The Alexandria Brief — AM | Friday, Feb. 13
National IQ innovation district launches; city served 40,000 through human services; Valentine's Day and George Washington Birthday Parade tomorrow
Good morning, Alexandria — and happy Friday the 13th. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and it’s also time for the George Washington Birthday Parade, marching through Old Town from 2 to 4 p.m. The weather looks great: sunny skies with highs in the 40s and 50s through the weekend.
A new innovation district spanning Arlington and Alexandria officially launched Thursday, with Amazon, Northrop Grumman, Virginia Tech, and others backing a $5 million effort to position the region as a hub for defense tech and startups. And the city’s annual human services report is out — more than 40,000 residents were served last year through programs ranging from Medicaid to mental health services, with grantees serving participants who speak 36 languages.
Here’s what you need to know today.
1️⃣ Alexandria, Arlington launch innovation district to boost defense tech and startups
A new innovation district spanning Arlington and Alexandria launched Thursday, aiming to position Northern Virginia as a global hub for dual-use technology and national security innovation. The National Innovation Quarter — National IQ — is a nonprofit that will offer year-round programming including startup accelerators, investor summits, hackathons and an international soft-landing program.
Nine founding partners are behind the effort: Amazon, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Virginia Tech, Arlington Economic Development, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, JBG SMITH and the National Landing BID, among others. The organization has a $5 million budget over three years and plans to launch a national search for an executive director this month.
“This is the future we envisioned when we attracted Virginia Tech to Alexandria and first established National Landing,” said AEDP President Stephanie Landrum. The district covers National Landing — Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard — and aims to serve as “connective tissue” connecting startups, established companies, academia and government.
Read more: Alexandria joins Arlington in launching National Innovation Quarter
2️⃣ City served more than 40,000 residents through human services programs last year
Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services served more than 40,000 residents last fiscal year through programs ranging from Medicaid coverage to mental health services to domestic violence advocacy, according to the agency’s annual Community Impact Report released Thursday.
Services spanned all ages: more than 560 infants and toddlers received early intervention through the Parent Infant Education program, while more than 430 older adults were supported through Adult Protective Services. The Alexandria Fund for Human Services, with nearly $2 million in annual funding, supported 48 nonprofit programs that collectively served nearly 32,000 participants — with 85% of grantees meeting or exceeding their proposed outcomes.
The report also highlighted the city’s multilingual community: grantees reported serving participants who speak 36 languages other than English. One grantee alone served participants speaking 22 distinct languages. More than one in five grantees reported that at least 80% of their participants spoke a language other than English..
Read more: City served more than 40,000 residents through human services programs last year
3️⃣ What’s happening this weekend: Valentine’s Day, George Washington and a long weekend
It’s a big weekend in Alexandria. Saturday is Valentine’s Day — and it’s also time for the George Washington Birthday Parade, with nearly 60 units marching through Old Town from 2 to 4 p.m. The Alexandria Warehouse Sale runs Friday through Sunday with 60-80% off at more than 20 Old Town boutiques. And Monday is George Washington Day, so city offices, schools and libraries are closed.
Weather looks great for most of it: sunny skies Friday and Saturday with highs in the 40s and 50s, though rain is likely Sunday afternoon. Saturday highlights include the Old Town Farmers’ Market (now at Tavern Square), George Washington’s Birthnight Dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern ($150, 6:30 p.m.), and ice skating at Cameron Run. On Monday, catch a Hamilton-themed tour at Gadsby’s Tavern at 11 a.m.
Valentine’s Day options abound: a Galentine’s Pajama Jam at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop on Friday, chocolate and tea tasting at Carlyle House, cookies and beer pairing at Port City, and an Anti-Valentine’s Day party at Hops N Shine on Saturday.
Read more: What’s happening in Alexandria this weekend: Feb. 13-16
📰 More from The Alexandria Brief
Alexandria proclaimed 'Mandela Legacy Day' during visit by Nelson Mandela's grandson. Ndaba Mandela spoke at Community Praise Church as part of the congregation's Black History Month celebration, reminding attendees that the legacy of justice, unity and freedom comes with responsibility and action.
Alexandria Warehouse Sale extended through Presidents' Day Weekend. More than 20 Old Town boutiques are offering 60-80% off on fashion, accessories, home décor, gifts and more through Monday after cold temperatures last weekend kept some shoppers away.
Virginia Theological Seminary honors Stephen Colbert, wife with highest award. The late-night host was recognized for his work as a satirist who "provokes critical thinking and inspires change." His wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert, was honored for her ministry and leadership in the arts. Past recipients include Barbara Bush, Madeleine Albright and Jon Meacham.
🗞️ In brief
Sprinkler system holds fire in check on Wild Turkey Lane. Engine 207 responded to an alarm in the 2600 block early this morning and arrived to find smoke showing from an attached garage. Crews extinguished a small fire that had been contained by the sprinkler system. Alexandria Firefighters Inc.
Spite houses of Old Town: A quirky historical tale. Alexandria is home to four narrow buildings believed to have been built out of personal vendettas. The most famous, built by brick master John Hollensbury in 1830, is just 7 feet wide — "you can almost touch wall to wall," says Alexandria Historical Society president Michael Pope. Another is now a jewelry boutique on King Street. WJLA
Alexandria native goes viral for "strange addiction" on TLC show. Kathryn Andrea, 31, appeared on the seventh-season premiere of "My Strange Addiction" for snorting all of her food and beverages — including a memorable scene filmed at Del Ray's District Biscuit Company. She says she's working to kick the habit after a doctor warned of health risks. "Do not snort your food or drinks," she advises. Washingtonian
City to perform network maintenance Monday, Feb. 16. Beginning at 6:30 a.m., various online services — including Alex311, APEX permitting, business tax portal and interactive maps — will experience temporary outages. 911 and other critical public safety services will not be impacted. Maintenance is expected to be completed by 2:30 p.m. City of Alexandria
On this day in 1855: Alexandrians awoke to find the Potomac River frozen solid for miles. Although all navigation ceased, townspeople brave enough were able to walk to the Maryland shore and back again. Historic Alexandria
On this day in 1897: Alexandria announced there would be no public celebration of George Washington’s birthday that year. Due to difficult economic times, potential contributors preferred their funds go to help the poor, and out-of-work firemen said they didn’t have money for the “trimmings” associated with being in a proper parade. This year’s parade returns Saturday. Historic Alexandria
🗓️ Today in Alexandria
Sunny, with a high near 41 degrees. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 28 degrees. Calm wind.
Sunrise: 7:01 a.m. | Sunset: 5:43 p.m. | 10 hours & 42 minutes of sun.
High tides: 5:17 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. | Low tides: 11:03 a.m. | The lunar phase is a Waning Crescent.
Things To Do
All Day Alexandria Warehouse Sale throughout Old Town
10 a.m.: Valentine Card Make and Take at Beatley Central Library
10:15 a.m.: Baby Storytime at Burke Branch Library
11 a.m.: Burke Branch Friends Pop-Up Book Sale at Burke Branch Library
2 p.m.: Musical Movement at Burke Branch Library
3:30 p.m.: Fun Friday! - Viernes de diversión at Burke Branch Library
4:30 p.m.: 2026 4 Lovers 5k & 10k at Four Mile Run Park
5 p.m.: Galentine’s Slumber Party Pajama Jam at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop
6 p.m.: Tarot Reading with Cats at Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar
6 p.m.: Chocolatier’s Choice: Chocolate & Tea Tasting at Carlyle House
7 p.m. Galantine’s Day Gathering at Alexandria Bier Garden
7 p.m.: Cookies & Beer Pairing at Port City Brewing
Entertainment
219 Restaurant: Chris Timbers at 9 p.m.
Blackwall Hitch: Brandt Dunn at 9 p.m.
Daniel O’Connell’s: Kenny Kohlhaas at 9:30 p.m.
Del Ray Pizzeria: Karaoke at 9 p.m.
Evening Star Cafe: Mac & Cheese at 8:30 p.m.
Hops N Shine: Mike Mallick at 6 p.m.
Laporta’s Restaurant: The Satin Doll Quartet at 7:30 p.m.
Makeda Restaurant: Mesfin & Tsehay at 10 p.m.
Murphy’s Pub: Tyler Goldstein and Pat Carroll at 9 p.m.
O’Shaughnessy’s Pub: Chay Vicious at 9 p.m.
Port City Brewing: Chris Rote at 6 p.m.
Rock It Grill: Karaoke at 9:30 p.m.
The Birchmere: Lindsey Webster at 7:30 p.m.
The Light Horse: 7 Deadlies at 9:30 p.m.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria: School of Rock at 8 p.m.
The Study at Morrison House: Live Piano Music at 6:30 p.m.
City & Schools
Government & Schools: Open | Flag: Full Staff | Trash, Recycling, & Waste Collection: On Time
8 a.m.: ACPS Governance Committee at School Board Meeting Room
1 p.m.: Alexandria Electoral Board