Juneteenth, Pride, Summer Solstice, Father's Day, World Cup, and more
28+ things to do in and near Del Ray, Alexandria this weekend: June 19-21, 2026
We’re bringing this weekend’s newsletter to you together with:
Happy Friday, Neighbor!
Today, June 19, is Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
This historic day marks the announcement of freedom to the last enslaved people in Texas in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a time to reflect on the journey towards equality and celebrate African American culture and achievements.
This weekend marks the official start of summer! The summer solstice is Sunday, June 21, which means it’s the longest day of the year and the perfect time to get out and enjoy all that Del Ray, Alexandria has to offer. From outdoor movies to live music and Pride celebrations, there’s something for everyone.
While you’re out there, remember to hydrate because it is hot. I like this Stanley with a flip straw, so it’s more portable.
I’ve also seen some people fill their Stanleys with ice cream. I might try that and if I do, I’ll share pics. Please do the same.
And of course, Father’s Day! To all the dads, father figures, trying-to-become dads, fur-dads, and anyone who identifies as fatherly — we appreciate you. Happy Father’s Day weekend. Need a last-minute Father’s Day gift? Head over to Del Ray Farmhouse: our hats, sweatshirts, and coasters are there, plus loads of other local finds perfect for gifting.
The World Cup continues! I’ll keep this list here for your easy access when the mood to watch sports strikes — here are a few Del Ray spots showing the matches:
Rosemarino D’Italia, 1905 Mt Vernon Ave.
Piece Out Del Ray, 2419 Mt Vernon Ave.
Pork Barrel BBQ, 2312 Mt Vernon Ave.
Junction Bistro, 1508 Mt Vernon Ave.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, 401 E Braddock Rd.
Northside 10, 10 E Glebe Rd.
Los Tios Grill, 2615 Mt Vernon Ave.
Just check each establishment’s open hours before heading over. I’ll share updates on Instagram as they’re posted.
Thank you for being here. Let’s dive in.
– Rachel Turula
Publisher, Things to do: Del Ray, VA
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth Festival, 4pm–8pm at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.
Celebrate Juneteenth with live music, performances, community organizations, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at this annual City of Alexandria event honoring Freedom Day.Live Music Fridays, 6pm-9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Live music from local DMV artists every Friday night at Hops N Shine. Grab food, explore the drink menu, and settle in for a fun start to the weekend.The Friendship Series, 7pm–9pm at Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr.
Lost Boy Cider and Conexus are launching a new series designed to bring people together through live acoustic music, cider, and conversation. A relaxed, welcoming Friday night to meet new people and connect with the community.Stacey Kent, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
The acclaimed jazz vocalist brings her warm, intimate style to The Birchmere. A sophisticated Friday evening of jazz standards and original songs.Comedy Night, 8pm at No. 9 Lounge, 2000 Mt Vernon Ave.
Head upstairs for a night of stand-up comedy hosted by Joey Friedman and headlined by Jamal Russell. Expect plenty of laughs from a lineup of local and touring comedians.Karaoke Night, 9pm-11pm at Del Ray Public House, 2218 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join the fun every Friday night with karaoke at Del Ray Public House. Grab a drink, pick a song, and sing your way into the weekend.
The (Housing) Lending Library
I’ve teamed up with Matt Borgerson, local lending advisor and my go-to for trusted mortgage advice, to share timely updates to help you stay ahead of interest rate shifts and make smart financing decisions.
A lot of buyers assume they need 20% down to buy a home.
Many are surprised to learn that’s simply not the case.
There are loan programs that allow qualified buyers to purchase with far less down while still keeping monthly payments comfortable and competitive.
That conversation opens doors for people who thought homeownership was still years away.
Sometimes the difference between “maybe someday” and “we could actually do this” is simply understanding the options available to you.
And in a market like Alexandria, being prepared before the right home appears matters.
If you’re curious what buying could realistically look like for you this year, email me with the subject line “down payment” — Matt.Borgerson@swbc.com.
Proud partner of Things to do Del Ray.
Saturday, June 20
Old Town Farmers’ Market, 7am-noon at 100 block of N. Royal Street and the Courtyard at Tavern Square.
One of America’s oldest continuously operating markets with over 70 vendors selling fresh produce, breads, flowers, crafts, and coffee. Open every Saturday year-round.Del Ray Farmers’ Market, 8am-noon at Pat Miller Square, 2311 Mt Vernon Ave.
Start your Saturday at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market with fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods like chai, breakfast sandwiches, jams, and dumplings. Open year-round rain or shine.Pride Flow + Fizz, 9am–10am at Piece Out Del Ray, 2419 Mt Vernon Ave.
Celebrate Pride Month with a private morning yoga flow led by Yoga in Del Ray, set to upbeat music from DJ Thunder Bunny. Your ticket includes a post-class drink, with options ranging from mimosas and frosé to mocktails, coffee, and iced tea.Vélocity Warehouse Sale, 9am–1pm at 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. (behind Al’s Steakhouse).
Browse a warehouse full of discounted as-is bicycles, bike parts, and accessories for adults and kids. Whether you’re looking for a project bike or a good deal on gear, it’s worth a stop.Sculpt & Sip, 9:30am at Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ, 2000 Mt Vernon Ave.
Start your Saturday with a patio workout led by Zweet Sport, then stick around for brunch and a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. A fun way to move, mingle, and kick off the weekend.Radical Sewing Club-ALX, 10am-noon at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Drop in to learn clothing repair, hand and machine sewing, or work on your own project alongside a values-driven creative community. Free to attend with a suggested donation.Bar C Ranch Petting Zoo, 10am-3pm at Duncan Library Butterfly Garden, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Feed and say hello to friendly animals like a llama, donkey, and mini cow from Bar C Animal Ranch. Free and open to all ages.Kids Storytime and Craft, 10:30am-11:30am at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join local author Ganeya Gajaram for storytime. You’ll read a book or two for the first half hour, and then have a related craft afterward.VETOGA Weekly Community Yoga, 10:30am-11:45am at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
An all-levels Hatha-Raja yoga class hosted by Adam Shaw, blending movement, breathwork, and meditation. Open to all.Planet Wine’s Rosé Fest, 12pm-5pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Planet Wine celebrates rosé season with a special rosé-focused tasting event. A festive summer afternoon dedicated entirely to pink wine from around the world.Silent Book Club, 1pm-3pm at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy some quiet reading time with fellow book lovers—no assigned books, no pressure, just good reads and good company.Old Town North Pride Party, 6pm–10pm at 529 Montgomery St.
Celebrate Pride Month with music from DJ Thunder Bunny, dancing, cocktails, and community. A portion of proceeds supports local LGBTQ+ organizations.Cinema Del Ray, at dusk (approx 7:30pm) at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
Enjoy a free outdoor movie night, showing GOAT. Bring blankets, friends, and family, with snacks available for purchase.Ohio Players, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
The legendary funk and R&B band behind “Love Rollercoaster” and “Fire” bring their groove-heavy sound to The Birchmere. A high-energy Saturday night of classic funk.Karaoke Night, 9pm-11pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Belt it out at this high-energy karaoke night with a live DJ. Choose from over 50,000 songs, grab a drink, and take the stage.
Advertise with us
Want to spread the word about your business to the Del Ray community? Reach out. We have a few advertising opportunities coming up and are happy to support our local businesses however we can.
Sunday, June 21
Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market, 9am-1pm at 4109 Mt Vernon Ave.
Fresh foods, native plants, artisan crafts, and live music every Sunday at this beloved Arlandria market. A great Father’s Day morning stop.Old Town North Farmers’ Market, 9am-1:30pm at Montgomery Park, 901 N. Royal St.
A dog-friendly Sunday market with fresh produce, baked goods, gift items, and easy take-home meals. Open year-round.Applique for Mending and Decoration Workshop, 10am-noon at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Learn how to hand-sew patches onto clothing to mend or decorate in this beginner-friendly workshop led by Syd Grossman. Bring an item to work on and leave with a personalized piece.Sunday Story Time, 1:15pm-1:45pm at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Fingerplay and songs for little ones ages 0-24 months. A fun, cozy drop-in session at the library.Live From Your Studio, 2pm-3:30pm via Zoom (Del Ray Artisans members only).
A free monthly virtual gathering where members create alongside fellow artists from their own studio spaces. A relaxed and connected way to make art together.Playing with Resin Workshop, 6pm-9pm at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Learn the ins and outs of resin as a medium, including how to prep, mix, and use it as an adhesive or standalone material, with instructor Tracy Wilkerson. Register in advance.Voices of Motown Father’s Day Celebration, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
A soul-filled Father’s Day celebration featuring the Voices of Motown performing the classic hits of the Motown catalog. A perfect evening to treat Dad to a night of timeless music.
Support local with the 2026 Del Ray Explore Card
Makes a great gift!
Still more than half the year left! The 2026 Del Ray Explore Card gets you a 10% discount at 10 handpicked local spots. It’s a fun way to explore Del Ray, Alexandria, try new places, and support local businesses.
What you get:
- 10% discount at 10 local businesses, valid through December 31, 2026
- A curated list of genuinely great local spots
- Warm fuzzies for supporting locally owned small businesses
- A thoughtful gift that anyone who loves Del Ray (or wants to check it out) will love
I’m shipping the next batch of cards on Sunday. Order your cards by 10pm Saturday. (Won’t come in time for Father’s Day, but you can tell Dad a surprise is arriving next week.)
Some extra magic
I’m still working on my garden. If you are too, add color to your backyard with these moveable grow bags. Great for small spaces or patios.
I ordered a portable tripod for my phone. Partly for content, but it also comes in very handy for taking family photos. I used it on Father’s Day last year to take a group photo and it was totally worth it. Will do the same again this weekend.
Nail kit of the summer
Grill tool of the summer.
Pool of the summer.
Kids game of the summer (could be for adults too…)
Currently reading: These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean. A rom-com summer beach read that is exactly what I need right now. A little brain break. I’m listening to it and it’s my while-I’m-walking / washing dishes obsession.
I am declaring these the official cookie bar of summer. Salty-sweet, a combination of s’mores and chocolate covered pretzels in one. No one would guess they’re dairy-free (and the recipe has swaps to make them vegan and gluten-free too). Happy baking!
This year, my husband and I are celebrating our 5-year wedding anniversary (and 10 years since we met). I’m brainstorming how we’ll celebrate and currently thinking a long weekend in Nantucket (in a cottage like this). (FYI there are direct flights from DCA to Nantucket, too.)
Things that are free
If you liked this weekend’s newsletter, a quick like ❤️, restack, or share goes a long way. You can even do all three to help support local with just a few clicks.
Weather
Friday
86 🌡️ 65 | 🌦️ | 58%
Saturday
88 🌡️ 66 | ☀️ | 1%
Sunday
90 🌡️ 68 | ⛅ | 1%
Temperatures sourced from weather.com, updated the night before publication.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
Thank you for being part of the Things to do Del Ray community! If you enjoyed this roundup, share it with a neighbor who is a dad!
See you around the neighborhood.
