Del Ray's First Thursday Wraps Up With Dog-Themed Event

ALEXANDRIA, VA — If you feel the year has flown by despite the ongoing pandemic, you're not alone. One way we know is that Del Ray's last First Thursday festival of 2020 is coming up. The theme of the event on Thursday, Sept. 3 is Porch Party: Dog Days in Del Ray.

Due to social distancing guidelines during the pandemic, the monthly street festivals were held remotely in 2020. Residents are encouraged to participate in the activities at home or with social distancing and face coverings.

For September's event, residents can do the following activities:

Support local restaurants: Bring your dog and pick up dinner and drinks for carryout from one of Del Ray's local restaurants. Have dinner on your front porch, front steps, or front yard while interacting with neighbors from a distance. Participating restaurants in Alexandria Restaurant Week are offering takeout specials. Stop by The Dog Store so your furry friend will get a treat too. The first 75 people will receive a grab bag filled with treats and toys, and Barkaritas.

Join a neighborhood howl: Go outside and howl with your pup at 8 p.m. The Dog Store will award a $50 certificate for the best howl. Tag #neighborhoodhowl and #VisitDelRay on Facebook or Instagram or email social@yourdogsbestfriends.com.

First Thursday collects donations for a different local cause each month. To match the Dog Days event theme, this month's nonprofit is the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The AWLA shelter is seeking puppy and kitten supplies and dog enrichment toys and has an Amazon wish list.

Donation bins will be placed at several locations at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3: the intersection of all streets from Hume Avenue to Braddock Road; in front of the Mount Vernon Recreation Center; and at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and the following streets: Braddock Road, Monroe Avenue, Alexandria Avenue, Windsor Avenue, Del Ray Avenue, and Ashby Street. Items will be picked up by 7:30 p.m. If inclement weather is expected, look for updates on how to donate.

First Thursday events are held by the Del Ray Business Association monthly between April and September.