George Washington Birthday Parade, Cherry Challenge, More Events Planned In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria tends to have one of the larger celebrations for George Washington, who lived south in Mount Vernon and frequently spent time in Alexandria.

The annual George Washington Birthday Celebration is spearheaded by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee, which was created in 1976. The committee has a variety of events planned in February 2023 to celebrate Washington's 291th birthday. Events range from the headliner George Washington Birthday Parade on Feb. 20 to the multi-day Cherry Challenge and George Washington's Alexandria Tours.

The birthday celebration will also recognize the 100th anniversary of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

If you head south to George Washington's Mount Vernon, free admission will be offered on Feb. 20 and 22. Tickets are first come, first served. The free admission days will be preceded by the George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball on Feb. 19.

Below are 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. Diners can visit the participating restaurants to try their dishes and and will receive QR codes to 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. 20.

The growing list of participating restaurants includes Augie's Mussel House, Bastille Brasserie & Bar, Café 44, Chadwicks, Daniel O'Connell's Restaurant & Bar, Dishes of India, Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, Lost Boy Cider, Lost Dog Café, Mason Social, Murphy's Irish Pub, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, Sunday in Saigon, Taqueria Poblano, The Light Horse Restaurant, Urbano 116, Vaso's Mediterranean Bistro, Vermilion and Whiskey & Oyster.

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

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. 14.

Hunt for Washington: Feb. 1 to 28

This challenge 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. 28. Prizes will be awarded.

George Washington Birthday Auction: Feb. 1 to 22

Bid on various items to support the preservation and restoration of George Washington's Mount Vernon.

Mind your Manners! Balls in Early America: Feb. 3 and 17, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is famous for George Washington celebrating his Birthnight Ball there, but there’s more to the story. This tour explores how balls reveal the political intrigue and power structures that were part of early America. Tickets are $15 per person at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

George Washington’s Alexandria Tours: Feb. 6, 12, 19 and 26, 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. The tour is free, but register through Eventbrite.

Chocolate with General Washington: Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m.

Children can spend an hour with General Washington to talk about the events of the Revolution, ask questions and enjoy hot chocolate and delicious comestibles. The free event is held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

An Intimate Reception with George Washington: Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The George Washington Legacy Foundation will host a reception with General Washington at Duvall House. This was the room where Alexandrians greeted Washington when he returned to Mount Vernon at the end of the Revolutionary War. At the event, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, pastries, libations and a chance to speak with General Washington. Tickets are $125, and space is limited.

Family Day at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: Feb. 12, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Did you know George Washington danced at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum? Junior docents will be stationed throughout the museum with hands-on activities for all ages to learn about 18th-century balls. The activities included in regular admission, which is $5 per person and free for City of Alexandria residents.

Friendship Firehouse Museum open: Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friendship Firehouse Museum, the historic location of Alexandria's first volunteer fire company, is typically open on limited days. Admission is $2 per person and free for City of Alexandria residents. Younger visitors will receive a free fire hat and a take-away bag of fun activities.

Washington’s Birthday: Chronicles and Cuisine: Feb. 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Historic Alexandria will offer a twist on the traditional Birthnight Ball program with a special four-course curated dinner. The menu will tell the story of America, spanning from the enslaved to the wealthy, and how the Birthnight Ball helped build the legacy of George Washington for generations of Americans. Tickets are $125 per person at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball: Feb. 19, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Neighborhood Friends will host the 2023 Birthnight Supper & Ball, a tradition celebrating the birth of George Washington with a black-tie gala. The event tends to sell out. Tickets are $500 and above. Funds support the restoration and preservation of George Washington's Mount Vernon.

George Washington Birthday Parade: Feb. 20, 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. This year, the theme is “George Washington: The Man, The Mason, The Cornerstone of Our Republic.” The grand marshal will be George D. Seghers, executive director of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the Memorial’s cornerstone. The parade will have a special route this year to honor the 100th anniversary of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. For more information, visit www.washingtonbirthday.com.

Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association Breakfast: Feb. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Meet special guests and enjoy breakfast with the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. This will be the first appearance of the day of General and Martha Washington. The guest speaker is Dr. Doug Bradburn, director of George Washington's Mount Vernon. Bradburn will speak about “The ‘Great Experiment’ and Ongoing Legacy of George Washington.” For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Bill Kehoe, Secretary, [email protected]. The event will be held at the Westin Alexandria Hotel, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria. Admission is $45 per person and $400 for table of 10.

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution: Feb. 20, 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. The location is the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria.

Rededication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial’s Cornerstone: Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Join thousands of people from around the U.S. as the George Washington Masonic National Memorial celebrates the 100th anniversary of its cornerstone ceremony. Registration is recommended but not required. To learn more, please visit www.gwmemorial.org/pages/cornerstone.

Free Admission for George Washington's Birthday: Feb. 20 and 22

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.

Museums open on parade day, Feb. 20

Carlyle House will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 121 N. Fairfax Street. Admission is $7 per adult and $3 per child.

Christ Church will be open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 118 N. Washington Street. Admission is free.

Freedom House Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1315 Duke Street. Admission is $5 per person and free for City of Alexandria residents.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 134 N. Royal Street. Admission is $5 per person and free for City of Alexandria residents.

Old Presbyterian Meeting House will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 323 S. Fairfax Street. Admission is free.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 105 S. Fairfax Street. Admission is $5 per person and free for City of Alexandria residents.

Washington Symposium: Feb. 22, 1 p.m.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial hosts leading scholars of the life and legacy of George Washington. The theme of the 2023 George Washington Symposium is “The Architectural Legacy and Design of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.” The free George Washington Symposium is held annually to honor Washington's birthday by providing research on George Washington's life.

George Washington Birthday Gala: Feb. 22, reception at 5 p.m.

This gala is a formal, white tie optional event. The reception will occur at 5 p.m., with entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:30 p.m. and a 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 and are limited. For tickets, visit www.gwmemorial.org.