Alexandria's 275th Anniversary Kickoff To Prompt Road Closures

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the City of Alexandria kicks off its 275th anniversary celebration Saturday, visitors should be aware of road closures and limited parking.

The anniversary kickoff event will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at various locations along the waterfront. At Waterfront Park, Mayor Justin Wilson will present a proclamation, and the new public art installation, “Interstellar Influencer (Make an Impact)” by Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang will be introduced. At Robinson Landing (corner of the Strand and Pioneer Mill Way), a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held for the "Buried Ships of Robinson Landing" exhibit at 1 p.m. At Windmill Hill Park, the mayor and City Council will dedicate the first of 275 new trees to be planted around the city from 1:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors can also have a complimentary visit to the Tall Ship "Providence" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center near Waterfront Park. Two-hour sails will be 15 percent off at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. with code OPENING15.

Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place for the event on Saturday. Alexandria Police will be present to direct traffic and manage key intersections. Signage will be up in advance to notify drivers of the changes.

Areas near Waterfront Park will be reserved for event use only from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This includes the unit block of King Street and a closure to through traffic on Strand Street between the King Street unit block and Prince Street. The unit block of Prince Street and entrance from Strand Street will be closed to through traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Areas near event activities from Waterfront Park to Windmill Hill Park will have no parking or reserved parking. This includes parking spaces on Strand St. near Waterfront Park, all parking spaces in the unit block of Prince Street and the east side of S. Union Street between Prince Street and Wales Alley. Visitors are asked to follow signage.

As the event is expected to draw many attendees, the city government is encouraging public transportation and other alternatives to driving.

Public transportation includes the King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station on the Yellow and Blue Line, free King Street Trolley between the King Street Metro and Market Square from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., DASH Bus lines 30 and 31, bike valet at Waterfront Park from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Capital Bikeshare, dockless mobility devices, water taxi, rideshare (Uber and Lyft) and taxis (GoGreen Cab, King Cab, VIP Cab, White Top Cab and Yellow Cab). The 100 block and unit block of King Street is a permanent pedestrian-only zone.

Parking is recommended away from the waterfront at garages or lots like Courthouse Square Garage (111 S. Pitt St.) or HB Parking’s surface lot (300 N. Lee St.).

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants. The city will celebrate the 275th anniversary with events from April to September. Stay up to date with future event announcements at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.