George Washington Birthday Parade Coincides With Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria will have a notable milestone to celebrate with the nation's oldest and largest George Washington birthday parade.

The annual George Washington Birthday Parade, which honors the first president in his adopted hometown of Alexandria, will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. The parade is the largest of its kind, drawing tens of thousands of parade spectators and more than 1,000 parade participants.

This year, the George Washington Birthday Parade theme is “George Washington: America’s Commander-in-Chief” in recognition of the American Revolutionary War's anniversary. Washington led the Continental Army in the American Revolution, which ultimately led to the United States being established and Washington becoming the nation's first president. This year, parade participants were encouraged to celebrate Washington's role as commander-in-chief, as well as American independence, military servicemen and women, veterans and patriotism.

"Our participants can be incredibly creative, thoughtful, and fun," said Sue Johnson, Chair of the City’s George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. "We’re really looking forward to seeing how they carry out the parade themes of this special anniversary year."

The grand marshal of the parade is Lt. Gen. Heidi J. Hoyle, the deputy chief of staff of the United States Army, which also celebrates its 250th birthday in 2025.

"I’m honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the George Washington Birthday Parade. As our nation’s first Commander-in-Chief, he embodied the true spirit of selfless service and dedication to liberty," said Hoyle in a statement. "I thank the City of Alexandria for inviting the U.S. Army to join in celebrating his enduring legacy, especially as we approach the Army’s 250th birthday this June."

The George Washington Birthday Parade route starts at Gibbon and S. Fairfax Streets, runs north on Fairfax Street to Queen Street, then turns south again on N. Royal Street. The parade reviewing stand is at King and Royal Streets, and the route ends at S. Royal and Wilkes Streets.

The parade is part of a month-long celebration organized by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee in Alexandria. The committee organized the Cherry Challenge from Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, and winners will be invited to march in the George Washington Birthday Parade.

Other events include the Hunt for Washington scavenger hunt from Feb. 1 to 28, George Washington’s Alexandria Tours on Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23, Hamilton’s BFFs & Frenemies Tour on Feb. 8, George Washington Birthnight Dinner on Feb. 15, Friendship Firehouse Annual Breakfast on Feb. 17, Statue of George Washington Rededication on Feb. 22 and more. George Washington's Mount Vernon is also hosting a George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball on Feb. 16, free admission on Feb. 17, and a George Washington's 293rd birthday celebration on Feb. 22 (no free admission on Feb. 22).

"Alexandria's George Washington Birthday Parade is an amazing display of community spirit," said Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins. "From the Restaurant Cherry Challenge to the Hunt for Washington to the George Washington Parade itself, Alexandria offers lots of fun and educational events for families and individuals alike."

The committee thanked sponsors for helping make the celebration possible. George Washington Celebration sponsors and donors include:

Gold Sponsors

Hotel AKA Alexandria and Zebra.

Silver Sponsors

Fraternal Order of Eagles ALVA Aerie #571; Sons of the American Revolution, George Washington Chapter; and Wegmans.

Cherry Challenge Sponsor

George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Bronze Sponsors

Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22; Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association; the George Washington Masonic National Memorial; Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; Kathleen Casey; Old Dominion Boat Club Foundation; Sandra W. Welch, In honor of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/Old Presbyterian Meeting House.

George Washington’s Preferred Inn

Duvall House.

Supporting Sponsors

Alexandria American Legion Post 24; Frances Johnsen Gasbarra; McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc.; Martha Washington Chapter No. 42, Order of The Eastern Star; Scot and Vickie Bryant; The Old Town Shop; Safer Country; and The Spiggle Law Firm.

Parade Donors

Sharon Anderson White, Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; Colin and Ashley; Janet Barnett; Donald Dorr; Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR; Jeanne and Gerry Frank, In honor of Sue Johnson; Rebecca Hierholzer; King Street Souvenirs; Lighthorse Restaurant and Bar.

Hunt for Washington Sponsor

Lafayette College.

In-Kind Donors

Alexandria Radio Club and Jackson Group Media.