Summer 2022 Events In Alexandria: Fireworks, Taste Of Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the summer season approaches in Alexandria, a variety of events is lined up.

Summer officially begins on June 21, but there will be notable events to start June such as the Taste of Del Ray. July will bring Fourth of July festivities with the Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration. August will have returning events such as the Friendship Firehouse Festival and Around the World Cultural Festival.

South of the city, George Washington's Mount Vernon will host events such as Summerfest and Independence Fireworks.

Below is a roundup of events around Alexandria for the summer season.

Potomac Paddle Club Booze Cruises: Select Thursdays and Fridays through Oct. 7

Admission: $75 per person

107 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314

DC's only passenger pedal boat, the Potomac Paddle Club, is cruising its second season from Old Town Alexandria. Guests have the option of cruising southbound underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, past the Jones Point Lighthouse and around the channel markers to National Harbor and back or cruising northbound towards either DC’s Wharf or Navy Yard before circling back to Old Town. The 20-passenger vessel is powered by ten cycle stations surrounding a mahogany bar. Guests can bring their own food and drinks. Cruise times are about two hours.

King & Rye’s Cocktail Garden: through summer 2022

King & Rye, 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

The seasonal cocktail garden in King & Rye’s courtyard features lounge areas, intimate dining spaces, fire pits and a summer music series. Guests can enjoy a special cocktail program curated by General Manager and Executive Bourbon Steward Allison Strunk highlighting spirits infused with fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Old Town Art Walk: May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15 and Oct. 20, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

Old Town Alexandria

Enjoy this self-guided tour of Old Town Alexandria and explore the fine art and studio crafts found in art galleries and boutique shops on the third Thursday of each month from May to October. The Old Town Art Walk is presented by the Old Town Business Association.

Beyond the Battlefield: A Walking Tour of Civil War Alexandria: May 28 and June 11, 9 a.m.

Admission: $15 per person

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This walking tour shares the stories of soldiers, citizens and self-liberated African Americans in Civil War Alexandria, covering the military occupation, the conversion of public and private buildings into hospitals, and emancipation.

First Thursdays in Del Ray: June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, 6 p.m. to dusk

Admission: Free

Del Ray along Mount Vernon Avenue

Held the first Thursday from April to August along Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, First Thursday is a series of free outdoor street festivals that bring the community together around a fun theme, benefiting a local nonprofit. This summer’s themes include “Unmask Your Superhero First Thursday,” “First Thursday Red, White & Blue,” “First Thursday Aloha Thursday” and “First Thursday Show Your Spirit.”

13th Annual Taste of Del Ray: June 3 to 5

Admission: $5 per person; $50 for VIP reception

Various restaurants in Del Ray

Del Ray restaurants will participate in the 13th Annual Taste of Del Ray, a delicious competition where each venue offers a special $5 taste at their restaurant. Taste of Del Ray weekend kicks off with a VIP reception on June 2 featuring wine and unlimited tastes from top Del Ray restaurants. VIP tickets are $50 per person; for more information, visit visitdelray.com.

Lives Worth Celebrating: Stories of Resilience, Rebellion and Freedom at Lee-Fendall House: June 3 to Nov. 13

Admission: $7 per person

Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Explore a timeline of major events related to the history of slavery in the Americas as you learn about legendary African American leaders, stories of self-liberation and family legacies including the descendants of free and enslaved African Americans who worked at the Lee-Fendall House. Part 1: “Freedom” will launch this three-part exhibit which will delve into stories of rebellion and resilience by enslaved people in America over the next two years.

Interpreting the Enslaved People of Mount Vernon: June 3, 7 p.m.

Admission: $8 per person

Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Join in this talk and learn about various ways of interpreting the enslaved people at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Learn about the different techniques, the challenges and future goals. The talk will be given by Jeremy Ray, the Director of Interpretation at Mount Vernon.

Summer at The Little Theatre Alexandria

June 4 to 25 and July 23 to Aug. 13

Admission: $21 to $24 per person

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This summer, The Little Theatre Alexandria has two shows planned. From June 4 to 25, the theatre will perform “Prelude to a Kiss,” a different kind of fairy tale that is a celebration of life and love. From July 23 to Aug. 13, patrons can enjoy “Something Rotten,” a Tony-award nominated musical farce that’s more fun and festive than a trip to the Renaissance Faire.

Free Yoga in the Fresh Air in Old Town North: June 5 and 19, July 10 and 24, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Admission: Free

Montgomery Park Gazebo, 901 North Royal St., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Start your day with a burst of energy from this all-level al fresco yoga class offered on select Sundays throughout the summer.

Trivia Nights at Historic Sites: June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, Aug. 5 and 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: $8

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Staff at Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum combine their knowledge to create bi-weekly trivia nights throughout the summer in the gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture to history. Each trivia night will have a different theme, ranging from literature to horror to 1990s. There will be weekly prizes for the winning team as well as a grand prize for the team that wins the most points over the entire summer. Registration must happen in advance. Tickets include snacks and one complimentary drink. Additional drinks can be purchased at our bar. Teams are limited to 6 people, ages 21 and up only.

The Late Shift: ALX Pride at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: June 10, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: Free

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

ALX Pride is a community-focused event to celebrate LGBTQ+ creatives in Alexandria and beyond with a night of arts projects along the Waterfront and the Union Street entrances as well as throughout the building in a myriad of styles and celebrations.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Summerfest: June 10 to 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: $48 for general public; $40 for members

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

Experience Mount Vernon after hours and sample craft beer from breweries from throughout the region while enjoying live music. The ticket includes a commemorative tasting cup and eight tasting tickets. Additional tastings are available to purchase on-site.

7th Annual Well Ray Festival: June 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Mount Vernon Ave, from Hume St. to Raymond St. and the Mount Vernon Recreational Center, Alexandria, VA 22301

The Del Ray Business Association will host this free, family and pet-friendly event with more than 100 health and lifestyle-inspired vendors offering demos and sample treatments such as health screens, massages, acupuncture, physical therapy, nutritional assessments, and reiki energy treatments.

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour with Carlyle House: June 11 and July 16, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Admission: $20 per person

Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join Carlyle House for a tour of Alexandria, exploring the various architectural styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID-19 procedures will be followed for this tour. Wear comfortable shoes for this one and a half-hour guided tour. Tour is held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival: June 17 and 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Kick off summer with the return of the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. This free festival features live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the whole family on the Alexandria waterfront. New this year, the event merges with the 44th Annual Alexandria Jazz Fest on Friday evening to showcase jazz performances and readings by Alexandria poets. Saturday the festival continues with an eclectic musical lineup, local food, hands-on art and history activities and more. The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival is produced by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts, a division of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

Workshops on the Waterfront: June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free

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

Enjoy a free workshop or live demo with a Torpedo Factory Art Center artist at the Waterfront entrance of the Art Center. There will be a different project every third Saturday of the month from April to October.

Juneteenth at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: June 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

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

America's second Independence Day is a time to celebrate, reflect, and learn about the end of slavery in the United States. It's a celebration of freedom, and also an opportunity to deepen our awareness of the nation's legacy of systemic racism and oppression. Join artists at the Art Center for a shared community space in the Grand Hall to create artistic messages with your loved ones.

Junior Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: Sundays from June 19 to Sept. 4

Admission: $5 per adult; $3 per child (ages 5 to 12) and free for city residents

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum’s Junior Docent Program is back with a new offering this summer thanks to American Heritage Chocolate. Every Sunday from June 19 through Labor Day weekend, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. guests can meet Junior Docents (grades 4 and older) who will be stationed throughout the tavern. They will be sharing the history of the early America and the tavern, but also the history of chocolate, including a hands-on demonstration of historic chocolate-making in the ballroom.

Music at the Market at Old Town North: June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: Free

Montgomery Park, 901 N Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314

The Old Town North Community Partnership, with support from NOTICe, The Old Town North Alliance and local businesses and residents, present Music at the Market on the third Thursday of the month throughout the summer. Head to the Old Town North Farmer’s and Artisans Market to browse, pick up a bite and picnic in the park while soaking in great live music. Rain dates are June 23, July 28 and Sept. 8.

Independence Fireworks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon: June 24 to 25, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Admission with mansion tour: $50 for general public; $40 for member; $38 for youth; $28 for youth member

Admission without mansion tour: $45 for general public; $35 for member; $33 for youth; $22 for youth member

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Enjoy an evening of family fun and fireworks along with patriotic music to celebrate our nation's founding. Tickets are available with or without Mansion tours. Access to the Mansion is by guided tour only. This event features performances by the National Concert Band and The Fifes & Drums of Yorktown.

The Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair: June 25, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

Market Square, 300 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Volunteer Alexandria will host the popular Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, June 25 at Market Square featuring local and regional artists and crafters who showcase their pieces across various mediums, including pottery, stationery, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more.

Growing Pride at The Garden: June 26, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

The Garden at Building Momentum, 5380 Eisenhower Ave. Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22304

Growing Pride at The Garden is back for its second year celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride on Saturday, June 26th. This family-friendly event is Alexandria’s largest Pride celebration. It will feature 15 local LGBTQ+ makers and allies, local food trucks, live music and crafting at The Garden ALX.

An American Celebration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon: July 4, 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

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Salute the first commander-in-chief during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day event. Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, and observe a ceremony in which people from across the world become U.S. citizens.

USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration: July 9, 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Admission: Free

Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314

The City of Alexandria celebrates its 273rd birthday and the USA’s 246th birthday on Saturday, July 9, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the return of the big birthday experience of years past with cupcakes, local vendors, live music and an extended runtime.

9th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl hosted by Port City Brewing Company: July 9, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria

This popular event is returning to the original live and in-person format for 2022. Visit eight of Port City’s top bars and restaurants in Old Town, enjoy their daily specials and stamp your pass at each stop. Then turn in your completed pass for this year’s Pub Crawl Pint Glass.

“The Quanders” with Rohulamin Quander at Lee-Fendall House: July 9, 6 p.m.

Admission: $8 per person

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Join Lee-Fendall House for an evening with Rohulamin Quander, founder of the Quander Historical and Educational Society, as he discusses his book The Quanders – Since 1684: An Enduring African America Family Legacy, which introduces stories that constitute the Quander Family legacy as one of the oldest consistently documented African American families in the United States.

Taste of Art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: July 17, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $15 to $50 per person

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

Cool off inside Torpedo Factory Art Center, then surprise your taste buds with delicious masterpieces from local food truck vendors, breweries, and culinary arts partners as we pair studio artists with culinary artistry. Plus: Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a special Torpedo-inspired dessert inside the Art Center at the Waterfront, along with iced coffee and other beverages.

The Science Behind Harry Potter Specialty Tours at the Apothecary Museum: July 31, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tours offered every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour; last tour at 8 p.m.

Admission: $8 per person

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314

In honor of Harry’s birthday on July 31, the Apothecary Museum is offering a special guided tour for families (and adults who missed their Hogwarts letter) that will explore the old Apothecary and the historic Muggle medicines that inspired the Herbology and Potions of Harry’s wizarding world.

Friendship Firehouse Festival: Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission: $2 per person; free for city residents

Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Head to the 100 block of South Alfred Street to celebrate Friendship’s 248th year. Visit the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum, learn about fire safety today and in centuries past, and see city firefighting equipment up close. There will be displays by community organizations, local vendors, and food and beverages available. Children receive free Friendship fire hats.

The Late Shift: Sidewalk Art Party at the Torpedo Factory Art Center: Aug. 12, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: Free

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

Find early discounts and specials in select studios throughout the building on the eve of the 2022 Alexandria Sidewalk Sale, discover new art to love with a visit to Artist Row, featuring local artists from across the DMV and take part in the massive sidewalk chalk mural party on the steps and sidewalk along the Union Street side of Torpedo Factory Art Center. In the case of rain, the event will be held inside the Grand Hall.

Bands and Brews Summer Bar Crawl: Aug. 20, 2022, from 1 to 6 p.m.

Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

Various locations along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray

Del Ray's annual summer bar crawl features live music, food and drink specials at 15+ restaurants, trolley transportation, and more. Stay tuned for 2022 details at visitdelray.com.

Around the World Cultural Festival: Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: Free

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

The Around the World Cultural Festival takes attendees on a day trip around the world and present you the cuisine, culture and traditions of over 40 countries participating at the event held in Oronoco Bay Park.