Red Cross Waterfront Festival This Weekend

Photo by Shariff elSheikh/Local Kicks Festival rides and games will be operating on both Saturday and Sunday and bands will perform throughout the day. Entertainment begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Rocknoceros will perform at noon on Sunday, and are a favorite with children.

In what has surely become an Alexandria tradition, on the weekend of June 20 and 21 the Alexandria Red Cross will be hosting its annual waterfront festival in Old Town Alexandria. 
            
The events kick off with a 5K/10K road race originating at the AMC Hoffman Theatre near Eisenhower Avenue.  The 10K begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K at 8:15 on Saturday morning, and terminates at the same location.  The race will pass through North Pickett Street and Brenman Park.  Runners may register at www.waterfrontfestival.org.  
            
Cash prizes of $175 for the winning male and female runners will be given, and $75 for second place.  There is a dog division for the 5K and special prizes will be offered to the winning pooches.

Festival rides and games will be operating on both Saturday and Sunday and bands will perform throughout the day.  Entertainment begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.  Rocknoceros will perform at noon on Sunday, and are a favorite with children.  
 
Virginia Coalition will perform at 6:10 pm on Saturday, and Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers will perform at 7:40 p.m..  The headliner for Saturday evening is the Pat McGee Band starting at  9:10 p.m. on Saturday evening.  On Sunday, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk will perform at 3:45 on Sunday.

As for food and drink, the wine garden will be brought back this year, in addition to beer being available.  A variety of food vendors will be present, including such local favorites as Hard Times Café with their famous chili.  

There will be a fireworks display over the river beginning at 10:40 p.m. on Saturday evening.  Portions of the festival are free, such as the arts and crafts vendors area and the pier to see historical ships and a community stage.  

The annual festivities attract an average of 15,000 people, so arrive early to avoid long entry lines.  Festival hours at Waterfront Park are 10:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday June 20th and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday the 21st.  
 
Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.  Two children aged 3-12 may accompany a paying adult, and additional children may enter for $5 each.  Babies under three are free; so pick up yours today.