Presidents' Day Celebrations - Alexandria, Virginia

Fun with History in Old Town

Alexandria, Virginia, located just outside of Washington, D.C., was George Washington's hometown. It is where he dined, conducted business, went to church and had a small house for the times he was not able to return to his Mount Vernon Estate. In honor of its favorite son, Alexandria hosts a weekend of special events each year during Presidents' Day Weekend.

Presidents' Day in Alexandria provides a wonderful opportunity to have an exciting time exploring the life and times of George Washington through living history events, special guided tours and more. The celebration culminates with the largest George Washington birthday parade in the United States. Some of the highlights of the weekend include:

The George Washington Birthday Classic 10-K Race and 2-K Fun
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The 10-K certified race course travels along Eisenhower Valley and through Alexandria's parklands. The race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Birthnight Banquet and Ball
Saturday, February 14, 2009
In a tradition reaching back to 1797, this annual ball is held each year at historic Gadsby's Tavern from 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Revolutionary War Encampment
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bringing together troops from reenactment units along the Atlantic Coast, representing authentic Revolutionary War regiments on both the American and British sides, this special one-day annual event is held at Alexandria's Fort Ward Park from 10 a.m until 3 p.m. A skirmish takes place at 2 p.m.

George Washington Birthday Parade
Monday, February 16, 2009
Many of Alexandria's streets close down for the main event of the weekend, the largest George Washington birthday parade in the United States. Beginning at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Wilkes and South St. Asaph Streets, the parade route continues through Old Town Alexandria and ends at South Fairfax and Gibbon Streets.

Open House at Historic Sites
Monday, February 16, 2009
Several historic sites in Old Town Alexandria will offer free admission in celebration of Presidents' Day, including:

• Carlyle House - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


• Christ Church - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


• Friendship Firehouse Museum - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


• Gadsby's Tavern Museum - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


• Lee-Fendall House Museum - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


• The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum - 11 a.m.


• The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum - 1 - 4 p.m.

Walking with Washington
Sundays in February 2009 - February 1, 8, 15, and 22
Enjoy a free walking tour of Alexandria sites associated with George Washington. Tours meet at the Fountain at Market Square, located on King Street between Royal and Fairfax Streets, at 1:30 p.m.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria
Explore Alexandria's historic sites at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour.

Additional Information

George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee Web Site
Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Web Site