Summer is officially in full swing, and Old Town Alexandria is delivering — warm breezes off the Potomac, King Street buzzing with visitors and locals alike, and a weekend packed with reasons to get outside. Whether you're a longtime resident or planning your first trip down to the cobblestones, June 25–27 has something worth leaving the couch for. Here's your curated roundup of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria this weekend.
Festivals & Markets
- Saturday Old Town Farmers' Market — The crown jewel of Old Town Saturday mornings, this is one of the longest-running farmers' markets in the country. Head to Market Square (301 King Street) bright and early to browse locally grown produce, artisan breads, fresh-cut flowers, and specialty foods. It typically runs Saturday mornings; confirm exact hours with the City of Alexandria before heading out. Rain or shine, this is the anchor of any great Old Town weekend.
- Alexandria's 277th Birthday Celebration — Alexandria Living Magazine highlights that the city's birthday festivities are on the horizon this summer, featuring a free concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra as part of the celebrations. If festivities extend into this weekend, it's an unmissable moment of local pride. Confirm details and schedule with the City of Alexandria events calendar.
- Alexandria Pride — ALXnow's events calendar lists Alexandria Pride among upcoming community highlights. Check with organizers directly for any Pride-adjacent programming or pop-up events happening in and around Old Town this weekend.
Live Music & Arts
- Torpedo Factory Art Center — No Old Town weekend is complete without a stop at the Torpedo Factory on the waterfront. Over 80 working artists open their studios to the public every day, and you can watch painters, sculptors, printmakers, and glassworkers in action. Admission is free; studio hours vary, so confirm with the venue. Located at 105 N. Union Street.
- Summer Concerts on Tap at Carlyle Crossing — Alexandria Living Magazine spotlights a summer concert series at Carlyle Crossing. If you're willing to venture just beyond the historic district, these outdoor performances make for a fantastic warm-weather evening. Confirm the specific June 25 weekend lineup and showtimes with the venue directly.
- Live Music on King Street — Several of Old Town's beloved bars and restaurants — think The Majestic, Virtue Feed & Grain, and Hank's Oyster Bar — regularly feature live music on weekend evenings. Check each venue's social pages for confirmed performers this Friday and Saturday night.
Family-Friendly
- Alexandria Seaport Foundation — Alexandria Living Magazine highlights the Seaport Foundation's ongoing community mission, including a canoe raffle supporting boatbuilding and life-skills programs for young adults. Stop by the waterfront to learn about their work, and consider buying a raffle ticket — it's a great cause and a great story to tell the kids. Confirm open hours and current programming with the Foundation directly.
- Waterfront Park & Founders Park — Pack a blanket and head to the grassy stretch along the Potomac. Founders Park (north end of the waterfront) is perfect for families with kids who need room to run, plus you'll catch stunning views of the river and passing boats. Free, open daily.
- Jones Point Park & Lighthouse — Just south of the main waterfront, Jones Point offers a peaceful escape with a historic lighthouse, fishing pier, and shaded walking paths. A perfect low-key adventure for curious kids and adults who want to stretch their legs.
Dining & Drinks
- Brunch on King Street — Old Town's restaurant row is reliably excellent for weekend brunch. Standout spots include Mia's Italian Kitchen for something hearty, Stomping Ground for a neighborhood vibe, and The Warehouse for classic Alexandria atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended on summer weekends — book ahead online.
- Happy Hour at the Waterfront — Chart House and Virtue Feed & Grain both offer waterfront or water-adjacent happy hour deals that are especially good in June. Confirm current specials and hours with each venue, as summer menus often roll out new seasonal cocktails and bites.
- Ice Cream & Evening Strolling — Scoop up something cold from one of King Street's local dessert spots and join the parade of weekend strollers making their way from Market Square down to the water. It's one of Old Town's great free pleasures.
On the Waterfront
- Potomac Riverboat Cruises — Summer is peak season for scenic and sightseeing cruises departing from the Old Town waterfront. Options range from quick 40-minute narrated tours to longer excursions toward the National Mall. Confirm schedules and ticket prices with Potomac Riverboat Company directly — boats fill up fast on June weekends.
- Morning Walk: The Mount Vernon Trail — The paved trail along the Potomac is gorgeous in the early morning before the heat kicks in. Pick it up right at the waterfront and head north toward National Airport or south toward Dyke Marsh. Free, open daily, and one of the best ways to start a summer Saturday in Alexandria.
- The Alexandrian Hotel & Nearby Waterfront Buzz — The Alexandrian notes its prime positioning at the center of Old Town's action, with the farmers' market, waterfront, and King Street all within easy reach. Even if you're not staying there, the surrounding blocks are the beating heart of weekend activity in the neighborhood.
Old Town Alexandria rewards those who slow down and explore — so take your time this weekend, pop into a gallery, linger over brunch, and let the Potomac breeze do its thing. Check back next week for another fresh roundup of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria, and make sure to join our newsletter so you never miss a weekend worth savoring.