Celebrate 252 Years of Firefighting History at the 30th Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2026

Media Contact: Jeanene Harris, Office of Historic Alexandria, [email protected]

Celebrate 252 Years of Firefighting History at the Friendship Firehouse Festival

One of Old Town Alexandria's favorite summer traditions returns!

Join us for the milestone 30th Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 100 block of South Alfred Street in Old Town Alexandria. Admission to the festival and the Friendship Firehouse Museum is free during festival hours. For one special day, the street will come alive with fire trucks, live music, local vendors, food and beverages, children's activities, community exhibits and plenty of Old Town charm.

Presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association in partnership with Historic Alexandria, this free, family-friendly festival brings neighbors and visitors together in front of the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum for a lively celebration of Alexandria's firefighting heritage, public service and vibrant local community.

Fun for Children and Families

Children can pick up a free Friendship fire hat while supplies last, explore fire trucks and emergency vehicles up close, and meet members of Alexandria's public-safety teams. Young visitors can also enjoy water play, fire-hose activities, coloring, giveaways and opportunities to handle reproduction historic artifacts.

The festival offers families a rare opportunity to explore firefighting history and today's emergency services in the same visit-all while enjoying the energy of a neighborhood street festival in the heart of Old Town.

Festival Highlights

• Alexandria fire trucks, emergency vehicles and public-safety displays
• Free children's fire hats while supplies last
• Water play, fire-hose activities, coloring and giveaways
• Live music and entertainment
• Local craft, marketplace and community vendors
• Food, beverages, coffee and sweet treats
• Free admission to the historic Friendship Firehouse Museum during festival hours

Explore Local Vendors, Food and Music

Stroll along South Alfred Street and discover a varied mix of local artisans, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups. Browse handcrafted items and specialty products, learn more about organizations serving Alexandria and enjoy food, coffee, cold treats and other festival favorites.

Live music will add to the festive atmosphere, making the event a wonderful place to spend the morning or early afternoon with family, friends and neighbors.

Step Inside Alexandria History

Located at 107 South Alfred Street, the Friendship Firehouse Museum preserves the story of one of Alexandria's earliest volunteer fire companies. Built as a firehouse in 1855, the historic building provides a distinctive setting for an event that connects the city's past with the firefighters, public servants, businesses and community organizations serving Alexandria today.

The 2026 festival also arrives as communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. It is a fitting moment to celebrate Alexandria's history, civic pride and enduring tradition of neighbors coming together in service to one another.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a memorable day of history, music, food and community in Old Town Alexandria! For more information about the Friendship Firehouse Festival, visit Alexandriava.gov/FriendshipFirehouse.

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About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits, and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City's past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City's equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at [email protected] or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-3960.