Alexandria, VA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Violation classification
- class 4 misdemeanor
- Marina exception
- en route to/from vessel
- Event exception
- requires specific public authority permission
- Hours may be adjusted
- by city manager regulation, signs posted
Summary
Alexandria closes every public park and playground between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. under City Code § 6-1-1. Remaining on park land during those hours is a class 4 misdemeanor unless you're a city employee on duty, have special event permission, or are heading to or from a boat at a city marina.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to go upon or remain upon the lands or premises of any public park or public playground within the city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., eastern standard time or daylight saving time, whichever time is in effect; except as follows: (1) public officials or employees in the performance of their duties. (2) persons participating in or witnessing events where specific permission has been given by public authorities to exceed the above-stated time limits. (3) persons authorized to use the City of Alexandria marina facilities while en route to boarding or disembarking from their vessels. (b) ...the city manager may, by regulation, amend the hours of operation of any public park or public playground upon a finding that such amendment is necessary... (c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 156 | Zoning: Supplement 103).
Full Breakdown
, in whichever standard or daylight time is then in effect. Three exceptions apply: public officials or employees performing their duties; people participating in or watching events where public authorities have specifically permitted extended hours; and people authorized to use the city's marina facilities while boarding or disembarking from their vessels. Subsection (b) lets the city manager amend a specific park or playground's operating hours by regulation, but only on a finding that the change is necessary to protect health, safety or welfare of users or neighbors, or to promote the park's efficient operation, and any amended hours must be posted on signs at the site.
Subsection (c) makes any violation a class 4 misdemeanor, the lowest tier of criminal offense under Virginia law. 1, separately bars discharging a firearm or hunting within 100 yards of any park or playground property line, also punished as a class 4 misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Being on park or playground land during the 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. closed period without falling into one of the three listed exceptions is a class 4 misdemeanor under § 6-1-1(c). Police officers and authorized parks staff can enforce the closing hours directly on-site; posted signage controls where the city manager has adopted different hours for a specific park under subsection (b).
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Alexandria's public parks close?
Can I be in an Alexandria park after 10 p.m. for a permitted event?
Is there an exception for boaters at city marina facilities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alexandria
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