Dog Fest, Cherry Blossoms, Home Tour: Event Spring Events You Can't Miss

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the weather becomes milder and the spring flowers begin to grow, various events in Alexandria are planned to help residents and visitors celebrate the season.

The first day of spring isn't until March 19, but it's easy to get in the spring spirit early as Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring. March kicked off with the Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 2.

March will also bring the start of cherry blossom season as the National Park Service expects the Tidal Basin's cherry blossom trees to reach peak bloom in late March. In Alexandria, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom guided tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria, Unlimited Biking's cherry blossom tours, Pink Torpedoes: Cherry Blossom Art in An Old Munitions Factory, Shop Made in VA's Cherry Blossom Candle-Making with The Burning Wic, and Cherry Blossom Cruises and water taxi to The Wharf to see the cherry blossoms.

Other major events happening in the spring in Alexandria are Del Ray Dog Fest, ALX Dog Walk and Sustainability Festival, Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Gardens Tour, George Washington's Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour, Waterfront Park's public art installation, PNC Parkway Classic and Old Town Festival of Speed & Style.

Below is a roundup of spring events around Alexandria. Visit Alexandria has a full guide to spring event and activity recommendations at VisitAlexandria.com/Spring.

Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria: March 16 to April 14 (subject to change when cherry blossoms are in bloom)

Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA 22314

This three-hour guided tour from Old Town Alexandria to the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. includes a ride around the blossoms in East Potomac Park. Tours are expected from March 16 to April 14, or whenever the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. Weekend tours fill up quickly, so make your reservations early through our online portal at pedegoalexandria.com or contact contact 571-312-5168 or [email protected]. Tours start at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Special group times are also available with advance reservations. Group tour sizes will be limited. Solo riders must be 14 or older.

Cherry Blossom Cruises with City Cruises: Weekends beginning March 16 through April 21

Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Traverse the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria and cruise past the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. on the Monuments Sightseeing Cruise from City Cruises. View and listen to the history of the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges as the D.C. region awakens to spring. See beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past the Tidal Basin and head onward to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one way and approximately 90 minutes round-trip. Riders also have the option to explore Georgetown and return on a later boat. Departures start at 11:30 a.m. City Cruises is a sponsor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Admission for adults starts at $27 one way and $37 round-trip.

Water Taxi to The Wharf to See Cherry Blossoms: Daily, beginning March 20, departures starting at 1:30 p.m.

Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Take the water taxi from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C., to visit the cherry blossoms. City Cruises Potomac Water Taxi offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it is a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station.

6-Course Cherry Blossom Dinner Experience & Cocktail Tasting at King & Rye: March 21

King & Rye, 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

During this special chef’s supper club, Executive Chef Tomas Chavarria will collaborate with The House of Suntory for a cherry blossom-inspired menu. During the six-course dinner experience, savor Southern and Japanese-infused plates creating one-of-a-kind flavors Each course will be accompanied by custom cocktails created with The House of Suntory spirits. Admission is $95 per person.

Pink Torpedoes: Cherry Blossom Art in An Old Munitions Factory: March 23 to April 14

Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Explore all three floors of Torpedo Factory Art Center, home to the nation’s largest collection of working artists’ open studios under one roof, to view a building-wide exhibition of art inspired by the cherry blossoms. Participating artists will exhibit one or more unique artworks in their studio or gallery. Each artist will explore their interpretations of the cherry blossoms—culturally, colorfully and viscerally—and visitors will discover new ways of thinking about the region’s seasonal pink event. Visitors will receive a “Pink Torpedoes” building map with locations of the artwork to discover. Each studio artist in the Art Center is selected by art experts and rank among the best in the region. Artists work in front of the visitor and discuss their work on view. Visitors may shop for one-of-a-kind art inspired by the cherry blossoms, plus more. A select exhibition of artwork will be on view at torpedofactory.org along with artist commentary.

Workshop: Cherry Blossom Candle-Making with The Burning Wic at Shop Made in VA: March 24, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop Made in VA, 1121 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314

Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms during a class with The Burning Wic. Craft your own candle in a stunning Rose Gold Mercury Tumbler, infusing it with the soft allure of cherry blossoms, and the candle will captivate during the day and radiate warmth at night. This unique class not only includes an 11 oz. candle but also a car diffuser, ensuring you can carry the essence of cherry blossoms wherever you go. Come for a magical experience, creating a shimmering masterpiece that adds a touch of spring inspired by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms to both your space and travels. Admission is $45 per person. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

Temporary Waterfront Public Art Installation: Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact): Spring to November 2024

Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Coming this spring, Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact) will open as the sixth annual temporary public art installation at Waterfront Park through November 2024 as part of the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town series. The art by Brooklyn-based, award-winning artist/architect duo Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of STUDIOKCA examines the impact of an asteroid that hit the earth 35 million years ago near what is now Alexandria. Interstellar Influencer uses metal, water and light to create a 1:1000 scale representation of the asteroid and the 85-kilometer wide, 1.5-kilometer-deep crater it left behind, that shaped the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed and the flow of water through its rivers and tributaries.

Special Gallery: “Japanese Inspiration” at The Athenaeum: April 4 to May 12

The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314

To complement Washington’s cherry blossom festivities around the Tidal Basin, the Athenaeum Gallery is featuring the work of three local contemporary artists whose work is influenced and guided by traditional Japanese art. Sean Doonan is an illustrator whose fanciful posters are inspired by Japanese mythology, anime, video games and pop culture. David Gootnick creates lacy and delicate designs out of wood using an ancient Japanese artform called Kumiko. And Yoshiko Ratliff’s paintings are bold, but intricately detailed, representations of Japanese characters and kimonos.

Exclusive Tour: All Lit Up Like a Japanese Lantern: The Japanese Aesthetic in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House: April 6, tours at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309

By 1941, the year Pope-Leighey House was completed, Frank Lloyd Wright had studied Japan for almost a half-century. He had become a serious collector of woodblock prints–even writing a book on the subject–and had won acclaim for his design of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. On this special tour, visitors will discover how the famous American architect incorporated his love of Japanese art, architecture, and philosophy into Usonian homes, and how this East Asian influence shines in Wright’s Pope-Leighey House. Admission is $20 per adult and $10 per K-12 student.

Purry Blossom Weekend: April 13 to 14, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p..m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday

Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar, 109 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Join Mount Purrnon for their annual Purry Blossom Weekend. Enjoy limited edition cherry blossom-themed merchandise and drink specials including rosé and sake cocktails. All proceeds go to saving cats. Reservations are recommended, and please note that admission is 18 and older only beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $20 per adult and $15 per child (ages 5-12) for one hour or $40 for a day pass.

Del Ray Dog Fest: April 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Yappy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m.

George Washington Middle School parking lot, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301

The 2nd Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is an outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food. This festival is dog-friendly and outdoors, rain or shine. After the event, enjoy a “Yappy Hour” for owners and pets at participating restaurants. The event benefits Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic, a local rescue started in Del Ray that is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue made up of Australian Shepherd owners. The presenting sponsor is The Peele Group.

ALX Dog Walk and Sustainability Festival: April 20, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Walkers and dogs alike can enjoy a two-mile walk down historic Union Street and return to the park along the waterfront walk for the awards celebration of music, prizes, treats, kids’ activities, dog fun and much more. Each registered walker receives a goodie bag, packed with sustainable items, a t-shirt, one free raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes and a dog bandana. New this year, the event will include a Sustainability Festival, the first of its kind in the area, promoting sustainable living and shedding light on the critical issue of plastic pollution. The Sustainability Festival will feature 25 organizations showcasing sustainable products, services and programs.

91st Old Town Alexandria Historic Homes & Gardens Tour: April 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

This easy walking tour of Old Town Alexandria includes private townhomes and secluded gardens located along the tree lined streets of the historic district. In addition, the tour ticket includes admission to two Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects within a short driving distance of the tour area—George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Green Spring Gardens. Admission is $55 per person. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.com.

PNC Parkway Classic: April 28, 5K begins at 7:30 a.m.; 10-miler begins at 8 a.m.; Kid’s Dash begins at 10:30 a.m.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

Lace up your running shoes for the 2024 PNC Parkway Classic. The Parkway Classic 5K course starts and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street) with a scenic course through historic Old Town, Alexandria. Thee 10-miler starts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.) and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park with a scenic point-to-point course down the George Washington Memorial Parkway and through Old Town. The exciting 600-meter Kid's Dash is designed for kids 12 and under (one parent is welcome to run alongside their little ones; no registration required). Each Dash participant will receive a special race bib and a finisher medal. There will be a limited number of Kid’s Dash spots, so register early. Admission is $85 for 10-miler, $45 for 5K, $50 for both virtual races and $20 for the Kid’s Dash.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: May 17 to 19, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Head to Mount Vernon for their most popular event of the year. Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries. Bring a blanket and relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Enjoy the live music of Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders. The event tends to sell out, so get your tickets early. Admission on Friday is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Saturday admission is $54 for members and $64 for non-members. Sunday admission is $44 for members and $54 for non-members.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style: May 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

200-400 blocks of King Street, and the 100 blocks of North Royal and North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314

The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights Old Town Alexandria's history, architecture, food, people, art, style and energy. View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! and Community Lodgings.