After many of the D.C. region’s fireworks shows have come and gone, Alexandrians will have another to look forward to this weekend.
The Alexandria and USA Birthday Celebration is set for Saturday, July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street). This year’s event celebrates Alexandria’s 277th birthday and America’s 250th.
The free party includes music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Decades Band, remarks by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso, local vendors, cupcakes distributed by City Council members and a grand finale fireworks display over the Potomac River. Port City Brewing Company will sell its craft beer, and food trucks serving food and dessert will be located on Pendleton Street.
Here is the schedule:
6 p.m. – Introduction by Master of Ceremonies NBC4 Washington Reporter Molette Green, Opening Act music by Decades Band
7:30 p.m. – Town crier announces Mayor Alyia Gaskins; poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso; acknowledgements
8 p.m. – Distribution of birthday cupcakes by members of City Council
8:30 p.m. – Performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
9:30 p.m. – Grand finale fireworks display, Ceremonial cannons by the Presidential Salute Battery
9:45 p.m. – Closing remarks
There will be ways to stay cool during the evening. Virginia American Water will provide a misting tent and free water at a cooling station along the Madison Street side of the park. DASH will have two cooling buses, including a special America 250 wrapped bus, at Madison and Wythe Streets.
Attendees may bring lawn chairs and blankets, but pets, smoking, grilling, tents and large or staked umbrellas are not allowed. A lost person area for separated groups will be located at the main stage and at the city birthday information tent near the center of the park at the Mount Vernon Trail.
In the event of rain, fireworks would be rescheduled for Sunday, July 12.
Parking in Old Town is usually a challenge during this popular event, and it will be exacerbated by the temporary closure of the Market Square Garage. Accessible parking will be provided in the 500 block of N. Fairfax Street. The city government recommends car-free options like walking, biking and riding DASH and Metro. GO Alex will have free bike, scooter, and stroller parking on N. Fairfax Street at the entrance of Wythe Street Park leading to Oronoco Bay Park.
More fireworks viewing locations are located along the waterfront:
- Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
- Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
- Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
- Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
- Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
- Point Lumley Park, (1 Duke St.)
- Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.)
- Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
- Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive)
- George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive)
