Step into history and celebrate the legacy of George Washington—Virginia’s native son and the nation’s founding father—at the 2026 George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria! This year’s event promises to be a once-in-a-generation celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States with unmatched pageantry, patriotism, and pride.  

** New 2026 Parade Route **
 https://washingtonbirthday.com/parade-route

Register Online (before 11 Feb 2026)

2026 Parade Theme
Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father

In honor of George Washington’s leading role in the founding of our country
during its 250th Anniversary Year

2026 Grand Marshals

Michael J. Elston, Esq.,
President General, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)

Ginnie Sebastian Storage
President General, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Thousands of Alexandria residents and visitors will line the streets of Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, February 14, 2026 to cheer on the oldest and largest George Washington Birthday parade in the country. This parade honoring our most celebrated founding father will be even more special in 2026, since it will be held during the country’s 250th Anniversary Year!

The parade is expected to feature 1,200 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.  It has drawn as many as 80,000 spectators in good weather.

Alexandria’s George Washington Birthday Parade features over a thousand participants from a wide variety of organizations who are known for their dedication and high spirits, rain or shine. It commemorates Washington’s legacy in his adopted hometown, creating a vibrant atmosphere that strengthens the bonds that tie the community together year after year.

https://washingtonbirthday.com/

The Finer Details

February 14th, 2026, Saturday (2:00 pm step-off; muster by 1:00 pm) – George Washington Birthday Parade, Alexandria, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter Virginia SAR / Scot Bryant
Location:  Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria, VA. 
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.

Arrive between 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. (See link to assembly area map below.)  Specific "Assembly #" is TBD (expected 10/11 Feb).

The parade is a very popular, annual event and, especially with streets closed for the parade route itself, nearby parking will be limited. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you’ll find a spot on the street or in a lot nearby. 

Metro is also an option. There is parking at the Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, Huntington and Eisenhower Avenue Metro stations. You can take a train from any of these stations to the King Street-Old Town station. It is roughly a one mile walk to the beginning of the parade route from the station, and there are free shuttles starting at 11am.

Details: The 2026 parade route

First-time participants of the George Washington Birthday Parade are eligible to receive the John C. Evans Medal and miniature medal ($10 extra) issued by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR.

For more details see “Orders to the Guard” when published. The parade float offered to the SMJC Chapter is registered for the parade. Seats for 4-6 riders. Please contact Barry Schwoerer at [email protected] if you wish to ride.