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  • 5 ways to celebrate George Washington’s birthday in Northern Virginia
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5 ways to celebrate George Washington’s birthday in Northern Virginia

From Colonial-style galas to family-friendly parades, here’s how to honor the founding father’s 288th birthday.

By Michele Kettner January 29, 2020 at 10:08 am

men in uniform at mount vernon
Photo courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Washington’s Birthday Ball

Head down to Colonial Williamsburg to join Martha Washington in a surprise celebration for her husband. Celebrate the president’s birthday with a night of music and dancing at the Governor’s Palace. // Feb. 14 & 15; Governor’s Palace: 300 Palace Green St., Williamsburg; $25

Annual George Washington Birthnight Banquet/Ball

Travel back to 1799 for an 18th-century party for Washington’s birthday. Don your best period costume for a night of English country dancing, dining at an 18th-century banquet and visiting with the Washingtons. // Feb. 16, 5:30-11 p.m.; Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria; $40-$275

Washington’s Birthday Celebration

Celebrate Washington’s 288th birthday at his Mount Vernon estate. The day includes a special wreath laying ceremony at the president’s tomb, military demonstrations and a musical tribute to Washington. Can’t make it on Feb. 17? Stop by the estate to celebrate on Presidents Day. // Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; free

George Washington Birthday Parade

Dress warmly and line the streets of Alexandria for the annual birthday parade. Parade-goers will be in awe of the endless antique cars, marching bands and performing arts groups along the 1-mile route. // Feb. 17; 1-3 p.m.; City of Alexandria: Between the corner of Gibbon Street and Fairfax Street and Wilkes Street and Royal Street, Alexandria; free

2020 Washington’s Birthday Gala

Honor the first president of the United States at the annual Washington birthday gala celebration. The formal event will feature a banquet, entertainment and the presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award. // Feb. 22; 5:30-10 p.m.; The George Washington Masonic National Memorial: 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria; $200

This post originally appeared in our February 2020 print issue. To be the first to know about events coming to NoVA, subscribe to our newsletters.

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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