February
Black History Month In Alexandria. A month-long series of events celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of African-American Alexandrians. Alexandria Black History Resource Center, 638 N. Alfred St. 703-838-4356
Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
Walking With Washington. See the sites associated with George Washington on this two-hour walking tour. Market Square. 1:30 p.m. www.washingtonbirthday.net; 703-838-4399
Feb. 12
George Washington Symposium. The life of George Washington after the start of the Revolutionary War. George Washington Masonic National Memorial. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. www.washingtonbirthday.net; 703-683-2007
Feb. 19-21
George Washington Birthday Celebration weekend!
Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net or call 703-991-4474 for details on all events.
Feb. 19
George Washington Classic 10K Race. Eisenhower Avenue east of the Holiday Inn. 8:30 a.m., rain or shine. www.washingtonbirthday.net
Birthnight Banquet & Ball. Tavern fare, toasts to George Washington, and 18th-century dancing. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. 6:30 p.m.-midnight. Advance reservations required. 703-838-4242
Feb. 19-20
Breakfast With George Washington. Join General Washington for a sample of his favorite breakfast, "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey," while supplies last. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. www.mountvernon.org; 703-780-2000
Feb. 20
Revolutionary War Encampment. Living history presentations and a skirmish reenactment at 2 p.m. Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 703-838-4848
Feb. 21
Birthday Celebration at Mount Vernon. Admission is free to George Washington's home with a wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by musical performances. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. 703-780-2000
Open House At The Friendship Firehouse. Established in 1774, the Friendship Fire Company now is housed in a firehouse that was built in 1871. Come view the exhibitions and historic firefighting equipment. 107 S. Alfred St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 703-838-3891
Ceremony Honoring The Unknown Soldier Of The Revolution. This ceremony held at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House will honor the unknown soldier of the Revolutionary War. 321 S. Fairfax St. 11 a.m. Free. 703-991-4474
George Washington's Farewell Address. A reenactment that has become an Alexandria tradition. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. 11 a.m. and noon. Free. 703-838-4994
Open House At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. Celebrate George Washington's birthday in the same tavern where he celebrated it. 134 N. Royal St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 703-838-4242
George Washington Birthday Parade. The largest parade in the nation for the United States' first president and Alexandria's hometown hero. Featuring marching bands, floats, military and reenactment units, Masonic groups, equestrian units, antique cars, and of course, George and Martha Washington. Old Town Alexandria. 1-3 p.m. Free. www.washingtonbirthday.net; 703-991-4474
March 1-31
42nd Annual Needlework Exhibition. The largest and most prestigious needlework exhibit in the country. View amateur and professional stitchery at the plantation George Washington gave to his granddaughter, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis Lewis. Woodlawn Plantation, 9000 Richmond Hwy., Mount Vernon. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. www.woodlawn1805.org; 703-780-4000
March 4-7
8th Annual Antiques in Alexandria. Features 60 dealers from around the country. Episcopal High School, Flippin Field House, 3901 W. Braddock Rd. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 703-548-7469
March 5
St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Parade. Join the festivities, including the Fun Dog Show, Classic Car Competition and the 23rd Annual Alexandria St. Patrick's Parade. Old Town Alexandria. 10:30 a.m. Free. www.ballyshaners.org; 703-237-2199
March 27
Family Easter Egg Hunt. Children of all ages look for colorful eggs in the garden of the historic Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. Hunt begins promptly at 1 p.m. (Canceled in case of inclement weather.) www.leefendall.org; 703-548-1789
April 16-24
Annual Historic Garden Tour Of Alexandria. This tour features six privately owned Old Town homes and gardens, including the newly renovated Robert E. Lee Boyhood Home, one historic church and eight historic properties. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.VAGardenweek.org; 703-836-7077
May 13-15
Mount Vernon's Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. This elegant evening celebrates the history of wine and highlights the successes and failures of our Founding Fathers' wine-making endeavors. The evening also features live entertainment, reenactments and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. 6-9 p.m. www.mountvernon.org; 703-780-2000
May 30
28th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival. American music played by jazz ensembles and orchestras representing a diversity of jazz styles. Fort Ward Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. 1-8 p.m. Free. 703- 883-4686
Mid-June TBA
24th Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival. Jazz, rock & roll and oldies, visiting tall ships, living history exhibits, children's events, arts & crafts, and concession stands. Oronoco Bay Park, Union and Madison streets. 6-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday & Sunday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. www.waterfrontfestival.org; 703-549-8300
June 18
Juneteenth Commemoration. Juneteenth celebrates the joyous day in African-American history when slaves in Texas first learned of their emancipation. Family-oriented celebration includes music, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, entertainment and food. 1-6 p.m. 900 block Wythe St. Free. 703-838-4356
June TBA
Civil War Camp Day. Living history program featuring Union and Confederate re-enactors and civilian interpreters. This late-war event includes camp scenes, children's games, period music, vignettes, firing demos and tours of the fort. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.fortward.org; 703-838-4848
July 4
Red, White & Blue Concert -- An Independence Day Celebration. An all-day celebration at the home of George Washington, with wreath-laying, the National Concert Band of America at 11 a.m., an 18th-century style celebration and free birthday cake for all. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $ www.mountvernon.org; 703-780-2000
July 10
U.S. and Alexandria Birthday Celebration. Observe the 255th birthday of Alexandria and the 228th birthday of the country with a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, birthday cake, food and fireworks. Evening culminates in Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" with the firing of cannon. Grand finale fireworks at 10 p.m. Oronoco Bay Park, Union and Madison sts. Free. www.alexsym.org 703-883-4686
July 22-24
31st Annual Virginia Scottish Games. Alexandria celebrates its rich Scottish heritage with one of the nation's largest exhibitions of Scottish culture. See the Retreat Parade featuring bagpipe bands, Highland dancing with hundreds of competitors, a British antique auto show, dog events, clan tents, concession stands and the kirkin oí the tartans church service. Episcopal High School, 3901 W. Braddock Rd. www.vascottishgames.org; 703-912-1943
July 31
Carlyle Housewarming. Music, refreshments and costumed interpreters bring Carlyle House alive, recalling when John Carlyle and his bride Sarah Fairfax moved into their newly-built mansion in 1753. Carlyle House Museum and Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. Noon-4:30 p.m. Free. www.carlylehouse.org; 703-549-2997
Aug. 7
Tavern Day At Gadsby's Tavern Museum. A day of tavern life with displays, activities and programs. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Noon-4:30 p.m. Free! www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242
Aug. 6
Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival. See antique fire-fighting equipment, crafts, displays and live music with special treats for children. Food and beverages available. 107 S. Alfred St. Free. 703- 838-4994
Sept. 10-11
Alexandria Festival Of The Arts. A weekend-long outdoor festival featuring fine art produced by more than 150 of the nation's top award-winning artists. Fine art for sale including sculptures, paintings, photography, fused glass, jewelry and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free! www.artfestival.com; 703-838-4200
Sept. 10-11
18th-Century Fair At Mount Vernon. More than 70 juried artisans demonstrate their crafts and sell their wares, with Colonial music, entertainment including fire-eaters and grave robbers, and hearty food. George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. www.mountvernon.org; 703-780-2000
Sept. 17
63rd Annual Tour Of Historic Alexandria Homes. Tour some of the city's most beautifully restored and decorated homes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Old Town www.thetwig.org; 703-683-5544