In Alexandria, a festival February 16 through 18 salutes the city’s most famous resident. On Saturday at 8:30 am, the George Washington Classic 10K race kicks off the long weekend. The Birthnight Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum that evening is a reenactment of the ball held in George Washington’s honor at the same location in 1797—though Colonial costumes aren’t required. On Sunday, 10 to 3, there’s a Revolutionary War reenactment at Fort Ward Park. In Monday’s parade, bands and floats march through Old Town starting at 1 pm. Race tickets are $25 through January 31, $30 thereafter. Birthnight Ball tickets are $100 for the dinner banquet and ball, $50 for the ball only. 703-991-4474; washingtonbirthday.net.
Admission to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate, is free Monday, February 18, in honor of his birthday. At 10 am, visitors can watch the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at Washington’s tomb. A parade through the estate grounds—featuring George and Martha Washington impersonators—starts at 1:30. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; 703-780-2000; mountvernon.org.
Bethesda’s Strathmore arts center celebrates Presidents’ Day weekend with its Discover Strathmore open house on Sunday, February 17. From 11 to 4, there will be interactive workshops for children and adults as well as entertainment on three stages. This year’s theme, “Sights and Sounds of Washington,” salutes local talent. Performers include the Levine Jazz Quintet, the 18th Street Singers, and CityDance. Free. 5301 Tuckerman La., Bethesda; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org.
