Skip to main content

This event has been canceled. Current ticket holders will be contacted via email and will be refunded.

Join Mount Vernon for a summer evening of 18th-century entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. 

At our special VIP experience, taste foods inspired by 18th-century dishes served at Mount Vernon and sample George Washington's whiskey.

Finish the evening with a performance by the Washington Tattoo.

Event Showing On

Cost

VIP Experience:
Member: $180, Non-Member: $220

Public Event:
Adult: Member: $43, Non-Member $53
Youth: Member: $31, Non-Member $41

VIP Experience in the Upper Garden

Taste a modern menu inspired by first-hand accounts of guests who dined at Mount Vernon in the beautiful Upper Garden.

Each VIP ticket purchase comes with two drink tickets, applicable toward Mount Vernon beer and wine. Cash bar available.

Please note that the VIP experience cannot accommodate dietary restrictions. 

VIP Experience

In the Upper Garden, enjoy a modern tasting menu inspired by first-hand accounts of guests who dined at Mount Vernon as you listen to 18th-century music by Donna Nomick and the hammered dulcimer.

Finish the tasting with a toast featuring George Washington’s whiskey.

Each VIP ticket purchase comes with two drink tickets, applicable toward Mount Vernon beer and wine. Cash bar available.

Menu

  • Potted guinea fowl (2 oz) with bread (1/2 slice), garden pickles (3), and Durham-style mustard (1oz)
  • Pea soup (4 oz) with dressed vegetables (2 oz) and smoked trout (1 oz)
  • Barbecue beef (5-6 oz)
  • Biscuit (1-3 in) with jams and two cheeses (2 oz)
  • Candied fruit and nuts 
  • "The most extraordinary plum cake" (4 in)
  • Toast with George Washington’s 5-Year Premium Rye Whiskey®

This 18th-century spread will be prepared by Mount Vernon's Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse. Justin will talk with guests and share the historical significance of the menu.

Please note that the VIP experience cannot accommodate dietary restrictions. 

 

Card Image

George Washington Whiskey

In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America.

Today, a faithfully reconstructed working distillery produces small batch spirits on-site and is open to visitors on weekends in April - October.

Learn more

Public Event

Enjoy 18th-century entertainment, including:

  • Tavern games, like shut the box, tic tac toe, and tops
  • Lawn games, including the game of Graces
  • 18th-century fortune telling with Dr. Nobles (6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.) 
  • 18th-century music with Colonial Faire (6 p.m. & 7 p.m.) 

Tour the Mansion

The Mansion will be open for tours.

Don't miss the opportunity to tour the Mansion after hours before many of its rooms go off-view for preservation work.

Learn about our preservation work

 

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Enjoy a scenic ride across the 12-acre field in a horse-drawn wagon.

Ice Cream Making

See how ice cream was made in George Washington's day, featuring some 18th-century flavors not often seen today, like oyster, pickle, and garlic.

Whiskey and Beer-making

Watch live whiskey distilling and beer-making demonstrations from members of Mount Vernon's Historic Trades Team.

Ponies & Livestock

See ponies and learn about the role of livestock in the 18th-century from members of the Livestock Team.

Concessions

Concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn will be available for purchase.

 

The Washington Tattoo

The event concludes with a one-hour performance by The Washington Tattoo, followed by a meet-and-greet of the performers (a $32 value).

Learn More

Schedule of Activities

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 18th-century entertainment & Mansion tours
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. MVI Concessions for purchase
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Washington Tattoo Performance
9 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Meet and greet with Washington Tattoo Members

Lawn Seating

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or small lawn chair to sit on the lawn. Seating is not provided at the general public event.

Tents, tables, pop-ups, grills, beach or free-standing umbrellas, coolers, and glass containers are not permitted. All items and bags will be subject to search upon entrance.

Learn more