Photo by Tisara Photography courtesy of Visit Alexandria
George Washington Birthday Parade
Alexandria holds a special place in American history as George Washington’s adopted hometown, and the City’s 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade will shine a spotlight on his leading role as a Founding Father during America’s 250th Anniversary Year.
Alexandria’s annual month-long celebration of Washington’s birthday and legacy culminates with this year’s Birthday Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2 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 over 1,200 diverse participants.
“The George Washington Birthday Parade is a beloved community tradition that brings us together to celebrate the connection between the nation’s founding father and the City of Alexandria,” said Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “As our nation celebrates its 250th year, we look forward to welcoming community members and tourists to participate in the celebration.”
The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, floats, 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 Sue Johnson, Chair of the City’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee.
2026 Parade Theme and Grand Marshals
This year’s parade theme 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.
Parade Route and Order of March
Due to the upcoming renovation of City Hall and Market Square Plaza, the paraderoute has been modified to avoid construction areas. The parade begins at the intersection of South St. Asaph and Wolfe streets and ends at the intersection of Duke and Pitt streets. The Parade Review Stand will be at the intersection of Pitt and King streets.
The parade route and March of Order, listing the parade participants and their positions in the parade will be available the day before for spectators to download on their phone at www.washingtonbirthday.com.
Other Washington Birthday Events in Alexandria
Other February festivities include a Hunt for Washington in which families and individuals can search for clues about Washington throughout Old Town Alexandria, a restaurant Cherry Challenge in which Alexandria restaurants compete in offering the best cherry-centric dishes and drinks (voting ended Feb. 8), a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and a Birthnight Dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern featuring George Washington. For a complete list of February events, visit https://washingtonbirthday.com/2026-events.
Celebration Made Possible by Private Sponsors & Donors
“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.
- Washington Commanders Marching Band Sponsor: Maestro Dokken Fan Club.
- Cherry Challenge Sponsor: George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
- Bronze Sponsors: American Legion Post 24; Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association; Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society; George Washington Legacy Foundation; George Washington Masonic National Memorial; Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; Kathleen Casey; Old Dominion Boat Club Foundation; and Patrick Wilson.
- George Washington’s Preferred Inn: Duvall House.
- Supporting Sponsors: Scot and Vickie Bryant; Exterior Medics; GEICO; King Street Souvenirs; McLaughlin Ryder Investments, LLC; and 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; and Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, District 5.
- 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.
