The City of Alexandria's Sails on the Potomac tall ship festival and the 48th Annual Alexandria Jazz Fest open this Friday, June 12, at Waterfront Park. Both events are free and open to the public from June 12 through 14.
When can I go to the Festival?
- Friday, June 12: noon to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, June 13: noon to 9 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m.
- Sunday, June 14: noon to 6 p.m.
What to Expect
Sails on the Potomac and the Alexandria Jazz Fest are full of free fun for the whole family! Join us for:
- Live music each day from the 48th Annual Alexandria Jazz Fest
- Four tall ships available to tour
- 250th History Village and Outpost
- Food and drink vendors on site
- Fireworks Saturday night!
Tall Ship Tours
Advance tickets for tall ship tours are fully claimed, but a walk-up line will be available each day. Walk-up entry is not guaranteed. Ticket holders must have tickets for every member of their group.
Getting Here
Car-free travel is the best option for avoiding traffic and parking. Options include Metrorail, Metrobus, the park-and-ride trolley, Amtrak, VRE, Water Taxi, Capital Bikeshare, e-bikes, scooters, and the bike trails. Find all your options at alexandriava.gov/GettingAround.
Beat the Heat
With outdoor programming across three days, plan ahead for warm weather. Limit time in direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
For full event details and frequently asked questions, visit alexandriava.gov/Sails250.
Metrorail
Five Metro stations serve Alexandria on the Blue and Yellow Lines: King St-Old Town, Braddock Road, Eisenhower Avenue, Potomac Yard, and Van Dorn Street. King St-Old Town is the closest stop to Old Town and the waterfront. Check WMATA for current schedules and trip planning at wmata.com.
Park and Ride
Consider parking at an outlying Metro station and taking the train into Old Town. Stations like Huntington (Yellow Line) offer free or low-cost parking and a short ride to King St-Old Town. Check WMATA for parking availability, hours, and fees at wmata.com.
Amtrak and VRE
Amtrak and VRE trains stop next to the King St-Old Town Metro station. VRE serves the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines Monday through Friday. Plan your trip at amtrak.com or vre.org.
DASH
Bus Free DASH buses run throughout Old Town and connect to all Metro stations. Lines 30, 31, and 34 stop at Market Square, three blocks from the waterfront. All buses are ADA-accessible and have bike racks. Check current routes at dashbus.com.
Metrobus
Alexandria is served by many Metrobus routes, and hours vary. Plan your trip and check current routes, schedules, and fares at wmata.com.
King Street Trolley
The free King Street Trolley runs between Market Square and King St-Old Town Metro every 15 minutes. Check dashbus.com for current hours.
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare has stations throughout Old Town, including near Madison and Fairfax, Pitt and Montgomery, St. Asaph and Madison, and St. Asaph and Pendleton. Find your nearest Capital Bikeshare station, pay for a ride or get a day pass at capitalbikeshare.com.
E-Bikes and Scooters
Dockless e-bikes and scooters are available for rent throughout Old Town. Use the provider's app to find and unlock a ride. Ride on streets, bike lanes, or paved trails only. Sidewalk riding is not permitted.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services, including Lyft and Uber, operate throughout Alexandria. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations may be designated near the waterfront during events.
Water Taxi
The Potomac Water Taxi connects Old Town Alexandria, the Wharf, Georgetown, and National Harbor. Check schedules and purchase tickets at cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/water-taxi/washington-dc-water-taxi/
Bike Trails
Several trails connect Alexandria to the surrounding region. The Mount Vernon Trail runs along the Potomac River and connects to Old Town from the north and south. The Four Mile Run Trail links Old Town to Arlington. Check the City of Alexandria multi-use trail map for routes at alexandriava.gov.