The first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired in Concord, Massachusetts, 250 years ago this Saturday (April 19).
To commemorate the war’s 250th anniversary, there will be a variety of events around Fairfax County over the next few weeks, continuing a year-long, statewide VA 250 initiative.
Many of the events are family-friendly, like storytime for children aged 2-5 at Gunston Hall, while others are more adult-oriented, like a whiskey tasting at George Washington’s distillery and gristmill.
Events at Mount Vernon over the next month include two author lectures: one from historian Rick Atkinson and another from retired general Stanley McChrystal.
Most of the events are at the tail end of April and throughout May, though one is planned for September. The majority of these are also located at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
The VA 250 Commission was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020 to organize events celebrating the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Revolutionary War.
Commemorative events are also being planned by a Fairfax County workgroup and a national commission, though federal funding cuts for the humanities could force events to be scaled back or canceled, the Associated Press reports. All of the festivities will lead up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Upcoming VA 250 events in Fairfax include:
- Lexington and Concord Family Day April 19 at Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway): Learn about the outbreak of the Revolutionary War at Lexington & Concord and discover why the Second Continental Congress chose Washington to take command.
- Storytime at Gunston Hall April 20 at Gunston Hall (10709 Gunston Road): Join us for a unique story time experience at Gunston Hall! During this one-hour program young learners and their caregivers will explore a picture book, engage with hands-on activities, and investigate the historic area on a modified tour.
- Easter Buffet April 20 at Mount Vernon: A special easter buffet from Mount Venon Inn Restaurant with spiral-cut honey-glazed ham and more.
- Sensory-Friendly Family Evening April 22 at Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon invites neurodivergent individuals and their families to join us for a sensory-friendly evening with discounted admission.
- Author Lecture with Rick Atkinson: The Fate of the Day on April 29 at Mount Vernon: Discover a riveting account [from author Rick Atkinson] of the middle years of the American Revolution and gain a new perspective on the demands that a democracy makes on its citizens.
- Revolutionary War Weekend on May 3 and May 4 at Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon’s serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Visit with camp followers and walk through a recreation of George Washington’s War Tent.
- George Washington Whiskey Tasting from May 3-June 28 at Mount Vernon: In 1799, George Washington’s distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America. Today, a reconstructed working distillery produces small batch spirits on-site using 18th-century distilling methods. You will sample 3 distilled spirits, hear about the history of distilling spirits, and tour George Washington’s reconstructed gristmill and distillery.
- Mother’s Day Tea on May 8 and May 10 at Mount Vernon: Celebrate Mother’s Day with afternoon tea at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Seatings are offered on May 8 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $70 per person.
- Cocktails by Candlelight on May 9 at Gunston Hall: Sip on period cocktails and sample historic foods while you enjoy the serenity of Mason Neck by candlelight.
- Lives, Loves, and Loss: Remembering the Families on May 10 at Mount Vernon: Learn about the enslaved families at George Washington’s Mount Vernon with a guided tour, family activity, and ceremonial remembrance for all ages.
- Spring Wine Festival from May 16-18 at Mount Vernon: Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries at Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival. Relax on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River as you experience George Washington’s estate after hours.
- Author Lecture with General Stanley McChrystal: On Character on May 29 at Mount Vernon: Hear from retired United States Army General Stanley McChrystal, author of On Character: Choices That Define a Life. Learn about an inspiring roadmap for personal growth and integrity in order to become our best selves, both as individuals and as Americans.
- Symposium – The Revolutionary War 250: The Early Years on May 30 at the National Museum of the United States Army (1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir): The National Museum of the US Army will present a free full day symposium focusing on the first two years of the Revolutionary War to highlight the 250th anniversary of the Army’s founding, and the opening of the Museum’s new special exhibit next year, “Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War.”
- George Washington Patriot Run on Sept. 7 at Mount Vernon: Join George Washington’s Mount Vernon for a 10-miler and 5K race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
