Events Search and Views Navigation
August 2016
Brandy Station Battlefield tour by personal vehicle
Held from 10 a.m. – noon. This Brandy Station Foundation tour focuses on the Fleetwood Hill area on June 9, 1863. Please meet at the Graffiti House (19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station) just before 10 a.m. 10AM. $10/adult, under 12 free. More information at www.brandystationfoundation.com
September 2016
“Ours is No Longer a Divided Country: The Path to Reunion and Reconciliation in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley”
Talk by Civil War historian Dr. Jonathan Noyalas on life in the Shenandoah Valley after the Civil War.
Heritage Harvest Festival
the 10th Annual heritage Harvest Festival held at Monticello brings thousands to learn about Thomas Jefferson’s legacy in vegetable cuisine, plant experimentation and sustainable agriculture. Linking locally grown food, education, health and nutrition. The Heritage Harvest Festival is a fun, affordable, family-oriented and educational event. Participants enjoy tastings, workshops, hands-on demonstrations, interpretive walks, and a variety of garden tours and exhibits.
http://www.heritageharvestfestival.com/Adventures in History: Tales for the Night
An adult sensory history program after dark. Bring a companion and take an adventure in and around historic Mt Zion Church, cemetery, and battlefield in the dark.
www.mosbyheritagearea.org/eventsColonial Market & Fair
The annual Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon features dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and plenty of family fun!
Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and much more. “General Washington” will be on hand overseeing the lively Revolutionary War military drills and 18th-century entertainment including music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale on site.
Costumed interpreters will be demonstrating the 18th-century chocolate-making process using an authentic colonial recipe!
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/colonial-market-fair/Graffiti House Heritage Day
Celebrate the grand opening of the newly created 1860s hospital room. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Located at 19484 Brandy Road in Brandy Station. $5 per person suggested donation. Children 12/under are free. Includes speakers program, memorial for John Pelham, photo booth, lecture on Civil War medicine, Country Troubadours, “Army Enlistment” program for children. Food available for purchase. Visit www.brandystationfoundation.com or 540-341-7019.
October 2016
29th Annual Fall Fiber Festival
Workshops for adults and children, animal exhibits, sheep dog trials, hands-on demonstrations, a fleece sale, fiber and crafts vendors, music and more.
http://fallfiberfestival.orgPotomac Flight Honoring Disabled American Veterans
On October 7, World War II era aircraft, including T-6 “Texans”, will launch from Culpeper Regional Airport and soar in formation down the Potomac River. The Potomac Flight over the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery is in honor of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and pays tribute to the services and sacrifices veterans have made to secure our nation’s freedom. This ceremonial formation flight will be visible from Alexandria, Arlington and Rosslyn, VA. Culpeper Air Fest will serve as a home base for the ground-breaking flight.
culpeperairfest.com19th Annual Conference on the Art of Command in the Civil War
The region’s premier Civil War Conference, now in its 19th year. Focus this year will be “July 3, 1863: Gettysburg, the Third Day.” Three-day long conference, concluding with a bus tour of Gettysburg with expert guides, authors, historians.
www.mosbyheritagearea.org/eventsFall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour
Enjoy live blues and spectacular views of the Potomac River at the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour!
Visitors learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father’s wine endeavors, enjoy live blues music, and meet “George and Martha Washington” on the Mansion’s piazza. Guests experience an evening tour of the Washingtons’ home and are invited to visit the basement where he stored his wine. To accompany the wine tasting, fruit and cheese boxes are available by advance purchase for $29.99.
VIP tables start at $1,100 and include admission for 12 people, three bottles of Mount Vernon house wine, a dessert platter from Alexandria Pastry Shop, a fruit and cheese tray from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, and private waiter service.
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/fall-wine-festival-sunset-tour/Aldie Harvest Festival & Duck Race
Now in its 52nd year, the Aldie Harvest Festival & Duck Race celebrates the Village of Aldie’s rural heritage with arts & crafts, food vendors, antiques, children’s activities, tours of the historic Aldie Mill, and music. Local organizations offer baked goods. At 4 pm, visitors gather along the Little River for the Duck Race as 3,000 (plastic) ducks race to the finish line. Participants who “adopt” ducks can win prizes and a chance to win $100,000. Free admission. Aldie VA (on Rt. 50 between Gilberts Corner and Middleburg)
http://www.villageofaldie.comDriving Tour
The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield will lead a fall driving tour following the army of Major General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s approach to the Cedar Mountain Battlefield. Tour begins at 9 a.m. from the FOCMB Contact Station, located at 9465 General Winder Drive, Rapidan, and proceeds to Orange Courthouse making a number of stops. The tour continues north, visiting and traveling on original road traces, fords and the sight of the skirmish at Crooked Run Baptist Church. The tour concludes on the Cedar Mountain battlefield at 11:30 a.m. $10. Light snacks provided. Please dress appropriately for conditions. Visit www.friendsofcedarmountain.org, follow on Facebook or phone 540-727-8849.
Aldie Harvest Festival & Duck Race
This Village-wide festival celebrates its 52nd year with antiques, arts, and craft vendors; children’s activities; music; and food trucks/vendors. Free. Duck Race at 4 pm – prizes include $2000 cash and more.
www.aldieheritage/harvestfestDay of The Dead Dia de los Muertos
A celebration of life is a Mexican holiday that brings together communities to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed. Latin Ballet of Virginia will hold free public dance workshops at 1:30 p.m. for children 11 and under and one at 2:45 p.m. for ages 12 and up. Participants will learn Merengue, Reggaeton, Flamenco, and typical celebratory dances. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required; contact vadunphy@gmail.com for information. Held at Eastern View High School forum at 7 p.m.
Fall Harvest Family Days
Mount Vernon celebrates the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days!
Mount Vernon celebrates the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music.
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/fall-harvest-family-days/Reduced Shakespeare Company
Enjoy a comedic romp through 600 years of American history in just 90 minutes as this trio of comedians turns their satirical wit to the U.S. election process. Coming at the height of election season, this rollercoaster ride through our country’s glorious and messy past reminds audiences of what makes America great…our ability to enjoy a good laugh. Since its original long-running hit show, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) has taken on many other topics, all abridged and every bit as hilarious. In this production, RSC irreverently portrays American giants from Lincoln to Lewis and Clark, tackles the controversies of our history, and manifests our destiny into a rapid and ridiculous retelling of history from sea to shining sea. “What the ‘Daily Show’ might be like if it were hosted by the Marx Brothers.” (Boston Herald)
http://www.hyltoncenter.org/calendar/797/Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Come trick-or-treat at Mount Vernon! Back by popular demand, the estate will again open its gates for Halloween fun and spook-tacular activities.
Participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft in this unforgettable evening.
Come and see wool carding, spinning, and fish net making in the historic area before greeting “Martha Washington” on the piazza of the Mansion. In order to burn off all the extra excitement, try 18th-century dancing in the upper garden. Historic chocolate-making demonstrations and chocolate tastings will take place.
A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begin at 5 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for most fang-tastic “George” and “Martha” costumes! Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine.
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/trick-or-treating-at-mount-vernon/November 2016
Horses & Hounds
Hear the echo of hunting horns and the thunder of horses’ hooves as Mount Vernon pays tribute to the greatest horseman of his age, George Washington!
this exciting event, watch a simulated fox hunt demonstration on the estate of the Father of the American foxhound! Unlike in Washington’s time, no foxes will be hurt during this demonstration. A bag containing animal scent will be taken on a course around the 12-acre field and when one hound picks up the scent, the huntsman on horseback will signal the rest of the pack, and the hunt is on! During the fox hunt, learn about the sport of foxhunting and why Washington was known as the greatest horseman of his age.
Observe a cavalry demonstration on the 12-acre field before meeting the breeds that Washington loved so much. Learn about the role these animals played in the American Revolution and even meet Nelson, a horse similar to Washington’s beloved warhorse! Visit the estate’s modern livestock facilities for a chance to meet the horses, dogs, chickens, sheep, pigs, and cattle that call Mount Vernon home (free ticket required). Join Mount Vernon’s curators for Object Spotlight and discover the sporting side of George Washington, as one of Mount Vernon’s curators highlights objects from the collection related to hunting and fishing in the 18th century. Close the day by watching The Washington Cup, where horses and riders compete in series of judged skill competitions. The winner will be awarded the coveted Washington Cup!
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/horses-hounds/Vietnam War Foundation and Museum
Open House and opportunity to see private collection of Craig LaMountain created to honor Vietnam Veterans. This is an amazing and memorable display. Located at 6255 Spring Hill Road in Ruckersville from noon – 4 p.m. Sponsored by Crusin’ for Heroes. Visit the museum website at http://www.vietnamwarfoundation.org/ for more information. Contact Lou Realmuto at Cruisin For Heroes (cruiserlou@aol.com) .
Mount Vernon by Candlelight
This holiday season, experience Mount Vernon in the soft glow of candlelight!
Come join the estate for candlelit character-guided tours of the first and second floors of the Mansion, 18th-century dancing and fireside caroling.
On the final stop of the Mansion tour, guests will hear about Washingtons’ holiday cooking and see a reproduction of Martha’s Great Cake. “Mrs. Washington” and Aladdin the Christmas camel will also be on site.
http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/mount-vernon-by-candlelight/