Easter Egg Hunts, Cherry Blossoms, ALX Dog Walk: Top Alexandria Spring Events

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Spring is coming, and there will be plenty of ways to celebrate the season in Alexandria.

Spring officially starts March 20, but there are numerous events throughout March, including Classical Movements performances and cherry blossom events. April will bring the Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour and new ALX Dog Walk. During May, major events will continue with the Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival and The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style.

Below is a roundup of events around Alexandria during the spring season.

Secret Garden Concert Series at The Rectory on Princess Street: Various dates through June 23, 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Admission: $25 to 45 per person

Location: The Rectory at Princess Street, 711 Princess St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Classical Movements presents a series of live concerts and recitals at the Secret Garden of the Rectory on Princess Street, Classical Movements’ home in Old Town Alexandria. Classical Movements will return for a 40-concert season from Feb. 27 to June 23 with chamber music, recitals by stars of instrumental performance and opera, choral programs, jazz and more. The lineup includes acclaimed soloists, including members of the National Symphony and many others.

Outlandish Tours at the Apothecary Museum: March 6, 13, 20, 27, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Admission: $15 per person
Location: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA

Celebrate the March premiere of Season 6 of Diana Gabaldon's beloved Outlander series with an Outlandish Tour of the Apothecary Museum. Tour this historic apothecary and learn about a few of the herbal medicines featured in Gabaldon’s novels, from cascara to dauco seeds. The tour also touches on the role of apothecaries and women in medicine in the 18th century. The tour is recommended for ages 18 and up; capacity is limited.

March150 Art Party: March 12, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: $30 to $50

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

This annual all-media exhibition features over 100 works created and donated by local artists with varying styles and media. The only requirement for artists is that they use the gallery-supplied 10” x 10” wood panels to create the work. All artwork in the show is priced at $150. For the 12th year anniversary, the Art Party will be an opening reception to give patrons the first chance at art sales. VIP patrons will get early access and first choice at sales. Art Party patrons will also will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a full cocktail bar provided by SimplyFresh Events; limited-time art installations such as the Goodnight Moon Room, and DIY art projects with several Torpedo Factory artists. The Best in Show among other prizes will also be announced that evening for participating artists in the exhibition at 8:30 p.m.

NSO Concert Series at Mount Vernon: March 15 and April 5, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: $65 per concert

Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA

Listen to members of the National Symphony Orchestra play during a concert series at Mount Vernon. Learn about the history of Mount Vernon before enjoying intimate chamber music performed by members of the National Symphony Orchestra. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and are followed at 8 p.m. by a reception of champagne and chocolates with the musicians.

Water Taxi to the Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms: Wednesday through Monday, starting March 18

Admission: Starting at $23 one-way; $39 round-trip for adults

Location: Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA
Hop aboard the water taxi from Alexandria to DC to view the cherry blossoms. The 25-minute trip takes you to The Wharf, which is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin.

Washington Monuments Cruise with Cherry Blossom Views: weekends starting March 19 through peak cherry blossom season

Admission: Starting at $26 one-way and $42 round-trip for adults

Location: Departs from Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA

This Washington Monuments Cruise from City Cruises by Hornblower offers history and views of the cherry blossoms. During the cruise, listen to the history of the monuments, memorials and bridges and see cherry blossom trees as you pass Hains Point on to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes round-trip.

Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria: March 19 to April 17 (or through cherry blossom peak bloom)

Admission: $69 per bike ($10 for passenger riders on cargo or tandem bikes)

Location: Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA

This three-hour guided tour from Old Town Alexandria to the cherry blossoms includes a ride through the blossoms around East Potomac Park. Tours will run as long as there are blooms on the cherry blossom trees. Group tour sizes are limited. Riders must be at least 14 years old to ride alone. Weekend tours fill up quickly, so contact Pedego early to make your reservations. Call 571-312-5168 or email info@pedegoalexandria.com.

Explore the Cherry Blossoms with Unlimited Biking: March 20 to April 12

Admission: Rentals start at $15; tours start at $44

Location: Unlimited Biking, 421 King Street, Alexandria, VA

Pedal from Unlimited Biking: Old Town Alexandria along the Potomac River to the famous cherry blossoms of Washington, DC with Unlimited Biking's bike rental package that provides you with all that you need for your journey—maps, helmets, bike bags and locks. Hybrid bikes, road bikes, eBikes, kids bikes and kids attachments are available. Alternatively, join the famous “Washington DC.: Blossoms by Guided Bike Tour,” which integrates celebrating the natural beauty of our nation's capital during the Cherry Blossom Festival, while visiting some of the best monuments and memorials around Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom tours are two hours long, run multiple times daily during season and begin from Unlimited Biking: Washington DC at 998 Maine Avenue SW.

I Love You Temporary Waterfront Public Art Installation: late March to November 2022

Admission: Free

Location: Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA

I Love You, the latest temporary art installation on Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront, will be open from late March to November 2022. The art is described as a declaration of affection from the city to the public with a photo-ready postcard of Alexandria. I Love You is a plaza with the words “I Love You” scripted in rose-hued metal and lighted neon standing 15 feet high above a pink ground mural emulating a giant “magic carpet.” The art is created by Miami-based R & R Studios, led by husband-and-wife Argentinian-born, American architects Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt. This will be the fourth installation of the City of Alexandria’s annual temporary public art series.

Civil War Women's Day at Fort Ward: March 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Fort Ward Park, 4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA

Learn about women’s dress, skills and contributions during the Civil War from historical interpreters who will present talks, displays and demonstrations throughout the day. The interpreters will explore women’s roles on the home front, in factories, in camp, on the battlefield and in soldiers’ aid societies, and relief efforts for both armies during the war. Learn about women who disguised themselves as Union soldiers and the challenges experienced by the hundreds of women who served in the Army.

ALX Dog Walk: April 2, check-in from 7 to 7:45 a.m.; walk from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Admission: Regular registration: $35; Teens ages 13 to 18 and all military registration: $25

Location: Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Join the inaugural two-mile ALX Dog Walk along the breathtaking waterfront walk in Old Town Alexandria. Walkers and their pooches (or without a pooch) follow the waterfront trail in Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town, head toward the Robinson Landing Pier, where they will parade by a judging panel for fun prizes, and then return to the park for an awards celebration hosted by Monte Durham of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta," plus music, hundreds of dogs, treats and more. Receive a paw-some goodie bag and event t-shirt at check-in. At 8 a.m., Chuck Bell from NBC 4 Storm Team and Mayor Justin Wilson will kick-off the walk. All net funds raised will help to beautify and protect Alexandria’s environment and educate citizens about best sustainability practices.

Cherry Blossom Exhibition at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: April 2 to May 1, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

Art lovers can stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center throughout April to view floral art displayed on all three floors. Participating artists will display their most colorful spring and cherry-blossom-inspired works in their studios from Saturday, April 2 until Sunday, May 1. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks are required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status.

First Thursdays in Del Ray: First Thursday of each month, beginning April 7, 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Del Ray neighborhood along Mount Vernon Avenue

First Thursday is a series of free outdoor street festivals that bring the community together around a fun theme to benefit a local nonprofit. The series starts in April with “Hats Along the Avenue,” with the band Mars Roedo playing at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, followed by “Dog Days in Del Ray” and more.

Spring Garden Market at River Farm: April 8-9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: $20 per car parking; free for American Horticultural Society members

Location: River Farm, 7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA

Mark the start of gardening season with the American Horticultural Society at its Spring Garden Market at River Farm. AHS expects over 40 vendors will offer a large selection of plants, including vegetable seedlings, natives, and pollinators. There will also be garden art, tools, books, and other horticultural accessories, available, and master gardeners will be present to take questions. There will be limited carts and wagons, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own.

Easter Egg Hunt with Old Town Business Association: April 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Locations: Various locations around Old Town Alexandria

Bring your own basket and bunny hop up and down King Street and select side streets. Explore the map to find participating retailers, where you’ll get an Easter treat and discover interactive activities at select locations. Check back for more details at oldtownbusiness.org.

Cherry Blossom Jubilee at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: April 10, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

Celebrate the cherry blossoms during the height of D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. After Saturday’s Cherry Blossom Parade in the District, stop by the heart of Alexandria the next day to enjoy cherry blossom-themed activities and other events. Kick off the celebrations at noon with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko on the waterfront side of the Art Center. Afterwards, view the Art Center-wide exhibition of cherry blossom-inspired works by resident artists and galleries while enjoying music and live art demonstrations from participating artists.

Alexandria Wedding Showcase: April 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: $25 per ticket; $40 for two tickets; $75 for VIP brunch with Monte Durham

Location: The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA

Anyone planning a wedding is invited to attend the Alexandria Wedding Showcase, presented by Alexandria Living Magazine. Attendees can gather ideas and meet with local wedding professionals for everything to make your wedding day sheer perfection. Ticketholders can meet with more than 25 vendors including caterers, florists, photographers and more. Guests will sample wedding cake and appetizers, visit a pop-up Wedding Showcase Lounge in The Alexandrian’s brick courtyard, meet wedding planners, explore reception tablescapes and much more. A limited number of guests will be able to attend a special VIP champagne brunch before the Alexandria Wedding Showcase with “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta” star Monte Durham. Durham, a longtime Alexandria resident, opened his own salon in Old Town Alexandria in 2020. Tickets are available at AlexandriaWeddingShowcase.com. One lucky couple will win a free venue reservation at The Alexandrian for their wedding, valued at $7,000. Other prizes include a free SnapShare photo package and much more.

Stories in the Architecture: April 10 and May 15, 2 p.m.

Admission: $10 per person

Location: Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA

Explore the history of the Lee-Fendall House through its architecture and visit parts of the house that are not regularly open to the public. See how changes in style and home technology have left their mark on the home, from when it was built in 1785 through the twentieth century. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person. Members of Lee-Fendall House are free but must call or email to make a reservation at 703-548-1789 or contact@leefendallhouse.org. Face masks are required inside the museum.

Workshops on the Waterfront: April 16 and May 21, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center (waterfront entrance), 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

Enjoy a free demonstration or hands-on project with a Torpedo Factory Art Center artist at the waterfront entrance of the Art Center. There will be a different project every month.

Easter Egg Hunt at Lee-Fendall House: April 16-17

Admission: $15 for participating children ages 2 to 12; $5 for accompanying adults; free for infants under 2
Location: Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA

Find Easter eggs hidden in the Lee-Fendall garden during the popular annual egg hunt. Sessions also include crafts, games and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Attendance is limited, and reservations must be made in advance; face masks are recommended. Bring your own basket.

89th Annual Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour: April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: $55 per ticket purchased in advance online; $65 day-of from the Alexandria Visitor Center
Location: Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria

As part of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, this year’s Alexandria tour includes admission to five exclusive private homes and gardens and six nearby historic public properties, including: Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall House, River Farm, Gunston Hall, Mount Vernon and Green Spring Gardens. Complimentary refreshments will be available at Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Ticket proceeds fund restoration and preservation of more than 39 Virginia historic public gardens and landscapes, a research fellowship program and more.

“Barber & Brahms: Resilience” by Alexandria Symphony Orchestra: April 23, 7:30 p.m. and April 24, 3 p.m.

Admission: From $5 to $85
Locations: Saturday: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4915 East Campus Dr., Alexandria, VA; Sunday: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA

ASO presents Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1” and Brian Prechtl’s “Tribute” featuring students from Sympatico commissioned by Classical Movements’ Eric Helms New Music Program. Violinist Dylana Jenson sparks joy with her rendition of Barber’s “Violin Concerto.” ASO will require all attendees to be fully vaccinated until further notice.

PNC Parkway Classic: April 24, 5K starting at 7:30 a.m., 10 miler starting at 8 a.m., kids dash starting at 10:30 a.m.

Admission: $85 for 10-miler and $45 for 5K (prices increase after March 18, 2022) and $50 for both virtual races; $20 for Kid’s Dash

Location: Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314; starting places vary; virtual options available for 5k and 10-miler

Lace up your running shoes for the 2022 PNC Parkway Classic. The Parkway Classic 5K course now starts and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park with a course through Old Town Alexandria. The 10-miler starts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park with a point-to-point course down the George Washington Memorial Parkway and through Old Town. Virtual options are available for the 5K and 10-miler. The 600-meter Kid's Dash is geared toward kids 12 and under, but one parent is welcome to run alongside their little ones with no registration required. Each Dash participant will receive a special race bib and a finisher medal. There will be a limited number of Kid’s Dash spots, so register early.

Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington’s Mount Vernon: April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Included with general admission ($28 for adults; $15 for youth ages 6 to 11; free for children); free for members

Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA

Step back in time at Revolutionary War Weekend as Mount Vernon's 12-acre field transforms into a battleground. Continentals, Redcoats and Hessians will conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Meet the soldiers who are encamped at Mount Vernon, discuss military techniques, and greet General Washington. Revolutionary War Weekend will happen rain or shine.

Spring Pop-Up Market for Mother’s Day: May 7, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Mount Vernon Ave. and E Oxford Ave., Alexandria, VA

In time for Mother’s Day, the Spring Pop-Up Market provides the chance to discover unique gifts made by local entrepreneurs and artisans. Check back for more details at visitdelray.com.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: May 13 to 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: Friday: $49 for members; $59 for non-members; Saturday: $53 for members; $63 for non-members; Sunday: $43 for members; $53 for non-members

Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA

George Washington’s Mount Vernon's most popular event features unlimited samples of wines from Virginia's finest wineries. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River and meet George and Lady Washington on the Piazza. VIP tables are available for purchase and include private waiter service. Public ticket sales begin March 7.

The Late Shift: Art & Technology: May 13, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Celebrate the growing tech, DIY and makerspace movement happening in Alexandria and beyond, with music, drinks, and demonstrations. The event will feature makerspace and tech partners from across the DC, Virginia, and Maryland regions. Plus, welcome the Solo Exhibition artist in Target Gallery with a reception at 8 p.m.

2nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festival: May 14 to 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA

The Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival will return John Carlyle Square in 2022. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine. Attendees are asked to follow CDC guidelines.

Sips & Secrets: A Speakeasy Night: May 21, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: $65 to $115

Location: Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA

Sips & Secrets honors Lee-Fendall House's Prohibition-era history, when the home housed one of Alexandria's liquor wholesalers (and possible bootleggers). The event features fun speakeasy surprises, including dancing to live jazz and ragtime, and costume contest for the best flapper or mobster style, 1920s-style cocktails and more. This year, the event will raise funds for the repair of Lee-Fendall House’s 220-year-old brick garden wall, of which a 70-foot section collapsed last summer, while also supporting the museum's ongoing work in historic preservation, education, and community engagement. Purchase tickets via Eventbrite here. A private VIP pre-reception will precede the main event. Current Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden members may attend as VIPs for the price of general admission; email megan.ritter@leefendallhouse.org or call 703-548-1789 for a registration code.

The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style: May 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free

Location: 200-400 blocks of King Street, 100 blocks of N. Royal and N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA

The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, presented by Burke & Herbert Bank, showcases dozens of rare and exotic cars famous for their speed, performance and elegance. All proceeds benefit USO Washington-Baltimore and ALIVE! The show will include a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants.