Youth Arts Festival

The Youth Arts Festival of Alexandria celebrates the wonderful diversity within the City and the artistry of our youth. Started in 2010, ARHA, in partnership with the Alexandria City Public Schools and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, among others, have helped to make this festival a city fixture, and a destination event for families to be exposed to high quality art.

The festival showcases the performing and visual arts. The theme for this family-friendly free festival is, “The Artist Within…”  The 10th Annual Youth Arts Festival will take place in June 2019. 

Ruby Tucker Day

Each summer, ARHA sponsors a celebration to commemorate the opening of the Ruby Tucker Family Center and celebrate the life and legacy of its namesake. This event is free and open to the public, and includes family activities, food, informational and interactive booths, music and entertainment. 

National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, more caring place to live. Thousands of communities from all 50 states, participate in the global event that occurs every year on the First Tuesday in August. 

ARHA is proud to partner with various City of Alexandria Agencies, including the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Fire Department, and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities to host National Night Out activities in six locations throughout the city.

The locations are:

• Ladrey High-Rise, 300 Wythe Street

• Ruby Tucker Family Center, 322 Tancil Court

• Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street

• Princess Square, 1400 Princess Street

• Quaker Hill Apartments, 1100 Quaker  Hill Drive

• Conservatory Center, 1409 Mount Vernon Avenue

Each community provides a myriad of activities from moon bounces and games to safety demonstrations, exhibits, visits from Police/Fire/Emergency personnel, K-9 Demos, and much more. 

Santa’s Winter Wonderland

Hosted inside the gymnasium of the Charles Houston Recreation Center, ARHA works in partnership with Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities and Alexandria City Public Schools to plan this holiday event which provides toys for approximately 1000 children.  Children come to the magical, decorated wonderland and watch Santa arrive on an Alexandria Fire Engine.  They are allowed to take photos with Santa on their way to visit the Toy Shop (designated by age groups), where volunteers help them select new, unwrapped gifts to take home.

Tickets, which are free, are required for admission, and information will be posted when tickets are available for pick up at all recreation centers or the ARHA office.  Individuals who would like to volunteer at the event should contact ARHA at (703) 549-7115.