alexandria’s Market Square on Saturday, just across the Potomac River from the military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which also coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

Alexandria’s No Kings Rally was attended by thousands. The rally also comes as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reportedly preparing to deploy tactical units to Northern Virginia and four major cities across the country.

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 13, 2025 at 3:30PM | Updated June 13, 2025 at 4:29PM

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement logo (via Facebook)

What a week it’s been in Alexandria. Here’s our recap of top stories.

ALXnow had its highest single-day visitor count ever on Thursday (June 12), with more than 53,000 views, following a report that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is preparing to deploy tactical units to Northern Virginia and four major cities across the country.

News

Alexandria elected officials to speak at anti-Trump protest outside City Hall

By James Cullum

Published June 10, 2025 at 10:45AM

There's a "No Kings in Alexandria" protest against the Trump administration on Saturday, June 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Market Square at 301 King Street in Old Town (via AlexDems)

Alexandria leaders will participate in an anti-Trump protest in front of City Hall at Market Square (301 King Street) on Saturday.

Confirmed speakers at the event, which runs from 3 to 5 p.m., include U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8), Virginia House majority leader Charniele Herring (D-4), Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39), and Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter. Mayor Alyia Gaskins is tentatively scheduled to speak.