Festivals
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours, held in December every year, is a perfect addition to the holiday season celebration. The Candlelight Tour visits Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, and the Lee-Fendall House and will have live musical performances, period costumes, seasonal decor, and hot cider. The Candlelight Tour will allow you to experience the charm and history of Old Town Alexandria.
The Memorial Day Jazz Festival, held every year on Memorial Day in May, features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz with a different band every hour. Held in the amphitheater, it is the perfect spot to enjoy the spring air, have a picnic, and spend a weekend listening to all types of jazz music.
First Night Alexandria is the best New Year’s party in the area featuring many different concerts, storytellers, fireworks, and festival fun. Alexandria’s Mayor says, “It is a wonderful celebration for all Alexandria! It is a way for families and singles of all ages to come together in a safe environment to celebrate the birth of a new year.”
During Alexandria’s Old Town Festival of the Arts a collection of more than 150 local and national artists display their paintings, sculptures, glassware, photography, jewelry, and other works in a two day festival right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
Alexandria’s Scottish Heritage Fair celebrates the Scottish heritage and is a memorial to the Scottish merchants that first settled in the area. It features Scottish Highland Dancers, Scottish animals for viewing like Clydesdale horses, Shetland Ponies and Highland Sheep, and storytelling about Scotland’s people and their culture.
The Balleyshaners Irish Festival in Alexandria is used to promote and preserve the Irish heritage. The festival includes the Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Irish arts and craft show, Irish food tasting, and performances by the Boyle, Sean Culkin, and Maple Irish Dancers.