Robert E. Lee Birthday Tribute

January 17: The Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site will host a birthday tribute to Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the confederate army and one of Virginia's most distinguished citizens, on the 202nd anniversary of his birth. 4301 West Braddock Road. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. oha.alexandriava.gov/fortward; 703-838-4848

George Washington's 276th Birthday Celebration Weekend

February 14-16: Historic Mt. Vernon celebrates George Washington's 276th birthday, with patriotic early-American music, Washington's favorite breakfast. Be sure to also catch "America's Smallest Hometown Parade." South end of the GW Parkway Mount Vernon, VA 22121. parade 1:30 p.m. www.mountvernon.org; 703-799-5203

Meet The President

February 16: In honor of Presidents Day a living history interpreter portraying a U.S. president will discuss issues of his day and answer questions from the audience. 201 South Washington Street. 11 a.m. Free. www.alexandriahistory.org; 703-838-4994

March 1-31:America's oldest and largest display of historic and contemporary needlework will be showcased at the 46th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition in Alexandria, Virginia. The 1805 mansion, where family members of George and Martha Washington preserved and created needle arts and other artifacts, serves as a unique historic backdrop. Woodlawn is located at 9000 Richmond Highway, three miles west of Mount Vernon. 703-780-4000. www.woodlawn1805.org

Jefferson-Madison Inaugural Ball

March 14: Come and be apart of the year 1809 as Thomas Jefferson transfers the presidency to James Madison. Enjoy a period-inspired banquet and program. Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal Street. 7-10 p.m. $ www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

Swordsmen's Rendezvous

March 21: Come experience the unique living history program as you learn the skill of swordplay. The program includes a re-enactment of 18th century swordplay and display of 18th century weapons. This event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation. Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $ www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

Children's Book Fair

March 23: Join children's book publisher Usborne as he offers dozen of selections focusing on social studies and other educational areas. Children can enjoy activities like storytelling, crafts and hands-on artifact stations. A portion of the book sales will benefit educational programs at The Lyceum. Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum 201 South Washington Street. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. www.alexandriahistory.org; 703-838-4994

Fifth Annual Rum Punch Challenge

April 4: Enjoy different rum punch creations from different restaurants and caterers just like guests to the tavern did over 200 years ago. Also enjoy food and a silent auction full of great items. Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal Street. 7-9:30 p.m. $ www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

Hunt For History

April 11: Come help find the Tavernkeeper's Easter eggs and learn about the past at the same time. Light refreshments will be provided. Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $ www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

"O' Passionate Voice" Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

May 2: The program will feature Wagner's "Tannhäuser Overture"; Tchaikovsky's "Symphony #5" and a medley of favorites from Richard Rodgers (of Rodgers & Hammerstein). Light refreshments will be available and reservations are requested. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center 3001 North Beauregard Street. 8 p.m. $ www.alexsym.org; 703-548-0885

Free Mother's Day Tour

May 10: Treat your mother to a tour of Gadsby's Tavern Museum. Notable visitors will include George Washington, Thomas Jeff erson and John Adams. Gadsby's Tavern Museum 134 North Royal Street. 1-5 p.m. $ www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

Free Mother's Day Tour

May10: Celebrate Mother's Day by going on a tour of the Apothecary. Also take a look at the collection of shop furnishings and apothecary bottle and equipment, many of which are still in their original location. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum 105-107 South Fairfax Street. 12-5 p.m. $ www.apothecarymuseum.org; 703-838-3852

28th Annual Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival

June 14-15: Live music, arts and crafts, visiting ships, children's events, concession stands and more. Oronoco Bay Park, Union & Madison Streets. Call or check online for dates and times. $ www.waterfrontfestival.org; 703-549-8300

Father's Day Open House

June 21: Friendship Firehouse will be offering special tours. During this event the firehouse will make every father an honorary chief of the Friendship Fire Company Bucket Brigade. Every father, along with their child will receive a certificate, get to ring the fire bell and have his picture taken with the Friendship fire engine. Friendship Firehouse, 107 South Alfred Street. 1-4 p.m. www.historicalexandria.org; 703-838-3891

Free Father's Day Tour

June 21: Enjoy Father's Day with a special tour of the Apothecary. See the outstanding collection of herbs and botanicals, shop furnishings and apothecary bottles and equipment. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum 105-107 South Fairfax Street. 1-5 p.m. $ www.apothecarymuseum.org; 703-838-3852

Free Father's Day Tour

June 21: In Gadsby's Tavern Celebrate Father's Day with your father at the place where the father of our country ate, drank and influenced history. Free tours will be given to all visiting fathers. Gadsby's Tavern Museum,134 North Royal St. 1-5 p.m. $ www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

Clio's Kids: A History Mini-Camp

July 28: This three-day camp, Clio's Kids, introduces children, ages 5-7, to American history and life in historic Alexandria through artifacts, storytelling, singing and dancing, crafts, old-fashioned games and visits to nearby historic places. Campers should come prepared for outside activities each day. Advanced registration required.The Lyceum museum, 201 South Washington St. 9 a.m.-noon $ www.oha.alexandriava.org/lyceum; 703-838-4994

Friendship Firehouse Festival

August 1: The Friendship Firehouse Festival celebrates the 235th anniversary of the Friendship FireCompany, founded in 1774. Enjoy birthday cake, craft and food vendors, and a special display of antique and modern fi reficool ghting equipment. Fun for kids of all ages! Friendship Firehouse Museum, 100 block of South Alfred St. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free! www.oha.alexandriava.gov/friendship; 703-838-3891

Tavern Day

August 1: Experience Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century, made famous by John Gadsby and whose guests included George Washington, Thomas Jeff erson and John Adams. Tours are led by costumed guides. Enjoy period music and light refreshments. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St. 1-5 p.m. Free! www.gadsbystavern.org; 703-838-4242

Railroad Days

August 1-2: All aboard! The Potomac Division of the National Model Railroad Association returns with working HO gauge trains and a state-of-the-art digital command system. Parents and little ones will love the hands-on Thomas the Tank Engine area. Also climbing on board for Railroad Days are Whistle Stop Hobbies to discuss the fun of miniature trains and Operation Lifesaver, a national railroad safety program headquartered in Alexandria. The Lyceum Museum, 201 South Washington St. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Free! www.oha.alexandriava.gov/lyceum; 703-838-4994

Alexandria Festival of The Arts

September: More than 200 juried artists display and sell fine art ranging from paintings, sculpture, prints and photography to pottery, glass, jewelry and ceramics. Old Town. Free! Call or check online for dates and times. www.artfestival.com; 703-838-5005

68th Annual Tour of Historic Alexandria Homes

September: Tour some of the city's most beautifully restored and decorated homes. Old Town. Call for dates, times and tickets. $ www.thetwig.org; 703-683-5544

36th Annual Virginia Scottish Games

September 19-20: Includes the Retreat Parade featuring bagpipe bands, Highland dancing competition, British antique show, clan tents and more. Great Meadows, The Plains, VA. $ www.vascottishgames.org; 703-912-1943

Poe in Alexandria

October 30-31: For Halloween, actor David Keltz recreates Edgar Allan Poe's visit to Virginia in 1849. The performance includes recitations from classic works such as "The Raven," "Annabel Lee," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and many others. Best for children 12 and older. The Lyceum Museum, 201 South Washington St. 8-10 p.m. $ www.oha.alexandria.gov/lyceum; 703-838-4994

Veterans Day Program

November 11: Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country with this annual program featuring speakers, music, and dramatic presentations. Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free! www.oha.alexandriava.gov/bhrc; 703-838-4356

Scottish Heritage Preview

November 28: Come celebrate Alexandria's Scottish heritage a week before the Scottish Walk. Meet Scottish Tartan Day leaders and learn about Scottish breed dogs while enjoying bagpipes, highland dancing, historical reenactors and more! The Lyceum Museum, 201 South Washington St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free! www.oha.alexandria.gov/lyceum; 703-838-4994

39th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend

November: The walk includes a Christmas Marketplace, with café, boutiques and sale of heather & greens Call or check on-line for dates and times. The Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St. www.scottishchristmaswalk.com; 703-549-0111

Kwanzaa Workshop

December 12: The museum's annual Kwanzaa Workshop shows participants how to incorporate Kwanzaa into their holiday celebrations inexpensively. This workshop is perfect for the novice, or those who want to refresh their Kwanzaa knowledge. Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free! www.oha.alexandria.gov/bhrc; 703-838-4356