News

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.


News

After announcing its impending closure last month, The Dog Store on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray has had its lease extended to January.

Owner Paul Haire confirmed to ALXnow that Ray Mahmood, the new owner of 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue, extended the pet shop’s lease to Jan. 6, 2027. Even though his rent is going up significantly, Haire credited former Mayor Bill Euille and locals Gayle Reuter and Bill Blackburn with convincing Mahmood to extend the lease.


Around Town

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.


Around Town

The Old Town Pub Crawl, a sold-out show with The Police drummer Stewart Copeland, historical tours and other events will keep Alexandrians busy throughout the weekend.

After a Code Purple Air Quality Alert on Friday, conditions should somewhat improve for outdoor events this weekend. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is predicting a moderate air quality index on Saturday.


News

A Maryland man faces felony and misdemeanor charges in court this month for allegedly possessing and trying to deposit a forged check at a bank in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood.

The suspect was arrested at the bank in the unit block of Herbert Street on June 16 after the alleged attempt to deposit a check for $11,585 into a friend’s account, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.


Around Town

For those who relish Del Ray, a new Chicago-style Italian sausage and hot dog concept having a grand opening in the neighborhood on Saturday, July 18.

Cubbies will be located in the upstairs bar space of the Del Ray Public House (2218 Mount Vernon Avenue). Restaurant owner Laurel Fisher previously told ALXnow that she was bringing in a partner to operate the business.


Around Town

A fireworks show tops the list of events happening around Alexandria for the city’s birthday weekend.

While many communities around the D.C. region held their fireworks last week, Alexandria’s event falls on the weekend after July 4. This year, Alexandria celebrates its 277th birthday and America’s 250th birthday. Alexandrians have the option to attend the full event with performances and vendors at Oronoco Bay Park or catch the fireworks in a less crowded spot.


Around Town

Several Alexandria restaurants will celebrate the spirit of the French Revolution with special Bastille Day events.

Bastille Brasserie & Bar (606 N. Fayette Street) never passes up the chance to have a big celebration for its namesake holiday.


News

Alexandria’s ranking isn’t as high as last year on Travel + Leisure’s annual “Best Cities in the U.S.” list, but it has remained in the top 10.

Travel + Leisure announced the winners of the 2026 World’s Best Awards yesterday (July 7). Winners were determined by feedback from about 207,000 readers around the world.


Around Town

Del Ray is seeing a vinyl boom as another record store is coming to Del Ray this August, one block from the new location of Crooked Beat Records on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Michael Babin, principal at the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, confirmed to ALXnow that the company is closing Mulberry Lane Play Café at 2016 Mount Vernon Avenue and replacing it with a record store. The news comes as Crooked Beat Records recently announced that it is also aiming for an August opening at 2101B Mount Vernon Avenue.


Around Town

Crooked Beat Records is staying in Del Ray.

Store owner Bill Daly announced on Tuesday (June 30) that the record store is expected to open at its new 2101B Mount Vernon Avenue location in August. Daly and his staff were forced to close their previous basement location up the street at 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue after significant flooding in January.


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