Our country's 250th birthday isn't untill 2026, but work on the big event is already underway and Alexandria and Fairfax County will play a big role.
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the founding of our nation, and its ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union with a multi-year series of signature events, special exhibits, and interactive experiences that bring history to life for visitors.
One of those signature events includes the George Washington Birthday Parade, taking place Feb. 15 at 2 p.m., the oldest and largest such parade in the country.This year's parade theme is George Washington: America's Commander-in-Chief, marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War and founding of the United States Army.
The grand marshal is Lt. Gen. Heidi J. Hoyle, deputy chief of staff, United States Army.
To see the full list of February 2025 events honoring Washington’s birthday in his adopted hometown, click here.
- To register as a parade unit, click here.
- For parade registration information, click here.
- To view the parade route & assembly area map, click here.
- For 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities, click here.
- For other donation opportunities, click here.
- For Restaurant Cherry Challenge registration information, click here.
- To sign up to volunteer on parade day, click here.
Here's a look at other events taking place around the Commonwealth:
- The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience launched in January 2025, bringing key
- stories of Virginia’s rich history to schools, museums, local events, fairs, and more. The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon from Friday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 22. Stop by and learn why Virginia's History is America's Story.
- Keep an eye on Alexandria events here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/America250
- Find out about 250th-anniversary events in Fairfax County: https://www.fxva.com/fairfax250/
- A signature 5,000 square foot “Give Me Liberty” exhibition opens at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond on March 22, 2025. The exhibit will highlight Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution and explore the continental and global forces as well as the actions of both iconic and ordinary people that brought about a model of democratic government that changed the world.
- March 23, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, which was proclaimed at St. John’s Church in Richmond. Visitors can sit among the actors at re-enactments of the iconic 1775 speech in the room where it happened.
- View the full calendar of VA250 events here.