January 28, 2026

What’s New in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2026

We are pleased to share an exciting look ahead at What’s New in 2026 in Alexandria, VA, including commemorations for America’s 250th, new waterfront experiences, just-opened restaurants and shops and hotel upgrades. View our article to explore some top story ideas and preview this year’s developments and openings below. 

• Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary: As the nation marks its semiquincentennial, Alexandria will host year-long programming that brings history to life, starting now and through the summer, including the George Washington Birthday Parade, Sails on the Potomac featuring iconic tall ships, new museum exhibits, public art installations and fireworks along the waterfront. Nearby, George Washington’s Mount Vernon has a new exhibit, fireworks show and more in store for the year ahead. 

• New at the Waterfront: Alexandria’s waterfront continues to evolve with new public spaces and experiences, including the Pendleton Street Promenade, the city’s first ADA-accessible Potomac River kayak launch, the 2026 Waterfront Park public art installation entitled Now or Never and the permanent expansion of the pedestrian zone on the 200 block of King Street. 

• Retail Openings: Alexandria’s independent boutique scene continues to grow with new and recent additions, including Arielle Shoshana, Interior Instincts and Eliana Curated. Expansions of D.C. favorites include Georgetown Olive Oil Co. and DCanter; and national chains include Ulta Beauty and ALO. 

• Dining Trends: From chef-driven menus to immigrant-inspired, place-based cuisine, Alexandria welcomes an influx of new restaurants this year including Continues Arcade, LaPluma Coffee & Wine, Maman café, Pupatella pizzeria, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and many more. 

• Hotel Upgrades: Enhancements include refreshed guest rooms and public spaces, plus a new spa and bar at Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria, sensory-inclusive certification at Hyatt Centric Old Town and Hotel Heron’s addition to Hilton’s Curio Collection. 

Learn more: What’s New in Alexandria in 2026 

Image gallery: Download high-res images