Celebrate the fall season with a wide array of events for all ages at George Washington’s home. New this year: the George Washington Whiskey Festival, trick-or-treating for dogs, and much more.
Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon
George Washington Patriot Run: Sept. 8
Race through history during the area’s most unique 10K/5K, presented by Lockheed Martin. The course takes runners up and down the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway and traces Washington’s footsteps through the historic grounds at Mount Vernon. Cross the finish line with the Mansion in view and enjoy beer, concessions, music, and an awards ceremony for the top finishers. May 1 - Aug. 29: $50; Aug. 30 - Sept. 7: $60; Sept. 8: $65
Ford Evening Book Talk: Harlow Giles Unger: Sept. 10, 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon welcomes author Harlow Giles Unger to the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium to discuss his bookThomas Paine and the Clarion Call for American Independence. Free.
Colonial Market & Fair: Sept. 14-15
Mount Vernon re-creates a lively early-American marketplace with demonstrations, crafts and entertainment at its Colonial Market & Fair. More than 35 juried artisans from across the nation will demonstrate their trades and sell their wares while two stages of family entertainment delight audiences with 18th-century amusements. As visitors shop, artisans demonstrate their crafts and explain the historic trades used to make items similar to those George Washington purchased in the 18th century. Included in admission.
Ford Evening Book Talk: Joanne B. Freeman: Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon welcomes author Joanne B. Freeman to the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium to discuss her book The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War. Free.
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: Oct. 11-13, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia at the home of George Washington. Bring a blanket, relax on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River, and enjoy live music as you sample wine from 20 of Virginia's finest wineries. Take a photo with George and Martha Washington on the piazza, tour the Mansion and cellar, and learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s endeavors with wine. $42-$52.
Fall Harvest Family Days: Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy fall activities with the whole family at Mount Vernon! Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and play colonial games on the bowling green before heading to the Pioneer Farm to observe 18th-century demonstrations and greet General Washington. Find your way through a straw bale maze and listen to the Itinerant Band play colonial tunes. Sightseeing cruises will be free throughout the weekend (while supplies last). Included in admission.
Floral Design Presentation with Laura Dowling: Oct. 26, 9 a.m.
Get an insider’s look into the sophisticated floral stylings of a White House Chief Floral Designer. Join Laura at the Washington Library as she shares her White House experiences, tips and techniques. Learn how she gleans inspiration for her trademark casually elegant, nature-inspired floral creations, and discover new trends and ideas for creating seasonal decorations and strategies for festive entertaining at home. Lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn is included. $75.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon Oct. 26, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft during this unforgettable evening. Watch wool carding and spinning, historic chocolate-making, and fishnet making demonstrations in the historic area. In order to burn off all of the extra excitement, try 18th-century dancing before greeting Martha Washington. Walk in a children’s costume parade—prizes will be awarded for the best George and Martha costumes! Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine. $8-$16.
Trick-or-Treating with Dogs: Oct. 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring your dog to Mount Vernon for howl-o-ween fun. Enjoy a great photo opportunity in front of the Mansion, meet people from Washington’s world, and enjoy treats for your pup (while supplies last). This event is for pups and their humans only! Included in admission.
Horses & Hounds: Nov. 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Watch a simulated fox hunt demonstration on the estate of the Father of the American foxhound! Unlike in Washington’s time, no foxes will be hurt during this demonstration. A bag containing animal scent will be taken on a course and when one hound picks up the scent, the hunt is on. Observe a cavalry demonstration before meeting the breeds that Washington loved so much. Learn about the role these animals played in the American Revolution and even meet Nelson, a horse similar to Washington’s beloved warhorse. Included in admission.
George Washington Whiskey Festival: Nov. 9, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Join Mount Vernon for its new George Washington Whiskey Festival! Enjoy some of the finest spirits from Virginia craft distillers and other famous whiskey producers. Meet celebrated distillers and learn more about George Washington’s whiskey operations at Mount Vernon. $85-$225.
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans: Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel. Throughout the day, write a thank you letter to an active duty service member in the Vaughan Lobby. Honored guests are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb. Visit the Smith Auditorium at 11 a.m. for a performance by the Harmony Heritage Singers. A concert by the United States Air Force Strings Orchestra will take place at 3pm. Lady Washington will also be on site to greet our veterans. Included in admission.
