For fun this Sunday, follow the chalk footprints to nine locations in Old Town North in Alexandria to find chalk artists creating works of art, live music, artists showcasing other works, and kid-friendly activities.
“We are crossing our fingers for dry weather this Sunday,” says Sarah Almy, executive director of the Old Town North Alliance.
This is the first year for the Chalk-A-Block event that combines two previous events, Chalk Walks and Art Blocks, the Old Town North Alliance hosted in 2022 and 2023.
“Chalk-A-Block will be a ton of fun for kids,” she says.
“In addition to watching the chalk artists at work and listening and dancing to live music, kids can make their own chalk art in the special kid areas designated at most of the sites. At the corner of North Fairfax Street and First Street, the City of Alexandria’s Mobile Art Lab 2.0 will provide supplies so kids can make rubbings of the artist-designed stormwater covers that were installed in Old Town North last fall.”
You can participate in a scavenger hunt but should plan to visit all of the sites. The sites include Hotel AKA, Made in ALX/Oak Steakhouse, Royal Restaurant, Alexandria House, 700 N. Fairfax St., The Art League, Venue, Montgomery Park, and Canal Center.
“The first 25 people to complete the scavenger hunt will win Old Town North car magnets, there will be special prizes for kids, and one lucky winner will be selected from among all the completed scavenger hunt forms to receive a gift certificate for dinner for two at Hotel AKA’s a.lounge+bar (up to $100 value), generously donated by Hotel AKA,” says Almy.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music until 3 p.m. Musicians including Maddie Cantrell, The Frontier, Mars Rodeo, Alex Alavi, Alejandro Villareal, and Yellow Door Jazz will perform.
“Younger children will enjoy a visit to the It’s Theo’s World table at 700 N. Fairfax St. to check out children’s books by Andreea Habash,” Almy.
Almy is hoping for a good turnout so people can see what makes Old Town North so special. “Stop into the newly renovated Royal Restaurant for a bite to eat, learn about the future home of Old Town North Arts Anchor MetroStage at Venue, check out the chic Hotel AKA Alexandria, take in the beautiful waterfront views at Canal Center, and learn about the Old Town North Alliance’s vision for an Arts & Culture Walk from Old Town North to the Torpedo Factory,” she says.
If the weather does not cooperate on Sunday, the rain date is October 13.
Feature image courtesy Old Town North Alliance
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