George Washington Birthday Parade to Highlight Alexandria Living Legends
The February 19 Celebration Will Return to Its Historic Route
Alexandria, VA – Tens of thousands are expected to line the streets of Old Town Alexandria on Monday, February 19, from 1-3 p.m. to cheer on the nation’s oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade, celebrated in his adopted hometown.
The 2024 Parade theme is “George Washington: Alexandria’s Original Living Legend,” in honor of Alexandria’s 275th Anniversary. The Parade Grand Marshals will be The Living Legends of Alexandria. This organization identifies, honors, and chronicles the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way that has significantly impacted the quality of life in Alexandria and serve as an inspiration to others.
The parade will return to its historic parade route east of Washington Street. In 2023, participants marched to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial to honor the Memorial’s 100th Anniversary. To view the parade route and the Parade March of Order, which will be posted before Parade Day, visit washingtonbirthday.com.
“We ask the parade participants this year to focus on the parade’s themes – George Washington, patriotism, community service as exemplified by Alexandria’s Living Legends, and Alexandria’s 275th Anniversary,” said Sue Johnson, chair of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC), an all-volunteer and city-appointed committee to organize, manage, and fundraise for the parade. “It’s exciting to see the creative and innovative ideas so many participants use to display these themes. The community is stepping it up this year!”
The parade primarily relies on private financial support, and a wide variety of sponsorship and donation opportunities are available at washingtonbirthday.com/donate for organizations, individuals, and Old Town merchants. For more information, email [email protected].
Parade Day Events: Monday, February 19, 2024
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast
9-10:30 a.m., Cost: $45 per person, table of 10 $400
Join the movers and shakers of Alexandria at this historic celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company (1774-2024) and the City’s 275th anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, at [email protected]. Location: The Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center, Terrace Room, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
11 a.m., Free, no registration required
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St.
George Washington Birthday Parade
1-3 p.m.
The annual parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city and community dignitaries, and General Washington and Martha Washington. Follow washingtonbirthday.com for more details.
Historic Sites Open on Parade Day
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Open 10 a.m.—4 p.m., $8 per adult; $3 per child
Christ Church, 118 N. Washington Street
Open 10 a.m.—12:30 p.m., Free
Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., $5 per person, City residents free
Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., $2 per person, City residents free
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., $5 per person, City residents free
Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 S. Fairfax Street
Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Free
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105 S. Fairfax Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., $5 per person, City residents free
George Washington Celebration Events in February
The Restaurant Cherry Challenge
February 1-15, 2024
The Cherry Challenge is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son! The competing restaurants and their entries will be listed on the George Washington Birthday Celebration website and Facebook page, and the winners will be announced on Parade Day.
Hunt for Washington, Sponsored by Lafayette College
February 1-28, 2024
A fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington! The hunt, which should take about 60-90 minutes, will take individuals and families to places in Old Town Alexandria associated with the General. Start by printing a clue sheet from washingtonbirthday.com and bring it with you as you traverse the heart of Old Town. Use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. Submit your findings to [email protected] any time before the end of the day on February 28 to be entered into a prize drawing! FREE.
American Legion Post 24 Run, Walk, n’ Roll
February 1-29, 2024
This George Washington Birthday Commemorative event is intended to build community and enhance participants’ physical, mental, and emotional resiliency—veterans and non-veterans alike. The month-long event encourages participants to run, walk, and/or roll on their own for at least 24 miles in increments and on routes they choose. Proceeds support Alexandria American Legion Post 24 veterans and youth programs. Registration is $24 and opens until February 25, 2024. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Alexandria/GWB24RunWalkRoll
“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tours
Every Sunday in February (4th, 11th, 18th & 25th)
2-4 p.m.
Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues. To register, visit eventbrite.com and search George Washington’s Alexandria. FREE.
Mind your Manners! Balls in Early America
February 9, 6-7 p.m., February 10, 10-11 a.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is partly famous because George Washington celebrated his Birthnight Ball there, but there’s so much more to the story! From scandal to social class, balls reveal early America’s political intrigue and power structures. Learn more through this specialty tour. $15 per person, purchase at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop. Location: 134 N. Royal St.
An Intimate Reception with General Washington
Saturday, February 10, 2024. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join General Washington at the beautiful and historic Duvall House, where he was feted by leading Alexandrians upon his triumphant return from the Revolutionary War in 1783. The General will share his most poignant memories of the war and answer questions about his life and times. Libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. $150 per person, with proceeds benefiting the 2024 George Washington Birthday Celebration. Purchase tickets at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop under “Events.” Location: Historic Duvall House, 305 Cameron St.
Washington’s Entertainments: A Birthnight Event
Saturday, February 17, 2024, 6—9 p.m.
With music and dance, George Washington was entertained for his birthday in Gadsby’s Tavern. You can mark the occasion with a dinner that features a series of 18th-century entertainments Washington enjoyed in his lifetime, including music, dance demonstrations, toasts, and even a bit of mind reading. The ticket includes a four-course dinner with wine and live performances. $150 per person, purchase at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop. Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Washington Symposium
Saturday, February 24, 2024, 1 p.m.
This year, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial hosts leading scholars of the life and legacy of George Washington around the theme “Commemorating 225 Years of George Washington’s Death and Funeral.” Admission is free, and free parking is available. Location: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. For more information, visit gwmemorial.org.
George Washington Birthday Gala
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Formal (white tie optional). The reception is at 5 p.m. Entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m. The banquet is in the Memorial’s Grand Masonic Hall at 7:30 p.m. The George Washington Memorial Award presentation will take place during the banquet. Tickets are $225. To purchase tickets, visit gwmemorial.org. Tickets are limited. Location: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive.
ICYMI: Old Town Businesses Can Participate in Alexandria’s Upcoming George Washington Birthday Parade
