George Washington Birthday Parade, Other February Events Planned In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — No place celebrates George Washington's birthday like Alexandria. After all, Washington frequently spent time in Alexandria, about 10 miles north of his Mount Vernon estate.

While the city has celebrated Washington's birthday since the Revolutionary War days, the current George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee was created in 1976 to organize the annual George Washington birthday celebration. The George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee has a variety of events planned in February 2022 to celebrate Washington's 290th birthday. Events range from multi-day celebrations like the Cherry Challenge to the larger events like the George Washington Birthday Parade on Feb. 21.

Below are events planned throughout February. For any updates to events, check washingtonbirthday.com.

In honor of George Washington’s birthday, participating Alexandria restaurants will create unique, cherry-centric dishes. 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.

Cherry Challenge: Feb. 1 to 15

Each year, participating Alexandria restaurants create cherry-centric cocktails, appetizers, entrees or dessert in the spirit of the Washington cherry tree legend. Diners can visit the participating restaurants to try their dishes. Competing restaurants and their entries will be featured on the George Washington Birthday Celebration website and Facebook page. Winners will be announced on the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade, Feb. 21.

Participating restaurants include: Alexandria Pastry Company, Bastille Brasserie & Bar, Cafe 1823, Café 44, Chadwicks, Cheestique Del Ray and Shirlington, Dishes of India, Lori’s Table, Los Cuates, Murphy’s Irish Pub, RT's Restaurant, Sonoma Cellar, The Light Horse Restaurant, Vaso's Mediterranean Bistro, Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge and Whiskey & Oyster.

Hunt for Washington: Feb. 1 to 28

This hunt takes you around Alexandria to places associated with George Washington to uncover clues about Alexandria and Washington. Print a clue sheet at washingtonbirthday.com and head out to Old Town find answers to the clues. The hunt should take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Submit your findings to gwbirthdayevents@gmail.com by the end of the day on Feb. 28. Prizes and mementos will be given.

American Legion Post 24 Run, Walk, n' Roll: Feb. 1 to 28

This month-long event allows participants to walk, run or roll on their own for 24 miles in increments and routes of their choosing. Registration is $24 and open until Feb. 5. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Alexandria/GWB24RunWalkRoll.

¡Viva George! Celebrating Washington in Laredo and Alexandria: Feb. 3 at 7 p.m., virtual

Aside from Alexandria, there's another city that has a huge celebration for George Washington: Laredo, Texas. Hear from Dr. Elaine Peña, associate professor of American studies at The George Washington University, about her research on the festivities along the border. After that, Tyler Vanice, chair of Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, will join Peña as they explore the similarities and difference between Laredo and Alexandria. Peña's book, ¡Viva George! Celebrating Washington's Birthday at the U.S.-Mexico Border, will be available for advance purchase at Gadsby’s and the Alexandria History Museum. The cost of the event is $6 per person. Tickets are available at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

"George Washington’s Alexandria" Tours: Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Each Sunday in February, take a two-hour guided walking tour to see sites associated with George Washington and his colleagues. Sites include 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 for the free tours, see the events on Eventbrite.

Chocolate with General Washington: Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

Children and accompanying adults can join General Washington to discuss the revolution, ask questions, and enjoy hot chocolate and treats at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The event is free and sponsored by First Home Care. Masks are required.

Meet George Washington at Hooray for Books!: Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join General Washington as he speaks to children about books related to General Washington, President’s Day, and more at Hooray for Books! The recommended age group is 10 and younger. Masks are required.

Friendship Firehouse Museum open: Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Friendship Fire Company, which dates back to 1774, was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. At this open house, children will get a free fire hat and a take-away bag of fun activities. Guests must wear masks that cover their mouth and nose while in the building. Admission is $2 per person and free to Alexandria residents. Friendship Firehouse is located at 107 S. Alfred Street.

Virtual Birthnight Banquet & Ball: Feb. 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

General Washington’s Birthnight Ball has been a tradition for hundreds of years, and this year it will return virtually over Zoom. The evening begins with a video presentation about the history of this event and speakers who have participated in it for years. Then, General Washington will be available for questions before the English Country Dancing with an expert dance master from the historic Ballroom that you can do with one, two, four, six or eight people at home. Period costumes of the 1790s are encouraged. Tickets are $15 per person and include one virtual dance class on Feb. 17. A dinner from Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant and traditional Birthnight Ball cake from Bittersweet are available for pickup with a separate price of $50. For more information and tickets, visit AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

George Washington Birthday Parade: Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade marches a one-mile route through Old Town Alexandria. The parade showcases drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries, and General Washington and Martha Washington. This year's grand marshals will be Alexandria’s health care workers and first responders. For updates, visit washingtonbirthday.com.

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast: Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Before the parade, meet special guests and enjoy a hearty breakfast with members of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. This will be the first appearance of the day of General and Martha Washington, and retired City Manager Mark Jinks will share "hidden ghost" stories and other anecdotal experiences. Tickets are $45 or $400 for a table of 10. The location is The Westin Alexandria Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, kehoefd@aol.com.

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution: Feb. 21 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 at Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria.

Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony: Feb. 21 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

This ceremony honors veterans, active military and their families with music and demonstrations. Speakers include Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and the commanders of major military installations in the metropolitan area. Sign the Covenant Document and show your support for the military. The location is the parade reviewing stand at King & Royal Streets.

Museums Open on Parade Day: Feb. 21

On parade day, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will have costumed guides throughout the museum sharing stories about the many people who worked in and visited the tavern, including George Washington. The Apothecary Museum will be offering both first-floor admission as well as guided tours at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Residents interested in reserving space on a guided tour for free can call the museum at 703-746-3852. Regular admission applies with free admission for City of Alexandria residents. Guests must wear masks that cover their mouth and nose while in the buildings.

Free Admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the first U.S. president of the United States with free admission for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday. Admission tickets must be reserved online in advance. Tickets will be released to Mount Vernon members on Feb. 11 and to the general public on Feb. 15. Limited tickets are available.

Washington Symposium: Feb. 26 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 2022 George Washington Symposium is "The Political Education of George Washington, 1758-1774." The George Washington Symposium is held annually to honor Washington's birthday with contemporary research on the life of George Washington. Admission is free and free parking is available.

George Washington Birthday Gala: Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.

This formal, white tie optional event features a reception at 5 p.m., entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m., and 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. To purchase tickets, visit gwmemorial.org. Tickets are limited.