The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 275th birthday on Saturday, July 13, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.), with two additional viewing and activity locations added this year. The main event location at Oronoco will include music, cupcakes, and activities, ending with the Grand Finale -- a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free!
Scheduled activities at Oronoco Bay Park include the following:
- 6 p.m. - Performance by Munit Mesfin
- 7:30 p.m. – Welcome by Event Emcee
- 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
New this year, we have added two additional activity and food truck locations and viewing spots for visitors to celebrate our milestone year with us:
- Canal Center Plaza (44 Canal Center Pl.) from 6-10 p.m.
- Live jazz by Yellow Door Concert
- Exhibition in the Gallery
- Bar Provided by Alexandria Celebrates Women
- Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.) from 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
Food Truck vendors will be available for the public featuring Alexandria’s variety of flavors with new and old favorites! And new this year, Port City Brewing Company will be on site at Oronoco Bay Park to sell their Alexandria 275th Anniversary Beer, brewed with 275 pounds of hops to mark our milestone year.
Oronoco Bay Park and Waterfront Park have lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Grilling, smoking, tents, and large or staked umbrellas are not permitted. Please leave pets at home and be mindful of your neighbors by refraining from smoking at this event.
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. Bike Valet DMV will be on-site at Oronoco Bay Park with their complimentary valet services for bikes, scooters, and strollers.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday, July 14, at 6:00 pm.
Visit alexandriava.gov/birthday for more information or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.
Special thanks to the 2024 City Birthday Advisory Team for help with selecting this year’s lineup of food vendors and the opening music act. The Advisory Team is an ad-hoc group designed to provide opportunities for Alexandria, its communities, and its creative talents.