Colonial Market, Patriot Run: Top Events Coming Up At Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA — From the remainder of the summer to the start of fall, the first president's estate continues to offer special events for local residents and visitor alike to enjoy.

George Washington's Mount Vernon has a variety of events planned for August and September. First up is a National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Another notable event will bring all four nominees for the 2023 George Washington Prize together for the first time. A panel discussion will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 with the nominees. They are up for an award recognizing the best work of America's founding era with a $50,000 prize.

On Saturdays in September, guests can try whiskey made at George Washington’s own distillery. Other September highlights include the George Washington Patriot 5K and 10 Miler Race and Colonial Market and Fair.

Mount Vernon is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Most events come with Mount Vernon admission, but some may be free or have an additional cost.

Here's more information on the upcoming events at Mount Vernon.

Purple Heart Commemoration: Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.

Admission: Included with Mount Vernon; admission free for Purple Heart recipients and discounted for military service members

This commemoration pays tribute to the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the home of its founder, George Washington. The ceremony will include performances by The Colonial Singers of Williamsburg from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and commemoration ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The ceremony location is the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium.

Ford Evening Book Talk: The Contagion of Liberty: Aug. 10, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

During this book event, meet historian Andrew Wehrman, the author of "The Contagion of Liberty: The Politics of Smallpox in the American Revolution." Wehrman will discuss the public demand for smallpox inoculations during the American Revolution and the origins of vaccination in the U.S. The location is the George Washington Presidential Library.

George Washington Prize Panel Discussion: Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

Admission: Free

For the first time, all four nominees for the George Washington Prize will participate in a panel discussion together focused on their books. The George Washington Prize is an annual $50,000 prize recognizing the best new works on America's founding era. The nominees are Mary Sarah Bilder, "Female Genius: Eliza Harriot and George Washington at the Dawn of the Constitution"; Fred Kaplan, "His Masterly Pen: A Biography of Jefferson the Writer"; Stacy Schiff, "The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams"; and Maurizio Valsania, "First Among Men: George Washington and the Myth of American Masculinity." Attendees can get their books signed during the event. The event location is the Ford Orientation Center/Smith Theater.

Fresh Bread from Half Crown Bakehouse: Aug. 24-27, Sept. 11-14

Admission: Included with Mount Vernon admission; cost for bread

Try fresh-baked bread and observe the 18th century baking process with Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse. Breads include potato bread made from potatoes grown at the Mount Vernon estate, a pound cake with fresh currants and cherries grown at the estate, and loaf of bread and cheese.

George Washington Whiskey Tasting: Saturdays in September, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $50 for members, $60 for non-members

Sample three distilled spirits, made at Washington's distillery using 18th century distilling methods and techniques. Plus, learn about the history of George Washington's whiskey from Mount Vernon's Historic Trades team, find out how they distill spirits today and tour the distillery and gristmill. The location is George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill.

8th Annual George Washington Patriot 5K and 10 Miler Race: Sept. 10

Cost: Varies

This race includes options to participate in person or virtually. The finish line is in view of George Washington's mansion, and participants can then enjoy a Finish Festival with music, food and beverage concessions and complimentary beer. All participants will receive a commemorative George Washington Patriot Run t-shirt and a finisher medal engraved with George Washington's bust. Awards will be given for first place overall, by age division, and in the military and first responder categories. Spectator tickets are also available.

Colonial Market and Fair: Sept. 16 and 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Included with Mount Vernon admission

At this special event, take a step back in time to enjoy food and items made by colonial artisans, hear live music from the colonial era, see period crafting techniques, and meet General Washington. More than 40 artisans are participating in the marketplace to sell their handmade items.

Luke Adams Glass Art Signing: Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free to visit Shops at Mount Vernon; cost to purchase

Glassblower Luke Adams will return to Mount Vernon to sign his hand-blown glass pumpkins and other unique pieces created for Mount Vernon.

Sensory-Friendly Family Morning: Sept. 23, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Cost: $11, free for children 5 and under

Families with children of all ages on the autism spectrum can enjoy this sensory-friendly morning and tour.

Mount Vernon After Hours Exclusively for Members: Sept. 24

Mount Vernon members can explore the grounds after hours, buy a picnic from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, dine al fresco on the lawn and get a 20 percent off on all purchases from The Shops at Mount Vernon.

Homeschool Day: Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Children 5 and under are free, $12 for ages 6-18, $14 for adults

Homeschool families can learn about the 18th century by exploring the Farm at Mount Vernon at the special homeschool rate.