Around Town

It was a cool but clear day on Saturday as the 43rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade passed through Old Town.

Dozens of pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups and local businesses marched along Alexandria’s historic streets for the event, which is hosted by the nonprofit Ballyshaners, Inc, whose name translates to “Old Towners” in Gaelic.


Around Town

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

Two Alexandria students were recently awarded $500 prizes for their submissions to the 2026 George Washington Legacy Foundation Essay Contest.

Garrett Wagman of George Washington Middle School and David De Costa of Bishop Ireton High School won the middle school and high school contests, which were open to all students in the city. This year’s 700-to-1,000-word essay contest focused on America’s 250th anniversary and Washington’s role in uniting the colonies.


Around Town

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.


News

Alexandria’s month-long celebration of the first president of the United States continues this Saturday with the return of the George Washington Birthday Parade.

Known as Washington’s adopted hometown, Alexandria has celebrated the Founding Father, born Feb. 22, 1732, with a birthday parade that dates back to 1801. This year, it will run from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday in Old Town with a modified route, due to ongoing renovations at City Hall and Market Square.


Around Town

Alexandria’s 25th annual Holiday Boat Parade brought gleaming, spirited displays of holiday cheer to Old Town’s waterfront on Saturday night.

Visit Alexandria has announced the winners of the parade today (Monday), with exhibits ranging from a hot pink Chappell Roan theme that captured “Most Spirited Crew” to a playful “Hanukkah Octopus” named Happy that won “Hardiest Soul.” Here’s a look at this year’s winners and categories.


Around Town

What a day for a parade it was in Old Town on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The wailing of bagpipes sailed through Alexandria’s historic streets as thousands of community members gathered to watch the 54th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.


News

It’s a marshmallow world in Alexandria this morning (Friday) as the snowy regional forecast is expected to continue into the afternoon.

The National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Advisory will remain in effect until 4 p.m. today, with total snow accumulation estimated around one inch. As a result, residents should “plan on slippery road conditions.”


Around Town

Two of Alexandria’s iconic holiday season parades will lead to some road closures throughout Old Town this weekend.

The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights both take place this Saturday, prompting the closures as well as reserved parking and no-parking zone enforcement.


News

Thousands of superheroes, witches, princesses, and other costumed revelers attended the 29th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade along Mount Vernon Avenue Sunday afternoon.

The grand marshal of the parade was Mount Vernon Community School 5th grader Linci Campos Cifuentes, who rode with her principal along the parade route. The event is one of the best Halloween parades in the country, according to USA Today.


News

Get your Halloween costumes ready, because an Alexandria tradition is returning on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Thousands of participants are expected at the 29th annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. Every year, Ghostbusters, superheroes, fairies, princesses, and many more costumed Alexandrians march along Mount Vernon Avenue at the intersection with E. Bellefonte Avenue to the fields at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue). The festivities start at 2 p.m., and always end with the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA) awarding the winners of the best decorated house and business in Del Ray, as well as the best-dressed group, pet costume, and stroller.


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