The ALX Dog Walk, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educates people in the DC/MD/VA region about plastic-free and sustainable living through an annual 2-mile dog walk and sustainability festival event and year-round educational exhibits. We call this approach, #funactivism!
The beloved ALX Dog Walk event returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026 with an exciting new collaboration – we’re partnering with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to unite two powerful causes – sustainable living and animal welfare – for one joyful celebration of pets and the planet.
HERE’S THE SCOOP!
- When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7 AM-11 AM; the Walk starts at 8:15 AM.
- Where: Oronoco Bay Park, Old Town Alexandria, VA.
- The Walk: Join 2,000+ dog lovers and their adorable pups for a scenic 2-mile walk through historic Old Town Alexandria. The route follows down Union Street, loops back along the breathtaking Waterfront Walk, and ends with a celebration waterside at Oronoco Bay Park. Along the way, walkers enjoy fun surprises—including pop-up performances by The Alexandria Singers and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra! Plus, we’ll have special Walk leaders – the Girl Scouts and Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, among others.
- Sustainable Goodie Bags: Walkers receive a drawstring backpack filled with eco-friendly treats, including a sustainably sourced t-shirt, a fair-trade dog bandana, and other plastic-free goodies.
- Adoptable Dogs & Park Activities: Enjoy a wide range of fun including adoptable dogs, a dog obstacle course, DJ music, kids’ play stations, park games, and even a puppy tattoo artist and puppy portrait artist!
- The Dog Show Competition: Three lucky winners take home a prize in our Dog Show. This year’s theme: wedding chic – let your dog’s personality set the tone with creative canine wedding attire!
- Sustainability Festival: Explore a bustling festival with vendors showcasing and selling eco-goods and services for everyday living.
- Plastic Art Show Competition: In partnership with The Art League and The Alexandria Arts Alliance, the first 30 local artists to register will be invited to create and display works made primarily from plastic — cash awards to three winners.
- Spring2ACTion Nonprofit Village: Meet incredible local nonprofits making a difference, just ahead of ACT for Alexandria’s annual Spring2ACTion Giving Day on April 22nd.
- Free Coffee & Bake Sale: The first 500 walkers – who bring their mug – receive a free cup of Hypergoat Coffee Roaster’s ethically sourced coffee. Also, the Board of Lady Managers of Inova Hospital will serve up a delicious bake sale to raise funds for their mission.
- Discounts: We love providing complimentary participation to the first 150 military who register, students receive discounts too, and kids 12 and under walk for free! IDs required at check-in.
If you’re looking for a multifaceted event that provides fun, creativity, a fitness component, and quality time with your best furry friend, the ALX Dog Walk event has it all! - Participant
Impressive event! I love the concept of combining people who love animals with care for the planet and reduction in waste.
Truly brilliant! -Participant
ALX Dog Walk & Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Unite for a 2026 Celebration of Pets and the Planet!
Two Missions. One Powerful Event.
The ALX Dog Walk event returns on April 18, 2026, with an exciting new collaboration and an expanded mission!
This April, we’re partnering with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) to unite two powerful causes—promoting plastic-free/sustainable living and animal welfare—for one joyful, community-wide celebration of pets and the planet.
Proceeds from the 2026 ALX Dog Walk will support both ALX Dog Walk’s year-round sustainability education efforts and the AWLA’s work for Alexandria’s animals. Together, every step makes a difference—whether it’s educating about single-use plastics or supporting pets in need. Together, we’re walking toward a cleaner, kinder world.
2026 Honored Speaker, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, City of Alexandria
We’re thrilled to welcome back, Mayor Alyia Gaskins, a tenacious fighter for families, communities, and health equity. Mayor Gaskins, the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Alexandria, was elected in 2024 and is dedicated to building a healthier, more prosperous Alexandria for all.
Alyia graduated from Vanderbilt University, where she majored in medicine, health, and society. She earned a master’s degree in public health at the University of Pittsburgh and further honed her policy chops with a master’s in urban planning at Georgetown and a Professional Certificate in Municipal Finance from the University of Chicago.
Alyia lives on the West End with her husband, son, daughter, and her adorable beagle.
2026 Emcee, Chuck Bell,
NBC4 Washington Storm Team4
We’re thrilled to welcome back Chuck Bell, NBC4 Washington’s Storm Team4 Meteorologist, as Emcee for the fifth year in a row at the ALX Dog Walk on April 18, 2026!
When he’s not tracking storms, Chuck is hitting the pavement as an avid distance runner—he’s completed the Marine Corps Marathon three times and plans to keep that streak going! On sunny days, you might spot him cruising through downtown D.C. in his beloved 1962 Corvette, which he’s proudly owned for 15 years (top down, of course!).
Chuck lives in Washington, D.C., with his husband Eric and their two adorable pups, Krazy Kyle and Queen Isabella. We’re so grateful to have Chuck as part of our pack again—he brings the perfect forecast of fun, energy, and heart to our event every year!
2026 Emcee, Monte Durham, Salon Monte & "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta"
Monte began his style and beauty career as a personal shopper for Saks, Newman Marcus, and Woodward & Lothrop. He later attended the prestigious Graham Webb Academy International Academy of Hair, where his talent earned him an invitation to complete his education at Graham Webb Academy U.K. in platform styling.
After returning to the the U.S., Monte became a hair stylist at the Saks Salon, and then joined Elizabeth Arden Red Door as Salon Manager. He became the Cultural Trainer and spearheaded the openings of Red Door salons across the country.
Monte’s love of styling brides earned him the coveted Most Preferred Makeup and Bridal Hairstylist 2000 by Washingtonian Magazine. Monte’s wealth of experience landed him the role of Fashion Director on TLC’s “Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta,” where he filmed for over ten years.
Join Our 2026 Sponsor Pack!
Stand alongside these esteemed partners making a difference for our pets and planet! Sponsorship opportunities now open!
