2026 Alexandria VA Spring Events

Photo from Pixelshot via Canva.com
Living in Alexandria, Virginia, has so many perks, and the spring season’s long list of activities is high on the list. It’s challenged only by the quaint winter holiday festivities, but the spring often draws more crowds to Alexandria thanks to pleasant weather and an abundance of unique things to do throughout the city.
Choose your favorite events and make plans and reservations early. The city will be full of visitors and home-towners ready to usher in the splendid pink and white cherry blossoms and experience endless farmers markets, festivals, and local eateries.
March Alexandria Events
Alexandria, Virginia, Farmers Markets
March kicks off one of the most anticipated things to do in Alexandria, VA, of the spring season: the reopening of farmers markets across the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County.
Each location has a unique personality and dedicated fans who scour the markets for the perfect produce, meats, dairy, bread, and cut flowers. Most markets also host specialty vendors who bring handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Saturday mornings are bursting with shoppers, so get there early with empty bags and plenty of trunk space.
Del Ray Farmers Market
Charm and family vibes run through one of Alexandria’s most popular markets. Vendors from all over the state set up shop in Del Ray.
Old Town Farmers Market
In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, browse the farmers market that once sold President Washington’s Mount Vernon-grown produce.
McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market (Alexandria, Fairfax County)
Note that this site operates on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, starting April 22. Co-op sellers are a local favorite here.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Although the city was founded by a Scotsman, Alexandria embraces traditional Irish heritage, complete with a city-wide parade (stake your curbside spot early!) and local pubs that put on not-to-be-missed St. Paddy’s Day celebrations.
Check out Alexandria’s restaurant scene the weekend before the 17th, so you don’t miss any dedicated pre-parties or specialized menus.
The Ballyshaners 43rd Annual Parade
March 7, 12:00 p.m.
Alexandria is said to be the first host of an organized St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Washington, DC, area, thanks to the Ballyshaners, or “Old Towners” in Gaelic.
This all-volunteer group organizes the parade and events to preserve and feature Irish history and culture. The parade showcases traditional Irish pipe bands, dancers, and all types of entertainment from the motherland.
Irish Pubs
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- Daniel O'Connell's
If visiting Old Town near St. Patrick's Day, make a stop at one of the two iconic Irish restaurants in Alexandria, VA. You’ll be met with live entertainment, a traditional pub atmosphere, plenty of Guinness, and a welcoming crew.
Just keep in mind, you’ll be merry making with plenty of locals as well as out of towners, so try to make a reservation to guarantee a spot to lounge and take in the festivities.
Mid-March to Mid-April Alexandria Events
Cherry Blossom Festival Events
Cherry blossom fever takes over Washington, DC, and spills into Alexandria during March and April. If you start in the hub of activities in DC, you can easily take a Metro ride to Braddock or King Street stations to enjoy Alexandria’s cherry blossom celebrations.
These are a few ways to take in the blossoms’ beauty and enjoy the pleasant weather:
- Monitor the National Park Service's dedicated cherry blossom predictions and events.
- Plan guided blossom walking and ebook tours in Alexandria to grab the perfect photos.
- Dine in Alexandria restaurants and taste cherry blossom-flavored or inspired meals and desserts.
- Reserve a space on a water taxi and cruise through the cherry trees, with scenic Washington, DC, sites in the background.
- Take advantage of Old Town hotel packages featuring Cherry Blossom Festival specials and events.
- Schedule a family photo session at Fort Belvoir’s cherry blossom-lined amphitheater.
April Alexandria Events
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
April 18 through 25
Alexandria homeowners’ gorgeous gardens are included in the Garden Club of Virginia’s annual peak spring season extravaganza. You’ll tour historic homes while supporting the club’s mission as a non-profit to restore and preserve Virginia’s public gardens and fund graduate-level research fellowships.
May Alexandria Events
Spring Festivals in Alexandria
Not too hot and not too cold, May starts festival season in Alexandria, and there’s one to suit a wide variety of interests. These are a few popular events to schedule during your visit.
Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival
May 15 through May 17
This wine festival almost always sells out, rain or shine. So pack and dress accordingly! The event is outdoors, and attendees bring blankets and chairs to take in sights of the banks of the Potomac River, right outside of Mount Vernon’s back door. You’ll sample wine from Virginia’s finest wineries from across the state, and enjoy live music while dining on picnics and reveling with friends.
Annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 16 and 17
Motors and fashion make an unlikely but somehow perfect pair during one of Alexandria’s most attended festivals. If you attend, you’ll kick off the weekend on Friday with one of the city’s hottest tickets, the High Octane Ball, where fashion is first and foremost.
But most visitors stop in to check out more than 100 rare supercars and motorcycles. Later, the same crowd (about 40,000) has the chance to take in unique fashion/motor events along the city’s waterfront.
May Alexandria Events
Pedals and Pints, May 23
Group bike rides are available for all ages, with both short and long bike routes. Rides depart from Handy Bikes retail showroom and end at Port City Brewing. Begin with no-drop group bike rides and end with beer and tacos twice monthly. If you can’t make the May event, try attending on July 4 or July 25!
Bird Walking Tour of Del Ray, May 23
Experienced birders will lead a walking tour around Del Ray from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This family-friendly event is for people of all ages and experience levels. The meeting point is at the James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Butterfly Garden. Register at Alexandria library events.