2026 George Washington Birthday Parade to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
Alexandria, VA – Alexandria holds a special place in American history as George Washington’s adopted hometown, and the city’s 2026 George Washington Birthday Celebration will shine a spotlight on his leading role as a Founding Father during America’s 250th Anniversary Year.
The Celebration will feature a multitude of events throughout February honoring Washington’s legacy, including the George Washington Birthday Parade on Saturday, February 14, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. The parade, dating back to 1801, traditionally attracts tens of thousands of spectators to Old Town Alexandria to cheer on almost 1,500 diverse participants.
“A George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria is a great way to celebrate the country’s 250th Anniversary,” said Sue Johnson, chair of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC). “We’re planning a special parade to commemorate it.”
This year’s theme and Parade Grand Marshals
The theme of the Parade is “Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father”, and the Parade Grand Marshals are Ginnie Sebastian Storage, National President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Michael J. Elston, National President General of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Both are Virginia residents.
The event regularly includes drum corps, color guards, bands, city and community dignitaries, community organizations, youth groups and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington.
“This year, we’re encouraging our parade participants to be extra creative, not only in celebrating George Washington’s birthday but in celebrating the founding of our country and Washington’s instrumental role in it,” said Johnson.
Modified Parade Route
Due to the upcoming renovation of City Hall and Market Square Plaza, the parade route has been modified to avoid construction areas. Check www.washingtonbirthday.com before Parade Day for the March of Order of parade participants. Spectators will be able to download the complete lineup of participants on their phones.
Other February Events
Other February festivities include a Hunt for Washington in which families and individuals can search for clues about Washington throughout Old Town, a restaurant Cherry Challenge in which Alexandria restaurants compete in offering the best cherry-centric dishes and drinks, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and a Birthnight Dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern featuring George Washington.
The GWBCC Thanks Sponsors
“The 2026 George Washington Birthday Celebration would not be possible without the generosity of private sponsors and donors,” said Johnson. “We’re thankful to have their support.”
George Washington Celebration sponsors and donors to date include: Gold Sponsors – Hotel AKA Alexandria, ALVA Aerie 871 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Zebra. Cherry Challenge Sponsor: George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Bronze Sponsors: Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association; George Washington Masonic National Memorial; Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; Kathleen Casey; Media Tek, Inc.; Old Dominion Boat Club Foundation. Supporting Sponsors: Scot and Vickie Bryant; Martha Washington Chapter No. 42, Order of The Eastern Star. Parade Donors: Colin and Ashley Eilts; Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR; Jeanne and Gerry Frank, In honor of Sue Johnson; John Alexander Chapter, NSDAR; Leia Pankovich; Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution. In-Kind Donors: Alexandria Radio Club and Jackson Group Media.
A wide variety of sponsorship and donation opportunities are still available and can be found at www.washingtonbirthday.com.
2026 George Washington Birthday Celebration
January 25 – February 28
January 25 – February 8
• The Restaurant Cherry Challenge
February 1 – February 28
• The Hunt for Washington
Saturday, February 7
• Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour — 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 14 (Parade Day)
• Wreath Laying Ceremony — 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• George Washington Birthday Parade — 2:00–4:00 p.m.
• George Washington Birthnight Dinner — 6:00–9:00 p.m.
• Friendship Firehouse Museum Open — 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Christ Church Open — 12:00–4:00 p.m.
• Old Presbyterian Meeting House Open — 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 21
• Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour — 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• George Washington Symposium — 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• George Washington Birthday Gala — 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 28
• Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour — 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Monday, February 16
• Friendship Firehouse Annual Breakfast — 9:00–11:00 a.m.
• Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Special Hours — 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour — 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Friday, February 20
• George Washington Memorial Society Reception — 6:00 p.m.
For full details on these events, visit https://washingtonbirthday.com/
