This spring in Alexandria, VA, located minutes from D.C., admire new waterfront public art, enjoy cherry blossom-themed events, tour historic homes and gardens and bring your four-legged friends to canine-themed happenings around Alexandria.
This cherry blossom season, soak in the pink and white wonders as you wander Alexandria’s red-brick sidewalks, or see the D.C. blossoms up close with bike tours from Pedego Electric Bikes. Beginning in March, take a water taxi to The Wharf for a short 10-minute jaunt to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry blossoms, or take the Cherry Blossom Cruise past the Tidal Basin blossoms and into Georgetown.
Lace up your running shoes for the inaugural PNC Alexandria Half, coming to Old Town on April 26, 2026, featuring a half marathon (replacing the previous 10-mile route), 5K and kids dash. The new half marathon course starts and finishes in Old Town and allows participants to explore a picturesque waterfront route including miles of scenic course along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Image Courtesy of ALX Dog Walk
This spring, get your furry friends in on the fun. On April 12, the 4th Annual Del Ray Dog Fest features dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food. Later in the month on April 18, the ALX Dog Walk lets you parade your pup along the waterfront alongside live music, an emceed dog show with prizes and more.
April’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to get outside and stroll the city’s centuries-old streetscapes. On April 18, participate in the Historic Garden Week Old Town Alexandria Tour, part of Historic Garden Week in Virginia. This easy walking tour includes private townhomes and secluded gardens located along the tree-lined streets of the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects within a short driving distance of the tour area – the Gardens at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens as well as Green Spring Garden. Find more of Alexandria’s standout architectural spots to explore here.
Art happenings abound this spring in Alexandria. Throughout March, celebrate the Woodlawn Needlework Show at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, the largest judged show of needle arts in the nation, displaying thousands of embroidery pieces by artists from all over the world. On April 25, head to John Carlyle Square for the Alexandria Art Show & Spring Craft Fair to peruse handcrafted goods from more than 90 artisans, crafters and small businesses. On May 17, during the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, view dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, complemented by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by 40+ local merchants.
Pictured: Casa Luna Owner Barry Weng
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May by getting to know some of Alexandria’s AAPI business owners. Explore international artwork at Kyo Gallery, helmed by Jason Longfellow. Find Northern-style authentic Chinese food at KungFu Kitchen , located in the West End’s Alexandria Commons shopping center, from owner Amy Liang and her team. And on King Street, the cocktail-inclined should head below Kisso Asian Bistro to Casa Luna, owned by Barry Weng, for creative handcrafted cocktails paired with sophisticated bar bites. Find many more businesses to support year-round and uncover new favorites here.
Get outside and stroll Alexandria’s centuries-old streetscapes boasting signature springs scenes as you revamp your wardrobe for the warmer weather. Shop more than 100 locally owned boutiques along and around the King Street mile, with curated offerings spanning sundresses to vintage jewelry to designer shoes and beyond.
Find more ways to savor springtime in Alexandria here.
