Signature Events
The Office of the Arts produces a number of Special Events for the City each year. Mark your calendar for the following events and more!
Holiday Tree Lighting
The City kicks off the holiday season each year with its annual lighting of the Holiday Tree in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, just blocks away from the Potomac. Join us for this heartwarming event, and then stay to explore local attractions and activities around town.
Alexandria’s Mobile Art Lab
Launched in 2014 by the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and equipped with traditional and innovative art supplies and equipment, the Mobile Art Lab (MAL) employs artists to engage the community through the visual and performing arts, and gives artists a platform to expand their artistry. The Mobile Art Lab brings arts and culture to all communities in Alexandria, providing indoor/outdoor, free-to-attend events and activities that are open to the public within the Alexandria city limits. The goal is to deliver hands-on creative experiences straight to the community, transforming any gathering into a celebration of the arts.
Find out more about the Mobile Art Lab and upcoming pop-ups.
Ongoing Call for Artists & Vendors
The Office of the Arts welcomes inquiries from visual and performing artists and food and beverage vendors who would like to participate in our programming. Please complete the Application to Participate in Events to be considered. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Apply for a Special Event Permit
The City of Alexandria's Special Events Policy governs the special event permitting process and is managed by the Special Events team.
What is CONSIDERED a Special Event?
According to the Special Events Policy, a special event is a short-term activity that requires special permitting needs and/or support from City staff, such as Alexandria Police Department or Fire Marshal, or due to the anticipated number of attendees or nature of the event.
A Special Event Permit may be required when:
- Use of a city park is involved.
- More than 500 people are expected to attend throughout the event.
- Coordination between two or more permitting agencies is required.
- Food is being sold/served to the public.
- Public safety may be at risk.
Family reunions, birthday parties, and picnics should make their reservations through the Registration and Reservation Office at 703.746.5414 if the reservation is not in Oronoco Bay Park, Waterfront Park, EF Pier Gazebo, King Street Gardens Park, or Montgomery Park. Picnic areas are available for rental April through October, beginning March 1 of each year through the Registration and Reservation Office.
All other events, including parades, foot races, charity walks, fundraisers, concerts, outdoor film series, or festivals in any park, should submit a Special Event Permit Application. Please read the Special Event Guidelines for information on the permitting process for Special Events.
The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is not responsible for activities immediately surrounding the vicinity of the area permitted for a special event or wedding. The Waterfront District is an active marina with continuous improvement projects that occur as scheduled or without notice.
Learn more about Special Event Permits and how to apply for your event.
Follow on Social Media
The Special Events team is a part of the Office of the Arts and is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in public spaces. Follow the Office of the Arts on Instagram @alexartsoffice (#artsALX) to see upcoming events.