Mark the 250th Birthday of the United States on Independence Day
Celebrate our nation's independence at the home of the Father of Our Country. Commemorate the day with a festive display of made-for-daytime fireworks over the Potomac River at 1 p.m. on the east lawn.
Welcome New Citizens to the United States at a Naturalization Ceremony
10 a.m.
Witness a meaningful naturalization ceremony on the historic bowling green as people from around the world take the oath of citizenship and officially join the American story.
Witness the Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Step into the shoes of a citizen in 1776 and hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud at the home of the first president as we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
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 & 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.
See a Hot Air Balloon Demonstration
Learn about how hot air balloons first soared in the 18th century while watching a live demonstration.
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.
Watch a Traditional Puppet Show
12 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a lively Punch and Judy puppet show, a classic form of 18th-century entertainment that brings historic storytelling to life.
Experience a Magic Show With an 18th-Century Magician
12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Watch conjuror Mr. Peter Gardiner present his illusions on the bowling green. You may even get chosen to participate in a magic trick.
Play Tavern & Lawn Games of the 18th-Century
Try your hand at at a traditional game of hoops, graces, and bowles on the 12-acre field.
Walk Through History at Our Revolutionary War Encampment
All Day
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 on the 12 acre-field.
Touch Objects Inside Soldiers' Tents
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.
Experience More Encampment Life Up Close
Experience a different interpretation of a military encampment and learn more about the way the army lived.
Food & Beverages Featuring Our Resident Bread Baker
All Day
Pick up fresh-baked bread for purchase made in an 18th-century clay oven from Half Crown Bakehouse.
Stop by the food truck, Executive Orders, on the 12-acre field, which offers a convenient mix of delicious options to enjoy as you take in the estate.
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 | Revolutionary War Military Encampments | 12-Acre Field |
| 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.
Seating & Safety Information
Please note that chairs are not permitted during daytime events. All bags are subject to inspection.