George Washington Birthday Parade, More Lined Up For 2024 In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria tends to have one of the larger celebrations for George Washington, as the first president frequently spent time in Alexandria. There's also a notable observance at Mount Vernon, Washington's estate maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.

In February, locals can expect the return of the annual George Washington Birthday Celebration organized by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, which was created in 1976. The committee has a variety of events planned in February 2024 to celebrate Washington's 292nd birthday. Events range from the biggest celebration, the George Washington Birthday Parade on Feb. 19, to the multi-day Cherry Challenge and George Washington's Alexandria Tours.

Kicking off the month of February is the Cherry Challenge, a contest for restaurants to create a cherry-oriented appetizer, entrée, beverage or dessert. The event from Feb. 1 to 15 sponsored by George Washington’s Mount Vernon allows diners to receive a QR code and vote for their favorite cherry dishes. Entries are judged on three criteria: taste, presentation and creativity.

"This unique event helps generate buzz for Alexandria restaurants, encourages chefs to get creative, and boosts customer traffic," said Kristen Eastlick, GW Birthday Celebration committee member and chair of the event. "The #GWCherryChallenge lets us offer a tasteful event that keeps George Washington's memory alive in his hometown. We’re thrilled that historic Mount Vernon has graciously sponsored this whimsical event."

Winners will be announced at the George Washington Birthday Parade on Feb. 19. Participating restaurants in the Cherry Challenge are Bastille Restaurant, BRABO Brasserie, Crazy Mason Jar, Dishes of India, Don Taco, Evening Star Café, Jula's on the Potomac, Kiwi Pie Shop, Lost Boy Cider, Mae’s Market and Café, Murphy's Irish Pub, River Bend Bistro, Taqueria Poblano, The Italian Place, The Light Horse, The Tasting Room, Trattoria da Fanco and Whiskey and Oyster. More restaurants are joining.

If you head south to George Washington's Mount Vernon, free admission will be offered on Feb. 19 and 22. Festivities for Presidents Day and George Washington's Birthday will include a presidential wreath-laying ceremony, a naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens, a tactical demonstration by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, a musical demonstration by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a rare George Washington Presidential Library Open House, a chance to meet George Washington and more.

Ahead of Presidents Day, Mount Vernon released results of a poll showing what qualities Americans look for in a president.

"The celebration of George Washington’s birthday is a perfect time to reflect on the qualities of a president that are necessary to ensure our democracy continues to stay strong for generations to come," said Mount Vernon president and CEO Doug Bradburn. "President Washington played a fundamental role in defining the governing principles that established American democracy, liberty, and stability."

Below are George Washington Birthday and Presidents Day events planned throughout February. For any updates to events, check washingtonbirthday.com.

Cherry Challenge: Feb 1 to 15

Each year, participating Alexandria restaurants compete to compete for the best cherry-oriented appetizer, entrée, beverage, or dessert in the spirit of the George Washington cherry tree legend. Sample cherry-themed dishes from local restaurants and vote for your favorite. Diners will vote electronically for their favorite dishes based on taste, presentation and creativity. Point totals for each dish will be divided by the number of ballots to get the average score, and the highest average in each category will be named a winner.

Winners will be announced on the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade, Feb. 19.

American Legion Post 24 Run, Walk, n’ Roll: Feb. 1 to 29

This month-long event in February invites participants to run, walk and/or roll on their own for at least 24 miles in increments and routes of their choice. Proceeds support Alexandria American Legion Post 24 veterans and youth programs. Registration is $24 and is open until Feb. 25.

“Hunt for Washington”: Feb. 1 to 29

This challenge sponsored by Lafayette College invites participants to uncover clues about Alexandria and George Washington. The hunt, which should take about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, will take individuals and families to places in Old Town Alexandria associated with George Washington. Print a clue sheet from washingtonbirthday.com at home and bring it with you as you find clues in Old Town. Submit your findings to [email protected] before the end of the day on Feb. 29. Prizes will be awarded.

“George Washington’s Alexandria” Tour 2024: Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This two-hour guided walking tour takes you to sites associated with George Washington and his closest acquaintances. Register by visiting eventbrite.com and searching George Washington’s Alexandria. Tours start at Christ Church, 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Mind your Manners! Balls in Early America: Feb. 9, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the location of George Washington's own Birthnight Ball, continues the tradition today. This tour explores balls as a source of political intrigue and power structures in early America. Tours are $15 per person with tickets available at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

An Intimate Reception with George Washington: Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join General Washington at historic Duvall House, where he was feted by leading Alexandrians after his return from the Revolutionary War in 1783. The General will share memories of the war and answer questions about his life and times. Libations and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $150 per person and available at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

Washington’s Entertainments: A Birthnight Event: Feb. 17, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

George Washington's Birthnight at Gadsby’s Tavern with music and dance is a tradition continuing today. Guests will enjoy a dinner with 18th-century entertainments Washington enjoyed in his lifetime, including music, dance demonstrations, toasts, and even a bit of mind reading. Tickets are $150 per person and include a four-course dinner with wine and live performances. Buy tickets at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

George Washington Birthday Parade: Feb. 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Head to the streets of Old Town Alexandria to view the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the U.S. The parade features drum corps, color guards, bands, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups, local merchants, city dignitaries and an appearance from General Washington and Martha Washington. To celebrate the 275th anniversary of Alexandria's foudning, the parade's theme is "George Washington: Alexandria’s Original Living Legend."

The parade route returns to east of Washington Street. See the parade route here.

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast 2024: Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Join notable Alexandrias at this historic celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Friendship Fire Company and the City’s 275th anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, [email protected]. Tickets are $45 per person or $400 for a table of 10. The location is The Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center, Terrace Room, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria.

Historic Sites Open on Parade Day: Feb. 19

Various historic sites and museums will be open for the Presidents Day holiday:

Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$8 per adult; $3 per child

Christ Church, 118 N. Washington Street
Open 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free

Freedom House Museum, 1315 Duke Street
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$5 per person, City residents free

Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred Street
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$2 per person, City residents free

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$5 per person, City residents free

Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 S. Fairfax Street
Open 101 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105 S. Fairfax Street
Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$5 per person, City residents free

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution: Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution as they honor the soldiers of the Revolution. The location is the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria. Registration is not required.

Free Admission for George Washington's Birthday: Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

George Washington's Mount Vernon admission will be free for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday. Tickets will be limited and distributed on site. Mansion tour tickets will be distributed on site. Attendees will get access to a presidential wreath-laying ceremony, a naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens, a tactical demonstration by the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, a musical demonstration by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a rare George Washington Presidential Library Open House, meet George Washington and more.

Washington Symposium: Feb. 24, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial will host leading scholars of the life and legacy of George Washington. The theme of the 2024 Symposium will be "Commemorating the Two-hundred Twenty-five Years of George Washington’s Death and Funeral." This event is free and open to the general public. Parking is free.

George Washington Birthday Gala: Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial's traditional Washington’s Birthday Gala is a formal event (white tie optional) with a reception in Memorial Hall, entertainment in the Theater, and a Gala Banquet in Grand Masonic Hall. The presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award will take place during the banquet. Tickets are $225 and available at gwmemorial.org.