What Happens on Broadway

Downtown Alexandria hosts a rotating lineup of events throughout the year that bring people to Broadway beyond regular shopping and dining. Some are decades-old traditions, others are newer additions. All of them give the downtown a different energy than a normal week.

Crazy Days

The big one. Crazy Days is a multi-day sidewalk sale event where downtown merchants drag inventory outside, slash prices, and turn Broadway into an outdoor shopping experience. It happens in mid-July and draws people from surrounding towns who plan their summer around it. Show up early for the best picks.

Holiday Events

The holiday season brings a Christmas walk, tree lighting, and extended shopping hours. Downtown looks its best in December with lights and decorations along Broadway. Several shops offer holiday-specific inventory and gift wrapping. It’s the kind of small-town holiday experience that Hallmark movies try to recreate.

Parades & Street Events

Alexandria runs parades down Broadway for various occasions — homecoming, holidays, and community celebrations. When there’s a parade, the street closes to traffic and people line up with lawn chairs and coolers. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and it works.

Seasonal Markets

Pop-up markets and vendor events show up periodically in downtown spaces, especially around holidays and during summer weekends. Local makers, food vendors, and small businesses set up shop. Keep an eye on local event listings for dates — they change year to year.