Fall Events Feature Art Festivals, Cocktail Week, Halloween Happenings and More in Alexandria, VA
CONTACTS:
Rebecca Doser, [email protected] or 703-652-5363
Claire Mouledoux, [email protected] or 703-652-5367
Alexandria, VA—Autumn ushers in glorious foliage for fall strolls through centuries-old streetscapes, crisp air for al fresco events and the start of spooky season. Voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. 2024, Alexandria invites visitors to soak in its architecture during the 82nd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour and sip local libations during Old Town Cocktail Week. Plus, visitors can immerse themselves in beloved annual art festivals including the 22nd Annual Alexandria Art Festival in Carlyle and Del Ray’s 28th Annual Art on the Avenue.
Dive deeper into fall events and activities in Alexandria with the listings below and at VisitAlexandria.com/Fall.
22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
September 14 to 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
artfestival.com/festivals
Rated one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine, the annual art festival features a variety of works exemplifying gifted artists from all over the country.
Taste of Old Town North
September 19, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Montgomery Park, 901 N. Royal St
oldtownnorth.org
The Taste of Old Town North is a free, family-and pet-friendly event featuring an artisans’ market, gourmet restaurant tastings, children’s improv with Alexandria Children’s Theater and other activities for all to enjoy, including music from two local bands. Participating Old Town North restaurants include Jula’s on the Potomac, the Perfect Pita, Hank’s Oyster Bar, MacMillan Spirit House, Hotel AKA Alexandria’s a.lounge+bar, St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub and Royal Restaurant.
82nd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour
September 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $45 per person
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
thetwig.org/homes-tour
The 82nd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour will be held on September 21, 2024, and will showcase some of Alexandra’s finest homes. This year’s event will include a bonus tour of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Presented by The Twig, the Junior Auxiliary of INOVA Alexandria Hospital, the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour is a ticketed tour with proceeds benefiting INOVA Alexandria Hospital. Their designated Tour Book serves as a guide to the homes and will be accessible to ticket holders via mobile device. Hard copies of the Tour Book are available for purchase in advance for $5 each.
Old Town Cocktail Week
September 26 to October 6, 2024
Admission: Prices vary; tickets to Art on the Rocks are $70 per person
TBA locations throughout Old Town; Art on the Rocks kick-off event location: Hotel Heron, 699 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314
oldtownbusiness.org
Old Town Cocktail Week will feature spirited events, workshops and activities at shops and restaurants around Old Town. The festivities kick off at Art on the Rocks at the Heron Hotel on September 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can sample up to ten unique cocktail and appetizer pairings and vote for their favorite pairing while enjoying imaginative artwork, live music and more. Tickets to Art on the Rocks are available via Eventbrite.
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
October 4 to 6, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Friday: $50 for members, $60 for general public; Saturday: $54 for members, $64 for general public; Sunday: $44 for members; $54 for general public
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
mountvernon.org
Taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours at George Washington’s estate. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River, and enjoy concessions available for purchase from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Please note that the Mansion will not be open during this event.
29th Annual Art on the Avenue
October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Mount Vernon Ave. between Hume Ave. and Bellefonte Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
artontheavenue.org
The 29th Annual Art on the Avenue festival held in Del Ray features more than 300 juried artists, from quilters to card-makers to cartographers, displaying their one-of-a-kind wares. Arrive with an appetite and grab a bite from dozens of food vendors while soaking up live music (Irish, folk, rock-n-roll, country and more) along the avenue. Plus, kids activities abound with pumpkin painting, screen art weaving and more. Please note parking is extremely limited. Trolley transportation will be available from the Braddock Road Metro.
Old Town Family Trick or Treat
October 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Various locations in Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314
oldtownbusiness.org
Bring the family and enjoy trick-or-treating in various shops and restaurants in Old Town along upper and lower King Street and select side streets. Visit oldtownbusiness.org in the coming weeks for details on the starting point and map pick-up location.
Old Town Doggie Trick or Treat
October 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
The Dog Park, 705 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
oldtownbusiness.org
Bring your dog for a howling day of walking through Old Town and visiting participating merchants who will offer treats for your four-legged companion. Start at The Dog Park boutique, located at 705 King Street. Visit oldtownbusiness.org in the coming weeks for more details.
28th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
October 27, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Begins at Mount Vernon Ave., south of E. Bellefonte Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301
visitdelray.com
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, returns once again. Costumed children, pets and babies in decked-out strollers are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. For more information, including details on entering the house decorating contest, pet costume contest and stroller decorating contest, head to visitdelray.com.
Alexandria Cider Festival
November 23, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $50 (Presale through October 31); $55 (November 1 to 22); $65 (at the door); $25 designated driver purchase
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
apps.alexandriava.gov/calendar
Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of the historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria. Event tickets include cider tastings, live music, a tasting glass and a little history, too. This event will take place outdoors. Proceeds benefit the historic Alexandria museums.
About Alexandria, Virginia
Recognized by Travel + Leisure among the Best Cities in the U.S. 2024 and voted a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2023, Alexandria is a welcoming weekend escape on the Potomac River, minutes from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Celebrating its 275th anniversary in 2024, the port city has played a major role in the nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Explore vibrant neighborhoods beyond Old Town, trace George Washington and the Founding Fathers’ footsteps and follow the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history of Alexandria and the United States.
Connect with us!
Web: VisitAlexandria.com
Facebook: VisitAlexandriaVA
X: AlexandriaVA
Instagram: VisitAlexVA
Hashtag: #visitALX
