Annual Events

Alexandria's calendar is packed with parades, festivals and performances throughout the year.

For complete details on these and many more events, go to the full event calendar, or check in with the Alexandria Visitors Center staff at (703) 746-3301.

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February 18-20

George Washington Birthday Celebration Weekend!

The citywide celebration includes a 10k race, the Birthnight Banquet and Ball and the country's largest parade celebrating George Washington. Several historic sites offer free admission. $ (parade free)

February 20

Washington's Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon

The traditional wreath-laying ceremony is followed by patriotic music and military performances on the Bowling Green. "General Washington" greets visitors all day at his home, Mount Vernon. 8-4. Free!

March 3

St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade

In Old Town: at 11, a Fun Dog Show in Market Square and a classic car competition along King St.; at 12:30, the parade starts at King and West streets. Free!

April 21

Annual Historic Garden Tour of Alexandria

This Alexandria tradition offers the rare opportunity to be invited into some of Old Town's finest private homes and gardens. Many of the area's historic sites offer special activities, including Carlyle House's annual herb sale. 10-4. $

July 4

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

An 18th-century style celebration with fireworks, a moving naturalization ceremony, patriotic music and "George and Martha Washington." 8-5. $

July 7

USA & Alexandria Birthday Celebration

Enjoy a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. The evening culminates in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Concert at 6, fireworks at 9:30 at Oronoco Bay Park. Free!

September 8-9

King Street Festival of the Arts

Old Town's King Street, between Washington and Union streets, becomes an open-air art gallery of more than 200 juried artists. For families, historic Christ Church hosts a respite area, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center has interactive activities highlighting artists. Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5. Free!

October 6

Del Ray's Art on the Avenue

Celebrating Del Ray's diversity, the annual street festival on Mount Vernon Ave. features 300 juried artists, three music stages, art activities for kids, and restaurants selling their specialties. 10-6. Free!

November 23

City of Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting

In Market Square in front of City Hall, musical entertainment and greetings from the Mayor and Santa Claus. 7-9. Free!

November 25-January 6

Christmas at Mount Vernon

At day and evening programs, visitors learn about the Washingtons' Christmas traditions, meet historical characters and sing carols in front of a bonfire. Evening program held weekends only. $

November 30-December 1

Annual Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

Events welcome the holiday season and celebrate Alexandria's Scottish heritage: Fri, the Christmas Marketplace at George Washington Masonic Memorial; Sat 10:30 Scottish Walk Parade with 100 Scottish clans dressed in tartans and playing bagpipes, dog clubs and antique cars; and Sat 11-4 Holiday Designer Tour of Homes. $ (parade is free)

December 1

Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

At dusk more than 50 illuminated boats cruise the river at the waterfront. Festivities begin in the afternoon at Alexandria City Marina behind the Torpedo Factory. Free!

December 31

First Night Alexandria

Celebrate the New Year with the Annual Fun Hunt, 90 live performances, children's activities and a spectacular finale at midnight. Performances start at 7, various locations.

$ (Ages 12 and under free)