Photo courtesy of City of Alexandria
Friendship Firehouse Festival
Celebrate 251 years of firefighting history and community pride at the 2025 Friendship Firehouse Festival, taking place Saturday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 100 block of South Alfred Street. This free, family-friendly event offers a full day of interactive fun, historical exhibits, music, food, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Explore the Friendship Firehouse Museum, built in 1855, and see the newly conserved 1851 Rodgers Suction Engine—on view at the festival for the first time since its return in September 2024 following extensive conservation. This celebrated artifact, once hidden under layers of paint and wear, now reveals the craftsmanship and detail of its original 1851 appearance. The firehouse’s striking 1858 Prettyman hose-reel carriage will also be on display, showcasing its vivid red and blue colors accented with gold leaf.
Festival highlights include:
- Live music by Lindsay and Dobbs (guitar and fiddle)
- Free toy fire helmets for children
- Hands-on water activity where kids can help “put out a fire”
- Artifact touch tables and safety displays
- 50/50 raffle fundraiser
- Vendors galore with crafts, books, woodwork, and more
- Tasty treats from Roaming Coyote, Mr. Softee, Taste & See Coffee, and Lost Boy Cider
- Community booths from the Alexandria Fire Department, Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office
- Cake cutting at noon!
Presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and the Office of Historic Alexandria, the festival honors the Friendship Fire Company, founded in 1774 as Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore Alexandria’s firefighting heritage and enjoy a memorable day of community celebration. For more information, visit: AlexandriaVA.gov/FriendshipFirehouse.
