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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A city older than the country it helped build turns 277 on Saturday, and it is throwing a party on the Potomac.
The Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration runs 6 to 9:45 p.m. July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St. Admission is free. The celebration falls two days shy of the exact anniversary of the city's founding: on July 13, 1749, the first public auction of town lots was held along the Potomac, establishing what would become one of the young nation's busiest ports.
The evening opens with NBC4 Washington reporter Molette Green serving as master of ceremonies and an opening set by the Decades Band. At 7:30 p.m., the town crier will announce Mayor Alyia Gaskins, followed by a poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate Cristi Donoso. Members of City Council will distribute free birthday cupcakes — courtesy of Wegmans — beginning at 8 p.m.
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. under guest conductor Victoria Gau. The program includes an Armed Forces Medley, opera and Broadway selections with guest vocalist Danielle Talamantes, and patriotic favorites, with the grand finale featuring Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture accompanied by live cannons. The Presidential Salute Battery fires the ceremonial cannons at 9:30 p.m. as fireworks launch over the river.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria predates the country it will toast — a distinction the celebration leans into during the year of the nation's semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Food, drink and logistics
Port City Brewing Company will sell craft beer on-site, and local food truck vendors will line Pendleton Street. Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Grilling, smoking, tents, and large or staked umbrellas are not permitted. Pets should be left at home.
Weather watch: Rain possible Saturday, city has a backup plan
Saturday's forecast introduces some uncertainty for the outdoor celebration. The National Weather Service is calling for showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the day and evening, with a high near 90 and heat index values potentially reaching 101. The chance of precipitation stands at 60% during the day and 70% overnight.
The city has set a rain date of Sunday, July 12 at 6 p.m. should weather force a postponement. Attendees should monitor the City Birthday webpage for any updates before heading out.
Virginia American Water will operate a misting tent and free cooling station along the Madison Street side of the park regardless of weather, and DASH will station two cooling buses at Madison and Wythe streets, including a special America 250-wrapped bus.
Getting there
The city strongly encourages biking, walking or transit. Accessible parking will be available on the 500 block of N. Fairfax St. GO Alex will offer free bike, scooter and stroller parking on Fairfax Street at the Wythe Street Park entrance. For parking options in Old Town, visit Where to Park in Old Town.
Other fireworks vantage points
Those who want to watch the 9:30 p.m. fireworks from elsewhere along the waterfront can do so from several spots, including Founders Park (351 N. Union St.), Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.), Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union St.), Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.), Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.), Jones Point Park, and the Ford's Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.). The George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive) also offers a view.
For more information, visit the City Birthday webpage.
