Celebrate Washington's Birthday With Patriotic Ceremony, Music & Military Heritage
10 a.m.
Honor the life and legacy of George Washington with a moving presidential wreath-laying ceremony at George Washington's Tomb.
Begin the observance with a musical prelude, followed by a formal honor detail from the Commander in Chief's Guard of the U.S. Army's 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. The ceremony includes a stirring reading of "Washington's Prayer for His Country" delivered by a military chaplain.
Watch a Live Action Military Tradition
10:30 a.m.
Attend the official celebratory birthday observance ceremony on the bowling green.
Experience a dramatic tactical firing demonstration and narrated interpretation by the Commander in Chief's Guard, bringing the traditions and military heritage of Washington's era vividly to life.
11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
After the performance, witness an exciting cannon firing demonstration by the Presidential Salute Battery of the U.S. Army's 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
Meet General Washington & Ask Him Questions About His Life
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Step into history at the Interpretive Center and meet General George Washington in person.
Hear firsthand stories from his remarkable life, learn about his leadership and legacy, and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions as the General brings the past vividly to life for guests of all ages.
Take a Tour of Washington's Newly Preserved Mansion
All Day
The first and second floors of the Mansion are available for tours. See newly restored rooms such as the Washingtons' Bedchamber, featuring new wallpaper that showcases how the room would have looked in 1799.
Walk down the same halls as the nation's first president while you learn facts about his life that you've never heard before.
Mansion tour tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival and are first come, first serve.
Tours are offered on a timed-entry basis. Depending on the number of guests, there may be a 2-3 hour delay between your arrival and your Mansion tour time. Arrive early to receive the earliest tour times.
Hear an Encore Musical Performance Featuring The Old Guard
1 p.m.
On the bowling green, see a special demonstration by The Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps enhanced with narrated interpretation that brings the pageantry, tradition, and soundscape of Washington's world vividly to life.
This performance commemorates the first public celebration of George Washington's birthday in 1778 at Valley Forge, when the Commander in Chief's Guard surprised General Washington with a stirring musical tribute.
Witness History Come to Life at an Army Training Demonstration
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Head to the 12-acre field anytime to meet the Caisson Detachment and Presidential Salute Battery of the U.S. Army's 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
All Day
Watch the Commander in Chief's Guard showcase replica Continental Army weaponry and experience the sights, sounds, and skills of America's military heritage up close.
Visit the Revolutionary War Encampment to See What George Washington Was Doing 250 Years Ago
2 p.m.
Step into a pivotal moment of the American Revolution at the Patriots Path as you hear firsthand how George Washington and his generals planned to force the British army out of Boston.
Learn why the bold decision to place newly arrived cannons from Fort Ticonderoga on Dorchester Heights changed the course of the war—told by one of the very generals who helped make it.
General Washington himself may even make a surprise appearance.
Visit the Washington Library Open House
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Take a tour of the George Washington Presidential Library, rarely open to the public.
See more than 100 volumes from George Washington's personal library.
Hear talks from Mount Vernon staff and learn about the Washington Library's podcasts and digital history projects.
Explore Washington's Young Life & Mount Vernon's Archaeological Finds at Discovery Stations
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. & 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn about the unprecedented discovery of preserved cherry bottles and the latest research being done on these bottles and their contents in the historic area.
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover George Washington's early life and the people and events that shaped the leader he became on the bowling green.
Play Tavern Games & Craft a Birthday Card for the General
All Day
Test your 18th-century skills by playing tavern games like shut the box, buzzer saw, captain’s mistress, nine men’s morris, and the royal game of goose.
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Get creative and craft a personal message to the first president for his birthday on the bowling green.
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
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Discovery Station: Young George Washington | Bowling Green |
| 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | George Washington Presidential Library Open House | George Washington Presidential Library |
| 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Create a Birthday Card for George Washington | Bowling Green |
| 10 a.m. | Presidential Tribute | Washington's Tomb |
| 10:30 a.m. | Official Observance Ceremony of George Washington's Birthday and Special Military Demonstrations by the Commander in Chief's Guard | Bowling Green/12-Acre Field |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Meet "General Washington" | Interpretive Center |
| 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Meet the U.S. Army Caisson Detachment | 12-Acre Field |
| 1 p.m. | U.S. Old Guard Fife & Drum Performance followed by a Presidential Salute Battery Firing | Bowling Green/12-Acre Field |
| 2 p.m. | Washington's Council of War: Dorchester | Patriots Path |
| 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Discovery Station: Uncorking History | Historic Area |
| 3 p.m. | Ceremonial Wreath Laying | Washington's Tomb |
| All Day | Meet the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Commander-in-Chief's Guard Weapons Display | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Mount Vernon Inn Food Truck Concessions | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Half Crown Bakehouse | 12-Acre Field |
| All Day | Shopping at the Shops at Mount Vernon | The Shops at Mount Vernon |
Safety & Security Information
Please note that chairs are not permitted during daytime events. All bags are subject to inspection.