Celebrate Summer with Historic Alexandria!
The Office of Historic Alexandria invites residents and visitors to celebrate summer—and the nation’s 250th birthday—with a vibrant array of programs and events that bring Alexandria’s rich and diverse history to you. From live concerts and commemorations to specialty tours and interactive activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ticketed events can be purchased in the Historic Alexandria shop.
Featured America 250 Events
• Conversational Tour: Who We Remember – June 26, July 10, July 17 | 5–6:30 p.m. | $15 | Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Build connections with the past and each other as we reflect on who we remember in history.
• Tavern Games Night: America250 – July 3 | 7–9 p.m. | $10 | Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Evening includes pub trivia and tavern games. Cash bar available during the event.
• Grown-up Field Trip: Ship Science – July 19 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $15 | Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Why would a ship be found underground? Use scientific methods to uncover the mystery behind one of Alexandria's 18th century ships discovered along the waterfront.
• 1776 Sing-Along & Panel Discussion – July 25 | 7–9:30 p.m. | $10 | Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
A sing-along and discussion of the musical 1776 (1972). Before the movie, visit the America250 exhibit at The Lyceum: Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History.
• Historic Happy Hours – July 2 & August 6 | 5–7 p.m. | Free
Join us for Historic Happy Hours as we deep dive into history in a fun setting throughout the city while marking the nation's 250th anniversary. July 2 will be held at Lloyd House. Visit AlexandriaVA.gov/America250 for the August 6 location and updates.
• Grown-up Field Trip: Alexandria Black History Museum – August 23 | 1–2:30 p.m. | $15 | Alexandria Black History Museum
Learn about pioneering public relations expert Moss Kendrix and how he changed the way media portrayed Black Americans. Explore objects and primary sources, dive into conversations, and get hands-on as you learn more about Alexandria's history.
Summer Specialty Tours
Take a deeper dive into Alexandria’s fascinating past with these themed tours, offered throughout the summer at various sites.
$15 / $12 for Historic Alexandria Members & Volunteers
Advanced ticket purchase recommended.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies
July 4, 11, 18, and 25, 11 a.m. - noon
Dive into the founding of America, as the musical Hamilton and local history come together. Learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Magical Apothecary
July 26, 11 a.m.; July 31, 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m., & 5:30 p.m.
Learn about the historical botanical science that inspires our pop-culture concepts of potions and magic on a tour of this 19th century apothecary, and make your own magical potion to take home! Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Poisons at the Apothecary Museum
July 5 and July 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Apothecary Museum's Poisons Tour explores different types of poisons, their historic uses at the Apothecary, and what we know today. Recommended for adults.
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Civil War Medicine
July 25, 10 - 11 a.m.
Explore the wild world of medicine during the Civil War. The 1-hour tour will include a brief background of Alexandria's role in medicine during the war and a deeper dive into medicine in both the field and hospitals. Includes artifacts not usually on display.
Throughout the Summer Highlights
Historic Alexandria is pleased to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2026 program runs from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Learn more and find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.
Apothecary Late Night – NEW!
Every Saturday in June & July | Open until 7 p.m.
Tour the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and shop the store’s magical offerings.
Family Day with Jr. Docents – Sundays, July 28–Labor Day Weekend | 2–5 p.m. | included in regular museum admission | Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Every Sunday afternoon this summer, guests can learn from and be inspired by the museum's Jr. Docents--students 4th grade and older. In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.
Explore with Ease – The New Museum Mobility Guide
Historic Alexandria and the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) have launched a colorful, easy-to-use map and guide connecting all of Alexandria’s museums via walking, biking, and transit. The guide also acts as a passport—visit every site and earn a prize! Available at museums, rec centers, libraries, and more.
Other Exciting Summer Events in Historic Alexandria
• 9th Annual Alexandria Pride Festival
John Carlyle Square Park – June 27 | 2–6 p.m. | Free
The Alexandria LGBTQIA+ Task Force invites you to the 9th Annual Alexandria Pride Fair! Enjoy live music, DJ, LGBTQIA+ story time, exhibitors, food trucks, health services, and more. All ages welcome! While you're there, stop by Historic Alexandria's table. For more information, visit the Task Force's homepage.
• Swedish Marching Band Concert – July 5 | 11 a.m. - noon | John Carlyle Square | Free
Part of the Swedish Youth Marching Band Göta Lejon USA Tour 2026.
• Pipes & Drums Summer Concert Series – July 17, August 21 | 7:45–8:30 p.m. | Waterfront Park | Free
• Traditional Music Concert Series – July 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum | $40 | Ages 12–17 $15
John Doyle returns to the Lyceum with traditional songs and those he has composed. Purchase Tickets.
• Friendship Firehouse Festival – August 1 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Friendship Firehouse Museum | Free
New Museum Exhibits This Summer
Stories of U.S.: Collections Capture Our History
A silver coffee pot, a family story, a business letter, or a photograph -- each provide a glimpse into the past. The Office of Historic Alexandria collects these items and memories to reflect our community and preserve the moments that define us. This exhibition, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, showcases recently acquired objects, many on view for the first time at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. These pieces provide a powerful, tangible connection to both our local history and national story..
Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War
Fort Ward opened a new exhibit on May 16, 2026 that explores the essential role that music played in the daily life of the Civil War soldier, both in camp and on the battlefield. The exhibit features a variety of musical instruments and sheet music of the period from the Museum’s extensive Civil War collection. The exhibit will be on view through May 2027.
Women in Business: We Were Always Here
Gadsby's Tavern Museum's new exhibit featuring Hannah Griffith, a female coffeehouse operator at this location, is now open! The exhibit is included in regular admission. Visitors will be able to see primary sources up close to explore how women appear (and don’t) in the historical record in the 18th century. In addition to Hannah’s story, visitors will learn about the female business owners on the block around City Hall today, highlighting how women continue to be an important part of Alexandria’s business community. All of the women-owned businesses facing City Hall are included in this exhibit—14 total owned by 17 women! The exhibit will be up through March 2027.
Explore how epidemics like Smallpox, Yellow Fever, and Influenza shaped Alexandria’s past and how science and public health saved lives. Included with admission. Free for Alexandria residents! The new exhibit is also available online.
Aboard Ship with the Jack-Tars of the Union Navy
A new exhibition at Fort Ward Museum opened October 2. The exhibit focuses on the U.S. Navy during the Civil War and is being held in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. The exhibition will continue through 2026. The exhibit, with pictures of select objects, is also available online.
Virginia 250 Passport
Historic Alexandria is proud to join 70 premier historic destinations across Virginia in the launch of the Virginia 250 Passport, a first-of-its-kind statewide tourism journey celebrating America’s 250th. Featured Alexandria museums include Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. The passport offers prizes and discounts to encourage families to explore Virginia’s rich history together. Beginning November 11, 2025, free passports will be available at major historic sites and Virginia Welcome Centers. Learn more at VirginiaHistory.org/250Passport.
Plant for America250
Historic Alexandria is encouraging residents and businesses to show their local 250th spirit by joining the citywide Plant for America250 initiative. The Plant for America250 initiative, promoted by the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Beautification Commission, encourages residents and businesses to plant native species in patriotic colors as a way to honor America’s milestone anniversary while supporting a more resilient and sustainable future .Learn more about Plant for America250.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Historic for event details, tickets, and updates. Celebrate the season, the city, and the stories that shape us—only with Historic Alexandria.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, 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.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits, and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.