Alexandria Turns 277 Saturday: Your Guide to Fireworks, Music, Cupcakes and More

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria is throwing itself—and the nation—a birthday party Saturday night, complete with free cupcakes, a waterfront concert, ceremonial cannons and a grand finale fireworks display over the Potomac River.

The city will celebrate its 277th birthday while marking America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 11, at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street. The free celebration runs from 6 to 9:45 p.m., with live music, local food vendors, craft beer, cooling stations and fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Here is everything you need to know before heading to the waterfront.

Alexandria Birthday Celebration Schedule

The evening begins at 6 p.m. when NBC4 Washington reporter Molette Green takes the stage as mistress of ceremonies. The Decades Band will provide the opening music.

At 7:30 p.m., Alexandria’s town crier will announce Mayor Alyia Gaskins, followed by a poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso and official acknowledgments.

Members of City Council will begin distributing free birthday cupcakes at 8 p.m. The cupcakes, donated by Wegmans, will be available at the Cupcake Tent while supplies last.

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at 8:30 p.m., followed by the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display and ceremonial cannons fired by the Presidential Salute Battery. Closing remarks are scheduled for 9:45 p.m. The complete schedule is available on the City of Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration page.

Food, Drinks and Ways to Cool Off

Local food trucks will sell food and desserts along Pendleton Street, while Port City Brewing Company will offer craft beer inside the event area.

With another warm and humid evening expected, the city is also adding several ways for visitors to cool down. Virginia American Water will provide free water and a misting tent along the Madison Street side of the park. DASH will station two air-conditioned cooling buses at Madison and Wythe streets, including a specially wrapped America 250 bus. The city announced the food, beverage and cooling arrangements in its official event advisory.

What to Bring—and What to Leave at Home

Oronoco Bay Park has open lawn seating, so visitors should bring blankets or portable lawn chairs. Water, bug spray and a portable phone charger are also smart additions.

Grilling, smoking, tents and large or staked umbrellas are not permitted. The city is asking visitors to leave pets at home.

If family members become separated, lost-person areas will be available at the main stage and at the City Birthday information tent near the center of the park along the Mount Vernon Trail.

Watch the Weather Before You Go

As of Friday, July 10, the National Weather Service forecast for Alexandria calls for showers and possible thunderstorms Saturday, with rain chances continuing into the evening. The high is expected to reach the mid-80s. Check the latest National Weather Service forecast before leaving home.

If rain or storms force a postponement, the entire celebration will move to Sunday, July 12, beginning at 6 p.m. Because conditions may change quickly, check the official City Birthday page for updates before heading to the waterfront.

Getting There Without the Parking Headache

The city is encouraging visitors to walk, bike or use public transportation. GO Alex will provide free bicycle, scooter and stroller parking on Fairfax Street at the Wythe Street Park entrance leading into Oronoco Bay Park.

Accessible parking will be available on the 500 block of North Fairfax Street.

Drivers should expect Old Town garages and street spaces to fill early. The Market Square Garage is closed during the City Hall and Market Square renovation, making advance planning especially important. The city maintains updated Old Town parking information and a broader transportation guide covering Metro, DASH, biking and walking.

Where to Watch the Fireworks

Oronoco Bay Park offers the full celebration experience, including the concert, cupcakes, vendors and the closest festival atmosphere. But it is not the only place to watch the 9:30 p.m. fireworks.

The city’s official alternative viewing locations include:

• Canal Center Plaza
• Rivergate Park
• Founders Park
• Waterfront Park
• Point Lumley Park
• Windmill Hill Park
• Jones Point Park
• George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Not all viewing spots offer the same experience. Some provide close waterfront views, while others offer more room, smaller crowds or a panoramic perspective. The Zebra has ranked the 10 best places to watch Alexandria’s Birthday fireworks, complete with addresses, viewing tips and an interactive map.

The best advice is simple: arrive early, bring something comfortable to sit on, keep an eye on the weather and prepare for one of Alexandria’s biggest community nights of the year.