A Favorite Alexandria Tradition Returns!
Join us for the 2026 Friendship Firehouse Festival on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the 100 block of South Alfred Street in Old Town Alexandria! 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.
Admission to the festival and the Friendship Firehouse Museum is free during festival hours! Bring the whole family and enjoy a memorable day of history, music, food and community in Old Town Alexandria!
The Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival
First Saturday in August
Join us on the 100 block of South Alfred Street. Learn about fire safety today and yesterday and see City firefighting equipment up close. There will be music, displays by community organizations, craft vendors, and food and beverages available. This family event is presented by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and Historic Alexandria.
In addition to the day's outdoor events, festival participants will enjoy visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855.
The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association (FVFEA) is now a philanthropic organization focusing on fire-fighting history and fire safety. It remains active in community events, including the annual Festival, and supports historic preservation of the building and its collection.
Food and beverages are available. Children will receive free fire helmets and can visit the City's fire trucks. For more information, call 703.746.3891.
The 2024 Festival
The 2022 Festival
The Festival on August 6, 2022 was the last opportunity to see Friendship’s 1851 hand-operated suction engine – elaborately decorated with the company’s clasped-hands insignia – before it was sent for conservation treatment. The restoration was possible thanks to the generous support of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, Alexandria Association, Historic Alexandria Foundation, and many individual donors.
Friendship’s newly restored 1858 hose-reel carriage was also on exhibit. This ornate apparatus was made by local craftsman Robert F. Prettyman. It is painted midnight blue with white decorative piping, has gilded decorative shields flanking each side of the reel, red wheels decorated with blue and gold striping, and a brass lantern and bells.
In the News
- All Fired Up: Friendship Firehouse celebrates 251 years, By Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria Gazette Packet, August 21, 2025
- Fighting fire with friendship for 250 Years, Out of the Attic, Alexandria Times, August 1, 2024
- All Fired Up Friendship Firehouse celebrates 250 years, By Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria Gazette Packet, August 7, 2024
- All Fired Up: Friendship Firehouse Festival celebrates 25 years. By Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria Gazette Packet, August 12, 2021.
- The Friendship Firehouse Festival is Back! The Zebra, August 2021.