For the ultimate celebration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, join Fairfax County in honoring the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and U.S. independence.
Throughout August and September, Fairfax250 — part of the broader VA250 celebrations — recognizes the county’s dynamic communities and Virginia’s role in the nation’s founding with various events and activities. Gather friends and family to learn about revolutionary history, educational efforts, and human rights.
Wright at Twilight
August 8, 22; September 12, 26; 6:30–9 p.m.
Explore the famous Pope-Leighey House designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You can admire the building’s stunning architecture while enjoying wine and snacks, playing games in the yard, and listening to classic period music. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House: 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, $30
Purple Heart Commemoration
August 9, 10 a.m.–noon
Honor heroes at Mount Vernon with this Purple Heart Commemoration Ceremony to recognize the courage and sacrifice of America’s wounded veterans. A musical performance at 10 a.m. features the United States Army Chorus, followed by a wreath-laying at George Washington’s Tomb on the east lawn at 10:30 a.m. You can also visit the marker of America’s first military declaration, created on August 7, 1998. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $15–$28, free for Purple Heart Recipients and children 5 and under
Anthony Wayne and the Battle that Shaped a Nation
August 12, noon–1 p.m.
Historian John R. Maass of the National Museum of the United States Army discusses the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794, a monumental battle that reshaped U.S. military history. Learn about the causes, combat, and consequences of the battle, as General Anthony Wayne’s forces clashed with Native American warriors. This Fairfax250 event is offered both in-person and virtually. National Museum of the United States Army: 1775 Liberty Dr., Ft. Belvoir, free
Discover Colonial Virginia at Pohick Church
September 6, 1–3 p.m.
Visit one of the Colonial period’s most renowned churches, Pohick Church, which the Washington, Mason, and Fairfax families attended. Free guided tours of the church are offered by the Docent Guild on the first Saturday of every month. Self-guided tours are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pohick Church: 9301 Richmond Hwy., Lorton, free
Fall Plant and Garden Sale
September 6, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
You can now add some of the very same plants grown at George Washington’s estate to your own garden. Choose from a plethora of native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown at Mount Vernon, along with seasonal color and heirloom plants. Estate admission is not required to access the plant sale. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon
George Washington Whiskey Tasting
September 6–27, 2–5 p.m.
Sample three rare distilled spirits, each produced in small batches from George Washington’s distillery. The whiskeys are made using 18th-century distilling methods and techniques. You can also take a tour of the Distillery & Gristmill during your visit. George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill: 5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, $60
Feature image of Mount Vernon, stock.adobe.com
