FIREWORKS: Celebrate Alexandria’s birthday on the waterfront on July 12

Published June 10, 2025 at 12:30PM

Alexandria’s 275th birthday celebration along the waterfront in Old Town, July 13, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Get your lawn chairs ready, because Alexandria’s birthday celebration is right around the corner.

On Saturday, July 12, the city will celebrate its 276th and the U.S.’s 249th birthdays along the waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street). The free party includes food trucks, live performances by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, appearances by the town crier, poet laureate, and Mayor Alyia Gaskins, as well as cupcakes for thousands of attendees.

In other words, parking is always tough for this packed Old Town event. Consider arriving early, getting a ride, or being prepared to do some walking.

The grand finale of the fireworks show is at 9:30 p.m.

About the Author

James Cullum

Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.