Photo courtesy of Visit Alexandria
George Washington Birthday Parade
Annual parade in Old Town Alexandria celebrates George Washington.
Alexandria’s annual citywide celebration of George Washington's birthday will return in 2026, with the highlight being the annual George Washington Birthday Parade on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria.
The theme of the 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade is “Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father” in honor of Washington’s leading role in the founding of our country, during its 250th Anniversary Year. The 2026 Parade Marshals are Michael J. Elston, Esq., President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR) and Ginnie Sebastian Storage, President General, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade is the largest and oldest celebration of its kind in the country, dating back to 1801. Washington attended Birthnight Balls held by citizens of Alexandria in his honor at Gadsby’s Tavern in 1798 and 1799, his final two years.
“We’re excited to celebrate Washington’s birthday in his adopted hometown of Alexandria during the nation’s 250th Anniversary,” said Sue Johnson, chair of the City’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. “Our parade participants always show great enthusiasm and creativity, and we anticipate that this special occasion will inspire even more spirited involvement.”
For the second year in a row, the 2026 parade will march two days earlier than on the federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February, recognized in Virginia as “George Washington Day”, to avoid increased costs associated with paying security personnel to work on a city holiday.
“Moving the parade to a Saturday was essential to helping us afford the security personnel required for the city’s parade,” explained Johnson. “The parade is largely funded by private donations and sponsorships that help pay for safety, security, and traffic control.”
Sponsorship options that help make the 2025 parade and future parades possible can be viewed here, and other donations may be made here.
Parade registration will open in November 2025, and a schedule of other planned events honoring Washington’s birthday can be viewed here.
