MOUNT VERNON, VA—Enjoy the beautiful weather and colorful landscape during Mount Vernon’s exciting fall events and programs.
Special Events:
Fall Harvest Family Days
Saturday & Sunday, October 20-21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate the autumn season with family-friendly activities at the Pioneer Farm, including wagon rides, a straw bale maze, corn husk doll making, and 18th-century demonstrations and music. At 12 p.m. each day, watch two punts made by hand at Mount Vernon cast off in the Potomac River. Included with general admission. More details: mountvernon.org/fall
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Saturday, October 27, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon opens its doors to trick-or-treaters. Join the costumed interpreters for a special opportunity to trick-or-treat in the historic area, and a special scavenger hunt is available for our more adventurous guests. All trick-or-treaters are invited to join in the children’s costume parade around the Mansion at 5 p.m. Special trade demonstrations, like wool carding, spinning, and fish net making, will take place in the historic area. Tickets: $14/adult (12 and up); $8/youth (11 and under). General admission tickets are sold out, but a limited number of additional tickets are available for Mount Vernon members. Call 703-780-2000 to reserve your tickets. More details: mountvernon.org/halloween
Horses & Hounds
Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
At this exciting event, 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. Observe a cavalry demonstration on the 12-acre field 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 with general admission. More details: mountvernon.org/horseshounds
Colonial Market & Fair
Saturday & Sunday, November 10-11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, November 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rescheduled from September 15-16, the Colonial Market & Fair is back by popular demand on a new date. Visit the marketplace on Mount Vernon's 12-acre field to get a jump start on holiday shopping. Chat with colonial artisans who sell traditional food and wares made from wood, metal, and textiles. Listen to colonial tunes and watch performers demonstrate 18th-century crafts, including Mount Vernon's costumed interpreters making chocolate using an authentic colonial recipe. Included with general admission. More details: mountvernon.org/colonialfair
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
Sunday, November 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy a concert by the Harmony Heritage Singers or the United States Air Force Strings before greeting “General and Lady Washington.” 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. Included with general admission, FREE for all active duty, former, or retired military personnel. More details: mountvernon.org/veteransday
Tours & Programs with Additional Fee:
Harvest Time at Mount Vernon Tour
Saturdays & Sundays, October 20 – November 25, 12 p.m.
Celebrate the harvest at Mount Vernon and discover what the Washingtons, enslaved people, and hired workers ate during this season. During this 60-minute tour, walk through the gardens and greenhouse where the estate’s food was grown. Learn about 18th-century food preservation in the salt house, smokehouse, and cellar before it was prepared in the kitchen. Tickets: $7 in addition to general admission. More details: mountvernon.org
A Tale of Two Marthas: Tea with Lady Washington
Saturday, October 20, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a rare, behind the-scenes visit with the two character interpreters portraying Martha Washington – Mary Wiseman and Elizabeth Keaney. The two women discuss the first, first lady and how they bring their characters to life. Refreshments include 18th-century-style pastries and English tea. Tickets: $35 per person. More details: mountvernon.org
Tea with Lady Washington
Saturday, November 3, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Step back in time and join “Lady Washington” for high tea at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Learn about the art and social history of enjoying the refined beverage while being served fine tea and light fare. Tickets: $35 per person. More details: mountvernon.org
American Girl Author Valerie Tripp Brings Felicity to Mount Vernon
Saturday, November 17, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Listen to “Martha Washington” and Valerie Tripp, author of the first American Girl book Felicity, as they share the captivating story of their collaboration for the book. The menu includes tea and 18th-century desserts. Tickets: $36/adult, $20/youth. More details: mountvernon.org
Other Seasonal Activities – Included with General Admission:
- Fall Harvest with the Washingtons: On October 28 at 11 a.m., Greet Colonel & Mrs. Washington as they attend to their harvest preparations. At 2 p.m., the young couple chats with visitors on the bowling green on current events in 1769. More details: mountvernon.org
- Harvest Fare: Character interpreters who portray “Mrs. Washington” and the enslaved cook “Doll” discuss their preparations for the harvest during this 30-minute program. Offered Thursdays, October 25 – November 15, 11 a.m. More details: mountvernon.org
- Mate Masie: During this 60-minute program, character interpreter Brenda Parker serves as the griot, or oral historian, who shares the origins of many songs of the enslaved community and teaches visitors about their daily lives. Schedule varies. More details: moutnvernon.org
- Revolutionary War Medicine: “Dr. Craik,” Physician General of the United States and George Washington's doctor, discusses the medical practices of the Revolutionary War and the tools used by doctors in the 18th century in this 60-minute program. Schedule varies. More details: mountvernon.org
- Whiskey, Wine, and Washington: Meet Washington’s distillery manager, “John Anderson,” and learn about popular alcoholic beverages in the 18th century during this hour-long program. Schedule varies. More details: mountvernon.org
- A-Dressing the Nation: This lighthearted 45-minute presentation features Tobias Lear, George Washington's personal secretary, sharing details about 18th-century fashion and manners. Schedule varies. More details: mountvernon.org
###
