Alexandria is getting ready to celebrate its 277th birthday this Saturday with one of the city’s biggest annual summer traditions along the Potomac River.
The celebration also coincides with America’s 250th birthday, making this year’s festivities even more significant.
Thousands of people are expected to gather at Oronoco Bay Park for an evening filled with live entertainment, birthday cupcakes, a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
The annual event has become a summertime favorite for families, offering a festive atmosphere on the waterfront while honoring the city’s rich history dating back to 1749, years before the United States was founded.
Best of all, the celebration is completely free, making it an easy weekend outing for both Alexandria residents and visitors from across the Washington region.
When and where is Alexandria’s 277th birthday celebration taking place?
Alexandria’s 277th Birthday & USA Birthday Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 11th, from 6 pm until approximately 9:45 pm at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street) along the city’s waterfront.
A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, July 12th, if necessary.
The evening begins with opening entertainment at 6 pm, followed by official remarks from city leaders around 7:30 pm.
At 8 pm, members of City Council will hand out free birthday cupcakes before the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performs beginning at 8:30 pm.
The celebration concludes with a 9:30 pm fireworks spectacular over the Potomac River, accompanied by live orchestral music and ceremonial cannons from the Presidential Salute Battery, creating one of Northern Virginia’s signature summer events. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink vendors throughout the evening while taking in the waterfront atmosphere.
Is Alexandria’s 277th birthday celebration free to attend?
Yes. Admission is completely free for everyone attending the celebration, making it one of the area’s largest free community events of the summer.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performances from the park’s open lawn. The city also recommends using public transportation, biking or walking whenever possible due to increased crowds and limited parking around Old Town.
Those who cannot find space inside Oronoco Bay Park can still enjoy the fireworks from several nearby waterfront locations, including Founders Park, Waterfront Park, Rivergate Park, Windmill Hill Park, Jones Point Park, and other designated viewing areas across Alexandria.
With live music, free cupcakes, food vendors, family-friendly entertainment and a fireworks finale, the annual birthday celebration offers one of the best free ways to spend a summer evening in Alexandria while commemorating both the city’s 277-year history and America’s semiquincentennial.
