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ALEXANDRIA, Va — The city will kick off its 19th annual Community Cookout series May 6 at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, launching nine neighborhood events through June that offer free food, activities and connections to city services.
Based on last year's success — when hundreds attended the kickoff event and city officials including the mayor, city manager and council members participated — the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities expects strong community turnout for this year's series.
The cookouts will be held at locations across Alexandria, from housing communities to recreation centers to churches, each offering free meals, games, activities for all ages, and giveaways alongside opportunities to learn about city resources.
"It is a great way to celebrate community together," the city said in announcing the schedule.
The series begins on Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., with a rain date on Thursday, May 7. Subsequent cookouts will be held:
- Wednesday, May 13: Mason at Van Dorn, 140 S. Van Dorn St.
- Wednesday, May 20: Ruby Tucker Family Center courtyard, 322 Tancil Court
- Thursday, May 28: Brent Place, 375 S. Reynolds St. (no rain date)
- Wednesday, June 3: Princess Square parking lot, 300 block of N. West Street
- Wednesday, June 10: Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King St.
- Wednesday, June 17: Andrew Adkins Community, 1200 block of Wythe Street
- Wednesday, June 24: Southern Towers, 4900 Seminary Rd.
- Tuesday, June 30: Casa Chirilagua, 4100 Mt. Vernon Ave.
All events run from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with most scheduled for Wednesdays and rain dates the following Thursday when weather is a concern.
What began as a small departmental project by two staff members aimed at boosting program participation in underserved communities has grown into a major city initiative. More than 50 city agencies and nonprofit organizations now participate in the cookouts, which have served over 20,000 residents and earned support from the City Manager's Office.
The cookouts represent an effort to bring city services directly to neighborhoods while building community connections in an informal setting. Organizations interested in participating can contact michael.johnson@alexandriava.gov or call 703-898-5115.
More information about the cookouts is available at alexandriava.gov/rpca.
