Events | ALXnow

Systems Planning and Analysis expansion into Alexandria leads this week’s top stories

Published September 12, 2025 at 3:47PM

Officials cut a ribbon at Systems Planning & Analysis announcement on Sept. 11, 2025 (staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

Here’s a rundown of our top stories.

Our top story this week is on the Thursday, Sept. 11, announcement that Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA) will expand its Alexandria headquarters and create 1,200 new jobs over the next five years as part of a $46.9 million investment across Northern Virginia. The defense contractor bought, and will renovate, a 239,000-square-foot office building at 2001 N. Beauregard Street. Attendees at the announcement included Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.

News

GSA searching for Alexandria office space leads this week’s top stories

By James Cullum

Published August 29, 2025 at 3:30PM

National Science Foundation at 2415 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria's Carlyle neighborhood (via NSF)

It’s been quite a week in Alexandria. Here’s a rundown of our most-read stories.

Our top story is on the General Services Administration launching an official search for office space in Alexandria to relocate the National Science Foundation after the agency was displaced from its Eisenhower Avenue headquarters. In a presolicitation notice, GSA announced it needs between 240,000 and 280,000 square feet of Class A office space for a 48-month lease, with occupancy required by the end of November.

News

Skill games crackdown, dating fraud death lead week’s top Alexandria stories

By James Cullum

Published August 15, 2025 at 3:30PM

Skill games at Tiger Mart & Bakery, 3903 Mount Vernon Avenue in the city's Arlandria neighborhood (staff photo by James Cullum)

Welcome to Friday, Alexandria! Here’s our recap of the most-read stories.

Our top story this week is on two Alexandria business owners charged with possession of an illegal gambling device for operating skill games. The news marks the first indictments against Alexandria business owners for the devices. Dozens of skill game machines operate at multiple convenience and grocery stores in the West End and Arlandria neighborhoods, despite police hand-delivering warning letters to more than a dozen offending businesses. Skill games were outlawed as illegal gaming by the Virginia legislature in 2020, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter told ALXnow that his office is assessing “all potential investigative leads.”

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published July 18, 2025 at 3:30PM | Updated July 18, 2025 at 3:57PM

Allen Brooks (on left) and Doug Bauer, co-founders of Continues Arcade at 1050 N. Fayette Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

Welcome to Friday, Alexandria! Nearly all of our top stories this week are about local businesses.

Just in time to catch the end of the summer, our top story is on the beta launch of Continues Arcade, a new bar and restaurant featuring more than 60 restored classic arcade games. In anticipation of next week’s soft opening, ALXnow got a sneak peek inside the space at 1050 N. Fayette Street.

Around Town

Alexandria Pride headlines busy week of events, live music, and entertainment

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 23, 2025 at 10:45AM | Updated June 24, 2025 at 4:20PM

A Pride flag waves at Market Square outside City Hall in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria is rolling out the rainbow carpet this week with a packed schedule of Pride Month celebrations, including Saturday’s official Alexandria Pride event at City Hall and Market Square, complemented by LGBTQ+ themed activities at local libraries, a mystical Pride prom at the Torpedo Factory, and an LGBTQ history walking tour.

Beyond Pride festivities, residents can catch “The Play That Goes Wrong” at Little Theatre of Alexandria, enjoy live music ranging from Irish traditional sessions to comedy nights, and participate in community events like farmers markets, yoga classes, and the return of Oktoberfest at Port City Brewing Company.

Around Town

This Week in Alexandria: From Primary Day to Juneteenth and Pride parties

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 16, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated June 19, 2025 at 9:52AM

Enjoy traditional African American storytelling and songs reflecting the journey toward freedom with the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices ensemble on Juneteenth at Market Square (via Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria is set to commemorate Juneteenth this week with a series of events celebrating freedom and Black history, beginning on the Thursday holiday and extending through the weekend.

Residents and visitors can look forward to a diverse lineup of observances, from a concert by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices in Market Square on Thursday to a large-scale community festival at the Charles Houston Recreation Center on Saturday.

Around Town

Alexandria This Week: Softball showdown, Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair, and more (June 2-8)

By Ryan Belmore

Published June 2, 2025 at 2:30PM

Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair

Whether you’re looking to cheer on local teams at the Del Ray vs. Old Town Softball Battle, explore numerous live music options ranging from traditional Irish sessions to karaoke nights, engage with local governance at various city meetings, or celebrate Pride Month with a special drag dinner, the coming days are packed with opportunities for entertainment, community connection, and cultural enrichment.

Here’s a look at the activities happening in Alexandria from Monday, June 2nd, through Sunday, June 8th; enjoy!

Around Town

Alexandria Weekend Guide: Taste of Del Ray, Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, and live music galore (May 30-June 1)

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 29, 2025 at 11:15AM

A sign in Del Ray (via Visit Del Ray)

Alexandria is gearing up for a busy weekend, offering a diverse range of activities from Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1.

Highlights include the highly anticipated 16th Annual Taste of Del Ray, the city’s 81st D-Day Commemoration, and a chance to see improv legends Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood at The Birchmere, alongside numerous live music performances, workshops, and farmers markets citywide.

Around Town

Alexandria’s Memorial Day Weekend: Your guide to events, entertainment, and observances

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 22, 2025 at 11:15AM

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

Alexandria is set to buzz with activity this Memorial Day weekend, offering residents and visitors a diverse lineup of events from Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26.

This weekend has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to enjoy live performances from bands like The Manhattans, get creative at a boozy bonsai workshop, explore local history at the Lee-Fendall House, or attend a solemn Memorial Day ceremony.

News

Speed, Style, Wellness & Art: Your guide to what’s happening in Alexandria this weekend (May 16-18)

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 15, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated May 16, 2025 at 5:39AM

The Old Town Festival of Speed and Style on May 22, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Get ready for a jam-packed weekend in Alexandria, with flagship events like the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, the Well Ray health and wellness festival, and the Tavern Square Art Fair headlining a diverse array of activities.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a wellness seeker, an art lover, or just looking for some local fun, Alexandria has something for everyone this weekend.

Around Town

Reach Thousands of Alexandrians: Promote your event on ALXnow!

By Ryan Belmore

Published May 15, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated May 15, 2025 at 10:14AM

A paper calendar (Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash)

Looking to attract more people to your upcoming local gathering? Submit it to ALXnow’s event calendar and connect with locals searching for things to do in our community. Thousands of Alexandria residents turn to our calendar when planning their activities.

ALXnow offers options to fit your promotional needs. Free basic listings help spread the word about your event. For those seeking premium visibility, paid promotional options are available, offering featured placement on the ALXnow website, in our email newsletter, and on our social media channels.