George Washington's Birthday

George Washington's Birthday Celebration

The George Washington University’s namesake envisioned a university in the nation’s capital that would prepare citizen leaders who are brought together from all over the world.  Each year, we celebrate the birthday of George Washington and recognize his vision of a university in the nation’s capital.  These events for GW students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends create opportunities for the university community to celebrate, honor, and learn more about our namesake.

Celebrate with us:

Highlighted Event!

George Washington Lecture, Feb. 25, 4 p.m. 
Registration requested.  Open to the GW community.

For its inaugural event, the series welcomes renowned early American scholar and Pulitzer Prize-winner, Dr. Gordon S. Wood of Brown University, for a journey through history to explore the life of George Washington and his immeasurable impact on the founding of the United States of America.

Register on the GW Lecture Eventbrite page.
 

Discover Mount Vernon, Feb. 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Registration required. Open to GW Students

GW students are invited to tour the historic estate in Alexandria, Virginia, and witness a wreath-laying ceremony on the 281st birthday of the university’s namesake. George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States, called Mount Vernon home for more than 40 years. The visit includes free transportation and admission. Space is limited.

For more details, visit the GW Birthday Eventbrite page.
 

Birthday Bonfire, Feb. 22, 4 p.m.
Open to the GW community

This longstanding tradition draws hundreds to the University Yard, where the community gathers to enjoy a cermonial procession and lighting of the bonfire, colonial-era music, hot drinks, marshmallow roasting and s'mores making.
 

Celebrate with the Colonials, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
Game tickets required. Open to children attending the game.

Continue the celebration of George's birthday as the Colonials take on St. Bonaventure at 2 p.m. in the Charles E. Smith Center.  Kids in attendance will be invited to George's exclusive party in the Colonials Club at halftime.

For more details, visit the GW Women's Basketball Schedule.
 

Regional Alumni Events, Feb. 21-23
Registration requested. Open to GW alumni.

Not in the DC area?  Celebrate George's 281st birthday with alumni around the world.  Find your city and register today.

Check out photos from 2012's George Washington's Birthday celebration.

GW Wreath Laying Ceremony at George Washington's Tomb

GW President Steven Knapp and guests commemorate the 280th Anniversary of General Washington's birthday with a wreath-laying ceremony at his tomb on the Mount Vernon Estate.