event | ALXnow

Published April 9, 2026 at 8:30AM

The Squirrel Nut Zippers perform at The Birchmere (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Birchmere music hall, Alexandria’s most prominent musical venue, celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier this month.

The 500-seat music hall at 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue opened in 1966, and has featured notable musical artists and performers across various genres, including Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt and Dave Matthews. Originally founded in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood, the venue moved to Alexandria’s Mount Vernon Avenue in 1981. It has been at the current 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue location since 1997.

Around Town

Del Ray House & Garden Tour tickets on sale after sold-out 2024 event

By Emily Leayman

Published April 3, 2026 at 2:45PM

A house featured on the 2024 Del Ray House & Garden Tour (Courtesy of Del Ray Citizens Association)

After a sold-out event two years ago, tickets are on sale for the next Del Ray House & Garden Tour returning on Saturday, May 9.

The biennial tour, hosted by the Del Ray Citizens Association, gives ticket holders access to participating homes and gardens throughout the neighborhood. This year’s event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

News

The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style cruises back into Alexandria in May

By James Cullum

Published April 2, 2026 at 11:45AM

The Old Town Festival of Speed and Style, May 18, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Attention exotic car lovers: the seventh annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style is right around the corner.

The festival returns from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, showcasing rare vehicles along the 400–600 blocks of King Street and the 100 blocks of North and South St. Asaph Street and North and South Pitt Street. Organizers expect attendance to top 40,000 people.

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City Council candidates to debate Wednesday in Alexandria’s West End

By James Cullum

Published March 23, 2026 at 12:30PM

(Left to right) City Council candidates Sandy Marks, Frank Fannon and Alison O'Connell (via West End Business Association)

Three candidates vying for an open seat on City Council will participate in a forum Wednesday (March 25) in Alexandria’s West End.

ALXnow is moderating the West End Business Association forum, which will be held at Feru Bar and Restaurant (512 S. Van Dorn Street, Unit D) from 5-7 p.m. The free event is open to the public and will feature Democratic candidate Sandy Marks and independent candidates Alison O’Connell and former City Councilman Frank Fannon.

Around Town

Cherry blossom events arrive with spring starting this week in Old Town

By Emily Leayman

Published March 18, 2026 at 1:45PM

Cherry blossoms in Del Ray (Staff photo by James Cullum)

As cherry blossom season gets into full swing in the D.C. region, Alexandria will try to draw visitors with its own cherry blossom-themed events.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off Friday (March 20) and runs through April 12. According to the National Park Service’s prediction, the Tidal Basin’s famous cherry blossom trees could reach peak bloom from Sunday, March 29 to Wednesday, April 1. The start of the festival coincides with the first day of spring on March 20.

Around Town

Councilwoman Greene hosting free women’s health forum this weekend

By James Cullum

Published March 5, 2026 at 2:30PM

School Board Member Jacinta Greene announces her candidacy for the Alexandria City Council at the Alexandria Democratic Committee meeting on Feb. 5, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A free forum focused on women’s health is coming to the Charles Houston Recreation Center this weekend.

The EmpowerHer Women’s Health Forum will feature panel discussions, curated vendors and breakout sessions to discuss mental, sexual and reproductive health. The event will be held at the recreation center at 901 Wythe Street from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Around Town

Alexandria author serves up Hemingway-inspired Spanish cuisine in new cookbook

By James Cullum

Published March 5, 2026 at 9:30AM

Alexandria author Howie Southworth with his latest book, "Hemingway's Spanish Table" (courtesy photo)

An Alexandria food and travel writer will soon unveil his latest cookbook, a culinary journey through Spain with recipes inspired by the works of writer Ernest Hemingway.

“Hemingway’s Spanish Table” is the eighth cookbook for writer Howie Southworth, following his locally inspired “A Taste of Alexandria,” a collection of recipes from the city’s restaurant scene, which was published in 2024.

Around Town

Women’s Bar Crawl and fundraiser coming to Del Ray this Saturday

By James Cullum

Published March 3, 2026 at 11:15AM

Participants of the Bands & Brews Summer Bar Crawl on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Saturday, August 22, 2021. (Via Elijah Walter Griffin, Sr.)

A women’s bar crawl and fundraiser is coming to Del Ray this Saturday as Women’s History Month is now underway.

The bar crawl is scheduled from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, featuring all woman-owned spots like Rosemarino D’Italia and Piece Out Del Ray. The crawl is being hosted by Del Ray Psych and Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue).

Around Town

Ballyshaners’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade returning to Old Town for 43rd year

By Katie Taranto

Published February 26, 2026 at 12:30PM

Alexandria's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town, March 1, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A festive afternoon of Irish dancing, pipe bands and emerald-green outfits and decorations is returning soon to Old Town.

The Ballyshaners‘ 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to draw thousands of spectators to celebrate alongside a lineup of performers and community organizers. Local dignitaries plan to kick off festivities at noon Saturday, March 7, with the parade stepping off at 12:30 p.m.

News

Alexandria hosting Saturday open house on draft plan to address housing needs through 2040

By James Cullum

Published February 23, 2026 at 12:45PM

As seen at the 204-unit affordable housing apartment complex Samuel Madden Homes, Nov. 12, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s draft plan to address city housing needs between through 2040 will be available for public review at an open house this Saturday.

The Office of Housing is hosting the free open house to discuss the Housing 2040 draft recommendations and strategies at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street), with interactive stations and breakout sessions from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Around Town

PHOTOS: The George Washington Birthday Parade returns to Old Town

By James Cullum

Published February 17, 2026 at 11:45AM

George and Martha Washington at the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

With the temperature in the low 60s, it was a picturesque Saturday (Feb. 14) for the annual George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town.

Thousands participated in the annual event to commemorate the country’s founding father, including city leaders, local groups, kids and more.