On Monday, Feb. 20, from 1-3 p.m.the George Washington Birthday Parade occupies the streets of Alexandria, featuring historical groups, Scouting groups, animals, bands and more. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-829-6640 for more information.
This year is the 285th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his
hometown of Alexandria, where historians are serious when they say “George Washington slept here.” The following is a list of activities to learn and celebrate the life of the country's first president.
Feb. 18-19
Presidents Day Breakfast Sampler. 9 a.m.-noon at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy., Join “General Washington” for a sample of hoecakes prepared by Mount Vernon staff. Visit www.mountvernon.org/ or call 703-780-2000 for more information.
Visit with George Washington. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. Mingle with costumed characters from George Washington’s world, followed by an 18th-century dancing demonstration, birthday cake and wreath-laying ceremony. Adults, $20; children ages 6-11, $10; and children under 5 free.Visit www.mountvernon.org/ or call 703-780-2000 for more information.
Monday/Feb. 20
George Washington’s Birthday. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s Birthday by visiting his home and burial site free of charge on this day, and watch a variety of activities. Visit www.mountvernon.org/ or call 703-780-2000 for more information.
Saturday/Feb. 18
George Washington Birthnight Banquet and Ball. 5:30-11 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St. Set in 1799, the evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors plus the General and Mrs. Washington. Period costume optional; “after-five” attire encouraged. Tickets are tiered starting at $125. Advance reservations required. Call 703-746-4242 for more information.
Sunday/Feb. 19
Revolutionary War Reenactment. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Fort Ward, 4301 W Braddock Road. Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day, including a Revolutionary War skirmish at 2 p.m. between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. Participants include renowned reenactment units from around the United States dressed in authentic period costumes and demonstrating authentic 18th-century weaponry. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday for more information.
Wonders of Science. 1-4 p.m. at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105 S. Fairfax St. Hands-on demonstrations of the scientific interests of George Washington, including period medicine, inventions, and espionage. $6 per person.Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday for more information.
Monday/Feb. 20
Historic Alexandria Open Houses. Times vary at the Carlyle House, Christ Church, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum. Free. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/GWbday for more information.
Fire Engine Association Breakfast. 9-10:30 a.m. at The Alexandrian, 480 King St. Sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, features “George Washington’s” first appearance of the day plus an address by retired Four-Star General John H. Tilelli, the awarding of the Ben Lynt Award. $35. Visit www.friendshipfire.net or call 703-751-6416 for more information.
Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Honor the nation’s veterans, active military, and their families with music, games, and activities for children with military vehicles, demonstrations, informational booths, and displays. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-829-6640 for more information.
George Washington Birthday Parade. 1-3 p.m. starts at the intersection of Gibbon and S. Fairfax streets. Expect nearly 3,500 participants including historical groups, youth from Scouting groups, animals, bands and more. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-829-6640 for more information.
Wednesday/Feb. 22
Lecture: George Washington the Entrepreneur. 7:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Using Washington's financial papers, Edward G. Lengel, chief historian of the White House Historical Association, chronicles the story of how Washington built the Mount Vernon estate into a resource to win the war of independence Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-829-6640 for more information.
Saturday/Feb. 25
George Washington Symposium. 1-3 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Mark Tabbert, the Memorial's director of collections, discusses contemporary research on the life of George Washington. Free. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-829-6640 for more information.
Annual Birthday Gala. 5:30-9:30 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Black tie affair, featuring The presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award. $125. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-829-6640 for more information.