Attend George Washington’s Birthday Parade
The country’s largest Presidents’ Day Parade is held annually in Alexandria, Virginia along the streets where George Washington once walked. Spend the day exploring historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, the historic town that was an important port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods.
Date and Time: February 15, 2016, 1-3 p.m.
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Visit Mount Vernon and Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday
The 500-acre Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the home of George Washington, offers three days of special events for Presidents Day weekend including music, demonstrations, wreath-laying ceremonies and storytelling. It is a great time to visit the historic attraction and learn more about the life of the first president of the United States. Admission is free on Presidents Day!Dates: February 13-15, 2016.
Explore the Presidency Exhibit at the American History Museum
The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History explores the lives and contributions of the 43 men who have led the nation in the past 200 years. The exhibit features more than 900 objects and artifacts that bring to life the role of the presidency in American culture. Read more about visiting the American History Museum.
Visit the National Portrait Gallery
View the “American Presidents” exhibit and see a portrait of every American president including rarely seen works of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. On Presidents Day weekend, the National Portrait Gallery will offer a variety of family fun activities ranging from calligraphy workshops to scavenger hunts, games, music and hands-on activities. The museum will be showcasing Gilbert Stuart’s iconic “Lansdowne” portrait of Washington as the painting will be sent to a conservation lab for about 18 months starting Feb.29. Read more about the National Portrait GalleryFamily Day: Saturday, February 13, 2016, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Attend the Annual Birthnight Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Each year, the Saturday night before President’s Day, a Birthnight Ball is held at Gadby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. The ball is complete with toasts, dinner, a historical program and George Washington’s favorite 18th century dances. Gadsby’s Tavern is one of the few 18th century taverns still in use in the United States. George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson frequently attended dances, theatrical performances and meetings here.
Run in Alexandria’s George Washington Classic 10K Race
Get your running shoes laced up and celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Alexandria’s Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race. The event also includes a 2K fun run. Proceeds support the annual Presidents Day events in Alexandria.Date and Time: February 14, 2016, 8 a.m. Rain or Shine.
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Attend a Revolutionary War Reenactment
]The Fort Ward Museum in Alexandria, Virginia, stages “Historic Camp and Tactical Demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the “Redcoats” and the Colonials.” See Photos of the Revolutionary War Reenactment.Date and Time: February 14, 2016, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visit Madame Tussauds US Presidents Gallery
Visit Other Presidential Related Sites In Washington DC
Washington DC is home to many other attractions and landmarks that relate to the lives and contributions of America’s presidents. In addition to the sites mentioned previously, here are some of the key places to visit:
- The Washington Monument (Advance Tickets Required)
- Ford’s Theatre, Museum and Education Center
- President Lincoln’s Cottage
- The White House (Advance Tickets Required)
- The White House Visitor Center
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
- Woodrow Wilson House
