Commemorate July 4 with Daytime Fireworks
Celebrate our nation's independence at the home of the Father of Our Country.
During this patriotic event, watch a colorful display of made-for-daytime fireworks over the Potomac River at 1 p.m. on the east lawn.
Celebrate New Citizens with Arnold Schwarzenegger
10 a.m.
Hear former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger deliver a keynote address at a naturalization ceremony on the historic bowling green, where people from across the globe take the oath to become U.S. citizens.
Hear the Fife & Drums of the American Revolution
2:30 p.m.
Hear our resident fifer play different fifes, flutes, and a drum to demonstrate their different sounds and functions in his program on the bowling green.
Experience a Magic Show with Mr. Peter Gardiner
12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Watch 18th-century conjuror Mr. Peter Gardiner present his magic show in the upper garden.
Meet People from Washington’s World
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Talk with the people who knew George Washington best. See the General through the eyes of his family, friends, and hired and enslaved staff at the Interpretative Center. You'll meet Martha Washington, Eleanor Calvert Custis Stewart, Tobias Lear, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau.
See a Review of the Troops and a Military Drill
2 p.m.
Watch General George Washington and Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau take command to conduct a review of the Continental Army troops and perform a military drill.
Take a Walk Through History at Our Revolutionary War Encampment
Immerse yourself in the daily life of soldiers, military officers, and the women and children who traveled with the army as you explore our Revolutionary War encampment.
Explore the soldiers’ tents to see clothing and personal hygiene items from the period, and discover how soldiers spent their time off the battlefield.
Try your hand at washing clothes and hanging them to dry in the laundry yard, and touch the various tools needed for cooking for a large number of people.
This attraction is made possible thanks to Americana Corner.
To experience a different interpretation of a military encampment, visit the bowling green and learn more about the way the army lived.
Food & Drink Featuring Our Resident Bread Baker
Purchase fresh bread and other baked goods from Half Crown Bakehouse.
Food and drinks will also be available from the Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck, Executive Orders, on the 12-acre field.
Schedule of Events
| 10 a.m. | Naturalization Ceremony | Bowling Green |
| 10 a.m. | Meet Eleanor Calvert Custis Stewart | Interpretive Center |
| 10:30 a.m. | Independence Day Wreath Laying with the Sons of the American Revolution | Washington's Tomb |
| 11 a.m. | Meet Martha Washington | Interpretive Center |
| 11:30 a.m. | Performance by National Concert Band | Bowling Green |
| 12 p.m. | Meet General Rochambeau | Interpretive Center |
| 12:30 p.m. | 18th-Century Magic with Mr. Peter Gardiner | Upper Garden |
| 1 p.m. | Daytime Fireworks Over the Potomac River | East Lawn |
| 1 p.m. | Meet Tobias Lear | Interpretive Center |
| 2 p.m. | Review of the Troops and Military Drill with George Washington and Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau | Bowling Green |
| 2 p.m. | Meet Eleanor Calvert Custis Stewart | Interpretive Center |
| 2:30 p.m. | Music of the Revolution | Bowling Green |
| 2:30 p.m. | Meet Martha Washington | Interpretive Center |
| 3 p.m. | 18th-Century Magic with Mr. Peter Gardiner | Upper Garden |
| 3 p.m. | Meet Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau | Interpretive Center |
| All Day | Military Encampment | Bowling Green |
| All Day | Half Crown Bakehouse | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Mount Vernon Inn Concessions | 12-Acre Field |
This event is sponsored by:
Stay for Independence Fireworks
Join General George Washington and enjoy an evening of family fun, fireworks, and patriotic music to continue the celebration of our nation's founding.