THROUGH FEBRUARY 10
The Restaurant Cherry Challenge

Sponsored by:

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. You can taste their savory offerings through February 10th!  An updated list of restaurants and photos of their drinks and dishes can be found at www.washingtonbirthday.com.

FEBRUARY 1-28
The Hunt for Washington

Sponsored by Lafayette College

A fun and challenging hunt for clues about Alexandria and George Washington that takes individuals and families to places in Old Town associated with the General.  Just download a Clue Sheet from www.washingtonbirthday.com between February 1 through February 28 and bring it with you as you solve the clues on the date/time of your choosing.  Submit your completed Clue Sheets to be entered into a prize drawing!

SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY: FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16, 23
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 FREE 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.  To register, visit eventbrite.com and search George Washington’s Alexandria – click to see all four tour options.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
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.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
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 18^th century culture.  Light refreshments will be served.  $30 per person; one drink ticket included.  Proceeds to benefit the City of Alexandria’s 2025 George Washington Birthday Celebration.

PARADE DAY! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15th
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 at washingtonbirthday.com/parade-route.

 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 American Revolutionary War and founding of the United States Army. Check 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. Cocktail attire. $150 per person; purchase tickets at https://shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.aspx.

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 Museum
  107 S. Alfred Street:  11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Christ Church
  118 N. Washington Street: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Old Presbyterian Meeting House
  323 S. Fairfax Street: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17th

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY EVENTS

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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22^nd

GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL EVENTS

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/.

Ballyshaners 42nd Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 1^st

12:30 pm

What does Ballyshaners mean?  “Old Towners” in Gaelic, the Irish Language

The Ballyshaners, Inc., were founded in 1980 by a small group of dedicated volunteers for the explicit purpose of organizing a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. The Parade is now well into its fourth decade and the number and variety of participants is greater than ever before. The organization’s mission has grown to promoting and preserving Irish history and culture. Each summer, we host the Alexandria Irish Festival, featuring vendors, musicians, and traditional Irish dancers, and we host fundraisers and other social events throughout the year.

Parade Day 2025

Alexandria boasts the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the DC area. Traditionally, this parade is held the first Saturday in March, and serves to attract the finest entries. The parade normally 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 St. Asaph Street at 12:30pm, with dignitaries leading the procession at 12:15 pm. The parade proceeds east on King Street, turning North at Lee Street and West at Cameron Street, finishing at the intersection of Cameron and Pitt. 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.

Residents and tourists 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. www.ballyshaners.org for details.