Trying to figure out what to do in Alexandria, VA, or Washington, DC this weekend? You’re not alone. Between farmers markets bursting with fresh produce, Major League Baseball at Nationals Park, and one of the fastest-growing women’s soccer leagues in the country playing right in the district, Northern Virginia and DC residents have more going on this summer than almost any other region on the East Coast.
This guide breaks down three standout local events, the Kingstowne Farmers Market, the Washington Nationals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game, and Washington Spirit vs. Denver Summit FC, with everything you need to know: dates, times, ticket info, parking tips, and how to string them together into one unforgettable weekend. Whether you’re a longtime Alexandria resident, a new homeowner scoping out the neighborhood, or a visitor planning a DC weekend, this is your practical, no-fluff itinerary.
The Kingstowne Farmers Market runs every Friday from 3–7 PM through October 23, 2026, in Alexandria. On Sunday, July 26, 2026, Nationals Park hosts an afternoon Nationals vs. Diamondbacks game at 1:35 PM, and Audi Field welcomes Washington Spirit vs. Denver Summit FC that same evening at 7:00 PM.
1. Kingstowne Farmers Market: Fresh Finds Every Friday in Alexandria
Where: 5844-5862 Kingstowne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315
When: Fridays, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, May 1 – October 23, 2026
Cost: Free admission
Phone: 703-642-0128
If you live in the 22315 zip code, or anywhere near Kingstowne, Franconia, or Springfield, this weekly market is a staple. According to the USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory, there are more than 8,600 farmers’ markets operating across the U.S., and community markets like Kingstowne consistently rank among the top reasons residents cite for choosing walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods.
What You’ll Find
- Freshly picked fruits and vegetables, sourced regionally
- Cut flowers and seasonal bouquets
- Farm-fresh eggs and artisan baked goods
- Local honey and cider
- Milk, cheese, and a wide selection of meat products
- Small starter plants early in the season, plus larger landscape plants for bigger garden projects later on
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Farmers’ markets aren’t just about groceries; they’re a community gathering spot. Shopping local also supports Virginia’s agricultural economy directly; the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services notes that dollars spent at farmers’ markets circulate locally far more than spending at big-box grocery chains, since the money goes straight to nearby growers and producers.
Pro tip: Arrive close to 3 PM for the best selection of baked goods and flowers popular vendors often sell out of their most sought-after items by 5:30 PM.
2. Washington Nationals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC
When: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 1:35 PM (day game)
Phone: 202-675-6287
A Sunday afternoon day game is one of the most family-friendly ways to experience Major League Baseball in the district. Nationals Park regularly draws over 25,000 fans per home game, and day games in particular are popular with families and out-of-town visitors avoiding the summer evening humidity.
What to Know Before You Go
- Gates typically open about 90 minutes before first pitch, plan to arrive by noon for a 1:35 PM start.
- Metro is the easiest way in. The Navy Yard-Ballpark station on the Green Line drops you within a five-minute walk of the stadium, saving you from DC’s notoriously tight game-day parking.
- Day games run cooler than evening games in late July, but DC summer humidity is still real, sunscreen and hydration matter.
- Ticket prices fluctuate based on demand and seating section; checking the official MLB or Nationals ticketing site closer to game day typically yields the best pricing.
Why It’s a Great Weekend Anchor
A 1:35 PM start means you can catch most (or all) of the game and still have your evening free, which pairs perfectly with catching the Washington Spirit match later that same night (see below).
3. Washington Spirit vs. Denver Summit FC (NWSL)
When: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
League: National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Categories: NWSL, Soccer, Washington Spirit
The NWSL has become one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the country. League-wide attendance has climbed steadily year over year, with several clubs — including Washington Spirit, regularly posting sellout or near-sellout crowds at Audi Field. This match against Denver Summit FC caps off a full day of DC-area sports.
What to Expect
- Evening kickoff (7:00 PM) means comfortable temperatures compared to a midday match.
- Tickets sell quickly for marquee NWSL matchups, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
- Audi Field’s compact, soccer-specific design puts fans close to the action, unlike larger multi-purpose stadiums.
Making It a Doubleheader Weekend
Because the Nationals game (1:35 PM start) typically wraps up mid-to-late afternoon, and the Spirit match doesn’t kick off until 7:00 PM, sports fans can realistically catch both events in the same day, grab a late lunch in Navy Yard or Capitol Riverfront between games.
How to Plan Your Perfect Alexandria & DC Weekend Itinerary
Here’s a sample plan that strings all three events together across a full weekend:
- Friday afternoon: Head to Kingstowne Farmers Market (3–7 PM) for fresh produce, flowers, and dinner ingredients.
- Saturday: Open day, explore Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront, shops, and restaurants, or rest up for Sunday’s sports doubleheader.
- Sunday, early afternoon: Nationals vs. Diamondbacks at Nationals Park (1:35 PM first pitch).
- Sunday, early evening: Grab dinner near the Navy Yard or the Capitol Riverfront.
- Sunday night: Washington Spirit vs. Denver Summit FC at Audi Field (7:00 PM kickoff).
Getting There & Parking Tips
- Kingstowne Farmers Market: Free parking is generally available on-site at the Kingstowne Center shopping complex.
- Nationals Park: Metro (Green Line, Navy Yard-Ballpark station) is faster and cheaper than driving on game day. If driving, book parking in advance through official stadium apps.
- Audi Field: Metro (Green/Yellow Line, Waterfront or L’Enfant Plaza stations) plus a short walk is the most reliable option, especially for evening matches when street parking near the stadium fills up quickly.
Family-Friendly vs. Date Night Options
- Best for families: Kingstowne Farmers Market (free, casual, kid-friendly) and the Sunday day game at Nationals Park.
- Best for date night: The Sunday evening Washington Spirit match, shorter, high-energy, and easy to pair with dinner beforehand in Capitol Riverfront.
Why Local Events Matter for the Community (and for Real Estate)
Recurring community events like the Kingstowne Farmers Market and proximity to major-league sports venues consistently show up as top priorities for homebuyers researching neighborhoods in Northern Virginia and DC. Walkable access to weekly markets, professional sports, and entertainment districts is a meaningful factor in property values and quality of life, something local real estate professionals track closely when advising clients on where to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time does the Kingstowne Farmers Market open?
The Kingstowne Farmers Market runs every Friday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, from May 1 through October 23, 2026, at 5844-5862 Kingstowne Center in Alexandria, VA.
- Is the Kingstowne Farmers Market free to attend?
Yes, admission is completely free. You only pay for what you purchase from individual vendors, including produce, flowers, baked goods, honey, cider, dairy, and meat.
- Does the Kingstowne Farmers Market sell plants?
Yes. Early in the season, vendors typically offer small starter plants, while later in the season larger landscape plants become available for bigger gardening projects.
- What time does the Nationals vs. Diamondbacks game start?
The game is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026, with a first pitch at 1:35 PM at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. It’s listed as a day game.
- How do I get to Nationals Park without driving?
The Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station on the Green Line is the most convenient option, located about a five-minute walk from Nationals Park’s main entrances.
- What time does Washington Spirit vs. Denver Summit FC kick off?
Kickoff is Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM, with the match running through approximately 10:00 PM at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
- Can I attend both the Nationals game and the Spirit match on the same day?
Yes. The Nationals game starts at 1:35 PM and typically finishes by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time before the 7:00 PM Spirit kickoff, many fans treat it as a Sunday sports doubleheader.
Conclusion
Whether you’re stocking up on fresh produce at the Kingstowne Farmers Market, cheering on the Washington Nationals at a Sunday day game, or catching the Washington Spirit’s evening NWSL match against Denver Summit FC, this weekend in Alexandria and DC offers something for families, foodies, and sports fans alike. Mark your calendar, plan your transportation ahead of time, and consider stacking the Sunday games into one full day of local entertainment.
Ready to explore more of what Alexandria and DC have to offer? Bookmark this guide, share it with a friend who’s new to the area, and check back weekly for updated local event listings.
If you’re thinking about making Northern Virginia home, I’d love to help you find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Reach out anytime to start the conversation.
