Alexandria Living Magazine
For all its historic charm and buzzy dining scene, Alexandria is a surprisingly easy place to have a great day out for free. World-class art, live music on the water, riverfront trails, and centuries of history are all yours at no charge — you just have to know where to look. With plenty of warm weather still ahead, here's a guide to the best free things to do around town.
Free art & culture
105 North Union Street, Old Town waterfront
The single best free outing in the city: three floors of working artist studios and galleries, open to the public and free since 1974. Wander in, watch artists at work, and don't miss the on-site Archaeology Museum — also free. Monthly “Second Friday” evenings add crafts, music, and a lively crowd.
201 Prince Street, Old Town
A striking Greek Revival landmark that houses a free contemporary art gallery from the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association — a quiet, elegant stop on a stroll through the historic streets.
Free on the waterfront & outdoors
The waterfront & the Mount Vernon Trail
Along the Potomac, Old Town
Amble the docks at the foot of King Street for river views and street performers, or set out on the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail on foot or by bike. It's the city's great free pastime — and the sunset over the water costs nothing at all.
Potomac Yard Park Interactive Fountain
2501 Potomac Avenue
Three dozen water jets and zero admission make this free fountain a go-to on a hot afternoon — just bring a towel and let the kids loose.
Free walks & strolls
King Street & the free trolley
From the King Street Metro to the waterfront
Stroll the walkable mile of King Street, past 200-plus independent shops and restaurants, then hop the free King Street Trolley when little legs (or big ones) give out. Window-shopping and people-watching, gratis.
Self-guided history & mural walks
Throughout Old Town & beyond
Alexandria is a living history museum you can tour for free — from colonial architecture and centuries-old churches to the city's murals and African American heritage sites. Pick a themed route and set your own pace.
Free summer concerts & events
The city's calendar fills with free live music all season; a few reliable series to watch for.
City of Alexandria Pipes & Drums and waterfront concerts
Market Square & Waterfront Park, Old Town
Summer evenings bring free performances to the heart of Old Town, from the skirl of the city's own Pipes & Drums on Market Square to concerts down at the waterfront. Bring a chair and settle in.
Loading Dock Rock at Port City Brewing
3950 Wheeler Avenue, West End
On select summer Fridays, the region's longest-running brewery turns its loading dock into a free outdoor concert stage — live bands, cold beer for sale, and an easygoing crowd.
Mount Vernon Nights & Fort Hunt concerts
Grist Mill Park & Fort Hunt Park, just south of the city
Just down the parkway, these long-running free series bring weekly evening concerts — everything from jazz and soul to military bands — to the parks near Mount Vernon. Pack a picnic and a blanket.
Summer Sundays chamber music at The Lyceum
201 South Washington Street
Sunday afternoons bring free chamber music to Alexandria's history museum — a cool, cultured way to spend a summer hour indoors.
Portside in Old Town & the farmers markets
Waterfront Park & markets citywide
The waterfront's free Portside summer festival brings activities and entertainment to the river's edge, and browsing the city's farmers markets — from the 1753 Old Town market on down — costs nothing at all.
A few tips
For the concert series, bring your own seating and a picnic, and always confirm the schedule in advance, since outdoor events shift with the weather. Many free attractions — the Torpedo Factory, the trolley, the waterfront — cluster within an easy walk of one another, so you can string several together into a full, no-cost day. Check the city's events calendar for what's on while you're planning, then go enjoy the best of the season on the house.
