Old Town North Featured in Visit Alexandria’s “What’s New in 2026” Presentation

 

Last week, Visit Alexandria hosted their annual “What’s New” presentation at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. 

Old Town North made an appearance in many sections of the presentation. In the “New at the Waterfront” section, Visit Alexandria recognized the new Pendleton St. Promenade as well as the 2026 Site See installation, “Now or Never,” which is coming to Waterfront Park next month (weather permitting).  “Now or Never” will be located along the route of the Old Town North Alliance Art and Culture Walk and will be featured in the 2026 edition of the Old Town North Alliance Art and Culture Walk brochure coming later this spring. 

Rendering of “Now or Never” by artist Alicia Eggert

In a review of “New Dining,” the presentation featured Pupatella Pizzeria (opened on Slaters Lane in fall 2025), For Five Coffee Roasters (expected to open at 425 Montgomery St. in spring 2027 along with Italian restaurant Grazie Nonna), and Continues Arcade (opened on the west side of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in summer 2025). 

The presentation highlighted the anticipated opening of Old Town North Arts Anchor MetroStage, as well as plans for the theater to serve as the future home of the Alexandria Film Festival. 

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and Alexandria has lots of plans to celebrate. On July 11th, Old Town North’s Oronoco Bay Park will once again host the Alexandria Birthday Celebration with fireworks and music. Another signature event, Sails on the Potomac, will take place on June 12-14 in conjunction with ALX JazzFest. Sails on the Potomac will welcome three additional tall ships to the Alexandria waterfront in addition to resident Tall Ship Providence.  

Visit Alexandria President & CEO Todd O’Leary focused his section of the presentation on the selection of Alexandria as a Team Base Camp for FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 11th - July 19th).  As you may have read in our February Events Round Up, the Croatian National Team has selected Alexandria as its Team Base Camp and the team will be staying in Old Town North at Hotel AKA Alexandria. We know the team will be very well taken care of by Hotel AKA and that the Old Town North community will offer them a warm welcome.

For more information about Visit Alexandria’s What’s New presentation, visit:

https://visitalexandria.com/the-best-of/whats-new/


Reminder about OTNA 2026 Dues Invoices

A reminder that 2026 dues invoices have gone out - thank you to everyone who has already submitted payment! If you have any questions or if you would like to join OTNA, please email director@otnalliance.org


Coming Up In and Around Old Town North This Week

Friday, February 27th

  • Alexandria Seaport Foundation event with General McChrystal. 6pm at Belle Haven Country Club. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://givebutter.com/c/nJZtWd

Saturday, February 28th

  • Old Town at Home Book Signing at Made in ALX (415 King St.) from  9am - 11am. Free coffee from Mudhouse Coffee Roasters. For more information about events at Made in ALX this weekend, visit: https://www.madeinalx.com/shop/classes-events/6

  • Regency Tea at Hotel AKA (625 First St.). 1pm-3pm. SOLD OUT.

Sunday, March 1st

  • FIll the Truck for ALIVE! at Old Town North Farmers Market (901 N. Royal St.). 9am - 1pm.

Wednesday, March 4th

  • Free Wine Tasting at St. Elmo’s (529 Montgomery St.) featuring Women in Wine. 5pm -7pm. 

Keep an eye out for our complete March Events Round Up coming soon!

Linda Vitello