George Washington's Birthday 2019: Guide To Parade, More Events

Perhaps no place celebrates George Washington's birthday more than Alexandria. After all, he played a key in shaping Old Town Alexandria and frequented the historic town, which is less than ten miles north of his Mount Vernon estate. Every February, Alexandria holds the George Washington Birthday Celebration as a nod to the first president.

While Washington's birthday is Feb. 22, the nation recognizes it as a federal holiday on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. Nevertheless, Alexandria has plenty of Washington-themed events before and after the federal holiday.

Among the highlights are the George Washington Birthday Parade, the Cherry Challenge, George Washington's Birthnight Banquet & Ball, walking tours and more.

Below is a breakdown of the George Washington Birthday Celebration schedule.

Cherry Challenge

Jan. 27-Feb. 10

Various restaurants around Alexandria

We all know the legend involving George Washington and the cherry tree. In honor of George Washington’s birthday, participating Alexandria restaurants create unique, cherry-centric dishes. Diners rate their favorite dishes, and winners are given special recognition at the George Washington Birthday Parade.

Walking with Washington Tour

Feb. 10, 17, 24

Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street

Alexandria boasts 140 sites associated with the first president. This free walking tour includes stops at Ramsay House, Market Square, Carlyle House, Wise’s Tavern, Duvall Tavern/Charles Lee House, Gadsby’s Tavern, Washington’s townhouse, the Lord Fairfax House, the “Light-Horse” Harry Lee house and Christ Church.

Chocolate with Gen. Washington

Feb. 10, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive

Children are invited to spend an hour with George Washington and ask questions. The event is free.

"World Turned Upside Down"

Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street

Guests can try on different coats of the American, British, French and German troops and those worn by African Americans in the British army during the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. A reception with refreshments, beer, and wine will be before and after the program. Visit shop.alexandriava.gov for tickets.

George Washington's Birthnight Banquet & Ball

Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal Street

Tickets are already sold out for the 1799-style celebration. The event features an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors plus the General and Mrs. Washington. Period costume is optional, but "after-five" attire is encouraged. Get your tickets well in advance if you want to attend next year.

George Washington Birthday Parade

Feb. 18, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Parade stand at Market Square, 301 King Street

The nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade is a one-mile march through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. The parade starts on Fairfax Street at Gibbon Street, heads north, turns left and heads back south on Royal Street. Over 2,500 people typically participate. The parade is preceded by a free marching band concert from 11 a.m.-noon and Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony from noon-1 p.m. See the parade map and more details here.

Free admission to historic Alexandria sites

Feb. 18

Various historic sites around Alexandria

To mark Washington's birthday, admission is free at these historic Alexandria sites:

Friendship Firehouse Museum: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
107 South Alfred Street

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
134 North Royal Street

Old Presbyterian Meeting House: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
323 South Fairfax Street

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
105-107 South Fairfax Street

The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
201 South Washington Street

Hunt for Washington

Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Parade Reviewing Stand (Across from Market Square)

This new scavenger hunt takes you around Alexandria to places associated with Washington. The hunt takes one to one and a half hours to complete and is open to kids and adults. Pick up a clue sheet at the Parade Reviewing Stand after 10 a.m.

George Washington Symposium

Feb. 23, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive

The theme of the 2019 George Washington Symposium is "George Washington: Symbol of an Age." The lectures begin at 1 p.m. in the Memorial's theater. The George Washington Symposium is held annually on Washington's birthday to provide the public with enlightening contemporary research on the life of George Washington.Admission is free but attendees should pre-register at www.GWMemorial.org.

Annual Washington’s Birthday Gala

Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive

The annual George Washington Birthday Celebration is a formal gala at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. A reception, concert and banquet lead to the presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here.
Attire is formal (white tie optional).

For more details and events, visit washingtonbirthday.com.

Image via Visit Alexandria