More Frequent Special Events Could Be Allowed In Old Town Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Special events could be allowed from weekend to weekend in Old Town Alexandria under a permanent policy change.

City Council will consider proposed updates to its special events policy, including eliminating a rule that special events can only happen once every other weekend in Old Town. ALX Now reported that the city has provided waivers to allow special events on two weekends in a row.

The policy change applies to events in Old Town with expected attendance of more than 500 people between 5 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Sunday. Examples of large special events that happen in Old Town are the George Washington Birthday Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Portside in Old Town festivals, Alexandria/USA Birthday Celebration, Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, Holiday Boat Parade of Lights and First Night Alexandria.

Another proposed change calls for changing the 90 "notice of intent" for special events to 180 days for the City Special Events Committee to review.

The proposal would also add sections specifying rules for rallies and protests as well as weddings. For First Amendment rallies or protests, no notice or approval is needed from the city if they won't block pedestrians from using sidewalks, if attendance is under 50 people, is not in the street or happens spontaneously. The city does recommend advance approval, however.

For weddings, the city said a special use permit is needed for weddings with attendance over 50 people or exclusive use of a city park or public space.

City Council will receive the proposal on Tuesday, Sept. 12 and hold a public hearing on Sept. 23 before approval.