Alexandria’s Biggest Boutique Sale of the Summer Returns
One of the region’s favorite shopping weekends is back.
(Lead image credit: Sarah Marcella Creative for Visit Alexandria)
Beginning August 14, the Alexandria Sidewalk Sale transforms the brick-lined streets of historic Old Town into an open-air boutique crawl, with dozens of independent retailers bringing racks, tables, and treasure-filled displays onto the sidewalks for what many consider the deepest discounts of the season.
The annual event has become one of the Washington area’s longest-running summer shopping traditions, drawing bargain hunters from across the region in search of designer fashion, home décor, books, gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Shoppers can spend the day wandering block by block, discovering everything from stylish wardrobe updates to locally crafted home accents while supporting Alexandria’s beloved small businesses.
If history is any indication, the deals are worth arriving early! Expect major markdowns throughout the district, with boutiques like The Shoe Hive and The Hive known for offering dramatic discounts, while Mint Condition, Monday’s Child, and She’s Unique have become perennial favorites for shoppers looking to score standout pieces.
Independent bookstores, gift shops, toy stores, and home boutiques will also roll merchandise outdoors, making it just as easy to find your next great read, hostess gift, or statement piece for the house as it is a cuuuute new outfit. (Previous Sidewalk Sales have featured discounts reaching 60 to 80 percent at many participating retailers.)
Additional participating boutiques are 529, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, Pippin Toy Co., Bloomers, ERA, Lucky Knot, Encore, Nothing in Between, Bishop Boutique, Boxwood, Old Town Books, fibre space, Made in ALX, Eries, and many more.
Pro Tip: Turn the event into a full-day excursion! After boutique browsing, enjoy waterfront dining and plenty of people-watching.
For a complete list of participating retailers and additional event details, visit Old Town Boutique Community.