JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 10

 

FEBRUARY 1 - 28

 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

 

SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16, 23

 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Parade Day Events

 
 
 
 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Washington’s Birthday Federal Holiday Events

 
 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
George Washington Masonic National Memorial Events

The Restaurant Cherry Challenge

The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria – with their customers as the judges! Each restaurant develops its own cherry beverage, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son. Click here for a list of competing restaurants that will be posted by January 20, so you can taste their savory offerings between January 27 and February 10! Winners will be invited to march in the parade and their offerings will be highlighted in social media.

 

The Hunt for Washington

Sponsored by Lafayette College

A fun and challenging hunt for clues about Alexandria and George Washington that takes families and individuals to places in Old Town associated with the General.  Just print your Clue Sheet and bring it with you as you solve the clues on the date/time of your choosing in February.  

Note: 2025 Clue Sheets will be available for download by February 1. While the 2024 prize drawing has been held, feel free to use a 2024 Clue Sheet at https://washingtonbirthday.com/hunt-for-washington-2024 for a practice “Hunt” in January!

 

An Intimate Reception with General Washington
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Historic Duvall House
305 Cameron St.

Join General Washington at the beautiful and historic Duvall House, where he was feted by leading Alexandrians upon his triumphant return from the Revolutionary War in 1783. The General will share his most poignant memories of the war and answer questions about his life and times. Libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. All proceeds benefit the George Washington Birthday Celebration.

Cost: $150 per person, tickets available online at https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.

 

George Washington’s Alexandria Tours
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Tours begin at Christ Church
118 N. Washington Street

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 including Christ Church, Light Horse Harry Lee’s house, the Lord Fairfax home, Washington’s townhouse, Gadsby’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern, Wise’s Tavern, the Carlyle House, Market Square, Ramsay House, the Apothecary Shop, and Gentry Row. 

Cost: FREE.  To register, click here.

 

Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street

Inspired by the musical Hamilton, learn how the paths of Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Madison, and Burr all intersected with this local tavern. Includes discussion of the issues they faced and how their choices impacted local citizens.

Cost: $15 per person, tickets available online at https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.aspx.

 

Unearthing History: Mount Vernon's Cherry Discoveries
6:30 Reception; 7:00 p.m. Program
The Lyceum
201 S. Washington St.

Find out more about the amazing treasure trove of 250-year-old bottles and perfectly preserved cherries and berries that Mount Vernon archaeologists unearthed from under the Mansion in 2024!  The Mount Vernon archeology team will talk about how this extraordinary discovery provides a powerful glimpse into 18th century culture.  Light refreshments will be served. Proceeds to benefit the City of Alexandria’s 2025 George Washington Birthday Celebration. 

Cost: $30 per person; one drink ticket included.
To register, click here.

 

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
12 noon-1:00 p.m.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
321 S. Fairfax St.

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. 
Cost: FREE, no registration required.

 

The George Washington Birthday Parade
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria - view parade route here.

Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday 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.  

Click here for registration information.
Check back at www.washingtonbirthday.com before Parade Day for the Parade March of Order – the complete lineup of participants for your viewing pleasure!

 

George Washington Birthnight Dinner
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street

Enjoy a four-course, period-inspired dinner with wine honoring Washington’s Birthnight at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. In honor of the 2025 Washington Birthday Parade theme “George Washington: America’s Commander in Chief,” learn about Washington’s military career and the military exploits of some of his fellow Alexandrians. General Washington himself will be in attendance.

Cost: $150 per person. Cocktail attire.
Tickets available online at alexandriava.gov/shop

 

Visit a Historic Site!
Alexandria’s historic sites will be open regular operating hours on Parade Day. In addition, the following sites will be open:

 

Friendship Firehouse Annual Breakfast
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Westin Old Town Alexandria Ballroom
400 Courthouse Square

Join the movers and shakers of Alexandria at this historic celebration marking the 251st anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company (1774-2025) and the City’s 276th anniversary.  The speaker will be Alexandria Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez, Jr. 

Cost: $50 per person, additional packages available. 

Register at https://www.friendshipfireco.org/annual-breakfast.html. 

 

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Special Hours
11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
134 N. Royal Street

Tour two historic taverns that George Washington visited! Constructed in 1785 and 1792, these taverns witnessed the development of the young Republic and were part of key events, including Washington’s Birthnight Ball (a birthday celebration). Learn more about the people of these spaces and how their choices still resonate today.

Cost: $5 regular admission; City of Alexandria residents free. 
Guided tours available at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. for an additional cost.

 

Statue of George Washington Rededication
2:00 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive

The statue of George Washington in Memorial Hall will be rededicated – 75 years to the day it originally was dedicated by President Harry Truman.  The speaker for the 75th anniversary dedication will be President Truman’s grandson, Brother Clifton Truman Daniel. 

Cost: $20 per person, lunch included.
Register at https://gwmemorial.org/.  

George Washington Birthday Gala
5:00-10:00 p.m.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive

Celebrate Washington’s birthday with people from around the country in the beautiful and historic George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Formal (white tie optional). Reception followed by banquet. Evening also includes a silent auction.

Cost: $250 per person, tickets available online at https://gwmemorial.org/.