From historical tours and adult field trips to trivia nights, several events coming to Alexandria this winter will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The various roles Alexandria played in the forging of the U.S. will be told in events across the city. The events are compiled in a list by the American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, which was established by the General Assembly in 2020.
A colonial city, Alexandria was the adopted home of President George Washington, who had a town house in Old Town, worshipped at Christ Church and whose wife, Martha, shopped at the local apothecary. The city also holds a painful past as host to one of the country’s largest domestic slave trading firms.
“From the creation of the Fairfax Resolves to the hometown of George Washington, Alexandria played a unique role in the birth of our new nation and its legacies today,” according to VA250. “Museums and organizations across the city tell this story through tours, exhibitions, public art, programs, wayfinding signs, and more.”
Here are VA250’s featured events in Alexandria over the next two months, as well as a roundup of more events scheduled through July 11.
Colonial Crafternoon: Pomanders and Potpourrie
When: Sunday, Jan. 11 from 2-3 p.m.
Visitors can learn the colonial craft of making potpourri and pomanders, balls of naturally perfumed materials made from oranges, cloves and other spices. This free event will be held at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library at 5005 Duke Street.
Carlyle at 50: Preservation of Carlyle House Tours
When: Sunday, Jan. 18 from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Alexandria founder and merchant John Carlyle built Carlyle House (121 N. Fairfax Street) in 1751, and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority opened it to the public 50 years ago, on Jan. 18, 1976. In recognition of the 50th anniversary, Carlyle House is hosting tours for $1 per person.
Tavern Games Night: Bicentennial Mania
When: Friday, Jan. 23 from 7-9 p.m.
This free trivia night featuring some 1970s-themed games will be held in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal Street) in Old Town.
Singing the Journey: Still We Rise – Jubilee Voices
When: Feb. 8 from 3-4 p.m.
This free concert at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will celebrate African American history and culture while “exploring the themes of freedom, resilience, and joy, from the Civil War through the present day,” an event listing reads. “Enjoy traditional African American spirituals, poetry, dance, ring shouts, banjo tunes, stories, and audience participation.”
George Washington Birthday Parade
When: Feb. 14 from 2-4 p.m.
The “oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country” in Old Town is expected to draw thousands of participants, “including drum corps, color guards, bands, city and community dignitaries, community and fraternal organizations, youth groups and, of course, General Washington and Martha Washington,” according to an event listing.
Birthnight Dinner
When: Feb. 14 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern will host a four-course, colonial-inspired dinner to honor George Washington’s birthnight at 124 N. Royal Street. Washington will be in attendance as portrayed by Brian Hilton, and historian Ed Lengel will offer keynote remarks. This event is $150 per person.
Grown Up Field Trip – Lives and Legacies
When: Feb. 20 from 6:30-8 p.m.
The first of four free field trips, this event will highlight African American history around Alexandria to honor the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. “All field trips are based on ones offered to school-age children, but with extra time, so we can go even deeper,” according to an event listing. The field trip will be held at the Freedom House Museum at 1315 Duke Street.
More events this year
March 14 — Alexandria Festival of the Book: Per an event listing, “‘Portraying America 1776-2026’ is a one-day book festival sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Virginia Humanities. The festival will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (228 S. Pitt Street) and will gather authors and readers to celebrate and examine the history, art, architecture, and literature that are part of the American experience.”
March 20 — Grown Up Field Trip – Media Remix: This is the second of four free field trips will highlight Alexandria’s African American history, and will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe Street).
March 21 — Alexandria Forum: This free event will share the history of Alexandria and Northern Virginia during the Revolutionary War in partnership with Emerging Revolutionary War. It will take place at the Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street).
April 10 — Grown Up Field Trip – Hayti: Uncovering an African American Neighborhood: This is the third free field trip highlighting Alexandria’s African American history, and will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union Street, third floor).
May 8 — Grown Up Field Trip – African American Stories: This is the fourth free field trip highlighting Alexandria’s African American history, and will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the city’s Archives and Records Center (801 S. Payne Street).
June 12-14 — Sails on the Potomac: As a Sail 250 Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor, Alexandria will host “the largest tall ship event in the DC Metro region.” The free, three-day event at Waterfront Park (1 King Street) will highlight the city’s “unique role in the birth of our new nation and its impact on today.”
June 27 — Revolutionary Lee-Fendall: Tracing Our Patriotic Beginnings: “Before the Lee-Fendall House was built in 1785, its original owners made a name for themselves during the American Revolution. This lecture will delve into the services of figures associated with the House’s beginnings, such as the original landowner ‘Light Horse’ Harry Lee’s prolific military career alongside George Washington and the builder Philip Richard Fendall’s diplomatic mission to France.”
July 11 — Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration: Alexandria will celebrate its 277th birthday and the nation’s 250th birthday at Oronoco Bay Park. The free event is “filled with live music, food and drink vendors and a grand finale — a fireworks display on the Potomac River.” The rain date is July 12.
