Alexandria Birthday Celebration: Fireworks Viewing Locations, Traffic Impacts

ALEXANDRIA, VA — While most Fourth of July fireworks events concluded, Alexandria will have a later celebration on Saturday, July 13.

The event will celebrate Alexandria's 275th birthday and the USA's 248th birthday. The main event at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) starting at 6 p.m. will have live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, food vendors, birthday cupcakes presented by City Council, announcement by Town Crier, remarks by Mayor Justin Wilson, poetry by Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks finale.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled on 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 14.

Additional locations along the waterfront will be available for fireworks viewing. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Canal Center Plaza (44 Canal Center Plz.) will have live jazz by Yellow Door Concert, artist vendors, an exhibition in the Gallery, and bar provided by Alexandria Celebrates Women. Over 40 artists will set up to sell art from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Canal Center will also have Rockland BBQ, Hops 'N Shine smash burgers and hot dogs, Kettle Korn, Buddin Bakery and a new cupcake baker as food vendors. The event will have 275 stars where people can write "What does Alexandria mean to me?" to display throughout Alexandria after July 13.

Another viewing party will take place at New Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a waterfront dance party with DJ One Luv, art project with the Office of the Arts and hands-on project with the Office of Historic Alexandria.

Locations for fireworks viewing include:

• Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
• Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
• Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
• Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
• Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
• Point Lumley Park, (1 Duke St.)
• Windmill Hill Park  (501 South Union St.)
• Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
• Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive)
• George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive)

For those attending the main celebration at Oronoco Bay Park, expect road closures and bus impacts in the area. Alexandria Police will close parts of N. Fairfax Street between Madison and Pendleton Streets on both sides of the street. Street parking will be closed on Madison St. between N. Fairfax Street and the waterfront, except for residents who live there, city staff and vendors.

Due to traffic impacts, DASH Bus will adjust service around Fairfax Street, affecting Lines 30, 31 and 34 in both directions. Detour routes on surrounding streets will be in place during the event.

Oronoco Bay Park will have lawn seating for fireworks viewing. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets but are not allowed to bring grilling stations tents, and large or staked umbrellas. An area for lost persons will be located at the City stage. Smoking and pets are also not permitted.

The city recommends walking, biking or taking public transportation to the event. Garage parking is one option for parking in Old Town. Handicapped-accessible parking will be available in the 500 block of N. Fairfax Street.