Fall Wine Festival, Trick-Or-Treat: Fall 2023 Events At Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Fall is an ideal time to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon, when visitors can see the leaves change over one of the region's best unobstructed views of the Potomac River.

George Washington's Mount Vernon will host various events this fall. There's something for everyone, from the popular returning Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour for adults to Trick-or-Treat for the children and Fall Harvest Festival for everyone.

Some events are included with Mount Vernon admission, while others are free or require a separate ticket. Mount Vernon hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but earlier closings at 4 p.m. will begin in November.

Here's a guide to the top fall events in Mount Vernon in fall 2023:

October Archaeology Days: Oct. 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30, 31

For Virginia Archaeology Month, meet Mount Vernon archaeologists to learn about artifacts and discuss other key topics in archaeology.

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: Oct. 6-8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This popular event after Mount Vernon hours features unlimited wine samples from Virginia wineries for guests to enjoy on the East Lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Guests can bring a blanket to the East Lawn, visit the Mansion and meet George Washington. Concessions will be available for purchase. Get tickets early, as at least one date is sold out.

Slave Memorial Commemoration: Oct. 7, 11 a.m.

A program and wreathlaying ceremony will be held at the Slave Memorial to remember the enslaved people who worked and lived at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon will be joined by Black Women United for Action for the event.

Fall Plant and Garden Sale: Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shop for seasonal plants with a selection of native perennials, trees, and shrubs during the Fall Plant and Garden Sale. The exclusive General's Choice line features plants from seeds or cuttings collected from plants growing on George Washington's estate.

Brown Bag Lunch: The Fry-Jefferson Map of Virginia: Oct. 10, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Bring your lunch and learn about the Washington Presidential Library’s map collection and the American Revolutionary Geographies Online web portal. Join Dr. Alexandra Montgomery to hear about the historic Fry-Jefferson Map of Virginia, once part of George Washington’s personal map collection.

An Evening with the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden: The 2023 USC George Washington Leadership Lecture: Oct. 12, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The 14th Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, will attend the George Washington Leadership Lecture. This year's 10th-anniversary event will feature a conversation with Hayden and a reception with complimentary beer, wine, and hors-d'œuvres.

Bonus Ford Evening Book Talk: General David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts: Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

General David Petraeus and acclaimed British biographer Andrew Roberts will discuss their book "Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine." The book covers war up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and what we must learn from the past and expect in the future. Plus, get your questions answered and get your book signed.

Fall Harvest Festival: Oct. 21-22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate fall with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Activities include meeting General Washington, wheat treading demonstrations in Washington's threshing barn, demonstrations of 18th-century cooking, candle-making, spinning, textiles, laundry, games and more, a straw bale maze, freshly-baked bread from Half Crown Bakehouse from a replica 18th-century clay oven, and farm-fresh products from Tasha's Own.

Blenko Glass Art Signing: Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

John and Cheryl Blenko of Blenko Glass Company will sign hand-blown glass pieces at The Shops at Mount Vernon. Items must be purchased on site.

Ford Evening Book Talk: First Family: Oct. 26, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Award-winning historian Cassandra A. Good will discuss her book "First Family: George Washington's Heirs and the Making of America," which explores how the outspoken stepgrandchildren of George Washington played an overlooked but key part in American society and politics from the Revolution to the Civil War. Attendees can ask questions and have their books signed.

Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon: Oct. 28, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Don your best costume to collect candy, join a costume parade, and enjoy 18th-century entertainment, magic, demonstrations, a puppet show, live music, and more. Tickets are on sale for the event.

Fresh Bread from Half Crown Bakehouse: Oct. 24-27

Try fresh-baked bread and learn about the 18th-century baking process with Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse.

George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill: October

Tours of the reconstructed George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill are offered on weekends through October and are included with a Mount Vernon grounds pass. The gristmill is located 2.7 miles from the estate’s main entrance.

Brown Bag: Lewis Evans’ 1755 Map of the Middle British Colonies in North America: Nov. 1, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Bring your lunch and learn about the Washington Presidential Library’s map collection and the American Revolutionary Geographies Online web portal.

The Great Experiment: Democracy from the Founding to the Future The 2023 George Washington Symposium: Nov. 2-4

This symposium hosted by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association focuses on American democracy, from the founding years to the future. Hear from renowned historians, journalists and leaders, attend a black-tie dinner at the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, visit and explore the treasures of the George Washington Presidential Library and enjoy gourmet meals and receptions.

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans: Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All active duty, former, or retired military personnel will get free admission to Mount Vernon on Nov. 11. All day, veterans are invited to place a floral tribute at the Tomb. There will also be music and history for Veterans Day on the Bowling Green, performances by the Harmony Heritage Singers, Colonial Singers of Williamsburg and US Air Force Strings Orchestra, a chance to meet General and Lady Washington, and Sons of the American Revolution & Daughters of the American Revolution ceremony at the Tomb.