George Washington's Birthday, More Events Coming Up At Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Winter 2023 brings continued restoration work at George Washington's Mount Vernon and numerous event highlights for visitors to enjoy.

The estate, privately run and preserved by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, is open daily and hosts various events throughout the year. A highlight of the season is Washington's Birthday, which celebrates the first president amidst the Presidents Day federal holiday. Washington's Mount Vernon offers free admission on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 20, and Wednesday, Feb. 22. The George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball on Sunday, Feb. 19 precedes the free admission days. A George Washington Birthday Auction will be held starting Feb. 1 through Feb. 22.

Other event highlights coming up in the winter are performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, Winter Clearance Sale at the Shops at Mount Vernon, Tea with Martha Washington and more.

Visitors should note mansion tours will not be available at Mount Vernon from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5 due to historic preservation work. Other areas of the estate will remain open, including the museum and education center, over a dozen historic outbuildings, the gardens, farm and the Tombs. The Shops at Mount Vernon is closed for renovations from Jan. 4 to 23, but the online store is open.

Here's a look at all the upcoming events this winter at Mount Vernon. For more information and tickets, visit www.mountvernon.org.

Edward J. Larson Book Launch and Talk: Jan. 17 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Edward J. Larson's new book, "American Inheritance: Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation 1765-1795," will be celebrated with a free book talk at Fred W. Smith National Library. The book recalls how liberty and slavery were intertwined in the nation's founding.

Tea with Martha Washington: Jan. 21, Feb. 11 and 25, March 11

Join Martha Washington for an intimate tea and conversation at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. She recalls her married life with General Washington, the Revolutionary War and presidency, and her time at Mount Vernon. This event is sold out for January through March.

Fresh Bread from Half Crown Bakehouse: Jan. 25-26, Feb. 21-23, Mar. 16-19, more dates

Join Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse for an 18th century baking demonstration. Loaves are made with grains authentic to the time period and are made in a reproduced 18th century clay oven. Bread making typically happens from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is sold from 11:30 a.m. until it's gone.

Winter Clearance at Shops at Mount Vernon: Jan. 28-30, 10 a.m. to. 4 p.m.

The Shops at Mount Vernon will hold a discount sale in the Food Court Pavilion.

National Symphony Orchestra at Mount Vernon: Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The orchestra will perform in this three-part series with a champagne and a chocolate reception. Performer and recording artist David K. Hildebrand will introduce music and instruments General Washington enjoyed such as the Nelly Parke Custis harpsichord.

George Washington Birthday Auction: Feb. 1 to 22

Bid on various items to support the preservation and restoration of George Washington's Mount Vernon.

Book Talk: "The Permanent Resident": Feb. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This book talk explores Philip Levy’s new book, "The Permanent Resident: Excavations and Explorations of George Washington’s Life." The book examines the remains of the major sites Washington lived at or visited, including his childhood home near Fredericksburg, Mount Vernon and Barbados. The event is free and held at the Fred W. Smith National Library.

George Washington Birthnight Supper & Ball: Feb. 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The 2023 Birthnight Supper & Ball is a black-tie gala in celebration of George Washington's 291st birthday. A fundraiser for Mount Vernon, the event includes a cocktail reception, three-course seated dinner, live auction, entertainment, dancing and birthday toast to George Washington. Get your tickets, because the event is expected to sell out.

Free Admission for George Washington's Birthday: Feb. 20 and 22

Admission will be free for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday. Tickets will be limited and distributed on site. Mansion tour tickets will be distributed on site.

Book Talk: George Washington and the Irish: March 8 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This free book talk at the Fred W. Smith National Library focuses on Niall O'Dowd's book, "George Washington and the Irish: Incredible Stories of the Irish, Spies, Soldiers, and Workers Who Helped Free America." The book examines the role the Irish played in the American Revolution and their relationships with George Washington.