City of Alexandria to Kick Off 275th Anniversary

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center (1A Prince St.)

Make a complimentary visit at the open house at The Tall Ship Providence, a recreation of an 18th-century sloop, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ship sets sail for 2-hour, all-ages tours on the Potomac River at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sail tickets are 15% off with code OPENING15.

12-4 p.m.: Waterfront Park

The City and its partners will have booths set up to educate and entertain. Attendees can get a preview of what’s to come during the 275th Anniversary while enjoying music from the Community Little Big Band, an intergenerational jazz ensemble presented by Yellow Door Concert Series.

1-1:30 p.m.: Robinson Landing (corner of The Strand and Pioneer Mill Way)

Join us for a ribbon cutting as the City unveils the new “Buried Ships of Robinson Landing” windowfront archaeology exhibit, featuring scale models of three historic vessels that were recently discovered on the same block as the exhibit. Archaeologists will join City officials to speak on the exhibit’s debut. The Ricky Wise Trio will be entertaining with a variety of music from 1:30-4 p.m.

1:45-2 p.m.: Windmill Hill Park (501 S. Union St.)

In honor of Alexandria’s 275th Anniversary and the upcoming Earth Month, we’re dedicating the first of 275 trees to be planted across the city. These native species will provide shade, replenish gaps in our canopy, and refill beds and tree wells. Join Mayor Wilson and Members of City Council at Windmill Hill Park and take a picture with the next chapter of our City’s vibrant history.

Residents will be encouraged to join us via public transportation through a partnership with DASH and GoAlex. Dedicated bus routes will be available for the kickoff event.

Upcoming ALX275 Events and Offerings

Visit the ALX275 page for information about events that will be taking place this spring and summer.

“Mapping Alexandria: Stories of a Changing City”

Block by block, explore the stories of Alexandria at this new exhibition at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum. Marking the 275th anniversary of the City’s founding, this exhibition delves into the evolution and history of Alexandria through the words of its residents. Discover the stories that reside in the people and places that have shaped Alexandria’s neighborhoods and add your own to help document and preserve our shared history.

Community Cookouts

The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Sheriff’s Office invite residents to enjoy an evening of fun and connect with community resources. Families can enjoy free food, face painting, games, and giveaways. This series begins on April 23 at Ewald Park. Information is available online in English, Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic.

Annual Birthday Party

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 275th and the nation’s 248th birthday in July. Join us at multiple locations throughout the city, including Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) and the Premiere Gallery at Canal Center (11 Canal Center Plaza). The event includes music, cupcakes, and activities, ending with the Grand Finale — a fireworks display!

Port City Brewing Company’s ALX725 Original Craft Beer

In celebration of the City of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary, Port City Brewing Company presents ALX275, an original craft beer brewed with 275 lbs. of hops. Beginning with a May 9 release party, this hoppy India Pale Ale will be available on draft until mid-September in the brewery Tasting Room and served at the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival (June 21 and 22), the Port City Old Town Pub Crawl (July 20), and more special events to be announced. Limited edition cans will be available at the Tasting Room and select outlets. Founded in 2011, award-winning Port City Brewing Company was the first production brewery to operate in Alexandria since Prohibition and is known for putting the ALE in ALExandria.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Berkeley.Teate@alexandriava.gov. or call 703.746.4645, Virginia Relay 711. ###

Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.

Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria’s 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.