July in Old Town Alexandria is a love language — sun-warmed cobblestones, a waterfront breeze rolling off the Potomac, and a King Street buzz that never really quits. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, the weekend of July 9–10, 2026 has plenty to pull you outside and into this historic neighborhood's best corners. Read on for our curated roundup of what's happening, where to eat, and how to make the most of your Old Town weekend.
Festivals & Markets
Saturday Old Town Farmers' Market
- What: The crown jewel of Old Town Saturday mornings, the Old Town Farmers' Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the country. Arrive early for the best pick of locally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, artisan breads, handmade cheeses, and small-batch preserves. Grab a coffee from one of the vendors, find a shady bench, and watch the neighborhood wake up — this is quintessential Alexandria.
- Where: Market Square, 301 King Street (in front of City Hall)
- When: Saturday mornings — confirm exact hours with the market before you go.
Gustave Art & Craft Market
- What: Every second weekend, the Gustave Art & Craft Market rolls into Old Town with a curated lineup of local artisans and crafters selling original artwork, handmade gifts, jewelry, ceramics, and more. It's a fantastic place to find something genuinely one-of-a-kind — and to meet the makers behind the work. This weekend falls right on schedule for a Gustave market, so plan a loop through.
- Where: Old Town Alexandria — confirm exact location and times with the organizers before attending.
Live Music & Arts
Key Changes: Supreme Chord Turns 18
- What: This is a weekend highlight for music lovers. Supreme Chord, a dynamic all-voices a cappella group with members spread across the DMV, is celebrating its 18th anniversary with a special concert. If you've never caught a Supreme Chord performance, this milestone show is the perfect introduction — expect tight harmonies, big energy, and a genuinely joyful evening of vocal performance.
- Where & When: Confirm venue, time, and ticket details directly with Supreme Chord or check the ALXnow events calendar, as specific venue details were not confirmed at time of publication.
Live Music at The Birchmere (Alexandria)
- What: Just a short drive from Old Town, The Birchmere continues its packed July lineup. This weekend, keep an eye on their schedule for acts like Shovels and Rope and other touring artists passing through the DMV. The Birchmere remains one of the best intimate music venues in the region — get tickets in advance, as shows sell out.
- Where: 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
- When: Confirm specific show times and ticket prices at birchmere.com.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
- What: No Old Town weekend is complete without a walk through the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Over 80 working artists open their studios to the public year-round, and you can watch painters, sculptors, printmakers, and jewelry designers at work — then buy directly from them. Summer weekends bring extra foot traffic and energy to the building, making it a great people-watching spot, too.
- Where: 105 N Union Street (right on the waterfront)
- When: Open daily — confirm weekend hours at torpedofactory.org.
Civic & Community
Virginia 8th Congressional District Candidate Forum
- What: If you're politically engaged, this is a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from candidates vying for Virginia's 8th Congressional District. The forum is open to the public, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the forum itself beginning at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 9.
- Where: Shiloh Baptist Church, Alexandria — confirm exact address before attending.
- When: Friday, July 9 | Doors 6:30 PM, Forum 7:00 PM
Family-Friendly
Explore King Street on Foot
- What: King Street is one of the most walkable main streets in the entire Mid-Atlantic, and July is peak season for enjoying it. Pack the stroller or bring the kids and stroll from the waterfront all the way up to the Metro stop, popping into toy shops, ice cream parlors, and bookstores along the way. The King Street Trolley runs free on weekends and covers the stretch between the waterfront and King Street Metro — a fun ride for little ones.
- Where: King Street, Old Town Alexandria
- When: Trolley runs daily — confirm current schedule with DASH Transit.
Waterfront Park & the Potomac
- What: The Old Town waterfront is the neighborhood's backyard in summer. Let the kids run along the riverfront, grab ice cream, and watch the boats drift by. It's free, it's beautiful, and it's one of those Old Town experiences that never gets old. Sunrise or sunset, the Potomac puts on a show.
- Where: Alexandria City Marina & Waterfront Park, North Union Street
Dining & Drinks
Al Fresco Season Is in Full Swing
- What: Old Town's restaurant scene truly shines in July. Dozens of restaurants along King Street and the waterfront open their patios and sidewalk tables — look for spots like Hank's Oyster Bar, Chart House (waterfront views), and Vermilion for seasonal menus worth lingering over. For pre-dinner cocktails, the rooftop bar at The Alexandrian is a perennial summer favorite.
- Tip: Weekend reservations fill fast in July — book ahead, especially for waterfront tables.
Bastille Day Is Just Around the Corner
- What: With Bastille Day 2026 falling the following week and marking the 250th anniversary of the French-American alliance, several Old Town restaurants and bars are expected to roll out French-inspired menus and celebrations. Keep an eye on local listings — Old Town loves a themed weekend and this one is especially festive. Confirm details with individual venues.
On the Waterfront
Sunrise Walks & Weekend Paddling
- What: Beat the July heat with an early waterfront walk — the light on the Potomac at sunrise is something special. For the more adventurous, several local outfitters offer kayak and paddleboard rentals along the Alexandria waterfront. Confirm availability and pricing with current rental operators before heading out.
- Where: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, North Union Street
Whatever brings you to Old Town Alexandria this weekend, you're in good hands — this neighborhood rewards slow walking, spontaneous detours, and a willingness to duck into any door that looks interesting. Check back next week for another fresh roundup of the best things to do in Old Town, and sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a weekend worth savoring.