It’s more than four months away, but on Wednesday, the announcement was made, confirming that the 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade will take place in Old Town on Saturday, February 14.
Alexandria has been celebrating Washington with a parade since 1801, and it’s the largest and oldest parade celebrating the founding father in the world. The parade will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in Old Town, and this year’s parade marshals are Michael J. Elston, Esq., president general of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and Ginnie Sebastian Storage, president general of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
This year’s parade theme is “Virginia’s Son — America’s Founding Father,” honoring Washington as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026.
“We’re excited to celebrate Washington’s birthday in his adopted hometown of Alexandria during the nation’s 250th Anniversary,” said Sue Johnson, chair of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. “Our parade participants always show great enthusiasm and creativity, and we anticipate that this special occasion will inspire even more spirited involvement.”
The parade will be held two days earlier than President’s Day, which is on Monday, Feb. 16. The parade will be held the Saturday before to “avoid increased costs associated with paying security personnel to work on a city holiday,” according to parade organizers.
Sponsorship options are still available, and the schedule of other planned events that day is available online. Parade registration will open next month.
