George Washington Birthday Parade route modified due to Market Square construction
Annual Old Town Alexandria event on Feb. 14 will bypass City Hall, march up St. Asaph Street and return down Pitt Street
The annual George Washington Birthday Parade will follow a modified route this year after construction began on the $123.6 million City Hall renovation project, forcing organizers to bypass the traditional path past City Hall and Market Square Plaza.
The parade, the oldest and largest George Washington birthday celebration in the country, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event kicks off Alexandria’s lineup of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Instead of passing Market Square, the parade will march north on St. Asaph Street starting near Wolfe Street, turn east onto Princess Street, then head south on Pitt Street, ending near Duke Street. A grandstand will be located on King Street between St. Asaph and Pitt streets.
No parking will be permitted along the parade route from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and road blocks with limited access will be in place throughout the area. Public parking will be available before and after the parade at several nearby locations.
This year’s theme is “George Washington: Virginia’s Son ~ America’s Founding Father,” honoring Washington’s leading role in the founding of the country during its 250th anniversary year.
Michael J. Elston, national president general of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Ginnie Sebastian Storage, national president general of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will serve as grand marshals.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of Old Town as drum corps, color guards, bands, community organizations, and city dignitaries march through the historic neighborhood. General Washington and Martha Washington will make an appearance. The parade typically features more than a thousand participants.
Construction fencing now surrounds City Hall and Market Square Plaza as part of a two-and-a-half-year renovation that began mobilization on Jan. 20. The project includes restoration of the historic 1871 building, demolition and replacement of the 1960s addition, and complete rebuilding of the underground parking garage.
The renovation, which has been deferred five times since 2015, targets completion in the third quarter of 2028.
For the updated parade route, registration, volunteer opportunities and more information, visit washingtonbirthday.com.
