Your long D.C. weekend: President's Day, V-Day, Go-Go Festival
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A scene from the George Washington Birthday Parade. Photo: Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images
It's President's Day Weekend, which means the annual George Washington Birthday Parade takes over Alexandria on Saturday starting at 2pm.
Why it matters: The parade, now in its 102nd year, typically draws thousands of spectators and spurs a variety of Washington-themed experiences.
State of play: This year's theme is "George Washington: America's Commander-in-Chief" in honor of the American Revolutionary War's 250th anniversary.
- Expect a flow of Freemasons, antique cars, local politicians, floats, youth groups, military units, and Washington character interpreters.
Between the lines: Other Alexandria events include a "birthnight dinner" at Gadsby's Tavern on Saturday night featuring Washington scholars (tickets $150).
More long weekend fun!
💞 It's Valentine's Day on Friday, and we have a rundown of last-minute ideas through the weekend that aren't super expensive or cheesy.
- Want to celebrate Washington's birthday AND Valentine's Day in one historically romantic swoop? Mt. Vernon hosts a V-Day tea on Saturday and Sunday ($70 per person).
- There's also an awesome-sounding Broadway Rave at 9:30 Club Friday (tickets $25) for musical theater clubkids.
👯♀️ And Galentine's Day! Wanna dance? Grab the gals and head to the Black Cat's Venus Party on Thursday (tickets $10) where DJ Dianamatic brings the "pink pilates pop princess" playlist vibes. Or Ciel Social Club on Friday, 9pm (free RSVP).
- We'd also love to sip through a boozy Galentine's tea with our besties at The Pendry on Saturday afternoon ($90 per person). Or drink lychee martinis while the ladies of Love Is Blind DC discuss D.C. dating, Thursday at 8pm (free).
👙 The annual Cupid's Undie Run for charity goes down at the Wharf Saturday. Racers warm up with drinks and dancing at Union Stage starting at noon, followed by a mile(ish) sprint at 2pm. $45 solo registration
⬆️ For bonus weekend Monday, we'd like to:
- Grab a Monday funday brunch at the newly opened Alta Strada near Logan Circle. Or Dupont's Vagabond for bottomless. Or all-you-can-eat-and-drink Ambar (multiple locations).
- Hit the Go-Go Festival at Howard Theatre (1-5:30pm) where D.C. greats Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, and Northeast Groovers will perform together for the first time in 25 years. Free
- Cap off the weekend at Tonari's new Japanese-style cheesesteak pop-up, open at 5pm.