Looking for something fun to do this weekend with your furry friends? Be sure to check out the ALX Dog Walk! Here's the scoop and lots more coming up this spring in Alexandria:
ALX Dog Walk
Photo courtesy of ALX Dog Walk
ALX Dog Walk
April 29, 2023, from 8 to 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-717-3672
Walkers and dogs alike can enjoy a two-mile walk down historic Union Street and return to the park along the beautiful waterfront walk for the awards celebration of music, prizes, treats, kids’ activities, dog fun and much more. Each registered walker receives a goodie bag, packed with sustainable items, a T-shirt, one free raffle ticket for incredible prizes and a dog bandana.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 19 to 21, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Friday: $49 for members; $59 for non-members; Saturday: $53 for members; $63 for non-members; Sunday: $43 for members; $53 for non-members
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Head to Mount Vernon for their most popular event of the year. Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy the live music of Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders.
3rd Annual Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival
May 20 to 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, VA
The Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival is heading back to John Carlyle Square in 2023. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show was rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
200-400 blocks of King Street, and the 100 blocks of North Royal and North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community – history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style and energy. View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! and The Campagna Center.
More Spring Events and Tours
Alexander D’Agostino: “A Shrine for the Forgotten” Exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Daily from April 22, 2023, to July 15, 2023
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
Baltimore-based solo artist exhibition recipient, Alexander D’Agostino, presents “A Shrine for the Forgotten.” The work explores queer histories and images, through performance, installation, and reclaiming material from queer archives and other cultural resources related to the historic marginalization of LGBTQ people.
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace at Carlyle House
April 22 to October 31, 2023; 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Join an hour-long gentle flow yoga class on Carlyle House’s Magnolia Terrace. You will build heat with sun salutations then progress to balance, deep stretching and, finally, relaxation. Please bring water, a towel and a yoga mat and wear comfortable yoga wear.
Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
May 6 to 7, 2023, 9 a.m. to 5p.m.
Admission: $35 for adults, $21 for youth
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations and engage in 18thcentury tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques and greet General Washington. Walk through the Museum of the American Revolution’s replica of General Washington’s War Tent, which served as the marquee—or office and sleeping quarters—that he used as the command center of the Continental Army.
Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria at Carlyle House
May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2023, at 10 a.m.
Admission: $20
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
In honor of National Preservation Month, join Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall House on a tour of “Lost Alexandria.” Learn about the historic buildings that were not preserved and why.
Secret Language of the Fan and Chocolate Bon-Bons at Carlyle House
May 6, 2023, at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Admission: $40 per person
Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-2997
Discover the secret language of the fan as many women in the 19th century did. While practicing fan skills, enjoy different flavored chocolate bon-bons from Potomac Chocolate. Tours of the first floor of the house will run from 6 to 7 p.m. with the program starting promptly at 7 p.m.
The Late Shift Art Night: Heritage – Asian American and Pacific Islander
May 12, 2023, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4570
The Torpedo Factory Art Center will be honoring the area’s local Asian American and Pacific Islander community and culture. Experience hands-on art making and demonstrations, with all three floors of studios and galleries open to the public.
Art Night in Old Town Alexandria
Third Thursdays of the month, from 5 to 8 p.m., beginning on May 18, 2023, through October
Admission: Free
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, 22314
Take a free self-guided tour of Old Town Alexandria and explore the fine art and studio crafts found in art galleries and boutique shops. The stroll is a great activity after an early dinner or before enjoying a meal at one of Old Town Alexandria’s restaurants.
Makers Market at Port City Brewing Company with Made in ALX
May 20, 2023, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
703-797-2739
A diverse mix of more than 30 local makers will pop up and take over Port City’s parking lot, showcasing the creative community of Alexandria-based creators, makers, designers and crafters, with vendors curated from highly talented artisans located in Alexandria. Enjoy a Port City pint or two as you browse. The event will also feature food trucks and is both pet and kid friendly.
