Cherry Blossom-Themed First Thursday Moved To Second Week Of April In Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Del Ray's first themed street festival of 2023 had been postponed and will now happen on Thursday, April 13.

First Thursday is a monthly street festival hosted by the Del Ray Business Association from April to September with themed activities to benefit a different local cause. April's theme is First Thursday: A Cherry Blossom Celebration.

The event will happen from 6 p.m. to dusk Thursday along Mount Vernon Avenue with live music by Mars Rodeo, themed activities and a scavenger hunt cherry blossom-inspired art by local artists.

Even though the event was postponed, residents can take part in the scavenger hunt now. Participants are invited to search for clues hidden in hand-painted windows in storefronts along Mount Vernon Avenue. Find all the clues by April 13 for a chance to win $50 to your favorite Del Ray restaurant or retail store.

April's featured nonprofit is the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club, which provides programs for youth. First Thursday attendees are encouraged to bring individually-wrapped children’s snacks and juice boxes for the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club. Donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues and at totes along Mount Vernon Avenue.

Ting, a new internet provider in Alexandria, is sponsoring April's event.