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Jun 23, 2026

Top Things to Do This Summer in Alexandria

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Summer in Alexandria is packed with ways to enjoy the season. From exploring Alexandria’s rich history through lively events during Alexandria’s America 250 commemorations to planning your World Cup homebase where the Croatia National Football Team is making its Team Base Camp, unlock all the city has to offer. Enjoy an abundance of festivals, outdoor music, waterfront experiences and more this summer in Alexandria, VA, located minutes from Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River. 

Keep reading for all you need to know. 

1. Dive into Historic, but not Static, Alexandria during America 250th Commemorations

Image courtesy of Kristian Summerer for Visit Alexandria

This summer, Alexandria welcomes families, friends and history-lovers to stay in and explore the city, a deeply historic, but not static, region and explore the events taking place during Alexandria’s America 250 commemorations.  

  • June 12-14—Sails on the Potomac: This is Alexandria’s signature event to commemorate America’s 250th. Alexandria is serving as a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor and welcoming four tall ships to its waterfront for a multi-day celebration packed with activities.  
  • June 12-14—ALX Jazz Fest: Expanding for its 48th year as part of Sails on the Potomac. This year’s ALX Jazz Fest anchors Alexandria’s participation in the nation’s 250th commemoration, featuring a full weekend of performances that highlight the country’s musical past, present and future. 
  • July 11—Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration: A highlight of summer in Alexandria, this riverside evening includes live music, food and drink vendors and a grand finale fireworks display on the Potomac River. Admission is free.  

2. Soak Up Alexandria’s Waterfront

Image courtesy of Tibor Nemeth for Visit Alexandria

A centuries-old bustling seaport, Alexandria’s waterfront blends historic authenticity with our arts, culture and dining scene. Here’s what to do this summer: 

  • Cruises and Water Taxis: Hop on a boat ride with family and friends across the water and Potomac River on a City Cruise boat tour, a scenic excursion connecting Alexandria to The D.C. Wharf, Georgetown and National Harbor. 
  • Tall Ship Providence: Experience life aboard an 18th-century sloop with a dockside tour led by Captain John Paul Jones. 
  • African American Heritage Trail: Follow the StoryMap as you walk the 11-stop trail, beginning at Waterfront Park and making your way northward. Immerse yourself in the history of the Torpedo Factory, early Black neighborhoods like Fishtown and The Berg, a glass factory intertwined with the child labor law movement and more.   
  • River Recreation: Head to the Washington Sailing Marina to spend the day sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Drift along the water at Four Mile Run Park’s newly released, and ADA compliant, kayaking launch pad to view hidden scenic spots.  

3. Make Alexandria Your World Cup Home Base 

Choose Alexandria as your World Cup Home Base like the Croatia National Football Team and discover one-of-a-kind experiences inspired by this year’s World Cup rooted in culture and heritage that you can only find in the city. Enjoy global flavors all the way from Germany to Croatia at Old House Cosmopolitan Grill. Sip on authentic Croatian wines, carefully curated by Lisa Katic at Wine Gallery 108.  

  • June 6—Flavors & Sounds of Croatia: Enjoy an evening at Waterfront Park to celebrate the food, wine, klapa, and tamburica, to commemorate Team Croatia’s Team Base Camp in Alexandria for the World Cup.  
  • June 12—Pitches & Pints: USA vs. Paraguay: Join Alexandria Soccer Association at Pitches & Pints in Del Ray for a World Cup watch party as team USA takes on Paraguay in its opening World Cup match. 

4. Explore Independent Shops and Boutiques

Image courtesy of Tibor Nemeth for Visit Alexandria

Experience one of the largest collection of independent boutiques in the D.C. region along Old Town’s strollable streets. Vintage shops and dreamy consignment storefronts like Vintage Mirage display lavish clothing from across eras, while spots like The Antique Guild offer antique jewelry that allows you to take a bit of history home. 

In late summer, the Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale will be held August 14-16 and will feature dozens of independent boutiques stepping out of their storefronts to offer deeply discounted summer merchandise. 

 From discovering your perfect makeup look at Bellacara, to feeling empowered at menstrual health boutique Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, or experimenting in the perfume playground, Arielle Shoshana, there is truly something for everyone in Alexandria.  

View our King Street Shopping Guide for more.  

 5. Travel through Alexandria’s Global Dining Scene 

Image courtesy of V&T Films for Visit Alexandria

Summer means slowing down for a savory brunch, feeling the breeze off the Potomac on an outdoor patio and partaking in the key culinary events below: 

  • June 7—17th Annual Taste of Del Ray: Chefs from across the city’s top restaurants bring their A game for this ticketed annual event which features small bites, official judges and a People’s Choice Award. 
  • August 14 to 23—Alexandria Summer Restaurant Week: Restaurant Week returns with special menus across the city’s delicious locally-owned restaurants. Stay tuned for participating restaurants and menu book to be announced later in the summer. 
  • August 29—Around the World Cultural Food Festival: One of the biggest events of the summer, the festival at Oronoco Bay Park allows you to experience cultures from around the world through food, music, and culture.  

6. Go on a Historic Tour 

Image courtesy of Adedayo Kosoko for Visit Alexandria 

Trace the nation’s history along Alexandria’s centuries-old streets, visiting sites frequented by Founding Fathers, exploring cornerstones of Black history and culture, and more. Take a guided tour this summer with one of the city’s top tour outfitters. 

 

Self-Guided Tours  

 

Tours from Alexandria Locals 

7. Treat Yourself to Frozen Flavors

 

Image courtesy of Matt Smith for Visit Alexandria 

Beat the heat this summer at one of Alexandria’s iconic ice cream shops. Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream serves up scrumptious scoops in a retro setting just one block from the waterfront on King Street. Booklovers can enjoy the literary-themed ice cream flavors from Fabled Ice Cream, a delicious sweet-treat housed within an actual bookstore, Old Town Books.  

Experience the flavor of the day—and pick up a pupsicle for your four-legged friend—at Del Ray’s Dairy Godmother. Savor a sweet treat of a different kind inside the same spot at Just Fine Donuts. Coming soon to Old Town, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will bring its beloved, ultra-creamy flavors to the historic district.  

Find more ways to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer here.  

8. Scenic Rooftop Dining Spots 

Image courtesy of Tibor Nemeth for Visit Alexandria 

Experience the city from a new vantage point…above. Rooftop dining combines delicious food with stunning views of Alexandria’s charming cobblestone pathways and historic homes. Take in a sunset view over a fresh pizza at Cooper Mill. Or people watch over fresh seafood on The Wharf Fine Seafood’s outdoor terrace. Over good company, savor a cold beverage at Good Fortune, and pair the moment with a stunning 360-degree view of Alexandria from the rooftop of Hotel Heron.   

9. Discover LGBTQ+ Alexandria

Image courtesy of Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria 

Alexandria welcomes LGBTQ+ couples, families and friends to stay in and explore LGBTQ+ friendly spaces our city. Discover all the city has to offer just like the Fab Five, the cast of Netflix’s Queer Eye. Given a perfect score for LGBTQ+ equality by the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index for six years in a row, Alexandria offers special hotel packages during Pride Month and events and activations throughout June.  

  • June 13—King & Rye’s PRIDE Drag Brunch: Celebrate Pride Month in style at King & Rye with a lively Southern brunch and show-stopping drag performances by SAD Brunch. Enjoy PRIDE-inspired cocktails.  
  • June 14—Dope Focus Pride in the West End: Radiance Fest: This year, Dope Focus is gathering at the beer garden at Aslin Beer Company for an unforgettable festival filled with LGBTQIA+ joy. This year’s theme RADIANCE is all about shining unapologetically, illuminating identity, and self-expression bringing our community together. 
  • June 27—9th Annual Alexandria Pride Fest: LGBTQ+ people and trailblazers have been part of the fabric of Alexandria’s history for decades. The City of Alexandria and many community partners are hosting Alexandria Pride and inviting all to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to Alexandria’s diverse community.  

 

 Plus, learn about Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ history here. 

10. Explore Alexandria’s Unique Neighborhoods 

Image courtesy of Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria 

Alexandria is made up of the little things, including multiple diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity and color. While Old Town highlights Alexandria’s historic charm, Del Ray exudes creativity and community. The West End spotlights our global dining scene, while Arlandria-Chirilagua showcases Central American culture. Carlyle & Eisenhower embody innovation and culture, and Potomac Yard offers innovative and green spaces. Travel like a local and enjoy family-friendly events organized by the community. 

 

Check out our neighborhoods guide for more. 

 

11. Discover the Hidden Stories of Alexandria’s Historic Buildings  

Image courtesy of Tibor Nemeth for Visit Alexandria 

If These Walls Could Talk explores the conversations that Alexandria’s historical buildings would have if they could speak. They would whisper stories dating back to the Colonial era and the Civil War, recounting World War II tales and reveal generations of courage from leaders of the Civil Rights movement to LGBTQ+ leaders today.  

Explore these places for rich experiences housed within the walls of deeply historic spaces, which bear witness to the city’s evolving history.  

Meetings and events planners can view our special edition of If These Walls Could Talk: Unique Meeting and Event Venues in Alexandria for more. 

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