The George Washington Birthday Celebration

Thousands will join in the revelry for the 285th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with 16 festive events, including the George Washington Birthday Parade, a Cherry Challenge among Alexandria’s best restaurants, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, and an 18th-century banquet and ball.

The annual George Washington Birthday Parade on February 20, 2017 at 1 p.m., the largest and oldest in the country celebrating this Founding Father, winds its way through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town. The parade includes thousands of participants such as historical, community and youth groups, bands, horses and canines. More events scheduled throughout the birthday weekend make it the cornerstone of a month of celebratory events.

Alexandria is a “best of” when it comes to the spectrum of sites and special events associated with General Washington. With George Washington’s Mount Vernon just eight miles south of historic Old Town, more than 140 locations in present-day Alexandria are associated with the nation’s first president, who conducted business, gathered with friends, worshiped and even owned a townhouse in the city. Embark on a “Walking with Washington” tour every Sunday in February at 2 p.m. to learn more about historic sites in Alexandria connected to the General.

Check out winter deals happening in Alexandria and book a hotel stay to partake in George Washington Birthday celebrations all weekend long.

If an event is canceled due to inclement weather, you can find out about it here.