The first two weekends in August are a great time to shop in Alexandria. They are two of my favorite events of the year! We kick off August with Tax Free Weekend, then the following weekend the entire city is basically on sale for Sidewalk Sale weekend.

Tax Free Weekend was actually started by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The first Friday of August is when it kicks off and there is no sales tax on back-to-school items like clothes and school supplies. It also includes hurricane and emergency preparedness items as well. So stop in our local Ace Hardware if that’s what’s on your shopping list this year.

So yes, it is a great time to shop. But the boutiques of Old Town have decided to give everyone even more of a reason to shop. Thanks to Kelly, the owner of Bishop Boutique, a group of stores have decided to pay all the sales tax at our establishments over the weekend.

Starting Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4, more than 30 stores are taking part in Tax Free Weekend. See here and below for a list of participants and check out their social media for all the great deals this weekend. Make sure you mark your calendars for August 10th as well for the Annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale.

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