The City celebrated its 276th and the USA’s 249th birthday on Saturday, July 12, at Oronoco Bay Park. 

Schedule At-A-Glance

6 p.m. - Introduction by Master of Ceremonies George Worrell, Opening Act music by DJ Geena Marie 
7:30 p.m. - Town crier announces Mayor Alyia Gaskins; poetry reading by Alexandria Poet Laureate; acknowledgements  
8 p.m. - Distribution of birthday cupcakes by members of City Council 
8:30 p.m. - Performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra 
9:30 p.m. - Grand finale fireworks display, Ceremonial cannons by the Presidential Salute Battery
9:45 p.m. – Closing remarks

Vantage points for 9:30 p.m. fireworks viewing:  

• Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
• Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
• Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
• Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
• Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
• Point Lumley Park, (1 Duke St.)
• Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.)
• Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
• Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive)
• George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive) 

Master of Ceremonies: George Worrell

George Worrell is a respected media personality, lifestyle expert, and host of the acclaimed podcast insideSTYLE and the PBS series Neighborhood Favorites. With a deep passion for storytelling, George has built a reputation for spotlighting local entrepreneurs, creative minds, and community changemakers.

As the host and executive producer of Neighborhood Favorites, George takes viewers on a vibrant journey through the DMV and beyond, highlighting small businesses and the people behind them. The series airs on WHUT Channel 32, the only PBS station based in Washington, DC, and streams nationally on PBS Passport, reaching over 65 million monthly viewers.

His podcast insideSTYLE, heard on DC Radio 96.3 HD4 and HUR Voices on SiriusXM Channel 141, blends conversations on fashion, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. George’s insightful interviews and authentic style have made insideSTYLE a trusted platform for meaningful dialogue and inspiration.

With decades of experience in media, fashion, and event production, George Worrell brings a distinctive voice and vision to every platform he touches—connecting audiences through stories that celebrate style, community, and resilience.

LINEUP 

DJ Geena Marie

DJ Geena Marie is an electronic and open format DJ with a focus on R&B, house, hip-hop, and disco. With over a decade of experience in the DC creative scene and as a DJ, she has successfully held residencies at various clubs and bars throughout the DC area. Geena Marie has built a strong network and established relationships with venues and other creatives in the city, making her a reputable source for fresh sounds and memorable experiences.

Alexandria’s Poet Laureate Maria Cristinia (Cristi) Donoso

Born in Quito and now residing in Alexandria, Donoso’s poetry often explores themes of migration, girlhood, grief, and motherhood. She is passionate about the role of art in both personal and public life and actively advocates for accessibility in literary, educational, and creative spaces.  

Beyond her literary achievements, Donoso has spent 14 years as a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She holds a B.A. in French Language and Literature and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Virginia, as well as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Gallaudet University. She later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from American University.
 

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

Northern Virginia’s premiere fully professional orchestra, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1943 and has established a reputation for thematic and inter-arts programming that features a mix of classical and contemporary music. The ASO’s move in 2002 to the critically-acclaimed Schlesinger Center established its reach and reputation as one of the region’s leading arts institutions. The ASO has distinguished itself through powerful performances marked by poetry and vision.

FEATURED VENDORS

Port City Brewing Company 

Founded in February 2011 by Bill and Karen Butcher, Port City Brewing Company is an award-winning brewery serving and shipping beer to D.C. and the Mid-Atlantic market. Port City brews a lineup of year-round beers, as well as an exciting slate of seasonal, occasional, and specialty beers, each with a unique twist. The brewery’s mission is to be a reliable and innovative brewer of delicious, well-balanced beers that celebrate their raw ingredients.

The longest operating brewery  in metropolitan Washington, D.C., Port City offers regular tastings, tours, and events at the state-of-the-art facility, located in the historic PORT CITY of Alexandria, Virginia.

EVENT PARTNERS

Thanks to our Festival Event Partners:

Made in ALX
Made in ALX features handmade and locally created items for people who love Alexandria. Discover unique gifts and items crafted by talented artists, creators, and makers!

Visit Alexandria
Make it a Weekend in Alexandria, Virginia! Plan your perfect weekend escape to Alexandria, Virginia, with everything you need to explore, stay, dine, and unwind. Easily navigate Alexandria via Metro, water taxi, DASH buses, bike-friendly paths, and more, and find tips on Visit Alexandria’s Getting To & Around Alexandria page. Discover boutique hotels, popular chain brands, or private rentals. Explore diverse dining options at restaurants throughout Alexandria’s neighborhoods. From historic landmarks to boutique shopping, find attractions and activities, and more things to do. For additional details and resources, head to VisitAlexandria.com. 

Cupcakes for the Birthday Celebration generously donated by Wegmans.

Celebrate 275 Years with Alexandria!

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 275th and the USA’s 248th birthday on Saturday, July 13, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.). The event includes live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and ends with the grand finale -- a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Main Location: 

Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St.

Schedule of Activities

• 6 p.m. - Performance by Munit Mesfin
• 7:30 p.m. – Welcome by George Worrell
  • Announcement by Town Crier
  • Remarks by Mayor Justin Wilson
  • Poetry by Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam
• 8 p.m. – Members of the City Council distribute of birthday cupcakes (sponsored by Wegmans)
• 8:30 p.m. - Performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
• 9:30 p.m. - Grand finale fireworks display with Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and cannons by the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery

Additional Locations:

• Canal Center Plaza, 44 Canal Center Plz, 6-10 p.m.
  • Live jazz by Yellow Door Concert
  • Exhibition in the Gallery
  • Bar Provided by Alexandria Celebrates Women
• New Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., 6-10 p.m.
  • Waterfront dance party with DJ One Luv
  • Art project with the Office of the Arts
  • Hands-on project with Office of Historic Alexandria

Fireworks Locations

Grand finale fireworks vantage points:  

• Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
• Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
• Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
• Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
• Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
• Point Lumley Park, (1 Duke St.)
• Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.)
• Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
• Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive)
• George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive) 

Foods, Seats, and Parking

Food vendors will be on-site with a selection of hot food and cool treats. Food Truck vendors will be available for the public along Pendleton Street.

Seating: Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

Regulations: Grilling, smoking, tents, and large or staked umbrellas are not permitted. If groups or families are separated, an area for lost persons will be located at the City stage. Please leave pets at home and be mindful of your neighbors by refraining from smoking at this event.  

Parking: Visitors are encouraged to bike, walk, or take alternative public transportation. For a list of garages and parking lots in the Old Town historic district, visit Where to Park in Old Town. Handicapped-accessible parking will be available on the 500 block of N. Fairfax St.

In case of inclement weather, the full event will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 14 at 6 p.m.