Red, White, & Blue First Thursday Coming Up In Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA — July 4 has passed, but the patriotic celebrations will continue in Alexandria.

Before the USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration on Saturday, check out Del Ray's First Thursday street festival with a "Red, White & Blue" theme. The event will happen Thursday from 6 p.m. to dusk at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mount Vernon Avenue and Oxford Avenue). The free event will live music from Mars Rodeo, themed activities and more.

One of the traditions of the July First Thursday is Musical Cakes. Donations of cakes or cupcakes are needed for the event. Volunteers may sign up to provide cake or cupcakes in disposable packaging. The baked goods must be delivered to Pat Miller Neighborhood Square by 6 p.m. Thursday. Packaging for the cake or cupcakes will not be returned.

First Thursday features a different theme every month and benefits a different local nonprofit. July's featured nonprofit is New Hope Housing, which serves homeless individuals and families in Northern Virginia. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of new single or queen size sheets, new towel sets, new pillows, cleaning supplies, or grocery gift cards ($10-$25 increments) to Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. New Hope Housing also has an Amazon wish list to ship needed items to the nonprofit.

First Thursday is held every first Thursday of the month from April through September. July's event is co-sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association and The Jen Walker Team. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Thursday, July 14.

Future First Thursday events in 2022 will include Aloha Thursday on Aug. 4 and Show Your Spirit on Sept. 1.