ALXnow - Alexandria Now

Expect sunny conditions with a high around 72°F, along with a north wind blowing at 13 to 15 mph and gusts reaching up to 23 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to about 52°F and a lighter north wind ranging from 3 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
– George Eliot

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!

Around Town

From spring markets to Little Birdie preview: Guide to Alexandria’s May 29-31 weekend events

By Emily Leayman

Published May 29, 2026 at 3:45PM

Arts and Craft Fair at Tavern Square (via Made in ALX/Facebook)

The last weekend of May brings a variety of activities, from spring markets to the city’s D-Day tribute.

Shoppers can check out the Carlyle Crossing Spring Hue Market Friday and Volunteer Alexandria and Made in ALX Arts & Crafts Fairs Sunday. Foodies will get a chance Saturday to try Little Birdie before it opens in Del Ray later in June.

News

Hotel Heron in Old Town wants live DJ music at its rooftop restaurant

By James Cullum

Published May 29, 2026 at 2:45PM

The proposed area for live entertainment at the Hotel Heron’s rooftop restaurant at 699 Prince Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

The Hotel Heron in Old Town wants to add live DJ entertainment at its rooftop restaurant, according to a plan going before the Planning Commission next week.

The 134-room boutique hotel at 699 Prince Street, near the intersection with S. Washington Street, opened in 2024 and is owned by the Aparium Hotel Group. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Good Fortune, opened soon after, and now the hotel owners are asking the city to approve DJ and live music Thursday to Sunday nights.

Around Town

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to have $1 scoops at Old Town opening in June

By Katie Taranto

Published May 29, 2026 at 1:45PM

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream options (courtesy of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream)

Just in time for the hot summer months, Old Town’s ice cream scene continues to expand with the arrival of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

The New York City-based ice cream brand has announced it will hold a grand opening on Thursday, June 18 for its new shop at 400 King Street. Customers can receive celebratory $1 scoops from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on opening day, and the first 100 guests will get a branded tote bag.

Event

First Baby? Connect with other New Moms! (An online event)

June 6, 2026 12:00 pm -1:00 pm

Online event (see link)

Website Contact Social

*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. 🙂

Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.

Opinion

Poll: The best outdoor dining spot in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com

Published May 29, 2026 at 11:45AM

Picturesque waterfront seating, lively sidewalk dining and spacious outdoor patios present a range of options at restaurants around Alexandria. Whether you’re grabbing small bites, drinks or a full brunch or dinner, these outdoor dining options are great to enjoy with companions.

Here are the nominees for “Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to outdoor dining spot? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Florist in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing Service in Alexandria. The results are now official:

Mr Wash Car Wash
Mr. Xtractor Auto Detailing
Yates Car Wash & Detail Center

#Readers Choice

News

ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting

By James Cullum

Published May 29, 2026 at 10:30AM

ARHA properties in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The interim CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority is stepping down from her role, according to a letter submitted to the organization’s board of commissioners.

On May 20, Rickie C. Maddox informed the board in a short letter that her last day would be Friday, June 19.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: Former stray Slim seeks home of her own

By Emily Leayman

Published May 29, 2026 at 9:15AM

Adoptable Slim at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

Meet Slim, whose love for her human companion is anything but slim.

Slim came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria animal shelter as a stray and wants to find a home to call her own, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow. The pup has a soft tan coat and golden eyes, and she weighs 36 pounds.

News

Morning Notes for May 29, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Published May 29, 2026 at 7:30AM

Street parking on Main Line Boulevard in Potomac Yard (staff photo by James Cullum)

Pregnant Asylum Seek Detained with Toddler at Dulles Airport — “Pregnant Ghanaian woman Anabella Gyasi and her disabled child have spent the past week detained at Dulles International Airport in a windowless room without adequate food, hygiene or medical care, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, claims federal immigration authorities say are false. An emergency hearing is set to take place Friday morning in an Alexandria federal court.” [Virginia Mercury]

Road Work on Mount Vernon Avenue — “Scheduled crane work will take place on Mt. Vernon Avenue between W. Reed Avenue and Russell Road on Saturday, May 30 from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, traffic on Mt. Vernon Avenue will be diverted to Russell Road and W. Glebe Road. If work is not completed by the end of posted hours on May 30, the road will remain closed overnight and work hours will resume from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.” [City of Alexandria news release]

News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for May 28, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Published May 28, 2026 at 8:30PM

Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — May 28, 2026.

7:30 am: Morning Notes for May 28, 2026 | 🗣️ Comments
9:15 am: Former VP of Alexandria firm indicted for allegedly embezzling $4.5M | 🗣️ Comments
10:00 am: Next road closure for VRE project at Alexandria Union Station starts tonight | 🗣️ Comments
11:45 am: Life Alive Cafe to offer samples at farmers market ahead of June opening in Old Town | 🗣️ Comments
1:45 pm: Hammond Middle School receives donation of 500 filled backpacks for families in need | 🗣️ Comments
2:45 pm: Volunteer musicians to play for Alexandria shelter animals through new program | 🗣️ Comments
3:40 pm: JUST IN: Man reports accidental shooting, drawing police response in West End | 🗣️ Comments
3:40 pm: UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in Taylor Run | 🗣️ Comments
3:45 pm: Holland Lane overhaul brings two-way bike lanes, traffic calming to Carlyle neighborhood | 🗣️ Comments

Here are today’s most-read articles:

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

4:30 pm: Spring Hue at Carlyle Crossing: An Open-Air Art Market
7:30 pm: Dream Loud: Spring 2026 Concert

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Expect a sunny day with a high of 78°F. Winds will shift from north to west at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Overnight, the weather will be mostly clear with a low of around 60°F, and southwest winds at 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”
– Walt Whitman

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!