Stay at the center of the action and explore our curated calendar of old town Alexandria events. From the lively Old Town Farmers’ Market and the Spring Art Show to the upcoming Festival of Speed & Style, there is always something to experience just steps from our door. Our guide keeps you connected to the best old town Alexandria events all year long.
Every week on Saturday
Starting from February 1, 2025Visit the oldest farmers' market in the country right outside our hotel on Saturday mornings!
Held each Saturday morning year-round, the farmers' market is an event that has been held at the Market Square plaza for over 260 years. In fact, Old Town Farmers' Market is the oldest farmers' market in the country which has been held continuously at the same site. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold at the Farmer's Market. Today, the market offers residents of and visitors to Alexandria a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition. During the peak season, there are more than 70 vendors offering fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, cheeses, breads, pastries, fresh pasta, pickled vegetables, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps, fabric art, and paintings.
Experience what it was like during the American Revolution 250 years ago!
Witness Military Drills & Visit a Military Encampment
Mount Vernon's serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills and 18th-century tactics.
Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques, and learn about the American Revolution.
Meet People from Washington's World & Listen to Storytime
Head to the Interpretive Center to watch character performances from George Washington and people who worked closely with him—Tobias Lear, the General's personal secretary, and Martha Washington, the General's wife and first First Lady of the United States.
Tobias Lear: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Saturday)
Martha Washington: 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. (Saturday)
Tobias Lear: 12 p.m. (Sunday)
Pedals & Pints offers fun, no-drop group bike rides twice monthly with Handy Bikes and Port City Brewing, ending with beer and tacos.
Pedals & Pints will get you hopped up on cycling! Port City and Handy Bikes have teamed up to co-host approachable, fun, no-drop group rides twice a month. Pedals & Pints rides depart from Handy Bikes retail showroom at 3800 Wheeler Ave, and end at Port City Brewing at 3950 Wheeler Ave.
There are two rides to choose from:
Short Ride: 2nd Saturday of each month — A punchy 10 mile ride, departing the retail showroom at 10:30am. Avg pace 10mph, no drop. A few steep but short hills. Returns to Port City & La Tingeria for beer and/or tacos around 12pm.
Long Ride: 4th Saturday of each month — A 20-30 mile varying route, departing the retail showroom at 10:30am. Avg pace 12-14mph, no drop; expect several moderate hills. Returns to Port City & La Tingeria for beer and/or tacos around 12:30-1pm.
Riders of all ages who have the confidence and skill to participate in a group ride setting are invited. Road bikes and flashing lights are encouraged; helmets are mandatory. E-bikes (class 1, 2, or 3 only) are welcome at all rides. Routes may include sections of road that do not have protected bike lanes. All participants must sign a waiver before riding.
For more information and to RSVP for the ride, please visit https://meetup.com/handybikes or https://handybikesdc.com/for/rides age.
Join Tequila & Taco on Monday, May 2nd for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a full Block Patio Party.
Join Tequila & Taco on Monday, May 2nd for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a full Block Patio Party including giveaways, free sombreros, games, and more. No reservations needed – just bring the energy!
Enjoy:
An outdoor bar and taco tent
Free sombreros and giveaways
Games like cornhole
A limited food menu to keep you fueled for the fun
Family Fun Day: Beautiful Bees - May 2! Story time and crafts on the Carlyle House lawn, 12-3pm. Free, all ages welcome.
Family Fun Day, May 2nd- Beautiful Bees! Read and craft with your friends on the Carlyle House front Lawn for Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of the month from March-November! From 12-3pm, you can sit in on story time and participate in crafts and other activities that relate to the theme of the month. Please note that there is no Family Fun Day in July. This program is for all ages, though some of the crafts might be challenging for guests under 4. There is no fee to join this program, but donations are encouraged.
Explore Scotland's whisky regions at a guided 2026 tasting. Sample five whiskies, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, and take home a Glencairn glass. 21+
Celebrate Mother's Day with afternoon tea and live harp music at the historic Mount Vernon Inn. Enjoy sandwiches, scones, sweets, tea, etc.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with afternoon tea and live harp music at the historic Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
Enjoy an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, sweets, and flavorful teas. Add a glass of champagne to commemorate the occasion.
Seatings are offered on May 15-17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Make a reservation online, or please call 703.799.5096 to book for parties of more than 6 people.
Sample unlimited Virginia wines at Mount Vernon's Spring Wine Festival. Relax on the Potomac-view east lawn after hours. VIP tables offered.
Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival.
Relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River as you experience George Washington’s estate after hours.
Bottles of wine will be available for purchase. Purchase a VIP table to receive admission for 12 people, three bottles of wine, and private waiter service.
Cost:
Friday
General Public: $62
Member: $49.60
Saturday
General Public: $66
Member: $52.80
Sunday
General Public: $51
Member: $40.80
The Organizing Committee is already preparing for the Seventh Annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026,
The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style weekend begins with the High Octane Ball on Saturday night with an exceptional evening of sophistication and philanthropy at our Black & White–themed charity event. Guests will be treated to a premier culinary experience, including gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a thoughtfully curated dinner, expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, and an indulgent selection of desserts—setting the stage for meaningful conversations, new connections, and unforgettable moments.
This annual weekend-long celebration is held in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, along the lower blocks of King Street between Saint Asaph and Lee Street, just steps from the waterfront. Each year, the festival welcomes more than 40,000 car enthusiasts and spectators and has become one of the East Coast’s premier automotive showcases, attracting national and international attention and positioning Old Town Alexandria as a destination for unforgettable experiences.
Pedals & Pints offers fun, no-drop group bike rides twice monthly with Handy Bikes and Port City Brewing, ending with beer and tacos.
Pedals & Pints will get you hopped up on cycling! Port City and Handy Bikes have teamed up to co-host approachable, fun, no-drop group rides twice a month. Pedals & Pints rides depart from Handy Bikes retail showroom at 3800 Wheeler Ave, and end at Port City Brewing at 3950 Wheeler Ave.
There are two rides to choose from:
Short Ride: 2nd Saturday of each month — A punchy 10 mile ride, departing the retail showroom at 10:30am. Avg pace 10mph, no drop. A few steep but short hills. Returns to Port City & La Tingeria for beer and/or tacos around 12pm.
Long Ride: 4th Saturday of each month — A 20-30 mile varying route, departing the retail showroom at 10:30am. Avg pace 12-14mph, no drop; expect several moderate hills. Returns to Port City & La Tingeria for beer and/or tacos around 12:30-1pm.
Riders of all ages who have the confidence and skill to participate in a group ride setting are invited. Road bikes and flashing lights are encouraged; helmets are mandatory. E-bikes (class 1, 2, or 3 only) are welcome at all rides. Routes may include sections of road that do not have protected bike lanes. All participants must sign a waiver before riding.
For more information and to RSVP for the ride, please visit https://meetup.com/handybikes or https://handybikesdc.com/for/rides age.
Volunteer Alexandria and Made in ALX host Arts & Crafts Fairs May 31 & June 28, 10 AM–4 PM at Tavern Square. Shop local handmade goods.
Volunteer Alexandria and Made in ALX present two Arts & Crafts Fairs, May 31 and June 28, 2026 at Tavern Square in Old Town. Each run from 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Discover a curated selection of jewelry, pottery, soaps, home décor, and unique gifts while supporting local artists at this free event. This family-friendly gathering invites you to shop local and explore beautiful crafts in the heart of Old Town Alexandria at Tavern Square.
May & June: Tavern Square, across the street from City Hall, between King St and Cameron St, and Royal St and Pitt St, Old Town Alexandria (parking garage entrance on Cameron St.)
