October is hitting its stride in Alexandria — the air is crisp, the foliage is turning along the Potomac, and this weekend brings a genuinely full calendar. Here's everything worth knowing about what's happening in Old Town Alexandria this weekend, October 9–11, 2026. Missed last weekend? Catch up with the October 2–4 roundup, and browse the full Old Town Alexandria events calendar for what's coming up next.
Friday
Kick off the weekend with some live music at the 3rd Annual Rock The Ave: Twilight Edition, happening at Carlyle Crossing, 2495 Mandeville Lane, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This outdoor evening concert series brings a block-party energy to the Carlyle neighborhood, with music, food, and the kind of communal buzz that makes October evenings in Alexandria worth stepping out for. Dress in layers — sunset comes early now, and the temperature drops once it does. Check with the venue to confirm any last-minute changes to the lineup or format before you head out.
After the show, King Street is an easy drive or rideshare away. The stretch between the waterfront and Washington Street is lined with bars and restaurants — a great option for rounding out the night. Our guide to bars in Old Town Alexandria has current picks if you need inspiration.
What's Happening in Old Town Alexandria This Weekend: Saturday
Start the morning at the Old Town Farmers' Market, which runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon on the 100 block of North Royal Street and in the Tavern Square courtyard. The market has temporarily relocated from its historic Market Square home while City Hall is renovated — a project expected to take two to three years. It's one of the country's oldest continuously operating farmers' markets and is well worth the early wake-up: local produce, baked goods, cut flowers, cheese, and prepared food all in one place.
From 10 a.m., Creative Book Club meets at Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria. This free recurring gathering brings together readers and makers in a relaxed, conversational setting — confirm the exact location and any registration requirements directly with Del Ray Artisans before you go.
Later in the morning, head to The Alexandrian hotel at 480 King St for the HalloQueen Drag Brunch at King & Rye. This Halloween-themed drag brunch is one of the more festive fall events on the Alexandria calendar. Exact showtimes and ticket availability weren't confirmed at press time, so check directly with King & Rye at The Alexandrian to book your seat — these events tend to sell out. For more brunch ideas in the neighborhood, our best brunch in Old Town Alexandria guide has you covered.
In the afternoon, the Torpedo Factory Art Center on the waterfront is open for browsing. More than 80 working artists keep studios there, and October is a particularly good time to visit — many are deep into fall projects and holiday work. Hours vary by studio; confirm at torpedofactory.org before you go.
Sunday
Paws in the Park takes over Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St on Sunday, October 11. This free dog-friendly event is one of Old Town's favorite fall traditions — a morning at the park with four-legged company and plenty of outdoor space along the Potomac. For more ways to enjoy Alexandria with a dog in tow, see our guide to dog-friendly things to do in Old Town Alexandria. No confirmed start time was available at press time; check with the city's parks department for details.
Also on Sunday: the Alexandria Book & Craft Festival sets up behind 415 King Street in Old Town. This is a great combination — independent authors, handmade goods, and the brick-and-cobblestone backdrop of one of Virginia's most walkable neighborhoods. No ticketing details were confirmed; plan to drop in and explore.
At 1 p.m., Del Ray Urban Sketchers 2026 meets at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub in Del Ray. This recurring group gathers to sketch from life in and around Alexandria's neighborhoods — all skill levels are welcome. It's a relaxed, low-key way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a coffee in hand.
Rounding out the weekend, the Ethiopian Fall Festival takes place at Chinquapin Park on Sunday, October 11. Expect food, music, and cultural programming in one of Alexandria's larger park spaces. Confirm timing with the City of Alexandria's events page, as specific hours weren't listed at press time.
Free things to do
Even without a single ticketed event, this weekend has plenty that costs nothing:
- Old Town Waterfront — The Potomac waterfront stretches along the eastern edge of Old Town. Walk or bike the trail, watch the boat traffic, and take in the fall foliage reflected on the water. From King and Washington Streets, the waterfront is about 17 blocks; plan accordingly if you're on foot.
- King Street strolling — Window-shop, browse, and soak up the historic streetscape at no cost. The architecture alone — Federal, Georgian, and Victorian buildings side by side — is worth a slow walk.
- Paws in the Park at Oronoco Bay Park — Free and open to all, rain or shine (see Sunday above).
- Alexandria Book & Craft Festival — Free to browse (see Sunday above).
- Del Ray Urban Sketchers — Free to join; just bring a sketchbook (see Sunday above).
- Art galleries along King Street — Several galleries keep weekend hours and are free to enter. Check the things to do in Old Town Alexandria page for a current rundown.
On a rainy day
October weather in Northern Virginia can shift quickly, so it's worth having an indoor plan. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is one of the best rain-day destinations in the region — 82 working artist studios spread across a renovated WWII munitions plant on the waterfront. Admission to the building is free; individual studios set their own hours. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is located inside the Torpedo Factory and is also free, with exhibits on 10,000 years of local history.
The Creative Book Club at Del Ray Artisans (Saturday, 10 a.m.) is another covered option, as is the HalloQueen Drag Brunch at The Alexandrian — both are indoors and confirmed for this weekend. On Sunday, St. Elmo's Coffee Pub is a cozy spot with or without the sketching group; it's a Del Ray institution worth knowing about.
Where to eat
Old Town and its neighboring corridors have no shortage of options this time of year. For a full picture of what's open and worth visiting, our Old Town Alexandria dining guide covers everything from casual waterfront spots to date-night destinations on King Street. A few things to keep in mind this weekend: Saturday brunch spots fill up quickly — especially with the HalloQueen Drag Brunch drawing a crowd to The Alexandrian — so reservations are worth making. Sunday evening after the Book & Craft Festival is a natural time to settle into one of the King Street spots nearby; many kitchens stay open until 9 or 10 p.m.
Getting there and parking
The King Street–Old Town Metro station (Blue and Yellow lines) is about 12 blocks from King and Washington Streets — roughly a mile. The free King Street Trolley runs between the Metro station and City Hall/Market Square and is a convenient option for that stretch. Note that the trolley does not continue to the waterfront, which is about 17 blocks from the Metro station; plan a rideshare or a walk if the waterfront is your destination.
Driving? Old Town has a mix of street metered parking and several garages. Our complete Old Town Alexandria parking guide has garage locations, rates, and tips for the busiest blocks. Saturday mornings around the farmers' market are especially busy — arriving before 8 a.m. or using a garage a few blocks off King Street will save time.
Have a great weekend out there. If you're looking ahead or landed here after the weekend, the events calendar always has what's coming up next in Old Town.