The National Weather Service expects near-record-high temperatures in Alexandria each afternoon this weekend, prompting the cancelation of Saturday, June 22’s Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. 

ALX Jazz Fest @ Portside on Friday, June 21, will proceed as planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Additional heat mitigation measures will be in place. Water will be available from food vendors, and medical professionals will be onsite. 

The weekend’s expected hot weather increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat. Drink plenty of water before temperatures rise to prevent feeling sick from dehydration. 
 

Select Cooling Center Hours Extended and Program Changes  

Libraries will be open during regular hours this weekend. At this time, no planned events have been canceled.

• Saturday: 10am - 5pm
• Sunday: 1pm - 5pm

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) has announced extended hours at cooling centers, and made the following changes to our City’s weekend programming: 

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)
DASH Bus Routes Available: OTC 30 & 31, 10AB

• Saturday, June 22: The Juneteenth Celebration will take place fully indoors. 
• Extended hours for Sunday, June 23: 
  • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Cooling Center Staffing Only, no programs, classes or drop in sports available during this time. 
  • 1-5 p.m.: Center open for regular programming and drop in activities. 
  • 5-7 p.m.: Cooling Center Staffing Only, no programs, classes or drop in sports available during this time. 

Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)
DASH Bus Routes Available: 8W

• Extended Hours for Sunday, June 23: 
  • 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Cooling Center Staffing Only, no programs, classes or drop in sports available during this time. 

All programming being held outdoors will be moved indoors where possible, Friday through Sunday. RPCA will determine opening of additional centers on an as needed basis. For more information on cooling centers, facility hours and more, visit alexandriava.gov/RPCA 
 

Heat Illness: What You Should Know 

Protect yourself by learning about the signs of heat illnesses. If you notice signs of heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion. If you notice an extremely high body temperature, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, or become unconscious, you may be experiencing a heat stroke.  

Take action by moving to a cool location, including City facilities, and rest and drink fluids. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call 9-1-1. Learn more at ready.gov/heat. 

For information or ongoing updates, please tune in to local media and visit alexandriava.gov.  

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Katie Bishop at Katie.Bishop@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4644, Virginia Relay 711.  

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960. 
 

Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future. 

Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria's 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our City’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.