Free Admission, Birthday Celebration Planned At Washington's Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA — George Washington's 290th birthday will be celebrated by his Mount Vernon estate with a birthday celebration, two days of free admission and more.

Leading up to the birthday celebration, the George Washington Birthday Auction will be held from Feb. 13 to Feb. 22. The auction will feature getaways, behind-the-scenes tours, rare art and antiques, Washington memorabilia and more.

Next up is the Mount Vernon Birthnight Supper and Ball on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. This black tie gala features a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, auction, entertainment, dancing and a birthday toast to Washington. Tickets start at $375 and will be limited. Proceeds benefit the preservation and restoration of the estate.

Free admission will be offered on Presidents Day (Feb. 21) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Washington's birthday (Feb. 22) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Tickets will become available to Mount Vernon members on Feb. 11 and the public on Feb. 15.

The celebration culminates with a virtual birthday party at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22 . The event will include historians discussing Washington's significance today, the first look at the museum exhibition film "Mount Vernon: American Icon," an excerpt from a classic music concert on the piazza, a fireworks show over the Potomac River, and a birthday toast to Washington.

The cost to attend is a donation of $5 or more. Donations support the preservation and restoration of the Mount Vernon estate.

Birthday celebrations for Washington have been a tradition since the Revolutionary War. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association plans the annual events at the Mount Vernon estate.

For more information about visiting Mount Vernon, visit www.mountvernon.org.