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. One of the Mobile Art Lab's guiding principles is equity and ensuring that all residents of Alexandria have equitable access to arts and culture. A second guiding principle is creating meaningful relationships with the community. Therefore, the primary focus is serving communities in Alexandria where there are less arts and culture programs as part of larger outdoor public space activations. Using these guiding principles, the Mobile Art Lab provides opportunities for artists to connect directly with community members. We are here to create meaningful experiences for you and your neighbors, and bring art experiences to neighborhoods of Alexandria where an association or organization is not producing arts and culture programs. Follow the @alexartsoffice for up to date information on where to find us!

Alexandria Jazz Fest

Every year in June, the Alexandria Jazz Fest (ALX Jazz Fest) brings together a variety of jazz musicians, poets, art activations and more for a night of fun along Alexandria's Waterfront Park. In 2023, the Jazz Fest celebrated its 45th year with artists like the Joe Balone Quintet, Alexandria's own Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood, and DC native and international touring artist Sharón Clark. The event also featured readings by Alexandria's Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam, Sami Miranda and Alexandria City Public School Student Poet Laureates and live mural paintings from Aniekan Udofia. This event is enjoyed by thousands of Alexandria residents and visitors every year.

Find out about our ongoing Jazz Fest Pop-Up Series and more!

Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration

The City of Alexandria's favorite yearly event happening in July at Oronoco Bay Park features musical performances by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a variety of local bands chosen every year, art activities from the Office of the Arts and Mobile Art Lab, and of course a fireworks display, introduction from the Town Crier and birthday cupcakes for participants. This is an event that Alexandrians don't miss! In 2024, the City will celebrate its 275th birthday. Stay tuned for more details once they become available!

Ongoing Call for Artists & Vendors

Events & Public Space Activations 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.

The City of Alexandria's Special Events Policy governs the special event permitting process and is managed by the Events & Public Space Activations team. For more information on how to obtain a permit for a special event, click here.

The Events & Public Space Activations (EPSA) team is a part of the Office of the Arts and is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in public spaces. Follow EPSA on Instagram @alexartsoffice (#artsALX) to see upcoming events.