Celebrate Washington's Birthday With Patriotic Ceremony, Music & Military Heritage
Honor the life and legacy of George Washington with a moving presidential wreath-laying ceremony at George Washington's Tomb at 10 a.m.
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.
See, Hear & Feel Military Tradition in Action
At 10:30 a.m., continue the celebration on the bowling green with the official birthday observance ceremony.
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.
Meet General Washington
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
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
Return to the bowling green at 1 p.m. for an encore performance by The Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.
Enhanced with narrated interpretation, this special demonstration 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
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).
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.
Explore an 18th-Century Revolutionary War Encampment
Experience the American Revolution as you walk through an 18th-century Continental Army encampment featuring soldiers' tents and an officer's tent at a brand new location on the 12-acre field.
Touch the items inside the tents, wash clothes in the laundry yard, and examine cooking utensils used by women and children who traveled with the army.
In the officer's tent, learn about events that occurred 250 years ago through period maps and documents from the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Craft a Birthday Card for the General & Play Tavern Games
From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., get creative and craft a personal message to the first president for his birthday on the bowling green.
Test your 18th-century skills by playing tavern games like shut the box, tic-tac-toe, and tops.
Savor Food Truck Favorites & Take Home a Keepsake From The Shops
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.
All day, pick up fresh-baked bread for purchase made in an 18th-century clay oven from Half Crown Bakehouse.
Visit The Shops, open until 5 p.m., to take home your own piece of Mount Vernon and commemorate George Washington's birthday.
Visit the Washington Library Open House
Take a tour of the George Washington Presidential Library, rarely open to the public, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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.
Safety & Security Information
Please note that chairs are not permitted during daytime events. All bags are subject to inspection.