George Washington's Birthday Celebration in Alexandria

A new scavenger hunt joins the parade, open houses, birthnight gala, symposiums and more in February.

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Alexandria loves George Washington, and a variety of events – including the George Washington Birthday Parade on Monday, Feb. 18 – are on the schedule for February.

This year the theme of the Celebration is "civility" in honor of the Rules of Civility championed by George Washington.

“The George Washington Birthday Celebration contributes to the reputation of Alexandria as an important historic city. It provides focus for our 18th-century museums and distinguishes us from other colonial-era communities across the country. Our close association with George Washington and the founding fathers gives us a unique story to share that provides many educational and commercial benefits to our community,” George Washington Birthday Committee Chair Joseph Shumard wrote in a letter to Alexandria residents.

While the City of Alexandria donates police, fire and other services for the George Washington Birthday Parade, a significant portion of funding comes from private donors -- and those donors held back in January due to the partial government shutdown. (You can make a donation here.)

For updates related to weather and any changes to the following, go to WashingtonBirthday.com, the website of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. The committee also maintains a 24-hour phone line that will report any change of status or the cancellation of any event (in case of inclement weather, for instance). Call the events hotline at (703) 829-6640.

Here’s the rundown:

Now through Feb. 10: Cherry Challenge

Stop by some of these 45 restaurants participating in the annual Cherry Challenge culinary competition. 

Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24: ‘Walking with Washington’ Tours

Did you know that there are over 140 places in Alexandria today that are associated with George Washington?This tour is designed to show you some of them and expand your knowledge of Washington and Alexandria, his home town. Advance reservations not required. Tours start at 2 p.m. and last about 90 minutes. Free.Meet at the Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St.

Feb. 10: Chocolate with Gen. Washington

Children (and accompanying adults) are invited to spend an hour with Gen. Washington talking about the events of the revolution, asking questions of our first citizen, and enjoying hot chocolate and delicious comestibles. This event is at 2 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Free.

Feb. 12: ‘World Turned Upside Down: Uniforms of Yorktown’

Try on uniforms of the Revolutionary War! From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, enjoy an evening exploring uniforms from the different nationalities that converged with Washington in Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. Chris Daley, historical clothing manager for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, will give you the opportunity to try on and compare uniform coats of the American, British, French and German troops as well as coats worn by African Americans serving with the British army. Each coat has been carefully researched and painstakingly reproduced in several sizes to help bring the Siege of Yorktown to life. Bring a camera and take photos of yourself and family members in the uniforms of the Revolutionary War. Reception with refreshments, beer, and wine before and after the program. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at shop.alexandriava.gov or by calling 703-746-4994.

Feb. 16: Birthnight Banquet & Ball

This event always sells out, so get tickets early at AlexandriaVA.gov/GadsbysTavern. You are invited to a recreation of this famous celebration of Washington’s Birthday set in the year 1799. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Lady Washington. Period costume optional; “after-five” attire encouraged. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.

Feb. 18: PARADE DAY!

Breakfast & Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association

Meet special guests, and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of this historic association. First appearance of the day of Gen. and Lady Washington. The speaker is Dr. Jimmie McClellan, Dean, Liberal Arts Division, Northern Virginia Community College. The event is at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria, 901 N. Fairfax St. from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.friendshipfireco.org.

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution as Colonial military and civilians honor the soldiers of the Revolution.  This event is at 11 a.m. at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Free.

New Event: ‘Hunt for Washington’

A fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington. The hunt 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. You can do the hunt as a team or as an individual. It should take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. You can play as an adult or a kid. You 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 brand new, free event.

Concert at Market Square

Come enjoy a free one-hour concert before the Parade featuring bands that are performing in the Parade as well as special choirs and other “non-marching” groups. The concert is at Market Square adjacent to the Reviewing Stand at King and Royal streets at 11 a.m. Free.

Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony

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. This event starts at noon at the Reviewing Stand at King and Royal streets. Free.

George Washington Birthday Parade

The largest parade in the USA that celebrates Washington's Birthday – in his chosen hometown!Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The parade starts at the intersection of Gibbon and Fairfax streets, travels north on Fairfax Street, turns west onto Queen Street, then south onto Royal Street. The parade ends at the intersection of Royal and Wilkes streets.

The 2019 Grand Marshal is Dan Dellinger, former National Commander of The American Legion (2013-2014) in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion. See the map below for the parade route. More information and updates will be available at www.WashingtonBirthday.com/Parade or call (703) 829-6640.

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Historic Alexandria Sites Host Open Houses on Parade Day

Admission is free to these sites on Parade Day. For more information, please contact each individual site.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum134 North Royal Street, Alexandria | Time: 11am-4pmContact: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, (703) 746-4242

Friendship Firehouse Museum

107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria | Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: Friendship Firehouse Museum, (703) 838-3891

Old Presbyterian Meeting House

321 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria | Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: Old Presbyterian Meeting House, (703) 549-6670

Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum

201 S. Washington St., Alexandria | Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Contact: The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, (703) 838-4994

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

105-107 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria | Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, (703) 746-3852

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Feb. 23: George Washington Symposium

These events are organized by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. For information about these events, please go to GWMemorial.org.

Symposium. "George Washington - Symbol for the Age"

1 – 4 p.m. in the Memorial North Lodge Room. Admission is free, advance registration is not required.

Featured speakers:

Tony Williams, Senior Teaching Fellow, Bill of Rights Institute. Subject: The ethical virtues most valued by Washington and the Revolutionary War generation.

Emily Schulz Parson, Deputy Director and Curator of the Society of the Cincinnati. Subject: Representations of Washington in print and material culture as a symbol of those virtues.

Jack Warren, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Society of the Cincinnati. Subject: Washington as the embodiment of that generations’ most cherished values.

Feb. 23: Annual George Washington Birthday Gala 

Attire: Formal (White Tie Optional.) Advance tickets required. The event begins with a Reception in the Memorial Hall; followed by a Concert in the Memorial Theater; and the Banquet in the Grand Masonic Hall where George Washington Memorial Award will be presented. Tickets are $150, and may be purchased at gwmemorial.org/products/2019-washington-s-birthday-gala-ticket.

For more information contact Shawn Eyer, Director of Communications, at seyer@gwmemorial.org.

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