One of the longest running seasonal summer shopping events returns to Alexandria with the 10th Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale happening Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11, throughout Old Town and Del Ray.
The event, which is led by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria, Old Town Boutique District, Old Town Business and Del Ray Business Association, features more than 50 Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise up to 80 percent off.
New this year, the King Street Mile comes alive with storefront activations, giveaways and live music. Plus, visitors are encouraged to make it a shopping weekend and enter an Instagram giveaway for the chance to win an overnight stay at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa on Aug. 10.
Shoppers can stroll Alexandria’s red brick sidewalks for end-of-summer savings on items ranging from fashion and jewelry to home decor, culinary goods and seasonal gift items. New stores like Old Town Books will join Alexandria favorites such as The Hour, Bishop Boutique, The Dog Park, Pacers Running, Wear Ever Jewelry, 529 Kids Consign, The Shoe Hive and fibre space.
Many boutiques will open their doors at 9 a.m. on Saturday to kick off the sale weekend. Shoppers can spot participating stores by looking for the bright yellow balloons. The City of Alexandria will provide free parking at meters in Old Town on both Saturday and Sunday; parking is always free in Del Ray. Visitors can also take advantage of a summer parking discount featuring $2 all-day parking on weekends at City-owned garages and surface lots.
Activations along the King Street Mile
The King Street Mile will come alive as stores host activities such as lemonade stands, a rose bar, a snow cone machine, giant Jenga, a bubble bar, mosaic-making demonstrations, an airbrush stencil activity, a steam clean jewelry station, sidewalk chalk art and a mini make-and-take project. Stop by the new garden at the Alexandria Visitor Center and 913 King Street from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday to recharge and for pop-up blue grass and folk performances by Alexandria Symphony Orchestra musicians. At 913 King St., view a pop-up art studio by Kyo Gallery and cool off with refreshments by McEnearney Commercial. Enjoy pop-up music at the pocket park at Fayette and King Streets.
Shoppers with their pups in tow will want to stop by the pet-friendly Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa to cool off at a complimentary station with gourmet pet treats and water bowls Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. While at the boutique hotel Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., check out Nourish & Refine, an Alexandria-based natural skincare line, that will pop-up in the hotel’s courtyard. Stop by for exclusive discounts and a gift with every purchase of their luxurious line of skincare, candles, eye masks and more. Shoppers can also refuel with complimentary bites and Parisienne Punch from Brabo Brasserie Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and complimentary boozy Otter Pops and Parisienne Punch from Brabo Tasting Room Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Instagram giveaways
New this year, visitors are invited to make it a shopping weekend by entering Visit Alexandria and Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa’s Shopping Weekend Getaway giveaway on Instagram for the chance to win a luxurious overnight stay in Old Town on Aug. 10. To enter, follow @VisitAlexVA and @LorienHotelandSpa then look for Visit Alexandria’s post on July 26 and tag a friend you want to shop the King Street Mile with. Each comment tagging a unique person equals one entry— so the more comments and tags, the more chances of winning! One random winner will be selected on July 29.
The giveaways continue throughout August with more Visit Alexandria Instagram giveaways the two Fridays leading up to the Summer Sidewalk Sale, Aug. 2 and 9. One random winner will be selected each Friday to win a $25 gift certificate. The Old Town Boutique District will also host an Instagram giveaway. Simply snap a photo of your favorite sidewalk “steal” and tag #shopOTBD #LoveLocalOT for a chance to win a gift card to a store of your choice.
Visit VisitAlexandriaVA.com/SidewalkSale for more information.
