January 12, 2026
Alexandria Announces America’s 250th Experiences
Starting now through summer 2026, Alexandria will host major events and experiences commemorating America’s 250th birthday. Visitors can also experience the city’s independent spirit through modern amenities, cosmopolitan feel, small businesses and the immigrant stories woven throughout its neighborhoods.
Below is a lineup of key happenings and experiences. Plus, explore this roundup of story ideas and experiences in Alexandria tied to America’s 250th commemorations.
We invite visitors to 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. We are thrilled at this once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the trajectory of Alexandria’s nationally significant history and community.
For more information on these events and other happenings, please reach out to Andrew Postal at apostal@vistalexva.com or log onto VisitAlexandria.com/250.
Alexandria, VA Commemorates America’s 250th with Tall Ships, a Parade, Fireworks, Public Art and More
Alexandria, VA—Located on the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C. and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Virginia 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.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria has played a major role in the nation’s story and reflects its progress toward inclusivity. Visit intimate historic sites, 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.
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.
Learn more and find additional details on these and other events at VisitAlexandria.com/250.
Explore 250 story ideas here.
Downloadhigh-resolution images here.
- January 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.
- February 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
ABOUT VISIT ALEXANDRIA AND ALEXANDRIA, VA
Visit Alexandria is the not-for-profit destination marketing organization for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Recognized by Travel + Leisure a top five best U.S. city in 2025, Alexandria is a welcoming 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. Preparing to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Alexandria’s story follows in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and the Black Americans who shaped U.S. and the city’s history. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new experiences at the waterfront. Explore vibrant neighborhoods beyond Old Town, which are unique and alive with energy and excitement.
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