Alexandria, VA Celebrates George Washington’s 291st Birthday With More Than a Dozen Events Throughout February
Alexandria, VA Celebrates George Washington’s 291st Birthday With More Than a Dozen Events Throughout February
Special Route for Birthday Parade Honors 100th Anniversary of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Alexandria, VA—Alexandria, Virginia, the adopted hometown of George Washington, celebrates his birthday each year with events throughout February. The highlight will occur on February 20, 2023, when Alexandria residents and visitors will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington.
For this year only, there will be a special parade route in honor of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The parade kicks off at N. Fayette and Pendleton Streets, moves south to King Street, then turns west and ends at the corner of King Street and Commonwealth Avenue near the King St-Old Town Metrorail Station. At the end of the parade route, participating Masons will proceed further west on King Street and up to the Memorial for a cornerstone rededication event.
View a map of the special 2023 parade route at washingtonbirthday.com/2023route.
EVENT LINEUP
All events listed below are subject to change. The most up-to-date information about any celebration event is published on washingtonbirthday.com by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC).
The Restaurant Cherry Challenge
February 1 to 15, 2023
The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among participating Alexandria restaurants. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée and/or dessert in honor of the city’s distinguished native son. The competing restaurants and their entries will be listed on the George Washington Birthday Celebration website and Facebook page, and the winners will be announced on Parade Day.
American Legion Post 24 Run, Walk, ‘n’ Roll
February 1 to 28, 2023
This George Washington Birthday Commemorative event is intended to build community and enhance the physical, mental and emotional resiliency of participants—veterans and non-veterans alike. This month-long event during February 2023 encourages participants to run, walk and/or roll on their own for at least 24 miles in increments and routes they choose. Proceeds support Alexandria American Legion Post 24 veterans and youth programs. Registration is $24 and is open until February 14, 2023. Visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Alexandria/GWB24RunWalkRoll for more information.
“Hunt for Washington”
February 1 to 28, 2023
Participate in a fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington. The hunt, which should take about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, will take individuals and families to places in Old Town Alexandria associated with the General. Start by printing a clue sheet from washingtonbirthday.com at home and bring it with you as you traverse the heart of Old Town, and then use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. Submit your findings to [email protected] any time before the end of the day on February 28. There are prizes associated with this event. FREE.
Mind your Manners! Balls in Early America
February 3 and 17, 2023, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is famous in part because George Washington celebrated his Birthnight Ball there, but there’s so much more to the story. From scandal to social class, balls reveal the political intrigue and power structures that were part of early America. Learn more through this specialty tour. Tickets are $15 per person, available for purchase at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop. Location: 134 N. Royal St.
“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tours
February 6, 12, 19 and 26, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Explore historic Old Town Alexandria as George Washington knew it. This popular two-hour guided walking tour will visit sites associated with Washington and his closest colleagues. To register, visit Eventbrite and search “George Washington’s Alexandria.” FREE.
Chocolate with General Washington
February 11, 2023, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Children (and accompanying adults) are invited to spend an hour with General Washington to talk about the events of the Revolution, ask questions of our first citizen and enjoy hot chocolate and delicious comestibles. Location: George Washington Masonic National Memorial. FREE.
Family Day at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
February 12, 2023, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Did you know George Washington danced at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum? Junior Docents will be stationed throughout the museum with hands-on activities for all ages to learn about 18th-century balls. Activities included in regular admission: $5 per person; free for City residents. Location: 134 N. Royal St.
Friendship Firehouse Museum Open
February 18, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $2 per person and free to Alexandria residents. Younger visitors will receive a free fire hat and a take-away bag of fun activities. Location: 107 S. Alfred Street.
Washington’s Birthday: Chronicles and Cuisine
February 18, 2023, from 6 to 9 p.m.
This year, Historic Alexandria is excited to offer a twist to the traditional Birthnight Ball program using elements of past events coupled with exciting new research to create a special four-course curated dinner. The menu will tell the story of America, spanning from the enslaved to the wealthy, and how the Birthnight Ball helped build the legacy of George Washington for generations of Americans. Tickets are $125 per person and available for purchase at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop. Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Washington Symposium
February 22, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial hosts leading scholars of the life and legacy of George Washington. The theme of the 2023 George Washington Symposium is “The Architectural Legacy and Design of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.” The George Washington Symposium is held annually to honor Washington’s birthday by providing the public with enlightening contemporary research on the life of George Washington. Free parking is available. FREE.
George Washington Birthday Gala
February 22, 2023; reception begins at 5 p.m.
Dress is formal (white tie optional). The reception will occur at 5 p.m., with entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m. and a 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 and are limited. To purchase tickets, visit www.gwmemorial.org.
George Washington Birthday Parade Day Activities – February 20, 2023
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast
From 8:30 to 10 :30 a.m.
Meet special guests and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of this historic association. This will be the first appearance of the day of General and Martha Washington. The guest speaker is Dr. Doug Bradburn, Director of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, speaking about “The ‘Great Experiment’ and Ongoing Legacy of George Washington.” For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, [email protected]. Location: The Westin Alexandria Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Admission is $45 per person; $400 for table of 10.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
Beginning at 11 a.m.
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution. Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. FREE.
George Washington Birthday Parade
1 to 3 p.m.
Alexandria residents and visitors will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. This year, the theme is “George Washington: The Man, The Mason, The Cornerstone of Our Republic.” The Grand Marshal will be George D. Seghers, Executive Director of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the Memorial’s cornerstone. For more information, including the new parade route, parking, maps and status, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com or email [email protected]. FREE.
Rededication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s Cornerstone
From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Join thousands of people from around the country as the George Washington Masonic National Memorial celebrates the 100th anniversary of its cornerstone ceremony. Registration is recommended but not required. To learn more, please visit www.gwmemorial.org/pages/cornerstone. Location: George Washington Masonic National Memorial. FREE.
Historic Sites Open on Parade Day
Carlyle House
Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
121 N. Fairfax Street
Admission: $7 per adult; $3 per child
Christ Church
Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
118 N. Washington Street
Admission: Free
Freedom House Museum
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1315 Duke Street
Admission: $5 per person; free for City residents
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
134 N. Royal Street
Admission: $5 per person; free for City residents
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
323 S. Fairfax Street
Admission: Free
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
105 S. Fairfax Street
Admission: $5 per person; free for City residents
ABOUT ALEXANDRIA, VA
Recognized by Travel + Leisure among the Best Places to Travel in 2023 and Best Cities in the U.S. 2022 and voted a Condé Nast Traveler Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2022, Alexandria is a welcoming weekend escape on the Potomac River, minutes from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Explore vibrant neighborhoods beyond Old Town, trace George Washington and the Founding Fathers’ footsteps and follow the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history of Alexandria and the United States.
Connect with us!
Web: VisitAlexandria.com
Facebook: VisitAlexandriaVA
Twitter: AlexandriaVA
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Hashtag: #visitALX
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