May 2026

Learn about calendar reminders and free community events for May 2026.

ACPS Academic Calendar Reminders

Memorial Day

Mon., May 25, 2026
All ACPS schools and offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Teacher Work Day

Tue., May. 26, 2026
There will be no school for students.

Eid al-Adha

Wed., May 27, 2026

There will be no school for students in observance of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Coming Up in May 2026: Community Engagement and Calendar Reminders

Alexandria Public Library: Beginner and intermediate English conversation

Weekly sessions at different library locations.

Improve your English speaking skills. The Alexandria Library invites everyone interested to join a conversation group to practice English and gain confidence. No registration is needed. 

Alexandria Library 

Alexandria Library hosts exciting events and activities for all ages. From storytime for kids to book clubs, workshops and community gatherings; there is always something happening at your local branch. Check out the events calendar to find something that interests you.

RPCA in Alexandria

Looking for fun and engaging activities around the City? Alexandria City Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) offers a variety of programs and events for all ages, including sports, fitness classes, family-friendly festivals and much more. Visit their upcoming events calendar to explore what is happening near you.

ALIVE! Pop-Up Food Distributions

Various dates and times. Make sure to check out the ALIVE website for May 2026 Pop-Up Food Distributions dates and locations.

ALIVE! is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency and basic needs support to children, families and individuals living in poverty and with hunger in the City of Alexandria. ALIVE! distributes bags of food to Alexandria City residents. No ID is required. Check out the Food Hub and Distribution Schedules to see which one is closest to you. 

10th Anniversary of RecFest

Sat., May 2, 2026, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)

The City of Alexandria invites the community to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of RecFest, a free, family-friendly event hosted by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Residents can explore sports, fitness, arts, summer camps and out-of-school programs, meet staff, enjoy live demonstrations, games, music, food and hands-on activities for all ages.

CareerCon: A Post-Grad Masterclass

Sat., May 2, 2026, 10 a.m.-1:15 p.m. 

Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One (3625 Potomac Ave.)

CareerCon: A Post-Grad Masterclass, hosted by The Chamber ALX and presented by Virginia Tech University, is a free event for high school and college students and their families. Attendees can connect with professionals, explore career panels, learn about college, internships, job readiness and gain guidance for their future. Students who attend the full event may also enter a scholarship drawing.

The Chat - Change Happens with Alexandria Teens 

Sat., May 2, 2026, 10:30 a.m.- noon 

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.)

The CHAT: Change Happens with Alexandria Teens invites teens ages 14–19 to participate in small, recorded group conversations about what it is like growing up in Alexandria, including how they spend their time and what changes they would like to see. Led by a teen Youth Fellow, this interactive experience includes snacks, creative activities such as painting and beading and the opportunity to contribute to a larger effort to amplify teen voices through a community archive. Participants will receive a goody bag with a $25 gift card. Teens ages 14–17 must have a signed guardian permission form to participate.

Planning with a Purpose: Transition Fair for Students with IEPs in Grades 6-12 

Wed., May 6, 5:30-8 p.m.

Alexandria City High School (3330 King St.)

Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in grades 6-12 and their families are invited to attend a Transition Fair focused on planning for life beyond high school. This event provides an opportunity to explore college options, career pathways, independent living resources and community support services. Participants can attend informative workshops and connect with local organizations dedicated to supporting student success. Families are encouraged to visit community partners and enjoy a welcoming, informative environment designed to help students prepare for their future.

Alexandria City Community Cookouts 

Alexandria Police Department will host various Community Cookouts, starting in May and concluding in June. Join the Community Cookouts for a great time where neighbors and families  come together and connect with community resources. Community Cookouts are sponsored by a number of nonprofits and City of Alexandria agencies.

The following cookout in May 2026 will be held from 6-7:30 p.m.

• Wed., May 6, 2026 at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.)

Four Mile Run Kayak Launch Ribbon Cutting

Sat., May 9, 2026, 12-3 p.m. 

Four Mile Run Park (3700 Commonwealth Ave.)

The City of Alexandria invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of a new accessible kayak launch at Four Mile Run Park. This innovative addition is the first of its kind in the D.C. metro area and is designed to make kayaking safer and more accessible for all. Features include an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant boardwalk ramp, a wheelchair transfer platform and a roller system to assist with water entry and exit. This new launch expands opportunities for residents of all experience levels to enjoy outdoor recreation and connect with nature.

Upcoming Joint City Council/School Board Work Session and School Board Meetings 

School Board Meetings: 

Thu., May 7, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Thu., May 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.

Joint City Council/School Board Work Session:

 Mon., May 18, 2026 at 5 p.m.