Alexandria’s Cherry Challenge Returns January 25

Alexandria, VA — Cherries take center stage once again as Alexandria’s beloved Cherry Challenge returns on Sunday, January 25, 2026.  Local restaurants are invited to showcase their creativity through cherry-inspired dishes and drinks. Sponsored for the third consecutive year by George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the culinary contest kicks off a month of festivities honoring the city’s most famous resident. Dishes are available from January 25 – February 8.

“This unique event helps generate buzz for Alexandria restaurants, encourages chefs to get creative, and boosts customer traffic,” said Kristen Eastlick, George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee member and chair of the event. “The #GWCherryChallenge lets us offer a tasteful event that keeps George Washington’s memory alive in his hometown. We’re thrilled that historic Mount Vernon has graciously sponsored this whimsical event.”

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, it’s only fitting to start the year by honoring the man at the center of it all,” said Julie Almacy, Vice President of Media & Communications at Mount Vernon. “Sponsoring the George Washington Birthday Parade Cherry Challenge is the perfect way to celebrate George Washington in his hometown. The Washington family loved cherries — so much that our archaeology team found some perfectly preserved from the 18th Century in glass bottles beneath Mount Vernon in 2024. We’re proud to support the Alexandria restaurant community in this delicious tribute.”

From savory entrées and inventive appetizers to cocktails and desserts, participating restaurants will compete for bragging rights—and customer votes—by putting their own flavorful spin on one of George Washington’s most iconic fruits. The Cherry Challenge is part of the annual celebration hosted by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC), culminating in the nation’s oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade on February 14.

Restaurants participating in this year’s #GWCherryChallenge include A.Lounge+Bar at Hotel AKA Alexandria, Augie’s Mussel House, Bastille Brasserie & Bar, Buzz Bakeshop, Chadwicks, Dishes of India, Don Taco, Elaine’s, Frankie’s Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, Jula’s on the Potomac, Kiwi Kuisine Pie Shop, Mason Social, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company, The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, The People’s Drug, Trademark, Urbano 116, Vaso’s Mediterranean Bistro on King, and Whiskey & Oyster, with more restaurants joining each day.

The full list of participating restaurants can be found at https://washingtonbirthday.com/2026-cherry-challenge.