Alexandria Events Calendar: Parades, Festivals and Farmers Markets
#1 Selling Realtor in Northern Virginia by Units Sold Since 2020
The Del Ray Halloween Parade, the Scottish Christmas Walk, Birthday Fireworks, Art on the Avenue and Every City Farmers’ Market
Contact Us for Your Free Consultation Today
Sell Faster & For More Money With Nikki
$17.88 More Per SQFT & 45% Faster Vs. Reston Market Average (Nikki’s Reston Listings)*
Quick Answer: What’s Coming Up in Alexandria?
Last updated October 15, 2026.
Quick answer: next up is the 30th Del Ray Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 at 2 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenue, followed by the 20th Alexandria Film Festival on Nov. 13 to 15. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights are traditionally held on the first Saturday of December; 2026 dates are TBA until Visit Alexandria publishes them. Five city farmers’ markets run year-round, including the Old Town market, which has temporarily moved to N. Royal St. during the Market Square renovation.
Dates change, so confirm with each organizer before you go. Back to the Living in Alexandria, VA guide.
Named #1 Selling Realtor in Northern Virginia by Units Sold Since 2020
The best way to navigate Alexandria’s real estate market is with a knowledgeable realtor who listens, advocates, and works tirelessly for your goals. Nikki Lagouros offers a blend of proven expertise, honest guidance, and commitment to helping clients feel supported throughout every step.
#1 Selling Realtor in Northern Virginia by Units Sold Since 2020
Nikki is the #1 selling realtor in Northern Virginia by units sold since 2020, based on RealTrends’ Virginia sales rankings and her team’s transaction records. See Rankings & Data.
Above-Average
Market Results
Searching online for the “best realtor to sell my home”? Nikki’s Reston listings sell 45% faster and for $17.88 more per square foot than the Reston market average. Maximize your property value with Nikki managing your sale.
Trusted Local
Insights
A Northern Virginia resident since 2006, Nikki’s insights combine real estate market analysis and local expertise. Whether you need house-hunting help for a single-family home or a city condo, she’ll find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Personal, Client-First
Approach
As a wife, mom, and military spouse, Nikki understands the personal side of real estate. Whether you’re relocating for military postings or want to sell quickly, she offers thoughtful guidance.
Your Real Estate
Advocate
Nikki is by your side every step of the home-buying or selling process. With honest guidance and strong negotiation skills, she ensures your needs are prioritized, offering advice she would give her own family.
2026 and 2027 Event Calendar
| When | Event | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Feb. 14, 2026 | George Washington Birthday Parade, moved this year to the Saturday before Presidents Day | Old Town | Past |
| Sat., March 7, 2026 | 43rd Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Old Town | Past |
| Sat., July 11, 2026 | Alexandria’s 277th birthday celebration, with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks | Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St. | Past |
| Sat., Oct. 3, 2026 | Art on the Avenue | Mount Vernon Avenue, Del Ray | Past |
| Sun., Oct. 25, 2026, 2 p.m. | 30th Del Ray Halloween Parade, starting at Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues and ending at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields | Del Ray | Upcoming |
| Nov. 13 to 15, 2026 | 20th Alexandria Film Festival | Various venues | Upcoming |
| Early December 2026 | Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (the 2025 parade was Dec. 6, stepping off at 11 a.m.) | Old Town | 2026 date TBA |
| Early December 2026 | Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (the 2025 parade was Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m., with dockside events at Waterfront Park) | Old Town waterfront | 2026 date TBA |
| 2027 | George Washington Birthday Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, birthday fireworks, Art on the Avenue and the Halloween parade | Old Town and Del Ray | TBA until organizers publish dates |
The Del Ray Halloween Parade
The 30th annual parade is Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 at 2 p.m. It starts at Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues, runs along Mount Vernon Avenue and ends with live music and awards at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields, with contests for groups, strollers and pets. The parade is traditionally held on the Sunday before Halloween; check visitdelray.com for entry details and road closures.
Holiday Season in Old Town
The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade celebrates Alexandria’s Scottish heritage with pipe bands and clans marching through Old Town; in 2025 it stepped off at 11 a.m. at S. St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets and ended near Market Square. The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights follows about a mile of shoreline from Old Town North to Ford’s Landing Park. Both have traditionally been held on the first Saturday of December. Market Square is under renovation, so routes and gathering spots may change; watch Visit Alexandria for 2026 details.
Farmers’ Markets
| Market | Where | Day and hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Farmers’ Market | 100 block of N. Royal St. and the Tavern Square courtyard (temporary, during the Market Square renovation) | Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon | Year-round |
| Del Ray Farmers’ Market | East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues | Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon | Year-round |
| Old Town North Farmers’ Market | Montgomery Park, 901 N. Royal St. | Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. | Sundays year-round; Thursdays spring through fall |
| West End Farmers’ Market | Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. | Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Year-round |
| The Market at Southern Towers | 4901 Seminary Rd. | Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Check the city’s market page |
| Four Mile Run Farmers’ & Artisans Market | 4109 Mount Vernon Ave. | Seasonal | Closed for the season as of October 2026 |
The Old Town market has been held at Market Square since 1753, and the city calls it the oldest farmers’ market in the country held continuously at the same site. It will move back when the renovation ends. Free parking during market hours is offered at nearby city garages; the Market Square garage is closed during the work. Source: the city’s Farmers’ Markets page.
Things to Do Any Weekend
- Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.): free, open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with occasional early closings for private events.
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.): closed Wednesdays year-round, and also Mondays and Tuesdays in fall and winter.
- Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site (4301 W. Braddock Rd.): park open daily, 9 a.m. to sunset.
- King Street Trolley: free, about every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. between the King Street Metro and the waterfront.
More Alexandria Guides
- Living in Alexandria, VA: the full Alexandria guide
- City of Alexandria vs. an Alexandria address (Kingstowne, Fort Hunt and more)
- Alexandria neighborhoods compared
- Buying in Old Town: BAR rules and waterfront flooding
- Alexandria development tracker
Nearby area pages: Arlington, Burke, Fairfax and Woodbridge, or see all areas served. Nikki’s results are on the Rankings & Data page, and you can contact Nikki any time.
Alexandria Events FAQ
When is the Del Ray Halloween Parade in 2026?
The 30th Del Ray Halloween Parade is on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 at 2 p.m., starting at Mount Vernon and E. Bellefonte Avenues in Del Ray.
When is the Scottish Christmas Walk in 2026?
The 2026 date had not been published as of Oct. 15, 2026. The parade is traditionally held on the first Saturday of December; the 2025 parade was Dec. 6.
Where is the Old Town Farmers’ Market now?
While City Hall and Market Square are renovated, the Old Town Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon on the 100 block of N. Royal St. and in the Tavern Square courtyard.
When are Alexandria’s birthday fireworks?
The city’s 277th birthday celebration and fireworks were on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Oronoco Bay Park. The 2027 date is TBA.
Get in Touch With Your
Alexandria Real Estate Expert Today
Nikki Lagouros is your go-to real estate partner for buying or selling in Alexandria, VA. Schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a successful real estate experience.
Sources
Sources checked October 15, 2026.
- City of Alexandria: Farmers’ Markets (updated Sept. 18, 2026); Alexandria Birthday Celebration; Gadsby’s Tavern Museum; Fort Ward Museum
- Visit Alexandria: Scottish Christmas Walk; Holiday Boat Parade of Lights; City Hall and Market Square renovations
- The Zebra: Halloween in Del Ray 2026 (Oct. 5, 2026); 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade; Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026; Old Town Farmers’ Market relocation (Nov. 25, 2025)
- ALXnow: 277th birthday fireworks (July 13, 2026); 2025 holiday parades press release
- Del Ray Artisans: Art on the Avenue 2026; Alexandria Film Festival: 2026 dates; Torpedo Factory Art Center; DASH: King Street Trolley
- Photo: Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, Old Town Alexandria (2017), by Rob Shenk, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
.jpg){kind=link}