Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
Celebrate George Washington's 287th birthday on Monday, Feb. 18 with a parade and several other events.
The nation's largest George Washington birthday parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Gibbon and Fairfax streets. The parade travels north on Fairfax Street, turns west onto Queen Street, then south onto Royal Street. The parade ends at the intersection of Royal and Wilkes streets.
The 2019 Grand Marshal is Dan Dellinger, former National Commander of The American Legion (2013-2014) in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion.
In addition to the parade, other events include a wreath laying ceremony, a scavenger hunt, a concert and several museum open houses in Alexandria. (Learn more about these below the parade map.)
See the map below for the parade route. More information and updates on the parade and other events that day will be available at www.WashingtonBirthday.com/Parade or call (703) 829-6640.
George Washington Birthday Committee
The 2019 Alexandria George Washington Birthday Parade route through Old Town.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Breakfast & Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association
Meet special guests, and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of this historic association. First appearance of the day of Gen. and Lady Washington. The speaker is Dr. Jimmie McClellan, Dean, Liberal Arts Division, Northern Virginia Community College. The event is at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria, 901 N. Fairfax St. from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.friendshipfireco.org.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution as Colonial military and civilians honor the soldiers of the Revolution. This event is at 11 a.m. at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Free.
New Event: ‘Hunt for Washington’
A fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington. The hunt will take you to a few of the places in Alexandria associated with the General. You will learn some fun facts about the father of our country and visit several historic sites around Old Town as you search for the answers to the clues. You can do the hunt as a team or as an individual. It should take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. You can play as an adult or a kid. You start by picking up a clue sheet at the Parade Reviewing Stand after 10 a.m. and then use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. There are prizes and mementos associated with this brand new, free event.
Concert at Market Square
Come enjoy a free one-hour concert before the Parade featuring bands that are performing in the Parade as well as special choirs and other “non-marching” groups. The concert is at Market Square adjacent to the Reviewing Stand at King and Royal streets at 11 a.m. Free.
Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony
Honor our Nation's Veterans, Active Military, and their families with music and demonstrations. Speakers include Alexandria’s Mayor and the commanders of major military installations in the metropolitan area. Sign the Covenant Document and show your support for our Military. This event starts at noon at the Reviewing Stand at King and Royal streets. Free.
Historic Alexandria Sites Host Open Houses on Parade Day
Admission is free to these sites on Parade Day. For more information, please contact each individual site.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum134 North Royal Street, Alexandria | Time: 11am-4pmContact: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, (703) 746-4242
Friendship Firehouse Museum
107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria | Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: Friendship Firehouse Museum, (703) 838-3891
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
321 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria | Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: Old Presbyterian Meeting House, (703) 549-6670
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington St., Alexandria | Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Contact: The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, (703) 838-4994
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria | Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, (703) 746-3852
