Alexandria, VA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jul

Ceremony

Fairfax Resolves Day Commemoration

Historic Fairfax County Courthouse or Alexandria area historic sites

A commemorative program marking the anniversary of the July 18, 1774 adoption of the Fairfax Resolves, a bold set of resolutions drafted by George Mason and chaired by George Washington that protested British taxation and called for colonial unity. Programming may include readings of the historic document, lectures by historians, and tours of sites connected to the Resolves' history in Alexandria and Fairfax County.

FreeCommemorations have been organized by local historical and patriotic societies; contact Fairfax County History Commission or Gunston Hall for current programming.

Jul

Guided Tour

Carlyle House Historic Park Revolutionary War Day

Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA

Carlyle House, the Georgian manor where General Braddock held his famous 1755 war council, hosts living history programs exploring Alexandria's role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Costumed interpreters demonstrate colonial-era military life, 18th-century trades, and discuss the political debates that took place among Alexandria's leading citizens, including the adoption of the Fairfax Resolves.

Modest admission fee for house tours; some events are freeCarlyle House hosts various living history and educational programs throughout the year; contact the site to confirm specific Revolutionary War programming dates.More info →

Dec

Guided Tour

Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours

Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, and other Old Town Alexandria historic sites

Each December, several of Alexandria's most storied historic sites — including Gadsby's Tavern, Carlyle House, and the Lee-Fendall House — open their doors for candlelight tours featuring period decorations, colonial-era music, cider, and costumed interpreters who recount the Revolutionary-era stories of the families and patriots who lived and gathered in these buildings.

Ticketed; prices vary by yearTypically held on a weekend in early-to-mid December. Check Visit Alexandria or individual museum websites for exact dates.More info →

Earlier This Year

Feb

FestivalFeatured

George Washington Birthday Celebration & Parade

Old Town Alexandria streets, with events at Gadsby's Tavern and Market Square

The nation's largest George Washington Birthday parade winds through the streets of Old Town Alexandria each February, featuring Revolutionary War reenactment units, fife and drum corps, floats, and historical dignitaries. The weekend celebration also includes a reenactment of a Revolutionary War skirmish, a 10K race, a banquet, and wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Washington, who called Alexandria his hometown.

Free (parade); some associated events may have feesPresidents' Day weekend in February; the parade is typically held on the Monday holiday. Exact dates vary by year.More info →

Feb

Reenactment

Gadsby's Tavern Museum Colonial Christmas & Birthnight Ball

Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA

Gadsby's Tavern Museum hosts its annual Birthnight Ball, a recreation of the elegant 18th-century balls held in Washington's honor at the historic tavern. Guests in period attire enjoy live period music, English country dancing, and a colonial-era supper in the same rooms where Washington himself was feted. The museum also hosts colonial holiday programs in December.

Ticketed event; prices varyTypically held the Saturday closest to Washington's Birthday in February. Contact Gadsby's Tavern Museum to confirm exact date.More info →