The City of Alexandria produces numerous special events throughout the year. The purpose of this call is to select the most-qualified food vendors to serve at live in-person events produced by the City. Please review the full guidelines on how to apply. 
 

Selection Process: To ensure a diverse range, the food vendors will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. High standard of food excellence is a top priority.
2. Consideration will be given to Alexandria-centered or DC/Virginia/Maryland food vendors.
3. A focus on the culinary history of Alexandria or cultural demographics will be considered but not required.
4. Food vendors will need to have experience serving at large outdoor events.
5. Vendors must have a clean record with no permit or license violations.

Fees & Requirements: Selected food vendors must pay a $500 vendor fee to the City of Alexandria if selected. Fees are due no later than Friday, May 29, 2026.

Selected food vendors must be fully-licensed to vend in the City of Alexandria. They will also be required to pass any and all inspections and have all up-to-date permits in keeping with what is required for food vendors at any public Alexandria event. Food vendors will also be expected to disclose sales at the request of City of Alexandria. 

The vendor must provide their own equipment to provide their service at the event successfully. If the vendor requires a 10x10 tent, the City will accommodate one at $185 per tent request. 

If selected, the vendor will be guaranteed a slot at a Signature Event and at least one Community Event. 

Scheduling: All vendors will have the option to apply again for the following year, regardless if they are selected. However, if a vendor is selected for this year and fails to attend a selected Special Event (Signature or Community Event), the vendor will incur a $200 penalty and will be unable to apply for selection in the following year. 

Weather: The event is rain or shine, unless prior updates confirmed by the Special Events staff liaison. 

Timeline of Vendor Process 2026: 

• Monday, April 27, 2026: Call for applicants opens 
• Friday, May 15, 2026: Vendor submits application through online city portal no later than 11:59PM. 
• Friday, May 22, 2026: Vendors are notified of selection and placement at one Signature Event and at least one Community Event. 
• Friday, May 29, 2026: Vendors submit registration payment ($500), proof of Alexandria Food Vendor License, and flame permit (if applicable). If requesting a 10x10 tent, the $185 tent fee must be paid at this time, as well. 
• Wednesday, June 6, 2026: Vendor confirms final menu and setup logistics with City Staff. 
• Ongoing: Vendor fills out and submits event survey to provide feedback regarding their experience, and/or lessons learned upon completion of either a Signature Event or Community Event.
   

Apply Today!

The City of Alexandria's Special Events Policy governs the special event permitting process and is managed by the Special Events team. 
 
What is CONSIDERED a Special Event? 

According to the Special Events Policy, a special event is a short-term activity that requires special permitting needs and/or support from City staff, such as Alexandria Police Department or Fire Marshal, or due to the anticipated number of attendees or nature of the event. 

Events, including but not limited to, parades, foot races, charity walks, fundraisers, concerts, outdoor film series, or festivals in any park, should submit a Special Event Permit Application. Please read the Special Event Guidelines for information on the permitting process for Special Events.

A Special Event Permit may be required when:

• Use of a city park is involved.
• More than 500 people are expected to attend throughout the event.
• Coordination between two or more permitting agencies is required.
• Food is being sold/served to the public.
• Public safety may be at risk.

Family reunions, birthday parties, and picnics should make their reservations through the Registration and Reservation Office at 703.746.5414 if the reservation is not in Oronoco Bay Park, Waterfront Park, EF Pier Gazebo, King Street Gardens Park, or Montgomery Park. Picnic areas are available for rental April through October, beginning March 1 of each year through the Registration and Reservation Office.

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is not responsible for activities immediately surrounding the vicinity of the area permitted for a special event or wedding. The Waterfront District is an active marina with continuous improvement projects that occur as scheduled or without notice.

To ensure events have the necessary resources, additional event permits will not be issued on the following dates due to large annual events:

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. The Mobile Art Lab brings arts and culture to all communities in Alexandria, providing indoor/outdoor, free-to-attend events and activities that are open to the public within the Alexandria city limits. The goal is to deliver hands-on creative experiences straight to the community, transforming any gathering into a celebration of the arts.

Find out more about the Mobile Art Lab and upcoming pop-ups.

The Office of the Arts 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 team is dedicated to creating City Wide Signature events, pop-up activities, and meaningful experiences for all Alexandria communities. Follow the City's Signature Events and Mobile Art Lab pop ups on Instagram at @alexandriavagov and @alexartsoffice (#artsALX).