Jun 12, 2026 - America at 250

Fireworks and tall ships headline Alexandria's 250 birthday waterfront festival

Mimi Montgomery

A colorful tall-ship with a yellow and black hull sits at a dock, its masts and rigging rising above calm water; people stand on deck. A small airplane flies in a blue sky with white clouds. — The Tall Ship Providence in Alexandria in 2024. Photo: Allison Robbert/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Go completely overboard for America's birthday by celebrating along the Alexandria waterfront.

Why it matters: It's an easy way to get into the 250 spirit this weekend without dealing with D.C.'s many UFC fight road closures.

State of play: The Sails on the Potomac festival will run Friday to Sunday. Across the weekend, you can expect:

A kick-off ceremony Friday showcasing George Mason University's fife and drum corps.
Fireworks over the Potomac beginning at 9pm on Saturday.
Plus: Tours of historic tall ships, history-related programming, an arts zone and food trucks.

Zoom in: The ALX Jazz Fest is celebrating 48 years as part of the 250 festival, with three days of tunes commemorating the city's past, present and future.

Friday is all about Americana roots.
Saturday will feature American jazz and poetry readings by the likes of Alexandria's poet laureate.
Sunday will have DJs spinning for Future Sounds of America.

If you go: It's free to attend, and there will be a free shuttle from the Eisenhower Ave. Metro stop on Saturday and Sunday.

Fireworks and tall ships headline Alexandria's 250 birthday waterfront festival

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