There’s so much to choose from during the summer months at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Summer kicks off with Summerfest kicked off on June 9 and 10, featuring local craft beer tastings and live music.
Whiskey aficionados will want to secure tickets for the popular Whiskey Tastings that run only through June, then restart in September. And foodies won’t want to miss Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse during select weekends for 18th-century bread baking demonstrations and fresh loaves for sale while they last.
In honor of Juneteenth, Mount Vernon will host the Freedom Before Emancipation Family Day on June 17. Guests will learn about the legacies of enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon, observe performances on freedom and resistance through the eyes of Ona Judge and Christopher Sheels, and honor the lives of the enslaved at the Slave Burial Ground Commemoration Ceremony.
Fans of Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri can hear about her new book, Alexandra Petri’s US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) on June 21. This side-splitting work of historical humor shows why Petri has been hailed a national treasure and one of the funniest writers alive. Learn more.
And summer marks Mount Vernon’s beloved Independence Day celebrations. On June 30 and July 1, Mount Vernon hosts two patriotic evenings featuring fireworks over the historic Potomac River, along with musical performances courtesy of the Fifes & Drums of York Town and the National Concert Band. Again this year, the Mansion will be lit in red, white, and blue during the fireworks show. Guests are invited to tour the Mansion and visit the blacksmith, attend a wreath laying at Washington’s Tomb, watch ice cream making demonstrations, and more.
On July Fourth, visitors can attend An American Celebration. This Independence Day event will feature opportunities for visitors to “meet” George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, observe a ceremony in which people from across the globe become U.S. citizens, and enjoy a musical performance by the National Concert Band. Guest also can watch 18th-century magic with Peter Gardiner.
Throughout the summer, visitors also can visit the Mansion, expansive estate, and gardens. June and July events and activities include: