George Washington Birthday Parade 2018 in Alexandria, Virginia

A Presidents' Day Event Near Washington, D.C.

By Rachel Cooper

Updated 02/03/18

George Washington Birthday Parade
••• Steve Muth 

This parade in Old Town Alexandria is "The largest Parade Celebrating Washington’s Birthday in the USA!" and the most vibrant President's Day event in the Washington, D.C. area. The parade dates back to at least 1923 and features bands, floats, wagons, horses, antique vehicles, historic reenactment units, youth groups, military units and drill teams, community and fraternal organizations and special performances.

The event is planned by the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee in coordination with the City of Alexandria and representatives from the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Masonic Fraternity, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce,  the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and other local organizations. 

Alexandria is located adjacent to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and was the hometown of our nation's first president.  A vital seaport during colonial times, Alexandria was part of the original Washington, D.C. The historic town has many sites that pay a tribute to George Washington as well as other iconic figures who shaped the development of the United States. Alexandria is a fun place to explore and the George Washington Birthday Parade is one of the best events of the year. Old Town is a fascinating place to explore on foot with its cobblestone streets, colonial houses and churches, museums, shops and restaurants.

 For more information about Alexandria, including restaurants, shopping, major attractions and things to do, see Alexandria, Virginia - A Neighborhood Guide.

Date and Time: Monday, February 19, 2018, 1-3 p.m.

Parade Route: The George Washington Birthday Parade starts at the intersection of Gibbon and S.

Fairfax streets. The reviewing stand is located near City Hall’s Market Square, at the intersection of King and Royal streets, and ends at Wilkes and S. Royal streets. See a map of Alexandria, VA. 

Transportation and Parking: Metro Stations: King Street, Braddock Road, Eisenhower Avenue and Van Dorn. Free DASH shuttle bus service will take you downtown and back from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and connects with Metrobus, Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express, and all local bus systems. The Free King Street Trolley will also be in operation all day until 11 p.m. from the King St-Old Town Metro station. There are many parking garages within the vicinity of the parade route. See a guide to parking lots in Old Town Alexandria.

Free Admission to Historic Alexandria Sites

Throughout President's Day, several Historic Alexandria sites will have Open Houses offering free admission. Those sites include the following:

The George Washington Birthday Parade is one of the many Presidents' Day events in the Washington, D.C. area.