Alexandria Virginia 2026 Travel Guide: America’s 250th Celebrations, New Openings & Big Events

Alexandria is gearing up for a landmark year in 2026, unveiling a dynamic lineup of celebrations, transformative public art, neighborhood storytelling initiatives, and exciting new business openings. As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this historic waterfront city will take center stage with commemorative events, immersive cultural experiences, and major restorations that honor its rich past while embracing its vibrant future. From tall ships sailing along the Potomac and powerful new artistic installations to innovative local businesses and citywide enhancements, Alexandria’s 2026 promotions showcase a community inspired by history, energized by creativity, and ready to welcome visitors for an unforgettable year.

Alexandria Commemorates America’s 250^th

• From June 12-14, 2026, Alexandria will host iconic tall ships during Sails on the Potomac: Alexandria Commemorates America's 250th as a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor and will feature a weekend packed with activities. The annual ALX Jazz Fest will take place the same weekend on Saturday, June 13. Join us as we commemorate America’s story with music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs and more!

• Time and Place 2026—a temporary public art installation—will be part of Alexandria’s efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The United States, Virginia and Alexandria are marking the occasion through programs that reflect on the founding of the country, the democratic experiment and the future of the nation. The project is set to be on display from May through November 2026. Time and Place is a periodic, curated exhibition of temporary public art projects that examine aspects of the City of Alexandria’s history.

• The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 277th anniversary and the USA’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 11, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street). Experience this one-of-a-kind Alexandria event filled with live music, food and drink vendors, and a grand finale — a fireworks display on the Potomac River. Admission is free.

• Experience history where it happened at the first president’s estate – George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The first and second floors of the Mansion will reopen in December 2025, a new exhibit on the life and times of George Washington will be unveiled spring 2026, and visitors can walk along the Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment (open now).

• Alexandria has played a major role in the nation’s story and reflects its progress toward inclusivity. Find intimate historic museums, trace George Washington and the Founding Fathers’ footsteps and follow the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history of Alexandria and the United States. Museums and organizations across Alexandria tell this story year-round.

Waterfront Experiences

New public art: The City of Alexandria’s newest temporary waterfront public art installation – Now or Never by Alicia Eggert – embodies the urgency of the “now or never” moment in both political and personal terms and offers viewers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the possibilities inherent in these words. The city will unveil this monumental work in Alexandria’s Waterfront Park (1 Prince Street) on March 21, 2026.

Small Business Storytelling and Alexandria’s Neighborhoods Initiative

As part of a new long-term initiative to drive repeat visits and increase citywide economic benefit, Visit Alexandria launched the first phase of its expanded neighborhoods promotion strategy in September 2025, including a new interactive neighborhoods map, a neighborhoods guide hub and individual landing pages for each neighborhood, and updated imagery and video content, including a 75-second video. This effort will ramp up in 2026, as we capture stories for new businesses and experiences in the city.

Visit Alexandria is additionally working to expand and deepen our storytelling by uncovering and elevating stories from its members and local voices with a forthcoming refreshed destination marketing campaign set to be unveiled in early 2026.

What’s New in 2026:

o   Continues Arcade, Bar and Restaurant – Step back in time at the newly opened Continues Arcade, featuring 50 original arcade cabinets, Skee-Ball, and pinball, plus a full-service restaurant and bar from Iron Chef alum Brian Lacayo and Chef Advisor Spike Mendelsohn from Top Chef. It has been open since fall 2025.

o   LaPluma Coffee & Wine Bar – Rooted in tradition and inspired by the flavors of Guatemala and El Salvador, LaPluma Coffee & Wine Bar brings the warmth of Central American hospitality to Alexandria. Open since May 2025.

o   Eliana Curated—Angelika O’Reilly, owner of Eliana Curated, discovered her passion for fashion through a fascination with vintage buttons. An only child who immigrated from Eastern Europe to the United States at a young age, Angelika quickly developed an entrepreneurial spirit. Today, she transforms vintage buttons into “wearable art” by adding 14-karat gold posts and backs, creating bold, statement earrings with a story. Open since May 2025.

o   JoyLife Spa – As the only hotel spa in Old Town Alexandria, JoyLife Spa opened in August 2025, inside Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria.

o   Bar 86 – Tucked inside the beloved Café du Soleil in Old Town, Bar 86 opened fall 2025 and brings an unexpected twist to this favorite daytime spot. By night, this intimate speakeasy blends vintage charm and modern mixology. Inspired by the lore of Chumley’s Bar at 86 Bedford Street in New York, Bar 86 serves up creative cocktails and moody ambiance.

Major Renovations at Existing Properties

·       Located on King Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Thompson Italian has introduced three new dining and event spaces that accommodate everything from intimate gatherings of 12 to larger events of up to 75 guests. The Great Room, Wine Room, and Butterfly Room offer flexible settings for celebrations, corporate dinners, family events, and receptions. The Wine Room features a discreet TV, making it ideal for meetings by day and elegant wine dinners by night. Guests can enjoy handcrafted pastas and seasonal dishes made with ingredients from local farmers' markets. The restaurant has been recognized by The Washington Post, Washingtonian, and Northern Virginia Magazine, and Pastry Chef Katherine Thompson earned a 2020 James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

·       Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project – The Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project will provide a resilient, long-term solution to mitigate flooding and replace failing infrastructure that addresses safety concerns, improves accessibility, and preserves the public’s use and enjoyment of the waterfront. Construction is anticipated to begin the second half of 2026.

·       City Hall Renovation Project – City Hall, an Alexandria landmark, is well over 100 years old. Market Square has been a civic gathering place since the City’s founding in 1749. Both facilities need significant updates to repair aging building components, improve technology and accessibility, enhance security, and bolster community engagement. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, with both City Hall and Market Square closed for the duration of the project.

Hotel News

·       Since summer 2025, Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria has partnered with KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and inclusion. Through this partnership, the hotel is now Sensory Inclusive® certified, meaning its team has been specially trained to assist guests with sensory sensitivities, and the team is equipped with tools to help create a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone.

Photos: Epic Shot CREDIT Mike Mielcarz for Visit-Alexandria;