Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
George Washington Birthday Parade
Annual parade in Old Town Alexandria celebrates George Washington.
The George Washington Birthday Parade, one of Alexandria's more unique events, returns Monday, Feb. 21, to celebrate George Washington's 290th birthday.
The nation's largest parade in honor of the first president will start at 1 p.m. Monday.
The route will start at Gibbon and Fairfax Streets, traveling north of Fairfax Street. The parade will turn west on Queen Street and return south on Royal Street. The parade will end at the intersection of Royal and Wilkes Streets. (See map at the bottom of this page.)
The parade will conclude by 3 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to use public transportation, as streets along and around the parade route will be closed.
Weather on Monday is expected to be sunny with a high of 62 degrees.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will both be open on parade day between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The following events listings are courtesy of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee:
“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tours - Every Sunday in February - 2 to 4 p.m.
On every Sunday in February 2022, you can explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it! This popular 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 https://www.eventbrite.com/ and search George Washington’s Alexandria. FREE.
Friendship Firehouse Museum Tours - Saturday, Feb. 19 - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $2 per person and free to Alexandria residents. Younger visitors will receive a free fire hat and a take-away bag of fun activities! Guests must wear masks that cover their mouth and nose while in the building. Location: 107 S. Alfred Street.
In addition to the parade, other events on Monday include:
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast - 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Meet special guests and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of this historic association. First appearance of the day of General and Martha Washington. Speaker: Mark Jinks, Retired Alexandria City Manager, relating his “hidden ghost” stories and other anecdotal experiences. Location: The Westin Alexandria Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Ticket Price: $45, table of 10 $400. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, kehoefd@aol.com.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution - 11 a.m.
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution. Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 So. Fairfax Street, Alexandria. No registration required. FREE.
Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony - noon to 1 p.m.
Join us as we 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 as we honor our first veteran. Location: Parade reviewing stand at King & Royal Streets. FREE.
