Presidents' Day Celebrations - Alexandria, Virginia

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 several special events each year during February and 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.

When and What is Presidents' Day?

Presidents' Day Weekend Highlights:

• Birthnight Banquet and Ball
  Saturday, February 18, 2012
  In a tradition reaching back to 1797, this annual banquet and ball is held each year at historic Gadsby's Tavern from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
  
  
• Revolutionary War Encampment
  Sunday, Sunday, February 19, 2012
  Bringing together troops from reenactment units along the Atlantic Coast which represent 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 20, 2012
  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.
  
  
• Open House at Historic Sites
  Monday, February 20, 2012
  Several historic sites in Old Town Alexandria will offer free admission during limited specified hours during the day in celebration of Presidents' Day, including:
  Carlyle House - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Christ Church - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Friendship Firehouse Museum - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Gadsby's Tavern Museum - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Other Related Activities

• Annual Cherry Challenge
  February 5-11, 2012
  Patrons at participating restaurants judge and score cherry-centric creations. The restaurant whose dish receives the top scores receives a plaque and is featured in the George Washington Birthday Parade.
  
  
• Walking with Washington
  Every Sunday in February - February 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2012
  More than 140 places in Alexandria are associated with George Washington. This 90-minute tour explores some of George Washington's favorite and lesser known places throughout his historic hometown. Tours begin at 1 p.m. at the fountain at Market Square, near the intersection of King & Royal Streets.
  
  
• Self-Guided Walking Tour: Explore Alexandria's historic sites at your own pace on this Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria.

Additional Information about Presidents' Day Weekend in Alexandria

• Alexandria Hotels - Compare Prices
  
• Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Website
  
• George Washington Birthday Celebration Website
  
• More Virginia Presidents' Day Celebrations