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The Washington, D.C. region’s most historic waterfront launches Portside in Old Town, a new programming series that activates the Alexandria waterfront near King Street with free-to-the-public themed happenings in history, art, music and fitness with activities for families and for adults, plus additional pop-up experiences and events. The series kicked off with the Portside in Old Town Festival October 12 to 14, 2018, and continues through 2019.
Location Update: New Portside activities launch at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street) and the Alexandria City Marina (0 Cameron Street) as anticipation grows for the opening of a greatly expanded new park area at the foot of King Street, which will open later this fall following some weather-related construction delays.
Alexandria’s waterfront will feature a dynamic temporary public art installation from New York City studio SOFTlab, in place March through November.
The biggest splash at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront in 2019 will come from the tall ship Providence, arriving in June as a permanent attraction. This celebrity tall ship, which has appeared in the Academy Award-winning film Master and Commander and in the international blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean, is a full-scale replica of one of the U.S. Continental Navy’s first warships, which was captained by John Paul Jones, the father of the U.S. Navy, under the leadership of General George Washington. Built in 1768, the ship’s first mission in the American Revolution was to clear the Chesapeake Bay of enemy British ships. The public can look forward to public tours, chartered cruises, educational programs and beer cruises presented in partnership with Alexandria’s own Port City Brewing Company.
From Metrorail to bikeshare, there are plenty of ways to get to Alexandria. Once you’re here, take advantage of the free King Street trolley.
Find street parking, lots, and garages throughout Old Town, many as low as $5 in the evenings and weekends.
Looking for a relaxing weekend in Old Town? Explore MONEY’s #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination for 2018.
Explore the Potomac with boat cruises, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and more.
Enjoy waterfront views, outdoor dining and independent restaurants in historic buildings dating back to the 1700s.
If you’re looking for a shopping district in the DC area with panache and authentic charm, Old Town Alexandria’s historic King Street can’t be beat.