Top Things to Do This Fall in Alexandria

As the air starts to chill, autumn leaves create a scenic canopy above red brick sidewalks in Alexandria, Virginia. Art festivals add to the seasonal spirit as locals load up at farmers’ markets and fall festivities pop up in Old Town, Del Ray and beyond. Sip local cider, stroll King Street for seasonal finds and Halloween treats, explore historic homes and take advantage of the bounty of fall activities below.

1. Art and Al Fresco Festivals

Pictured: Paws in the Park; Image Credit: Lucia Smith

Take advantage of fall festival season with plenty of al fresco festivities. From September 14 to 15, 2024, the 23^rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival will host juried artwork to peruse and purchase at John Carlyle Square. Immerse yourself in indie music, art and offerings from 20+ breweries during Aslin Beer Co.’s 9th Anniversary Beer, Music and Art Festival on September 28. On October 5, the ever-popular 29^th Annual Art on the Avenue celebrates the community’s creative spirit with an artistic bonanza of some 300+ vendors along Mount Vernon Avenue.

From October 4 to 6, soak up Potomac River views while savoring vino during the most popular annual event at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. And on October 13, bring your four-legged friends to Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s fall festival, Paws in the Park, featuring local vendors, food and drink, music, adoptable dogs and more.

2. Events to Sip and Savor

Say “cheers!” throughout autumn in Alexandria. Ever-popular Old Town Cocktail Week kicks off on September 26, 2024, with Art on the Rocks at Hotel Heron and plenty of workshops and special events through October 6. On September 19, the Taste of Old Town North invites you to explore the neighborhood with tastings from local favorites such as Jula’s on the Potomac and Royal Restaurant, plus live music. Then, say “Prost!” during the Oktoberfest celebration at John Carlyle Square Park on September 28. From October 4 to 6, unwind on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River at George Washington’s Mount Vernon’s most popular annual event, the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. Plus, seafood lovers can savor the 5th Annual Old Town Oyster Week, from October 12 to 20.

If apple season screams “cider” to you, head to Lost Boy Cider for no-sugar-added sips. Or, opt for fall-themed brews from award-winning Port City Brewing Company or beloved Aslin Beer Company. Plus, try newer drinks destinations such as Atlas Brew Works, Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room, The MacMillan Spirit House and more.

3. Historic Homes and Fall Foliage

Enjoy the crisp autumn air as you snap photos of the bright-hued foliage fluttering around the city’s historic architecture and brick-lined sidewalks. Use our fall foliage guide to inspire and inform your leaf-peeping, from sweetgums to sugar maples. Then, peek behind the façades of architectural gems at the TWIG’s 82^nd Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour on September 21, 2024. That same day, dive deeper into the centuries-old streetscapes with Carlyle House’s Discover Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour. Plus, find the most photogenic fall spots around town with our autumn-themed Instagram guide.

4. Spooky Celebrations and Activities

From cobwebbed and cobblestoned Captain’s Row to year-round, lantern-led ghost tours, Alexandria’s historic charm contains its fair share of haunts. Get spooked on a stroll with Alexandria Colonial Tours, Nightly Spirits or Alexandria Ghosts, or gather your gang for a spine-chilling challenge at Escape Room Live. On October 26, 2024, bring the family and enjoy trick or treating in the various shops and restaurants at the Old Town Family Trick or Treat. That same day, grown-ups won’t want to miss the Official Halloween Bar Crawl throughout Old Town. Then, break out your canine costumes for the 11^th Annual Doggie Trick-or-Treat on October 27 and join the beloved Del Ray Halloween Parade along Mount Vernon Avenue. On November 2, wrap up spooky season with Alexandria Fall-O-Ween at John Carlyle Square, complete with a costume parade and family-friendly fun.

5. Shopping Along the King Street Mile

Take advantage of the cooler weather with a stroll along Old Town’s King Street mile, the largest collection of independent boutiques in the D.C. region. Get a jump start on holiday shopping at newer boutiques such as Pippin Toy Co., a magical oasis for children’s toys, books, games and more, and Madame Coco Emporium and Everything Chocolate, a whimsical destination for chocolate delicacies and exclusive hostess gifts.

6. Bountiful Farmers’ Markets

Take advantage of harvest season with a visit to Alexandria’s farmers’ markets. As the nation’s longest continually operating farmers’ markets in one site, the Old Town Farmers’ Market bustles in the shadow of City Hall every Saturday morning. During peak season, you’ll find more than 70 vendors offering fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, pastries, fresh pasta, pickled vegetables, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps, jewelry, art and more. Grab a pastry and coffee at the market, then walk down to the waterfront for a riverside refresh.

7. Riverside Revelry

Looking for ways to soak up Potomac views this fall? Enjoy the smell of autumn in the air as you dine outside at one of the city’s prime riverside eateries. Plus, check out the temporary public art installation until November and delve into the city’s rich Black history with a walk along the African American Waterfront Heritage Trail. Plus, meet Captain John Paul Jones and get a sense of what life was like on an 18th-century sloop during a dockside tour at tall ship Providence‘s floating Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center, or book a sunset cruise.

Find more ways to enjoy fall in Alexandria here.

Header Image Credits, Left to Right: Lucia Smith; Instagram user @themetallurgist_x; Misha Enriquez