Alexandria is riding a wave of waterfront excitement this week, with two festive events bringing residents and visitors together along the Potomac in a celebration of culture, history, and the beautiful game.

The annual Sails on the Potomac festival got off to a memorable start, with tall ships, live jazz, and a traditional town crier opening the festivities on the Alexandria waterfront. The event, a beloved fixture on the city’s calendar, drew crowds eager to take in the sight of majestic sailing vessels moored along the Potomac while enjoying music and the pageantry of a bygone era.

Adding to the waterfront energy, Team Croatia has made Alexandria its home base as the squad prepares for World Cup play, and the city has embraced the moment wholeheartedly. A lively Croatian cultural showcase was held at the team’s Alexandria hotel — with actor John Malkovich among those joining the festivities — and a full waterfront World Cup celebration welcomed the team to the community. Old Town Alexandria businesses also got into the spirit, launching a Shop the Checkers sales event — a nod to Croatia’s iconic red-and-white checkered kit — giving shoppers a fun way to show support while exploring local stores.

Together, the two events have turned Alexandria’s waterfront into a hub of international excitement and hometown pride, reminding residents why this historic city on the Potomac is such a special place to call home.

Sources: The Alexandria Brief, thezebra.org