Sunday

07-13-2025 Vol 2020

Alexandria Celebrates Milestones with Community Event and French-Themed Activities

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Alexandria residents are gearing up for a special celebration this evening as the city marks its 276th birthday along with America’s 249th birthday.

The festivities will take place at Oronoco Bay Park, located at 100 Madison Street. This free event aims to foster community spirit with live music, local food and drink vendors, and stunning views of the Potomac River.

As families gather, they can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment and delicious offerings. Live musical performances will be provided throughout the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic waterfront while sampling various delights from local vendors.

The highlight of the celebration will be a spectacular fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m., which promises to add a dramatic finale to the dual birthday festivities.

In preparation for tonight’s celebration, city officials have implemented several road closures effective from early this morning to ensure safety and accessibility for attendees. Closures include the 500 block of North Union Street, Pendleton Street between North Fairfax and North Union, as well as the 100 and 200 blocks of Madison Street, which were closed at 7:30 a.m. Additional closures affecting the 600 and 700 blocks of North Fairfax Street will begin at 3:00 p.m.

City officials have also set contingency plans in place to reschedule the event for Sunday should inclement weather arise, although current weather forecasts appear favorable for tonight.

Today’s weather is marked by a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon, primarily between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The day is expected to remain mostly sunny with a high near 91 degrees. However, heat index values could rise as high as 102 degrees.

Residents should also anticipate the possibility of a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms later tonight, particularly between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. The low temperature is forecasted to be around 74 degrees with an easterly wind that will become calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation remains at 20%.

In addition to the dual birthday celebration, Alexandria is also preparing for Bastille Day on Monday. A week of French-themed celebrations is set to commence, featuring fine dining experiences, family activities, and even an evening 5K race.

As the weekend unfolds, there are numerous events and entertainment options showcased around Alexandria. Community engagement and local festivities continue to thrive as the city embraces both its historic roots and its vibrant mission to celebrate culture, community, and independence.

Residents can look forward to an exciting weekend filled with activities and celebrations that reflect the spirit of Alexandria.

In other news, recent articles have gained significant attention, such as new renderings of Alexandria’s proposed tallest building, a lightning strike incident that fortunately resulted in no injuries, and the dismissal of an employee at Inova Alexandria Hospital for misuse of a patient’s credit cards.

Additionally, three Alexandria restaurants were nominated for RAMMY awards, and the city mourns the passing of a WWII hero who lived to be 103.

image source from:alxnow

Charlotte Hayes