Free in Alexandria: the Torpedo Factory's artist studios, the King Street Trolley, the nature center, waterfront parks, story times, the fountain and city events.
Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Facts come from the Torpedo Factory Art Center, DASH, the city’s nature center, parks, Black history and events pages, the Alexandria Library and Visit Alexandria.
Some of Alexandria’s best days out cost nothing: the Torpedo Factory’s working artists’ studios, a ride down King Street on the free trolley, a walk along the Potomac and the city’s parades and fireworks. Here is what is free, all year and coming up.
Good to know
- City events and services: Alex311, 311 or 703-746-4311
- Visitor information: Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St., 703-838-5005
- Free transit: the King Street Trolley and DASH buses cost nothing to ride
Art and history
- Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Free and open to the public since 1974, daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit Alexandria counts more than 80 artists’ studios and 10 galleries; walk into any studio with an open door. The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is inside.
- The Spite House, 523 Queen St.: 7 feet wide, built in 1830, and free to view from the street.
- Captain’s Row, the cobblestone 100 block of Prince Street, dating from the 1700s.
- Self-guided architecture walking tour from Visit Alexandria, free and available any time.
- Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial, 1001 S. Washington St., open dawn to dusk.
- African American Heritage Park on Holland Lane, open dawn to dusk.
Nature and parks
- Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Ave., 703-746-5559: free admission, live animals, animal feeding at 11 a.m. Thursdays and a meet and greet at 11 a.m. Fridays.
- The waterfront parks, from Oronoco Bay and Founders Park to Windmill Hill and Jones Point, with river views; Jones Point and Windmill Hill have playgrounds. Jones Point Park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road: Civil War earthworks and a playground, open sunrise to sunset.
- Mount Vernon Trail, 18 miles of paved trail on the Potomac, 5.6 of them in the city, open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. See our walking and biking trails guide.
- Dog parks: seven fenced parks and 10 off-leash areas; see our dog-friendly guide.
For families
- Library story times at Beatley, Barrett, Burke and Duncan libraries, for babies to age 5; see our kids’ activities guide.
- Potomac Yard Park fountain, 2501 Potomac Ave.: free splash fountain from Memorial Day weekend to about mid-October.
- Old Town Farmers’ Market, Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon: free to browse, with more than 70 vendors.
Getting around for free
The King Street Trolley runs every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days a year, between the King Street-Old Town Metro station and City Hall, with stops every couple of blocks. DASH buses are fare-free across the city (DASH).
Free events coming up
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m. | Holiday Tree Lighting | Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St. |
| Sunday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. | Family Holiday Magic Show | The Lyceum |
| Saturday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. | Scottish Walk Holiday Parade | King, Royal and Fairfax streets |
| Saturday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. | Holiday Boat Parade of Lights | Old Town waterfront |
| Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. and midnight | New Year’s Eve fireworks | Waterfront Park |
Details are on our Halloween, Christmas parade and New Year’s Eve pages.
What this means for you
- Start at the Torpedo Factory, walk the waterfront parks, and ride the trolley back up King Street.
- On a rainy day, the nature center and a library story time are free and indoors.
Related guides: Old Town Alexandria, kids’ activities and things to do this month.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do for free in Alexandria, Virginia?
Walk through the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s studios, ride the free King Street Trolley, visit the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, walk the Mount Vernon Trail and the waterfront parks, and catch free city events such as the Nov. 21 tree lighting and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Is the King Street Trolley free?
Yes. It runs every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days a year, between the King Street-Old Town Metro station and City Hall. DASH buses are fare-free as well.
Are Alexandria’s museums free?
The Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center are free. Some city museums charge admission or sell tickets for tours; check each museum’s page.
What free events are coming up in Alexandria?
The Holiday Tree Lighting on Nov. 21, the Scottish Walk Holiday Parade and Boat Parade of Lights on Dec. 5, a family holiday magic show at the Lyceum on Nov. 29 and New Year’s Eve fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight Dec. 31.
Have your say