Photo by M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Alexandrians and thousands of visitors will celebrate George Washington’s 288th birthday throughout February with a variety of festive and historic-themed events. This includes the popular George Washington Birthday Parade, a Cherry Challenge between Alexandria’s restaurants, free admission to select historic sites and more.
The George Washington Birthday Parade – This annual celebration is the oldest and largest parade celebrating George Washington. This year, it is set for Feb. 17 from 1 – 3 p.m. in Old Town. The parade theme is “Selfless Service to Country.” The parade starts at the corner of Gibbon and Fairfax Streets, heads north on Fairfax Street, turns west on Queen Street, then heads back south on Royal Street.
Parking will be limited in the area around the parade, but a free DASH shuttle will operate west of the parade route (more information will be available in the days leading up to the parade).
George Washington Birthday Parade
For more information about the parade and other February events (several are listed below), go to WashingtonBirthday.com. The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee also maintains a 24-hour phone line that will report any change of status or the cancellation of any event. Call the events hotline at 703-829-6640.
Here are more events in February celebrating our first president:
Cherry Challenge – In honor of George Washington’s birthday, more than 50 Alexandria restaurants will create unique, cherry-centric dishes in celebration of one of the most cherished legends surrounding our first president. The Cherry Challenge is Jan. 26 – Feb. 9. Patrons rate their favorite dishes, and winners are given special recognition at the George Washington Birthday Parade. For more information, visit WashingtonBirthday.com or call 703-829-6640.
Chocolate with General Washington – On Feb. 8 from 2 - 3 p.m, children and accompanying adults are invited to spend an hour with General Washington talking about the events of the revolution, asking questions of our first citizen and enjoying hot chocolate and delicious comestibles. To learn more, visit WashingtonBirthday.com or call 703-829-6640.
George Washington’s Alexandria Tours – Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it. These free 90-minute guided walking tours will explore sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues. The tours begin behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s south entrance in front of Vola’s Dockside Grill (101 N. Union Street). Tours are from 2 – 3:30 p.m. every Sunday in February. No advance reservations required. Contact 703-599-4010 for more information.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
"George Washington" toasts "Lady Washington" while relaxing on the piazza.
Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon Estate – Celebrate the first president of the United States on Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.! Witness a presidential tribute featuring honored guests and a wreath laying at Washington’s tomb. Listen to remarks given by esteemed speakers during the Official Observance Ceremony of George Washington’s Birthday. Watch Continental soldiers conduct a marching drill, fire their guns and charge at their enemy in an exciting military demonstration. After the smoke clears, listen to the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play patriotic music. Listen to the Washington family share stories about past celebrations of the General’s birthday, including the first public celebration and the gathering during the winter encampment at Valley Forge. All day, pose like George Washington in front of the life-sized version of Gilbert Stuart’s Landsdowne painting in the Education Center Lobby. For more information, visit www.MountVernon.org/Birthday or call 703-780-2000.
Historic Alexandria Open Houses — In honor of George Washington’s birthday, admission is free at these historic Alexandria sites on Feb. 17: Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, Christ Church, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Old Presbyterian Meeting House and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.
Breakfast & Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association – Meet special guests and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of this historic association at this annual tradition on Feb. 17 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Be there for the first appearance of the day of General and Lady Washington and a talk by a renowned special guest. Tickets are $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.FriendshipFireCo.org or call 703-829-6640.
Hunt for Washington — Enjoy a fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington on Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The hunt, which should take about an hour to 90 minutes to complete, 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. 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 new event. For more information, visit www.WashingtonBirthday.com or call 703-829-6640.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution – Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (321 S. Fairfax St.) on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m.
Concert at Market Square — Come enjoy a one-hour concert by the parade marching band units and other musical units in honor of the General and Lady Washington at Market Square at 11 a.m. Feb. 17.
Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony – Salute our nation’s veterans and active military, and sign the community covenant document showing your support for our armed forces and their families at this special ceremony at the Parade Reviewing Stand adjacent to Market Square on Feb. 17 at noon.
Additional EventsLecture: George Washington: Commander-in-Chief – During this lecture on Feb. 20 from 7:30 – 8:30 pm., Professor Peter Henriques will examine how George Washington, despite his limited experience and numerous mistakes, was somehow able to overcome obstacles to win independence for the new country he committed himself to without reserve. Henriques will touch on Washington's view of a professional army, the need to win over the general populace and the necessity of civilian control of the military, as well as how Washington saved the American cause with his actions at Trenton and Princeton. Tickets are $12 per person ($10 Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society members and volunteers). For more information, visit AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop or call 703- 746-4242.
George Washington’s 288th Birthday – Celebrate the first president of the United States on the most exciting day of the year, Feb. 22. Take a selfie while posing like George Washington in the Education Center Lobby. General Washington greets his guests in the historic area, and the Sons of Liberty provide birthday music. Savor a piece of birthday cake in the Vaughan Lobby (while supplies last) and hear the Air Force Strings perform in the Smith Auditorium. For more information, visit www.MountVernon.org/Birthday288 or call 703-780-2000.
George Washington Symposium – The theme of the 2020 George Washington Symposium is “George Washington’s Construction of the United States Capitol.” The symposium will take place Feb. 22, as part of the memorial's celebration of Washington's birthday. The lectures begin at 1 p.m. in the memorial's theater. The George Washington Symposium is held annually on Washington's birthday to provide the public with enlightening contemporary research on the life of George Washington. Admission is free, and free parking is available. Details, including information about the speakers, are available at www.GWMemorial.org.
Annual Washington’s Birthday Gala – Celebrate George Washington on Feb. 22 with a formal (white-tie optional) gala. Reception at 5 p.m. Entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m. Banquet in the memorial's Grand Masonic Hall at 7:30 p.m. The presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award will take place during the banquet. Tickets are $200. Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, visit www.GWMemorial.org or call 703-683-2007.
