Media Contact:
Margaret Townsend 571-218-2161
Taste of Old Town North begins a weekend of food, music, art and more
in celebration of Old Town North community
Alexandria,VA – August 11, 2026 – The Annual Taste of Old Town North, a free, family- and pet-friendly event held in Montgomery Park returns on September 17, followed by a weekend of great food and drink tastings, interactive art activities, and live music.
“The Taste of Old Town North has become a beloved community tradition showcasing our city’s outstanding local businesses while also creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone who lives, works, or visits the area,” says Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins.
Picture yourself relaxing in Montgomery Park, listening to live music by The MOD after shopping local market vendors, and sampling food from Old Town North restaurants including Jula’s on the Potomac, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and other local favorites. The MOD hails from DC’s music scene, blending Jazz, Funk, Americana, Folk, Downtempo, Breakbeats, and Soul music.
Between food sampling, live music and other festivities, visitors at the Taste can check out the Little Free Library, courtesy of Friends of Barrett Library.
“HRP Group is proud to once again sponsor the Taste of Old Town North and celebrate the vibrant community that makes this neighborhood so special,” says Amelia Chassé Alcivar, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “We look forward to connecting with residents, small businesses and nonprofits serving Old Town North to share exciting updates on transformation of the former power plant site as we prepare to break ground in 2027.”
"The Old Town North Community Partnership is delighted to once again host the Annual Taste of Old Town North, celebrating this community’s charm, showcasing our small businesses, non-profits, the arts and cultural district, and bringing the community together," says Margaret Townsend, owner of River’s Edge Yoga and President of the Old Town North Community Partnership (OTNCP). “It also demonstrates the Partnership's mission of supporting a diverse, walkable community for those who live, work, own small businesses, or visit Old Town North and surrounding neighborhoods."
For more information visit oldtownnorth.org/taste
Chalk-a-Block on September 19 from 11am – 2pm will feature local chalk artists, competitions, and live music. For more information, visit https://www.oldtownnorthalliance.com/chalkablock
The Canal Crawl is a guided stroll of historic sites near the Canal, enjoying stops at local bars and restaurants, and live music along the way! To purchase a Crawl ‘passport,’ visit https://www.notice-alexandria.org/events/2nd-annual-canal-pub-crawl
Round out the weekend celebration of Old Town North at the first of OTNCP’s Vintage Flea and Artisans Markets, on Sunday, September 20th, 9am – 2pm, at the Montgomery Park Market, 901 N. Royal Street. Find treasures new and old while listening to live music by Cole Holland!
On street parking for all events is available in the Old Town North neighborhood or public parking located at 625 North Washington Street.
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