May 2026 Community Events

The Chat - Change Happens with Alexandria Teens 

Sat., May 30, 2026, 10:30 a.m.-noon at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.)

The CHAT: Change Happens with Alexandria Teens (CHAT) 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.

ALIVE Monthly Community Market

Sat., May 30, 2026, 8:30-10:30 a.m. 

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Ave.)

William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.)

ALIVE! distributes free bags of groceries (including produce, chicken, eggs and bread) at multiple locations on the last Saturday of each month. Please bring reusable bags. Distributions are available for City of Alexandria residents. Proof of residency may be requested.

Ready Kids 

Sat., May 30, 2026, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Charles Beatley Central Library (5005 Duke St.)

Join the City of Alexandria Office of Emergency Management for a fun and interactive community event at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library designed to help families stay safe and prepared. This engaging experience features a bilingual musical performance by 123 Andrés, a Touch-a-Truck activity, hands-on creativity with a mobile art lab, and family preparedness stations where participants can learn how to build a safety go-bag. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Alexandria City Community Cookouts Continue 

The Alexandria Police Department will host various community cookouts, throughout May and  June. Join the Community Cookouts for a great time for neighbors and families to come together and connect with community resources. These cookouts are sponsored by a number of nonprofits and city agencies

The following cookouts in June will be held 6-7:30 p.m.

• Wed., June 3 2026, at Princess Square (300 Block of N. West St.)