Alexandria rings in 2026 with free New Year's Eve celebration at the Waterfront
Live music, warming bus and two fireworks shows cap off a day of First Night festivities
The city is hosting a free New Year’s Eve celebration at Waterfront Park, capping off a full day of First Night Alexandria festivities with live music and two fireworks shows over the Potomac River.
The Waterfront event on Wednesday, Dec. 31, runs from 7 p.m. to midnight at 1 Prince St.
DJ One Luv kicks off the evening from 7 to 10 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. for families. Dream City Brass takes the stage from 10 to 11:55 p.m., building up to the midnight fireworks finale.
DASH will have a festive warming bus stationed on Strand Street where visitors can recharge between shows. The Mobile Art Lab will also be on site with crafts to take home.
The Waterfront celebration follows a full day of First Night Alexandria programming, now in its 31st year. The festival kicks off at noon with performances for children and a New Year’s Eve Day Party at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. At 4:30 p.m., the Light Up Carlyle Block Party brings live entertainment to the Carlyle neighborhood, and at 7 p.m. performances continue inside museums, churches, and other venues throughout Old Town.
First Night tickets are $10 per person for ages two and older. For the full schedule and tickets, visit firstnightalexandria.org.
Visitors are encouraged to bike, walk, or take public transportation to the Waterfront. Parking information is available at the city’s “Where to Park in Old Town” webpage.