Fireworks, Taste Of Del Ray, Pride Bar Crawl: Alexandria Summer 2024 Events

ALEXANDRIA, VA — From tasting events to Alexandria's 275th birthday, there's plenty to look forward to in the city this summer, according to Visit Alexandria.

Summer starts Thursday, June 20, and by then kids will be out of school to enjoy the seasonal fun. There's even more to enjoy before the season officially begins, including major events like Port City Brewing Company’s ALX275 Kickoff & Release Party and Taste of Del Ray.

Some events go along with the summer holidays, like the Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour or the post-Independence Day Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration with fireworks. There are other returning favorites too, such as the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival, Del Ray Bands and Brews Summer Bar Crawl and Around the World Cultural Food Festival.

Here's a roundup of major events happening in Alexandria during summer 2024. Mark your calendar, and don't forget to share your own events on your local Alexandria Patch calendar. More ideas on summer things to do are available from Visit Alexandria.

Port City Brewing Company’s ALX275 Kickoff & Release Party: May 9, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304

Admission: Free

Join Port City Brewing Company on May 9 to celebrate the launch of ALX275, an original craft beer brewed with 275 pounds of hops in honor of the City of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary. The commemorative brew has various flavors, notably cashmere, el dorado and strata hops, for a bright and bitter brew. During the release party, Port City will have food trucks in the evening and live music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hoppy India Pale Ale will be available on draft until mid-September in the brewery Tasting Room and served at the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival on June 21 and 22, Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration on July 13, the Port City Old Town Pub Crawl on July 20, and more special events to be announced. ALX275 16 oz. cans will be sold exclusively in the brewery Tasting Room, while supplies last.

8th Annual Well Ray Festival: May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mount Vernon and Bellefonte Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

Admission: Free

The 8th Annual Well Ray Festival showcases the wide variety of health and wellness opportunities in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. The outdoor event—featuring free fitness and dance classes for all ages, health demonstrations, 40-plus vendors is free to attend. For more information, including a full schedule of events and class registration information, visit wellraydelray.com.

15th Annual Taste of Del Ray: June 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields, 2701 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

Admission: $20 per person

Top Del Ray restaurants are slated to participate in the 15th Annual Taste of Del Ray. The event, named one of Virginia Living Magazine's top food festivals in the state, features a wide range of tastes from restaurants. Attendees can cast their votes for the People's Choice award. A VIP ticket option will also be offered, giving attendees the first bites with early admission at 12 p.m. and a wine tasting at 1 p.m.

Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair: June 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: Free

Volunteer Alexandria will present the Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair with local and regional artisans representing different mediums including pottery, stationary, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more. Over 80 vendors are expected along with food and drink for purchase.

Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour with Manumission Tour Company: June 15, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; June 16, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Meets at The Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $35 per person

Join Councilmember John Taylor Chapman's Manumission Tour Company for the annual Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour. Ride along on a 90-minute bus tour to visit various historic sites that will tell the story of African Americans in early Alexandria. Some of the sites discussed on the tour include several historic African American churches in the city, including Alfred Street Baptist Church, Barrett Library, site of the 1939 Library Sit-In, Freedom House and many more.

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival: Friday, June 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 22, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Free Admission

Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Kick off summer with the return of the free Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. The festival includes live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the family on the Alexandria waterfront. The event includes Friday evening jazz performances and readings by Alexandria poets as part of the ALX Jazz Fest @ Portside. Saturday, the festival continues with an eclectic musical lineup, local food, hands-on art and history activities and more. New this year, as part of the City’s 275th anniversary celebrations, Port City Brewing Company will serve an original hoppy India Pale Ale called ALX275, brewed with 275 lbs. of hops. The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival and the ALX Jazz Fest @ Portside are produced by Visit Alexandria and the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts.

7th Annual Official Pride Bar Crawl: June 22, 4 p.m. to midnight

Check-in at Alexandria Bier Garden, 710 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $10 per person for group purchases of 4+ tickets before May 25; $15 per person for single tickets before May 25

Dress in vibrant attire and express yourself during the 7th Annual Official Pride Bar Crawl, hosted by Crawl With Us. Check in at Alexandria Bier Garden between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., then enjoy handpicked inclusive bars, exclusive drink specials and freebies that are available only to Pride Bar Crawl participants. Twenty percent of the event proceeds will be donated to Safe Space NOVA.

Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration: July 13, 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (Rain date: July 14)

Viewing locations throughout Old Town and central location at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: Free

The City of Alexandria celebrates its milestone 275th birthday and the USA’s 248th birthday on Saturday, July 13, with live music and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Experience special programming and activities at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Canal Center plaza and Waterfront Park among ten vantage points for fireworks viewing. Enjoy the big birthday experience including cupcakes, local vendors and live music. Plus, try Port City Brewing Company’s special edition ALX275 brew at Oronoco Bay Park.

Second Annual Best of the West by West End Business Association: July 20, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304

Admission: Free (pre-registration recommended)

Best of the West is a community event featuring West End Business Association members and restaurant tastings. Get to know local business owners, enjoy live music and entertainment and try some of the best food that the West End has to offer.

Beats, Bites and Brews in Old Town Alexandria: July 27, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: Free

Head to John Carlyle Square for a full day of outdoor entertainment, featuring food, music, cold beverages, shopping and more. Enjoy live music performances, summer-inspired bites from local food vendors, craft beers and summer cocktails in the Beer Garden. In addition, explore local artisans and vendors offering a curated selection of summer goodies, from fashion finds to unique crafts.

Del Ray Bands and Brews Summer Bar Crawl: Aug. 17, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Various locations along Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

Admission: $15 advance tickets; $25 day of event tickets

This returning summer event features live music in outdoor restaurant venues along the Avenue. Tickets include specials on cocktails, beer and food at each of the 15-plus participating restaurants, live music at every venue, trolley transportation, 50/50 raffles, a photo booth and many more fun giveaways. The first 250 registrants will get a swag bag with a 16 oz. souvenir collector’s cup. Crawl participants must be 21 and older, but children and families are welcome at family-friendly establishments and at the main stage at Pat Miller Square. The organizers expect it to be a high-volume event.

Around the World Cultural Food Festival: August 24, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Admission: Free

The free Around the World Cultural Food Festival takes attendees on a day trip around the world and showcases the cuisine, culture and traditions of dozens of countries. The pet-friendly event will occur rain or shine at Oronoco Bay Park.