Special Events & Permits in Alexandria, VA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
Alexandria's director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities issues written permits for using any city park as the site of a gathering, game or event under City Code § 6-1-8(g)(3). A permit can exempt the event from park conduct rules normally posted by official sign, but organizers must keep a copy on site for inspection.
Alexandria Park Gathering Event Permit
Some RestrictionsCity Code § 6-1-8(g)(3)
(3)The director of recreation, parks and cultural activities is authorized to issue permits for the use of any public park in the city as the location for a gathering, game, event or similar occasion. Such permits shall be in writing, and shall set forth such terms and conditions as the director determines may be reasonable. In issuing these permits, the director may exempt the permitted gather...
Parade Permits
Alexandria requires a permit before anyone parades, marches, holds a procession or motorcade, or runs a special event on city streets, under City Code § 6-4-1. Applicants file with the city manager under the city's Special Events Policies and Procedures, pay the permit fee set by that policy, and must keep the streets clear of litter.
Alexandria Parade & Special Event Permit
Some RestrictionsCity Code § 6-4-1
It shall be unlawful for any person, company, society, association, organization, lodge, club, gathering or group of any kind to parade or march or to attempt to parade, march, hold a procession or motorcade, or special event in or upon any of the streets of the city until such person or group shall have obtained a permit as provided in this article. Each applicant for a permit required by this...
Street Fair Rules
Any street fair, festival, parade, procession, or special event held on an Alexandria street requires a permit before it happens. Organizers file a written application with the city manager, pay the fee set under the current Special Events Policies and Procedures, and must clean up litter immediately after the event ends.
Alexandria Special Event & Parade Permits
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code §§ 6-4-1, 6-4-7, 6-4-8
It shall be unlawful for any person, company, society, association, organization, lodge, club, gathering or group of any kind to parade or march or to attempt to parade, march, hold a procession or motorcade, or special event in or upon any of the streets of the city until such person or group shall have obtained a permit as provided in this article. ... No parade or special event in which the ...
Parklets
Alexandria allows parklets in the public right-of-way only under a permit reviewed by the Director of T&ES and requirements set by the Traffic and Parking Board, per City Code Sec. 5-2-29(b)(1)c. A parklet must create genuine new public space and, unless approved for private commercial use, stay open to the general public.
Alexandria Parklet Requirements (Sec. 5-2-29)
Significant RestrictionsCity Code Sec. 5-2-29(b)(1)c
c.Parklet. Parklets are intended to create additional public space, support an active and safe streetscape, enhance the economic and social vitality of a neighborhood, and promote business friendly activity through the creation of new spaces for commercial uses, such as outdoor dining and retail display. Parklets, may be placed in a public right-of-way, subject to the following:1.Parklets must ...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Alexandria restaurants need an encroachment permit to place outdoor dining on a public sidewalk or in a parklet, reviewed against the city's Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines. Tables must clear by 10 or 11 p.m. depending on zone, per City Code Sec. 5-2-29(b)(1)(d).
Alexandria Sidewalk Cafe & Outdoor Dining Permit
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code Sec. 5-2-29(b)(1)(d)
(d)Outdoor dining in public right-of-way. Outdoor dining may be placed on the sidewalk or within a parklet in the public right-of-way subject to the following:1.Outdoor dining areas must comply with the City of Alexandria Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines.2.The directors of transportation and environmental services and planning and zoning or designees shall review any outdoor dining requests and...