Festivals & Markets
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
- What: One of the most visually spectacular free events of the Alexandria summer calendar, the Festival of Speed & Style transforms the streets of Old Town into a rolling showcase of rare and exotic automobiles, vintage classics, and motorsport culture. Expect curated car displays, enthusiast crowds, and plenty of photo opportunities against the backdrop of Old Town's historic architecture.
- Where: Old Town Alexandria streets (centered around the King Street corridor)
- When: Sunday, June 13, approximately 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. (confirm the full schedule and any road closures with Alexandria Living Magazine or the City of Alexandria events calendar before heading out)
- Cost: Free to spectate — confirm ticketed areas with the organizers
Saturday Old Town Farmers' Market
- What: Rain or shine, every single Saturday morning, Old Town Farmers' Market is the heartbeat of the neighborhood. One of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the country, it draws local growers, bakers, flower vendors, and artisan food producers. Grab a cup of coffee, stock up on peak-season strawberries and summer squash, and enjoy the easy Saturday-morning energy that makes Old Town feel like a small town inside a big city.
- Where: Market Square, 301 King Street (in front of City Hall)
- When: Saturday, June 14, early morning — confirm exact hours with the City of Alexandria
- Cost: Free to browse
Live Music & Arts
Torpedo Factory Art Center
- What: The Torpedo Factory Art Center is always worth a weekend visit, and this time of year its studios are buzzing with summer energy. Browse original paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and fiber art across three floors of working artist studios — and actually watch the work being made in real time. Check the Torpedo Factory's own calendar for any special weekend openings, demos, or pop-up shows happening June 11–13.
- Where: 105 N. Union Street, steps from the waterfront
- When: Open daily — confirm weekend hours directly with the Torpedo Factory
- Cost: Free admission
Live Music on King Street
- What: Old Town's bars and restaurants keep the live music calendar full all summer long. Venues like The Birchmere (just outside Old Town), waterfront spots, and King Street staples regularly host local and touring acts on Friday and Saturday nights. Confirm this weekend's lineups directly with venues — confirm details with the venue for show times and cover charges.
- Where: Various venues along King Street and the waterfront
Family-Friendly
Waterfront Park & Riverboat Discovery
- What: With the Festival of Speed & Style commanding Sunday's streets, make Saturday a family waterfront day. Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street is free, breezy, and endlessly entertaining for kids — watch the boats drift in from the Potomac, grab ice cream from a nearby shop, and let the little ones run on the grass. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers narrated sightseeing cruises and water taxis to National Harbor and the monuments; confirm schedules and pricing on their website before you go.
- Where: King Street Waterfront, Alexandria, VA 22314
- When: Park open daily; boat schedules vary — confirm details with the venue
Alexandria Archaeology Museum
- What: Tucked inside the Torpedo Factory, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is a hidden gem that kids (and curious adults) genuinely love. Hands-on discovery areas, real artifacts unearthed from beneath Old Town's streets, and friendly staff make this a low-key, high-reward stop on any family itinerary.
- Where: 105 N. Union Street, 3rd Floor, Torpedo Factory Art Center
- Cost: Free — confirm weekend hours with the museum
Dining & Drinks
Al Fresco Season Is Peak Right Now
- What: June in Old Town means every patio, rooftop deck, and sidewalk table is in prime form. Post-Festival of Speed & Style on Sunday, King Street will be alive with foot traffic and great energy — it's the perfect excuse to linger over brunch or an early dinner. Local favorites worth exploring include Virtue Feed & Grain for riverside craft cocktails, Hank's Oyster Bar for a raw bar treat, and Mia's Italian Kitchen for a casual family-friendly dinner. Reservations are always a smart call on summer weekends — confirm details with the venue.
- Where: Throughout King Street and the waterfront district
On the Waterfront
Sunset Stroll & The Strand
- What: No weekend in Old Town is complete without at least one walk along the Strand and the riverfront boardwalk as the sun sets over the Potomac. In mid-June, golden hour hits around 8:30 p.m., painting the water and the D.C. skyline across the river in warm amber light. It's completely free, it never gets old, and it's the kind of moment that reminds you why people fall in love with this neighborhood. Bring the dog, grab a gelato on the way, and enjoy.
- Where: The Strand, Alexandria Waterfront
- When: Any time — sunset approximately 8:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
We hope your weekend in Old Town is everything a June evening on the Potomac should be. Check back next weekend for a fresh roundup of events, and make sure to join our newsletter so you never miss what's happening in the neighborhood you love.
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