Press Releases

May 9, 2013. Second Thursday Old Town: Pop Dot. Warhol goes polka! Pop art with a dash of surrealism are the inspiration for the evening, with interactive art activities bubbling up at venues in the lower King Street area near the waterfront. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is Pop Dot headquarters, with prizes for best dotted costumes, “Spot the Dot" prize contests, live music and art receptions. Catch live music at The Athenaeum ($10) and in the garden of the Alexandria Visitors Center, and shop boutiques that are open until 8pm. Stop by on your way to dinner, or make an evening of it. Check website for the latest info. 6-9 p.m. Some locations are free. SecondThursdayOldTown.com..more

Thousands will join in the revelry for the 281st anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the George Washington birthday parade, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, 18th-century dance classes, Madeira wine tastings, and even a cherry-themed competition among local restaurants...more

ArtPlace identifies most vibrant, arts-centric communities in the nation..more

Alexandria's easy access to Washington, DC, via Metro and water taxi, plus hotel availability, hot dining scene and presidential connections make it a great destination for the inauguration...more

January 18 - 27, 2013. Alexandria celebrates the inauguration with a special edition of Restaurant Week. Kicking off inaugural weekend and lasting for 10 days, Alexandria’s presidential hotspots and more than 50 eateries are offering $35 three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two. See why presidents from Barack Obama to George Washington have made Alexandria their dining destination...more

This annual New Year's Eve bash takes over Old Town Alexandria with over 100 performances at 21 indoor venues, with live music, dancing, and children's face painting and games. The afternoon’s Fourth Annual Fun Hunt is joined by all-new activities for families - and dogs! First Night’s beloved fireworks finale returns at a NEW location, with a spectacular display over the Potomac River at midnight...more

Alexandria's harbor lights up when dozens of illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront...more

Alexandria, Virginia, is famous for its holiday traditions and festivities. See why the city was named a Top 10 Christmas Town by HGTV and take part in signature events throughout the season, like the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights...more

Alexandria is a hip and historic Halloween hot spot in the Washington, DC, area – with ghost tours and spooky scares at historic sites, a Day of the Dead art bash at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, popular doggie costume contest and yappy hour, chic trick or treats with boo-tiques, and much more! Don’t miss this delectable twist on Alexandria’s historic ambience and urban sophistication...more

Historic King Street from Washington Street to the waterfront is transformed into an outdoor art gallery with original fine artwork by over 200 artists from the US and abroad. Celebrate 10 years of the festival with a smart phone scavenger hunt presented by the Torpedo Factory Art Center and a Saturday Drawing Marathon presented by The Art League, plus artist-led interactive activities and sale of artist-made ice cream bowls...more

Kimpton's Morrison House has been named one of the "Top 50 World's Best Hotels" by Travel + Leisure Magazine - the only hotel in the Mid-Atlantic Region to be recognized with this honor...more

A new reader poll conducted by AmericanStyle magazine ranks Alexandria, Virginia, fourth among the nation’s best arts destinations...more

The American Planning Association (APA) announced the designation of King Street as one of 10 Great Streets for 2011 under the organization's Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value...more

The City of Alexandria is a "Walk Friendly" community! The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has designated the Alexandria a Silver-Level Walk Friendly Community for its walkability initiatives and programs...more

City of Alexandria residents are invited to be tourists in their own hometown with an array of free tour in celebration of tourism week. Tourism is a key economic driver for the city, supporting the city’s many small businesses and the quality of life for residents. $711 million in annual visitor spending generates $23 million in taxes which supports needed city services...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association announces Patricia R. Washington as the organization’s new President & CEO. Washington’s start date is November 13, 2012. She is the third person to lead ACVA since its inception 16 years ago...more

Visitor spending in Alexandria increased 8.1 percent in 2011 to total $711 million, generating city tax revenue of $23.1 million. Visitors to the city support over 6,000 jobs with a payroll of $118 million. In five years, visitor spending has increased 22 percent in Alexandria, dramatically outpacing increases for Virginia and Northern Virginia, both at 9 percent...more

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Alexandria to the list of 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city was selected for its urban charm that blends an extraordinary early American past with modern flair and its citizens’ strong commitment to protecting and celebrating their history. From February 15 to March 15, Alexandria will participate in a public online voting contest to select the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd..more

Alexandria welcomes motorcoaches with free parking options and user-friendly resources. Motorcoach parking in historic Old Town Alexandria requires a free parking permit that can be obtained through online registration. Additional free, unreserved parking locations are available within three miles of Old Town. Paid short-term and long-term parking are also available...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association is proud to launch the Alexandria Cares corporate community service program in partnership with Get Out and Give Back to offer corporate groups the opportunity to include service projects and events along with their business meetings and shopping, dining and sightseeing activities...more

The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association received the 2011-2012 Marketplace Excellence Award from the Potomac Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (PMPI). The Potomac Chapter is the third largest MPI chapter worldwide...more