Alexandria Celebrates George Washington’s Birthday in a Big Way

Alexandria, VA – Though George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, he called our city his “adopted hometown” his entire life. In 1732, when George was an infant, his father, Augustine, moved the family to this area, living on Little Hunting Creek Plantation, which would become Mount Vernon.

Washington’s birthday is celebrated throughout America, but no city has a closer association with the man himself than the Port City. Here’s ample proof, all from the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee:

● As a young 17-year-old surveyor, he drew a map of the town’s original lots offered for sale in 1749.

● He drilled militia troops here before the American Revolution.

● He sold produce from Mount Vernon on Market Square.

● He voted here and attended court proceedings at the Alexandria courthouse as Fairfax County Justice of the Peace.

● He chaired the 1774 Committee that drafted the Fairfax Resolves, which was approved at the Courthouse on Market Square, and became the basis for the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution.

● He attended church at Alexandria’s Christ Church and Pohick Church.

● He contributed to creating the first Catholic parish in Virginia, now the Basilica of Saint Mary.

● He celebrated with his fellow Alexandrians at Duvall Tavern (now Duvall House, an Airbnb) when he returned from the Revolutionary War in 1783.
● He was celebrated by his friends and colleagues in Alexandria on his way to being inaugurated as the first President of the United States in 1789.
● Banquets were held in his honor at Gadsby’s Tavern during his Presidency and when he returned home at the end of his Presidency in 1797.
● He regularly dined in Alexandria taverns and attended Birthnight Balls held in his honor at Wise’s Tavern and Gadsby’s Tavern.
● He regularly visited, dined with, and stayed at the homes of many of his closest friends and colleagues who lived in Alexandria.

● He even had a townhouse at 50 Cameron Street, a replica of which is a historic landmark today, and an Airbnb.
He left such a lasting impact on the city and, of course, the country that two years after his death, in 1801, the first birthday parade was held in his honor. It is the oldest parade of its kind in the United States.

What’s in a Parade?

No other city in America throws a parade for George Washington like Alexandria does. Thousands will line the historic route in Old Town and see classic cars, drum corps, color guards, bands, dogs, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries, and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington.

This year, the parade is slated for Saturday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m., which strays from the tradition of marching on Monday or President’s Day. It’s about economics. The choice was made “because of the higher costs of city security personnel on city holidays,” said organizers. “The majority of parade funds, including the cost of the security team that ensures public safety on a day when large crowds are lining the streets, comes through private sponsorships and donations.”

This year, the parade’s theme is “George Washington: America’s Commander in Chief,” and honors the fight for this nation’s independence, marking the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States Army.

The two-hour procession, with George and Martha leading the way in a period-correct carriage, travels around and through a few blocks in Old Town. It begins on Fairfax Street and heads north, turning left on Queen, to south on Royal Street to pass the parade stand at Royal and KingStreets.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Lieutenant General Heidi J. Hoyle, who has served as the deputy chief of staff for logistics of the United States Army since 2023. She was the 22nd commanding general of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, serving from 2020 to 2022. Hoyle previously served as the 41st chief of ordnance and commandant of the United States Army Ordnance School.

“I’m honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the George Washington Birthday Parade. As our nation’s first Commander in Chief, he embodied the true spirit of selfless service and dedication to liberty,” said Lieutenant General Hoyle. “I thank the City of Alexandria for inviting the U.S. Army to join in celebrating his enduring legacy, especially as we approach the Army’s 250th birthday this June.”

If you are participating with a group, check washingtonbirthday.com before Parade Day to see the March Order.

Birthday Events

Washington Celebration festivities began on January 27 and continue through February.

JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 10

The Restaurant Cherry Challenge
Sponsored by George Washington’s Mount Vernon (LOGO ATTACHED)

The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition amongst restaurants in Alexandria – with customers as the judges. Each restaurant develops a cherry beverage, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son. Diners, both dine-in and take-out, will receive QR codes to vote electronically for their favorite cherry entries based on three criteria: taste, presentation, and creativity. Diners will rate each item from one to three cherries for a maximum score of 9 on each ballot. Point totals for each dish are divided by the number of ballots to get the average score. The highest average in each category wins.

Visit www.washingtonbirthday.com/cherry-challenge for a list of competing restaurants.

FEBRUARY 1- 28

The Hunt for Washington
Sponsored by Lafayette College

A fun and challenging hunt for clues about Alexandria and George Washington that takes individuals and families to places in Old Town associated with the General. Participants download a clue sheet from www.washingtonbirthday.com between February 1-28 and bring it with them as they solve the clues on the date/time of their choosing. Completed clue sheets are entered for a prize drawing.

SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY: FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16, 23

George Washington’s Alexandria Tours
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Tours begin at Christ Church, 118 N. Washington Street

Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular FREE two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues, including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee’s house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington’s townhouse, Gadsby’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise’s Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row. To register, visit eventbrite.com and search George Washington’s Alexandria – click to see all four tour options.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. This includes discussing the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens. Cost: $15 per person. Tickets are available online at https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.aspx.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

The Unprecedented Finding of 250-Year-Old Cherries at Mount Vernon
6:30 Reception; 7:00 p.m. Program
Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.

Find out more about the fantastic treasure trove of 250-year-old bottles and perfectly preserved cherries and berries that Mount Vernon archaeologists unearthed from under the Mansion in 2024. The Mount Vernon archeology team will discuss how this extraordinary discovery may provide a powerful glimpse into 18th-century culture. Light refreshments will be served.

PARADE DAY! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
12 noon-1:00 p.m.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax Street

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. Cost: FREE, no registration required.

George Washington Birthnight Dinner
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum,134 N. Royal Street

Enjoy a four-course, period-inspired dinner with wine honoring Washington’s Birthnight at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. In honor of the 2025 Washington Birthday Parade theme “George Washington: America’s Commander in Chief,” learn about Washington’s military career and the military exploits of some of his fellow Alexandrians. General Washington himself will be in attendance. Cocktail attire. $150 per person; purchase tickets at shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.

Visit a Historic Site
Alexandria’s historic sites will be open regular operating hours on Parade Day. In addition, the following sites will be open:
Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred Street: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Christ Church
118 N. Washington Street: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
323 S. Fairfax Street: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17: WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY EVENTS

Friendship Firehouse Annual Breakfast
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Westin Old Town Alexandria Ballroom, 400 Courthouse Square
Join the movers and shakers of Alexandria at this historic celebration marking the 251st anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company (1774-2025) and the City’s 276th anniversary. The speaker will be Alexandria Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr. Cost: $50 per person, additional packages available. Register at https://www.friendshipfireco.org/annual-breakfast.html.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Special Hours
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Tour two historic taverns that George Washington visited! Constructed in 1785 and 1792, these taverns witnessed the development of the young Republic and were part of key events, including Washington’s Birthnight Ball (a birthday celebration). Learn more about the people of these spaces and how their choices still resonate today. Cost: $5 regular admission; City of Alexandria residents free. Guided tours available at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. for an additional cost.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL EVENTS

Statue of George Washington Rededication
2:00 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive
The statue of George Washington in Memorial Hall will be rededicated – 75 years to the day it was initially dedicated by President Harry Truman. The speaker for the 75th-anniversary dedication will be President Truman’s grandson, Brother Clifton Truman Daniel. Cost: $20 per person, lunch included. Register at gwmemorial.org.

George Washington Birthday Gala
5:00-10:00 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive
Celebrate Washington’s birthday with people from around the country in the beautiful and historic George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Formal (white tie optional). A reception followed by a banquet. The evening also includes a silent auction. Cost: $250 per person. Tickets are available at gwmemorial.org.

Parking

The city will observe regular Saturday street parking. No special parking will be in place for parade attendees.

ICYMI: Locate Alexandria’s Historical Markers with Online Sign Finder