Honestly, if you’re just Googling a random list of things to do, you’re probably going to miss the best parts of this city. Most people think they can just show up in Old Town, walk down King Street, and stumble into the "magic." But the Alexandria VA calendar of events is actually a high-stakes puzzle of historical commemorations, waterfront tall ships, and secret neighborhood festivals that sell out weeks in advance.
2026 isn't just another year here. It's huge. We're talking about the 250th anniversary of the United States, and since George Washington basically treated Alexandria like his personal living room, the city is going all out.
If you don't know the difference between the George Washington Birthday Parade and the Birthnight Dinner, or if you show up for "Sails on the Potomac" on the wrong weekend, you're going to spend your day fighting for a parking spot while the real action happens three blocks away. Let's break down what's actually happening on the ground.
The Big Ones: 2026 is the Year of America250
You’ve probably heard about the Semiquincentennial. Big word, bigger deal. Alexandria is positioning itself as the home base for the nation's 250th birthday.
The official America250 Kick-Off Event happens on January 26, 2026, at The Lyceum (the Alexandria History Museum). It’s not just a boring lecture. Carly Fiorina is the honorary chair, and they’re basically laying out the roadmap for a year-long party.
But the real showstopper? Sails on the Potomac. Mark your calendars for June 12–14, 2026.
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The waterfront is going to look like a scene from the 1700s. We’re getting the tall ships Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel, Providence, and Sultana. It’s an affiliate harbor for Sail Virginia 2026. If you’ve never seen a massive wooden ship dock at the foot of King Street, it’s surreal. The masts tower over the restaurants. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s arguably the coolest thing happening on the water this decade.
Winter and Spring: Beyond the Cold
Don't sleep on January and February. Most people stay inside, but the Alexandria VA calendar of events stays packed.
- Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week: January 23 to February 1. This is the time to hit the high-end spots in Del Ray or Old Town without crying when the bill comes.
- George Washington Birthday Parade: February 14. Yes, Valentine’s Day. The theme this year is "Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father." It runs from 2 to 4 PM through the heart of Old Town.
- Birthnight Dinner: Also February 14 at Gadsby’s Tavern. If you want to eat a four-course period dinner with a George Washington reenactor (Brian Hilton is the man of the hour), you need to book this months ago. Literally.
March shifts into Women's History Month and the Alexandria Forum on March 21, which focuses on "Nothing But Independence." It’s a deep dive into the local revolutionary mindset. If you’re a history nerd, this is your Super Bowl.
The Secret Festivals (The Locals' Favorites)
Everyone knows about the fireworks at the waterfront, but the locals live for the neighborhood-specific stuff.
Take Art on the Avenue in Del Ray. It’s set for October 3, 2026. This isn’t a "fine art" gallery vibe where you’re afraid to touch anything. It’s a massive multicultural street party on Mount Vernon Avenue. There are pie-baking contests, live music on every corner, and over 300 artists. It’s gritty, colorful, and feels like a real community.
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Then there’s the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style. Sunday, May 17, 2026.
If you like cars, this is insane. They shut down the lower blocks of King Street for rare and exotic supercars—Ferraris, Lamborghinis, vintage Porsches. It draws about 40,000 people. Pro tip: go to the High Octane Ball the night before if you want the "Black, White, and Red" charity gala experience.
Summertime Chaos and Cupcakes
July in Alexandria is... humid. But it’s also when the city throws itself a birthday party.
The Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration is happening on July 11, 2026, at Oronoco Bay Park. The city is turning 277, and the USA is turning 250. There will be:
- Cupcakes distributed by the City Council (Wegmans usually sponsors this).
- The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra playing live.
- A grand finale at 9:30 PM with fireworks and actual cannons from the Presidential Salute Battery.
It’s loud. It’s patriotic. It’s exactly what you expect from a town that existed before the country did.
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How to Actually Navigate This Calendar
The biggest mistake people make is trying to drive into Old Town during these events. Don't.
Basically, the Alexandria VA calendar of events is a guide on where not to park. If the George Washington Parade is happening, the streets are blocked. If the Festival of Speed is on, King Street is a pedestrian zone.
Use the King Street Trolley. It’s free. Or take the Water Taxi from D.C. or National Harbor. It’s a much cooler way to arrive than circling a parking garage for forty minutes.
Real Talk on Scheduling:
Check the Birchmere Music Hall schedule for specific dates. For example, Ricky Skaggs is there January 10, and Esperanza Spalding is booked for February 20. These shows start at 7:30 PM and usually mean the nearby restaurants get slammed around 5:30 PM. Plan your dinner accordingly.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit:
- Register for the MLK Celebration: The 53rd Anniversary Community Celebration is January 15, 2026, at the Masonic Memorial. It’s free, but you need to register at drkingmemorialprogram.org.
- Check the "First Night" Vibe: If you're planning for next New Year’s, First Night Alexandria is the move. Fireworks at 7:30 PM (for the kids) and midnight.
- Follow the Zebra or Patch: Local outlets like The Zebra Press or Patch often catch the smaller pop-up food distributions or teen science cafes that the big tourist sites miss.
- Book the Igloos Early: The Winter Wonderland Igloos at King & Rye run through February 15. They have a $150–$200 food/beverage minimum, so bring a group of 8 to make it worth it.
The city is transitioning from a quiet historic town into a year-long festival hub for 2026. If you want to see the tall ships or eat at Gadsby’s, your planning needs to start now. Keep an eye on the official city calendar for any weather-related shifts, especially for the waterfront fireworks which usually have a "rain date" for the following Sunday.