George Washington Birthday Parade to Highlight Alexandria Living Legends
Photos courtesy of the Geo Washington Birthday Celebration Committee
Tens of thousands are expected to line the streets of Old Town Alexandria on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. to cheer on nation’s oldest and largest George Washington Birthday Parade, which is celebrated in his adopted hometown.
In honor of Alexandria’s 275th Anniversary, the 2024 Parade theme is “George Washington: Alexandria’s Original Living Legend”, and the Parade Grand Marshals will be The Living Legends of Alexandria, an organization that identifies, honors and chronicles the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way that has significantly impacted the quality of life in Alexandria.
The parade will return to its historic parade route east of Washington Street, after having marched in 2023 to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in honor of the Memorial’s 100th Anniversary. To view the parade route and the Parade March of Order which will be posted before Parade Day, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com.
“The participants are really stepping up the creativity this year,” said Sue Johnson, chair of Alexandria’s all-volunteer George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. “It should be an exciting parade!”
Other events planned throughout February in honor of George Washington’s birthday can be found at www.washingtonbirthday.com/events.
The parade primarily relies on private financial support, and there are a wide variety of sponsorship and donation opportunities available at www.washingtonbirthday.com/donate.
Parade Day Events: Monday, February 19, 2024
Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast
9—10 :30 a.m.
Cost: $45 per person, table of 10 $400
Join the movers and shakers of Alexandria at this historic celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company (1774-2024) and the City’s 275th anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, kehoefd@aol.com. Location: The Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center, Terrace Room, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria.
Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution
11 a.m.
Free, no registration required
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution. Location: Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St.
George Washington Birthday Parade
1-3 p.m.
The annual parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city and community dignitaries, and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington. Follow www.washington.com for more details.
Historic Sites Open on Parade Day
Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Open 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
$8 per adult; $3 per child
Christ Church, 118 N. Washington Street
Open 10 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Free
Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$5 per person, City residents free
Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$2 per person, City residents free
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$5 per person, City residents free
Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 S. Fairfax Street
Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum,
105 S. Fairfax Street
Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$5 per person, City residents free
George Washington Celebration Events in February
The Restaurant Cherry Challenge
February 1-15, 2024
The “Cherry Challenge” is a competition among the finer restaurants in Alexandria. Each restaurant will develop its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entrée, and/or dessert in honor of our distinguished native son, of course! 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.
Hunt for Washington
February 1-29, 2024
Sponsored by Lafayette College
A fun and challenging game to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington! The hunt, which should take about 60-90 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 and bring it with you as you traverse the heart of Old Town and use your sleuthing skills to find answers to the clues. Submit your findings to gwbirthdayevents@gmail.com any time before the end of the day on February 29 to be entered into a prize drawing! FREE.
American Legion Post 24 Run, Walk, n’ Roll
February 1-29, 2024
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 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 opens until February 25, 2024. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Alexandria/GWB24RunWalkRoll
“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tours
Every Sunday in February (4th, 11th, 18th & 25th)
2-4 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.com and search George Washington’s Alexandria. FREE.
Mind your Manners! Balls in Early America
February 9, 6-7 p.m.
February 10, 10-11 a.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. $15 per person, purchase at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop. Location: 134 N. Royal St.
An Intimate Reception with General Washington
Saturday, February 10, 2024
5:30-7:30 p.m.
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. $150 per person, with proceeds benefiting the 2024 George Washington Birthday Celebration. Purchase tickets at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop under “Events”. Location: Historic Duvall House, 305 Cameron St.
Washington’s Entertainments: A Birthnight Event
Saturday, February 17, 2024
6—9 p.m.
George Washington was entertained for his birthday in Gadsby’s Tavern with music and dance. You can mark the occasion with a dinner that features a series of 18th-century entertainments Washington enjoyed in his lifetime, including music, dance demonstrations, toasts, and even a bit of mind reading. Ticket includes four-course dinner with wine and live performances. $150 per person, purchase at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop. Location: Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Washington Symposium
Saturday, February 24, 2024
1 p.m.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial hosts leading scholars of the life and legacy of George Washington, this year around the theme “Commemorating Two-Hundred Twenty-five Years of George Washington’s Death and Funeral.” Admission is free and free parking is available. Location: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. For more information, visit gwmemorial.org.
George Washington Birthday Gala
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Formal (white tie optional). Reception at 5 p.m. Entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m. 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 $225. To purchase tickets, visit gwmemorial.org. Tickets are limited. Location: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive.
March 2nd
The Ballyshaner’s 41st Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to come early to enjoy the events at one of the DC area’s finest parades. All events are free to the public.
Alexandria boasts the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade taking place in the DC area each year. Traditionally, this parade is held the first Saturday in March, and serves to attract the finest entries. The parade features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, community groups, and a host of other performers and entertainment. It’s a fantastic day to spend with family or friends!
The parade officially starts at the corner of King Street and Saint Asaph Street at 12:30pm, with dignitaries leading the procession at 12:15 pm. The parade proceeds east on King Street, finishing at the corner of Fairfax and Cameron Streets. With thousands of spectators and participants expected, parade goers are encouraged to take advantage of public transportation. The closest Metro is the Blue Line, King Street/Old Town. There is a free trolley from the Metro, or the activities can be reached by a short 10-minute walk down King Street.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is organized by the Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”). The Ballyshaners is a non-profit group that seeks to promote and preserve Irish heritage through organization of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria and the Irish festival held each summer. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available as listed on the website. For more information about parade go to: https://www.ballyshaners.org/. If you would like to march in the parade, log on to: https://www.ballyshaners.org/parade.html#application
Black History Month Events and Experiences in Alexandria, Virginia Throughout February
Alexandria, VA— African American history has shaped Alexandria and the United States, from D.C.’s onetime southern cornerstone laid by self-taught mathematician Benjamin Banneker to the site of one of the nation’s earliest sit-in protests and more. Discover historical sites spanning 275 years of Black history and culture in Alexandria this February and year-round.
This year, new Black history experiences abound with traveling exhibition “Searching for Truth in the Garden” at Freedom House Museum through April 15, 2024, and interpretive signage along the self-guided African American Waterfront Heritage Trail. Plus, throughout Black History Month, participate in a range of activities including a Manumission Tour Company Black History bus tour, film screenings of African American cinematic classics and more.
Explore more ways to celebrate Black history and culture throughout February and year-round on Visit Alexandria’s Black History and Culture landing page.
Black History Month Events & Experiences
Exhibit: “Searching for Truth in the Garden” at Freedom House Museum
Now until April 15, 2024
Admission: $5 per adult, $3 per child (ages 5-12) and free for City of Alexandria residents
Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Gonzaga High School’s groundbreaking research on slavery, “Searching for Truth in the Garden,” found new life at the Freedom House Museum. The traveling exhibition, on view through April 15, 2024, delves into the life of Gabriel, a teenager enslaved at Washington Seminary (now Gonzaga) in 1829. Gabriel’s story offers a poignant lens through which to examine the complexities of slavery and its lasting impact.
African American Emancipation in an Occupied City Book Launch
February 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4994
Hear from editor Audrey Davis and the authors of African American Emancipation in an Occupied City, which tells the story of formerly enslaved and self-emancipated people in a newly occupied city during the Civil War. They sought refuge in Alexandria, coming with only hopes and dreams for life as free people. They came seeking freedom, but many did not live long in it. Those who survived used their labor for the cause of freedom. A book signing will follow after the authors’ presentations. The event is free, but online registration is encouraged.
African American Film Series
February 8, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m.: “Banker”
February 29, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m.: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Admission: Free
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Roud Suite 104, Alexandria, VA 22304
alexandrialibraryva.org
In honor of Black History Month, the library will be showing a series of films throughout the month.
Manumission Tour Company Black History Bus Tour
February 10, 2024, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 12 to 1:30 p.m.
February 17, 2024, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
Admission: $35 per person
Tour meets at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-719-2150
manumissiontours.com
Ride with Manumission Tour Company on a 90-minute guided bus tour to visit various African American historic sites in Alexandria. You will hear stories of both enslaved and free African Americans prior to the Civil War as well as understand the stories behind some of Alexandria’s most well-known African American historic sites. Sites will include the Alexandria National Cemetery, Alfred Street Baptist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, Church Alley, the African American Heritage Park, the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery, Barrett Library and more.
African American Waterfront Heritage Trail Signs Ribbon Cutting
February 10, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free
New Fishtown sign on the river side of Founders Park, 351 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
shop.alexandriava.gov
The African American Heritage Trail Committee invites the public to join in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of new interpretive signs along Alexandria’s historic waterfront. The 11 signs and two orientation panels illuminate the history of the African American community in Alexandria over the span of several centuries. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at the new Fishtown sign on the river side of Founders Park (351 N. Union Stret). A reception following the ribbon cutting will be held in the Overlook Room (#325) on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union Street. This event will be rain or shine. Please note: You do not need to print off tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for the event.
Concert: Washington Revels Jubilee Voices
February 18, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Alexandria’s History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4994
shop.alexandriava.gov
Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices for an exploration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and life in St. Simons Island, Georgia. This multimedia program, “Wade in the Water,” was developed in partnership with Mercer University, blending songs and stories of the Gullah Geechee community and featuring six student films that capture the history, lives and spirit of these proud people, whose numbers are dwindling due to several factors, including increasing development. The event is free, but online registration is encouraged.
Virtual Documentary Viewing: “Still Bill”
February 21, 2024, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Virtual via Zoom
alexlibraryva.org
For African American History Month, enjoy a virtual screening of the documentary “Still Bill” about music legend and Hall of Famer, Bill Withers. Please register with an email address to receive the screening link. Registration closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Black Dance: Housing the Past and the Present
February 22, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Virtual via Zoom
alexandrialibraryva.org
Join a virtual presentation exploring how colonialism brought an end to authentic African dance with Associate Professor of Dance at George Mason University Lawrence M. Jackson, who in 2011 co-authored and edited a special edition on Black dance in the Journal of Pan African Studies. In this presentation, he explains how Black dance keeps those African cultural traditions alive and is an affirmation of identity and independence.
Alma Thomas Art
February 24, 2024, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Beth Patridge Meeting Room in James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
alexandrialibraryva.org
Celebrate the close of Black History Month by creating your own art piece inspired by Alma Thomas. All materials will be provided. The event is for children ages 6 to 12 and teens.
Bright Star Theatre: George Washington Carver and Friends
February 27, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
alexandrialibraryva.org
Meet Black entrepreneurs and groundbreakers like George Washington Carver, Madame CJ Walker, Thurgood Marshall and more in this interactive theater performance. The event is for children grades K to 5.
Burke Book Club: “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
February 28, 2024, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Virtual via Zoom
alexandrialibraryva.org
In honor of Black History Month, join a virtual Zoom discussion put on by Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library on the 1952 classic novel, “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. This program will take place by Zoom and registration is required. After registering, you will be emailed the link to join this Zoom meeting. If you have questions about the program or need help with set up, please contact Caroline at cpak@alexlibraryva.org.