Events | ALXnow

Adopt-a-Park program kicking off in Alexandria with celebration next week

Published March 10, 2026 at 10:30AM

Playing at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s annual Adopt-a-Park program is returning this spring, bringing community groups together to beautify the city’s parks and open spaces.

The program is kicking off with a celebration hosted by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities from 6-7:30 p.m. next Wednesday, March 18 at 2900 A Business Center Drive. The event is an opportunity for applicants and groups to connect with fellow volunteers, meet city staff, review updated procedures, get supplies and ask questions about the program.

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African American History Division director discusses ways to explore Alexandria’s vast history

By ALXnow.com

Published February 20, 2026 at 3:30PM

Alexandria Black History Museum (image via City of Alexandria)

Audrey Davis, the first director of the African American History Division in the Office of Historic Alexandria, is at the forefront of preserving and showcasing the city’s Black history.

Black History Month has brought music, historical discussions and exhibits, displays of student art and so much more to Alexandria this month, commemorating a vast history spanning hundreds of years, from the 18th century to the Civil Rights Movement and present day.

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Lunar New Year brings Year of the Horse events to Del Ray and Old Town

By Emily Leayman

Published February 12, 2026 at 9:30AM

Lunar New Year gold and red print card (via Jason Leung/Unsplash)

Festivals and other events in celebration of Lunar New Year have started in Alexandria, kicking off the Year of the Horse.

Lunar New Year officially begins on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but some festivities are happening before then. The holiday is celebrated in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and numerous other Asian cultures, marking the start of the 15-day Spring Festival.

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Sunday snowball fight barred from Alexandria landmark’s grounds as winter storm looms

By Emily Leayman

Published January 21, 2026 at 2:45PM | Updated January 22, 2026 at 11:13AM

The George Washington National Masonic Memorial under the snow, Jan. 4, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

An earlier version of this story indicated a snowball fight would occur on the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, but the organization is not permitting the public to access its grounds during the storm.

Shawn Eyer, a spokesperson for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, told ALXnow the event is not authorized and that the grounds will be closed to the public Sunday.

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Historic Alexandria to host kick-off for events, exhibits celebrating America’s 250th anniversary

By Katie Taranto

Published January 15, 2026 at 11:45AM

The Alexandria Lyceum (Staff photo by Airey)

A free, public event at The Lyceum this month will celebrate historical programs, exhibitions and events coming to Alexandria for America’s 250th anniversary.

Guest speakers at the America250 Kick-Off will discuss “the significance of the Semiquincentennial and Virginia’s unique role in shaping and continuing to tell a fuller, more inclusive American story,” according to OHA.

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Ceremony, volunteer events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. returning to Alexandria this month

By Katie Taranto

Published January 12, 2026 at 8:15AM | Updated January 12, 2026 at 8:41AM

Sign for Alexandria's 53rd Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony on Jan. 15, 2026 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Alexandria’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program returns this week, marking 53 years of city commemoration for the civil rights leader.

Guests can expect an evening of “delicious food, uplifting music, and speakers to honor the legacy of Dr. King,” according to the program website. A reception will be held from 5:30-6:20 p.m. on Thursday, and the program will run from 6:30-8 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Drive)

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History tours, concerts and more coming to Alexandria this winter for America’s 250th anniversary

By James Cullum

Published January 5, 2026 at 2:45PM

The 1st Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line cries 'Huzzah!' at the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

From historical tours and adult field trips to trivia nights, several events coming to Alexandria this winter will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The various roles Alexandria played in the forging of the U.S. will be told in events across the city. The events are compiled in a list by the American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, which was established by the General Assembly in 2020.

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Alexandria anime convention ‘PatCon’ opens vendor applications for February celebration

By Katie Taranto

Published December 17, 2025 at 1:45PM

PatCon 2025 (via Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, City of Alexandria, VA/Facebook)

Alexandria is calling on artists, makers and small businesses to apply for vendor spots at PatCon 2026, the city’s grassroots anime festival.

Vendor registration is open now through Jan. 23 for the festival, which is happening from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center at 4653 Taney Avenue. The annual celebration is hosted by the recreation center’s Anime Society and is free to attend.

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Registration for Alexandria’s winter programs and activities opens next week

By Katie Taranto

Published December 8, 2025 at 2:46PM

Aquatics class at the Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility (via Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, City of Alexandria, VA/Facebook)

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities has released its Winter 2026 Program Guide, detailing new seasonal classes, activities and more.

Starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Alexandria residents can sign up for RPCA’s winter programs, which start next month and run through April 2026. Registration for nonresidents opens two days later, on Dec. 19.

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Ice skating party, free hot chocolate coming to Ice & Lights at Cameron Run tomorrow

By Katie Taranto

Published December 3, 2025 at 11:45AM

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village At Cameron Run in 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Ice skating has returned to Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run Regional Park, and the venue has plans to celebrate.

The outdoor skating rink at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue is hosting a Winter Ice Skating Party from 6-8 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday), with skating discounts, free hot chocolate and “Critter Corner” animal meet-and-greets, according to NOVA Parks.

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World AIDS Day commemoration raises awareness about public health in Alexandria

By Katie Taranto

Published December 2, 2025 at 12:30PM

The Northern Virginia World AIDS Day Choir during Alexandria's 2025 commemoration (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Northern Virginia residents and Alexandria officials gathered last night (Monday) for the city’s annual World AIDS Day commemoration to encourage public health education and community testing.

The event featured musical performances by the Northern Virginia World AIDS Day Choir and musician Tony Craddock, a Q&A panel and free HIV testing available afterward. Mayor Alyia Gaskins also read a proclamation acknowledging the day “to show solidarity and strength against HIV stigma.”