OTNA Online Forum on the Arts & Cultural District; Development Updates; and October Events Round Up
Arts & Cultural District Updates
Thursday, November 13th, 6:30pm - 8pm (NEW DATE)
Online Forum hosted by the Old Town North Alliance:
Moving the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District from Concept to Reality
Join the Old Town North Alliance for an engaging discussion about the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District moderated by OTNA President (and TideLock co-developer) Ryan Whitaker. Panelists will include Suzanne Bethel (Executive Director of The Art League), Austen Holderness (Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Carr Properties, developer of 425 Montgomery St.), and Dena Stoner (Vice President, Government Relations for National Rural Electric Cooperative Association). Dena has done extensive research on arts and cultural districts across the country that have used the arts as a driver of economic development.
The first half of the forum will feature a panel discussion focusing on the status of the Arts & Cultural District and what can be done to accelerate progress. The second half of the forum will be dedicated to questions and comments from attendees. Please submit your questions in advance to director@otnalliance.org
To register, visit:
Development Updates
Grazie Nonna and For Five Coffee Coming to 425 Montgomery Street
According to a report in Alexandria Living magazine, Italian restaurant Grazie Nonna and coffee shop For Five Coffee will be opening locations at 425 Montgomery Street. The 425 Montgomery Street project is expected to be completed in late 2026.
For more information, visit:
https://alexandrialivingmagazine.com/food-and-dining/italian-restaurant-opening-in-alexandria/
425 Montgomery Street Project - Street Closures on Montgomery St.
and N. Pitt St.
Starting on Wednesday, October 15th, the water utility subcontractor will need to close down Montgomery St. (between N. Pitt St. and N. Royal St). from 9am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday for approximately one week. The subcontractor also anticipates closures of N. Pitt St.(between First St. & Montgomery St.) from 9am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday for approximately one week. The N. Pitt St. closure will not occur at the same time as the Montgomery St. closure. No new sidewalk closures are anticipated.
Tuesday, October 21st, 6pm-7:30pm
Virtual meeting to discuss safety, trail, and waterfront improvements near Old Town North in connection with the HRP ALX project (redevelopment of the former power plant)
The National Park Service is seeking your input to help shape a plan for safety, trail, and waterfront improvements affecting the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the Potomac waterfront.
For more information, visit:
City Announcements/Events
Wednesday, October 15th, 8:30am - 10:30am
Office of the Arts Presents: State of Arts ALX
Join the Office of the Arts at the Boeing Auditorium on the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (3625 Potomac Ave.) for a gathering of artists, leaders and community voices to celebrate Alexandria’s vibrant arts community.
To register, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-arts-alx-tickets-1683710666929
Madison and N. Saint Asaph St. Sewer Replacement Project
As previously reported, the City will be making capacity and drainage improvements to the sewer system at the intersection of Madison St. and N. Saint Asaph St. The Notice to Proceed on this work was revised to September 29, 2025 to accommodate the rescheduled Chalk-A-Block. The contractor has 120 days after this date to complete the work and the project is expected to take two weeks. This work will have road and sidewalk impacts in that area including the closure of the south lane on Madison St., the west lane on N. Saint Asaph St., and the closure of the sidewalk on the corner where Royal Restaurant is located. The entrance to Royal Restaurant will remain accessible.
For more information, visit:
Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project
The City has announced a series of community meetings regarding the Waterfront Flood Mitigation Project. Feedback from these meetings will help guide the City in its preparation of the Development Site Plan Special Use Permit (DSUP) for the project, which it plans to present for approval in, or after, November 2025. Remaining meetings are scheduled for October 11th and October 21st.
For more information and a full list of meeting dates and locations, visit:
https://www.alexandriava.gov/waterfront/waterfront-flood-mitigation-community-engagement
October Events Round Up
Saturday, October 11th, 5pm - 9pm
The Art League presents: Sculptural Pumpkin Carving
The Art League Muse Studio One (1201 N Royal St.)
Learn techniques for sculptural pumpkin carving from Art League artist Candice Bloch. Open to both beginning and experienced artists. Bring your own pumpkin!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sculptural-pumpkin-carving-tickets-1623831777559?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Sunday, October 12th, 11am - 4pm
Paws in the Park
Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
This free, family and pet-friendly event benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Enjoy live music, activities, food and drink, vendors, and adorable animals up for adoption. Dress your dog up for the costume contest (pre-registration suggested, more information at the link below) for the chance to win a pet-themed basket full of goodies!
For more information, visit:
Thursday, October 16th, 6pm-8pm
St. Elmo’s Presents: Open Mic Night
St. Elmo’s Old Town North (529 Montgomery St.)
Enjoy an evening of music, poetry, comedy and more at Open Mic Night at St. Elmo’s Old Town North!
To get “free tickets” and guarantee a performance slot, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-mic-tickets-1755230935979?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Friday, October 17th, 6pm-9pm
St. Elmo’s Presents: Cocktails and Carving
St. Elmo’s Old Town North (529 Montgomery St.)
Carve or paint your pumpkin and enjoy a seasonal cocktail. Pumpkins and carving/painting supplies included with your ticket. Ages 21+.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carving-cocktails-tickets-1739276616179?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Saturday, October 18th, 10am-4pm
The Alexandria Book & Craft Festival
Tavern Square courtyard behind 415 King St.
Co-hosted by Made in ALX and Elaine’s Literary Salon, this festival will feature 15+ artists and 25 authors who will have their art and books available for purchase as well as various makers showcasing candles, knit and crochet items, and much more!
For more information visit:
Saturday, October 18th, 11am-4pm
Lee-Fendall House Presents: Pumpkin Palooza
Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco St.)
Bring the whole family for fall-themed fun at Lee-Fendall House. Spooky ghost stories, pumpkin painting, sweet fall treats, and more!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pumpkin-palooza-tickets-1424791572949?eboga=undefined
Saturday, October 18th, 1:30-3:30pm
Hotel AKA and Old Town Books Present: A Silent Reading Party
Hotel AKA (625 First St.)
Old Town Books and Hotel AKA Alexandria team up again to host another Silent Reading Party. Enjoy slightly spooky live music, a cozy setting for reading, and a seasonal cocktail or mocktail with small bites. Arrive at 1pm for a Charm Bookmark Workshop with Relume. Don’t delay - these events always sell out!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-reading-party-hotel-aka-alexandria-tickets-1685602615799
Saturday, October 25th, 3pm-6pm
Royal Restaurant Presents: Oktoberfest
Royal Restaurant (730 N. St. Asaph St.)
Get your tickets now for a fun-filled Oktoberfest celebration at Royal Restaurant on Saturday, October 25th featuring delicious German fare, live music, a costume contest, great local and German beers, and a Stein-holding contest!
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit:
Thursday, October 30th, 7pm-10pm
St. Elmo’s Presents: Halloween Eve Party
St. Elmo’s Old Town North (529 Montgomery St.)
Put on your best costume and head to St. Elmo’s for a night of Halloween fun including a costume contest, tarot card readings, candle making, and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-eve-party-tickets-1725622195439?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
November Save-The-Dates
Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Presents: Mozart & Mendelssohn
Michael Rusinek (image courtesy of Alexandria Symphony Orchestra)
Saturday at 7:30pm at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center
Sunday at 3pm at the George Washington Masonic Memorial
An evening of Mozart & Mendelssohn featuring Michael Rusinek on the clarinet.
To purchase tickets, visit:
https://alexsym.org/performance/mozartandmendelssohn/
Monday, November 10th, 7pm
MetroStage at the Lyceum Presents: An Evening with Lisa Vroman
The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.)
An evening of cabaret with Lisa Vroman, currently performing in the new National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera, and Joe Walsh on the piano.
To purchase tickets, visit:
Saturday, November 15th, 10am
Old Town North Alliance Volunteer Event with Friends of the Mt. Vernon Trail
North of Marina Towers on the Mt. Vernon Trail (see link below for a map of the meeting location)
In the spirit of togetherness and giving back to our community, join other Old Town North Alliance Members to help pick up trash along the Mt. Vernon Trail in Old Town North near Marina Towers. Hope to see you there! All are welcome.
For more information and to register to volunteer, visit:
Neighborhood Notes
Congratulations to OTNA Members AlphaGraphics Alexandria, Hotel AKA Alexandria, and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra for being named as finalists in the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards, which are scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd.
For more information, visit:
https://thechamberalx.com/event/best-in-business
You can now enjoy social hour at Jula’s on the Potomac in the bar and out on the terrace from 3pm-6pm Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, visit:
https://julasotp.com/alexandria-old-town-jula-s-on-the-potomac-food-menu
Pupatella Neopolitan Pizza (700 Slaters Lane) is now open 11:30am - 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30am-10pm Friday and Saturday.
OTNA Business Members, be sure to take advantage of the services and seminars provided by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.
To register for Joint Ventures: Collaborating for Exponential Growth (October 29th), visit:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5117545782461/WN_UqhxXggCQuKl7THivDplRg#/registration
To register for Tax Essentials for Business Owners (November 6th), visit:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7417580419361/WN_TvXyxVSuQsiEQ3eqvdKqzw#/registration
For more information about AEDP and the services offered, visit:
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Don’t miss these regularly scheduled events in and around Old Town North!
Farmers Market on Thursdays (4pm -7:30pm) and Sundays (9am - 1:30pm). Presented by Old Town North Community Partnership in Montgomery Park.
Free Yoga in the Fresh Air presented by River’s Edge Yoga - Sundays from 11am - 12pm under the gazebo in Montgomery Park.
Made in ALX classes. To register, visit: https://www.madeinalx.com/shop/classes-events/68
Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco St.). Stop by Pumpkin Palooza on Saturday, October 18th from 11am-4pm or attend various history-themed events. For more information, visit: https://leefendallhouse.org/pages/events