There's plenty to do in and around Alexandria this fall! Save the date for these festivals, markets and events. More information on all of these will be available in the coming weeks. (Sign up for the Alexandria Living Magazine email newsletter to keep up!)
Makers’ Market at Port City Brewing
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Start your holiday shopping early with the area’s most fun sip-and-shop in September! Port City Brewing will welcome more than 30 local makers with interesting items for all ages. This kid-friendly and pet-friendly event will include music, food and prizes, too. Sponsored by Made in ALX.
Colonial Market and Fair
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15
Dozens of artisans will pop up in the field at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, including food and wares made by unique artisans. Play 18th-century games on the green, listen to period music and more, too! Free with admission to the estate.
Old Town Art Festival
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15
The huge art festival that, for years before the pandemic, was hosted on King Street, has moved to John Carlyle Park. Enjoy seeing the creations of artists from all over the country, plus food music and more.
HalloWEIRD Art Market
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Stop by Del Ray Artisans to browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly, goth — or just festive! Talented local artists will have unique seasonal items in a variety of mediums. The market will be held rain or shine at Colasanto Park adjoining Del Ray Artisans gallery. Plus, step inside Del Ray Artisans to see the September exhibit, “Fascinating Fiber, Alluring Fiber.”
Oktoberfest
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28
A fun fall festival and art market pops up in John Carlyle Square the last Saturday in September. Enjoy seasonal crafts, traditional German music, raise a stein in the beer garden and enjoy Bavarian performances.
Chalk-a-Block
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Enjoy a stroll through the Old Town North neighborhood with talented sidewalk chalk artists creating masterpieces outside at multiple locations. Take part in a scavenger hunt for prizes, enjoy arts activities for kids, food, music and much more.
Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour
6-9 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Oct. 4-6
Sample a wide variety of Virginia wines as you relax on a blanket on the East Lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy live music by Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders and concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. No pets or outside food allowed. Get tickets early, as this annual event often sells out!
Art on the Avenue
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Art on the Avenue is Alexandria’s single biggest arts event. Every year on the first Saturday in October, Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray becomes home to a huge pop-up arts festival with a variety of crafters, food, music and more. This is the event’s 29th year. Learn more at artontheavenue.com.
Paws in the Park
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
This annual celebration of our four-legged friends takes place in Oronoco Bay Park and benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Food, vendors and pet-friendly activities are planned.
Old Town Oyster Week
Oct. 14 - 22, various times
Celebrate our region's favorite bicuspid with shell shucking competitions, vote for your favorite Guiness and oysters pairing and more at various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria.
Fall Harvest Festival
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20
Celebrate the season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the farm at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Demonstrations include wheat treading, laundry, cooking, candle-making, horseshoeing and more.
Alexandria Fall Fest
Sunday, Nov. 3
This annual fall festival at River Farm brings out the best for everyone, including kids! Live music, food trucks, kid-friendly entertainment, a beer garden and more are included. Learn more at www.alexandriafallfestival.com.
