Photo by Gordon Lau
King Street in wintertime.
Photo of King Street by Gordon Lau
Brace for a cold week, Alexandria! Luckily, there are plenty of fun events to keep you busy and get out and about. Take a look at what’s coming up, check weather conditions and don't forget to visit the venue websites to ensure everything is still a go.
All Week: Alexandria Restaurant Week (through Sunday, Feb. 1)
Alexandria Restaurant Week is back, giving locals and visitors a delicious excuse to dine out all week long. Participating restaurants across the city are offering special prix-fixe menus and chef-driven specials that highlight everything from cozy comfort food to elevated fine dining.
Photo courtesy of Il Porto
A dish from Il Porto in Old Town Alexandria.
It’s the perfect time to revisit favorite spots or finally try that restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, date night, or group dinner, Restaurant Week makes exploring Alexandria’s food scene both accessible and indulgent.
Wednesday, Jan. 28: Author Event — Ashley Elston in Conversation with Elle Cosimano (The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., 6–8:30 p.m.)
Photo courtesy of Old Town Books
January event grid posts - 1.28 Ashley Elston
Author event set for Wednesday in Old Town Alexandria
Celebrate the launch of Anatomy of an Alibi with bestselling author Ashley Elston, joined in conversation by Elle Cosimano, author of the wildly popular Finlay Donovan series. Hosted by Old Town Books at The Lyceum, the evening promises sharp conversation, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of thriller-loving energy.
Tickets are $35 and include a signed copy of Anatomy of an Alibi. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the author discussion beginning at 6 p.m. Elston, whose debut First Lie Wins was a #1 New York Times bestseller, brings another tense, twist-filled story about secrets, identity, and the danger of getting too close to the truth.
Thursday, Jan. 29 (Free): Historian Talk with Alec Zuercher Reichardt (George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon)
Historian Alec Zuercher Reichardt discusses his book Roads to Power, Roads to Crisis, which explores how British imperial infrastructure in the American interior helped fuel both colonial expansion and the American Revolution. The talk sheds light on how roads, routes, and logistics shaped the political destiny of a nation.
Image courtesy of author
A free author talk is coming up this week on "Roads to Power, Roads to Crisis" at Mount Vernon.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and have books signed. Held at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, this free event is ideal for history lovers curious about the overlooked forces that helped spark revolution.
Thursday, Jan. 29: Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither (The Birchmere, 7:30 p.m.)
Two legendary singer-songwriters take the stage at The Birchmere for a night of folk, blues and storytelling. Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither each bring decades of sharp lyrics, rich musicianship and unmistakable voices to this intimate live performance.
Photo courtesy of The Birchmere
Loudon Wainwright II and Chris Smither take the stage this week at The Birchmere.
Expect humor, honesty and masterful guitar work in a show that highlights why both artists remain beloved fixtures in the Americana and folk music worlds. It’s a must-see evening for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Thursday, Jan. 29: Ladies Night Trivia at Alexandria Bier Garden (7–10 p.m.)
Alexandria Bier Garden turns Thursday nights into a lively mix of laughs, competition and great drinks. Doors are open, walk-ins are welcome and entry is completely free—making it an easy and spontaneous night out in the heart of Old Town.
Enjoy $3 margaritas (or at least last time we checked!), free trivia starting at 7 p.m., and weekly prizes for top teams in the form of Bier Garden gift cards. With German beers, cocktails, brats, pretzels, and a full kitchen, it’s a fun, social atmosphere whether you come with a team or join one on the spot.
Friday, Jan. 30 & Saturday, Jan. 31: Will Downing (The Birchmere)
Photo courtesy of The Birchmere
Will Downing will perform this week at The Birchmere.
Soul and R&B favorite Will Downing brings his smooth vocals and romantic sound to The Birchmere for two nights. Known for his velvety baritone and sophisticated style, Downing delivers performances that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
These shows are perfect for fans of classic soul, jazz-infused R&B, and intimate concert settings. Expect polished musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and an evening designed to linger long after the final note.
Friday, Jan. 30: Hot Cactus at The Light Horse (21+)
Kick off the weekend with live music from Hot Cactus at The Light Horse. Known for high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing sets, the band brings a lively atmosphere that’s ideal for dancing and late-night fun.
This 21-and-over show is a great pick for those looking to unwind with friends, enjoy drinks and dive into Alexandria’s nightlife scene as the weekend gets underway.
Photo courtesy of Hot Cactus
The Hot Cactus band performs Friday night in Old Town Alexandria.
Saturday, Jan. 31: Specialty Tour — Civil War Medicine (Fort Ward Museum, 10–11 a.m.)
Step into the fascinating and sometimes surprising world of 1860s medical care during this indoor guided tour at Fort Ward Museum. The one-hour experience explores Civil War–era medicine beyond the usual stories, highlighting how care was practiced both on the battlefield and in Alexandria hospitals.
Tickets are $15 per person, or $12 for Historic Alexandria members, and the tour is open to all audiences. Visitors will also get a close look at artifacts not currently on display. Advance registration is encouraged, and guests should arrive at least five minutes early as doors lock at the start time.
Sunday, Feb. 1: Civil War Prisons in Alexandria with Madeline Feierstein (Carlyle House Historic Park)
Learn about a lesser-known chapter of Alexandria’s Civil War history during this in-depth program on the city’s five military prisons. The talk explores daily life for Confederate and Union prisoners, the impact of prisons on local residents, and medical treatment at facilities like Grosvenor Branch Hospital in the Lee-Fendall House.
Led by Alexandria historian Madeline Feierstein, the program draws on first-hand accounts and extensive research into soldiers who were sick, injured, or imprisoned in the city. Tickets are $12 per person and are non-refundable unless canceled by the museum.
