Happy Birthday, George Washington! Soon we’ll celebrate the birthday of our nation’s first president, and while the federal holiday of Washington’s birthday is now more popularly known as “Presidents Day,” celebrating the birthdays of both Washington and Abraham Lincoln, in Northern Virginia, the party is mostly about George. After all, it was right here where Washington made his home, and his Mount Vernon Estate just south of Alexandria is one of Fairfax County’s top attractions. Below are some of the major upcoming celebrations for George Washington’s birthday. Update: the celebrations continue on Wednesday, February 22!
Upcoming event:
Mount Vernon celebrates Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, 2017
Celebrate the birthday of our first president at his home, Mount Vernon! The estate, museum, and gardens — with plenty of exhibits to enjoy indoors and outdoors, plus the mansion to tour, a kids’ area, and more — hosts another free admission day on Feb. 22. Activities include birthday-card-making for our first president, a concert by the Air Force Strings at 2:30 pm, a pop-up library, story times, birthday cake, and more. Admission is 100% free to all guests from 9 am to 5 pm.
Past events:
Washington’s Birthday Weekend at Mount Vernon, Feb. 18-20, 2017
Mount Vernon celebrates Washington’s birthday with a weekend full of special events, featuring costumed characters, crafts, storytelling, dance demonstrations, and birthday cake, included with regular admission ($9-10 for youth 6-11 and $18-20 for adults). And on Monday, February 20, gates open early at 8 a.m. for an all-day birthday salute—and admission is FREE for everyone. Monday’s special events include military demos, musical salutes, book signings, and more.
Revolutionary War Reenactment at Fort Ward Park, Sun., Feb. 19, 2017
Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day (10 am to 3 pm), including a Revolutionary War skirmish (at 2 pm) between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. The free event is part of the City of Alexandria George Washington Birthday celebration.
George Washington Birthday Parade and Celebration, Mon., Feb. 20, 2017
The annual parade through Old Town Alexandria, one of the biggest events in the City of Alexandria, is part of a larger celebration that includes George Washington and veterans’ memorial ceremonies, free open houses of historic homes, and more. The parade itself is 1-3 pm.
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