First Thursday, Del Ray Dog Fest: Spring 2023 Events In Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Spring is an ideal time to get outside, admire the blooming flowers and enjoy Del Ray's various events.

There are various ways to celebrate the season in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood, from the new Del Ray Dog Fest to the returning First Thursday street festivals. If you know of other events happening around Del Ray, send an email to delray@patch.com to be added to this event guide. You can also share events on the Del Ray Patch calendar with a Patch account.

Below are the spring events around Del Ray.

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.

Location: Del Ray UMC, 100 E Windsor Avenue, Alexandria, VA

Del Ray UMC's annual egg hunt invited participants to gather as many eggs as possible. Children will participate in different age groups. A bake sale table will support Casa Chirilagua.

Del Ray Dog Fest: Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: George Washington Middle School parking lot, 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA

This new event will include dog activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food outdoors. Dogs are welcome to attend, but owners must keep them on standard 6-foot leashes, not retractable or extendible leashes. Following the event, participating restaurants will offer Yappy Hours from 3 p.m. to 6pm with a featured drink and food specials. The event will be held rain or shine.

First Thursday: A Cherry Blossom Celebration: Thursday, April 6, 6 p.m. to dusk

Location: Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA

The Del Ray Business Association will bring back the First Thursday street festivals in 2023. From April to September, the street festivals have a different theme and benefit a different local nonprofit each month. April's event features music by Mars Rodeo, themed activities and a cherry blossom-inspired art scavenger hunt. Starting March 30, join the scavenger hunt with clues in hand-painted windows in storefronts along Mount Vernon Avenue. Find them all by April 13 for a chance to win $50 to your favorite Del Ray restaurant or retailer. Attendees are encouraged to bring children’s snacks and juice boxes for the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club.

Del Ray Artisans A Tale of Two Studios Art Exhibit: April 7 to 29, opening reception on April 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This upcoming exhibit features work from two studios: DC Gallery and Studio Art Enables. At the opening reception, Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-Alexandria) will present Del Ray Artisans with a House resolution honoring the impact of Del Ray Artisans.

Del Ray Urban Sketchers: Sunday, April 9 and May 14, 1 p.m.

Location: St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA

This monthly group meets outside the coffee shop with sketchbook supplies to create still life, figure, or architecture sketches. A review of completed works follows.

Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market: Saturday, April 15 and May 13

Location: parking lots of 1900 Mt. Vernon Avenue and Salvation Army Corps, 1804 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA

This monthly market includes vintage and flea market vendors as well as the Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company food truck. Adoptable animals are regularly featured in partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the event.

Del Ray GardenFest: Sunday, April 23, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 2207 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA

This event by the Del Ray Citizens Association features free garden-centric demonstrations, booths and activities. Check back closer to the event for more information.

Friends of Duncan Library Spring Book Sale: April 27-29 (member presale April 26)

The library's spring book sale will have $3 hardback books and $2 paperback books. From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 29, there will be a $5 bag sale. Proceeds benefit support materials and programs at Duncan Library.

First Thursday: Dog Days in Del Ray: Thursday, May 4, 6 p.m. to dusk

Bring your dog for the dog-themed activities at the First Thursday street festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring dry and wet food for dogs and cats for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Del Ray Spring Pop-Up Market: Saturday, May 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues, Alexandria, VA

This event will feature handmade products from local vendors in time for Mother's Day gifts. Participating vendors will be announced at a later time.