Photo by Chris Fakuda
Fireworks over the Potomac River
Alexandria will host major events and experiences this year to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Visitors can trace the footsteps of George Washington and the Founding Fathers, while uncovering the stories of the Black Americans who shaped Alexandria and U.S. history.
Located on the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C. and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria invites families, friends and history-lovers to stay in, explore and commemorate America’s 250th birthday in a city older than the United States itself with a dynamic lineup of events and immersive experiences.
Kicking off in early 2026 and culminating in the summer, visitors can enjoy special events, tours, exhibits, public art, lectures, music, family activities and more. Visitors can deepen their experience through the Virginia 250 Passport, which offers entry to several Alexandria museums and historic properties, and Alexandria’s Key to the City attractions pass, which unlocks access and discounts at 11 sites across the city.
Key happenings and experiences include the events below.
Jan. 26: Alexandria’s America250 Kick-Off Event at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will feature Historic Alexandria announcing a robust slate of programs, exhibitions and community events commemorating America’s 250th in 2026.
Feb. 14: The oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade in the country will run through George Washington’s adopted hometown on the streets of Old Town Alexandria. The theme for the 2026 parade is “Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father.”
Photo courtesy of The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
George Washington's Mount Vernon
March: A new, major exhibit will open at Mount Vernon. Called George Washington: A Revolutionary Life, the exhibit will immerse visitors in Washington’s world through recreated spaces, interactive role-playing, lifelike figures and artifacts.
March: A new exhibit will open at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum highlighting Hannah Griffith, who ran a coffeehouse there from 1794-1800. The exhibit will explore her resilience during the Revolutionary War, its impact on families and her ties to Alexandria’s modern entrepreneurs.
May-November: A temporary public art installation from artist Sandy Williams IV will commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence as part of the City of Alexandria’s Time & Place public art series.
Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown
Sails on the Potomac is Alexandria's major signature event for the 250th anniversary.
June 12-14: Alexandria’s major signature 250th event, Sails on the Potomac, will host iconic tall ships as a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor and will feature a weekend packed with activities including Alexandria Jazz Fest performances.
June: A new exhibit will open at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. Called Stories of U.S. Collections Capture our History, the exhibit will bring out objects from the collection that are seldom seen.
July 3-4: Enjoy evening Fourth of July fireworks shows at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on July 3 and 4, and a daytime fireworks show on July 4.
July 11: Take part in the City of Alexandria’s 277th/USA 250th Birthday Celebration complete with fireworks, music and more at Oronoco Bay Park along Alexandria’s waterfront.
