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Join us in celebrating the 250th birthday of the historic moment George Washington took command of the U.S. Army. 

Experience an unforgettable event featuring live patriotic music, a boat parade along the Potomac River, and a presentation with Washington’s horses.

Free for U.S. Military: Active Duty, Retired & Veterans. Show ID for admittance. Limited to 1 free admission per military member. This offer can be redeemed in-person only.

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Offered

Cost

Included with admission
Adults (Ages 12+): $28
Youth (Ages 6-11): $15
Children (Ages 0-5): Free

Free for Mount Vernon members
Free for U.S. Military: Active Duty, Retired & Veterans

Located At

Mount Vernon is located in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. and Maryland

Celebrate a Historical Moment with Mount Vernon

Watch a Boat Parade on the Potomac River

Witness a celebratory boat parade by sailors from local marinas making a patriotic trip along the scenic Potomac River at 12:15 p.m. on the scenic east lawn.

Hear Live Musical Performances

Enjoy a spirited brass quintet concert at 1 p.m. on the bowling green.

Join our resident fifer for a musical demonstration and discussion of fife and drum music, and its importance to the Continental Army at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the bowling green.

See a Review of the Continental Camp

Join “General Washington” and “Baron von Steuben” on the 12-acre field to see a review demonstration of the Continental Army at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Get Up Close with Washington's Horses

Children will have the opportunity to care for the First Virginia Regiment's horses in our Water Washington's Horses program at 12:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the stables.

Help get George Washington’s horses ready to ride during the Saddle Up program at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the stables. Join the First Virginia Regiment to gather and organize the supplies needed for Washington’s upcoming journey in this interactive activity.

Uncover How Washington Took Charge

Participate in hands-on activities on the bowling green from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to learn about how the war began and why the Second Continental Congress chose George Washington to lead the Continental Army.

Become a Scout for the General

Conduct a time-sensitive reconnaissance mission to find enemy soldiers and report back to save the revolution in the Scout for George Washington program! Meet the other scouts at the stables at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Explore 18th-Century Astrology

Step into the mystical world of astrology with Dr. Nobles at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the bowling green.

Test Your Continental Army IQ

How well do you know Washington's army? Test your knowledge on the connections between the Continental Army and the Army today at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the 12-acre field.

Meet Troops at the Military Encampment

All day, you can explore an 18th-century military encampment on the 12-acre field where you'll meet soldiers and learn what it was like to travel as a member of the Continental Army.

Fuel Up with Food Truck Fare & Fresh Bread by Baker Justin Cherry

Throughout the day, concessions will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn food truck, Executive Orders.

Also, enjoy fresh-baked bread and watch the 18th-century baking process with Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse, only available at Mount Vernon. 

Schedule of Events

9:30 a.m.Saddle Up Stables
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Why Washington? ProgramBowling Green
10 a.m.Scout for George WashingtonStables
10 a.m.18th-Century Astrology with Dr. NoblesBowling Green
10:30 a.m.Music of the RevolutionBowling Green
11 a.m.Join the RegimentBowling Green
11:30 a.m.Continental Army Review with “General Washington” & “Baron von Steuben”12-Acre Field
12 p.m.How Well Do You Know Washington's Army?12-Acre Field
12:15 p.m.Boat Parade on the Potomac RiverEast Lawn
12:30 p.m.Artillery Demonstration12-Acre Field
12:45 p.m.Water Washington's HorsesStables
1 p.m.Patriotic ConcertBowling Green
1 p.m.Saddle UpStables
1:30 p.m.Scout for George WashingtonStables
2 p.m.Continental Army Review with “General Washington” & “Baron von Steuben”12-Acre Field
2 p.m.18th-Century Astrology with Dr. NoblesBowling Green
2:30 p.m.Music of the RevolutionBowling Green
3 p.m.Join the RegimentBowling Green
3:30 p.m.Continental Army Review with “General Washington” & “Baron von Steuben” 12-Acre Field
4 p.m.How Well Do You Know Washington's Army?12-Acre Field
4:30 p.m.Water Washington's HorsesStables

Food & Drink Menu

Hot Items

  • Jumbo Pretzel - $12
  • Jumbo Pretzel w/Cheese - $13
  • Jumbo Hot Dog - $6.50 
  • Chili Dog - $9
  • Cup of Chili - $6
  • BBQ Pork Sandwich - $9 
  • Fried Chicken Tenders - $8
  • Grilled Chicken Nuggets - $8
  • Fried Cheese Curds - $8
  • Cheeseburger - $9 
  • Hamburger - $8
  • Funnel Cake Fries - $6 
  • Corn Dog - $6

Cold Items

  • Turkey & Provolone Sandwich - $9
  • Chicken Salad Sandwich - $9
  • Ham and Cheese Sandwich - $9
  • Veggie Wrap (Gluten Free) - $8
  • Chicken Caesar Salad - $9
  • Fruit Cup - $6
  • Pasta Salad - $6

Snacks

  • Assorted Chips - $3.50
  • Cookie - $4
  • Trail Mix - $4
  • Assorted Candy - $3.50
  • Assorted Ice Cream - $5
  • Peanuts - $5

Drinks

  • Canned Soda - $2
  • Bottled Water - $3.50
  • Bottled Drinks - $5
  • Powerade - $4
  • Juice Box - $3
  • Bottled Iced Tea - $5

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Wine (Red or White) - $8
  • Domestic Beer - $6
  • Craft Beer - $8

* Credit Card only. Must be 21 years old to order alcohol.

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