For Immediate Release: February 8, 2024

Join us Saturday, February 17 at 6 p.m. to commemorate George Washington’s birthday with a four-course dinner in Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, where Washington celebrated his Birthnight in 1798 and 1799. During dinner, enjoy a sampling of 18th-century entertainments typically found in taverns in Washington’s lifetime. The night will include live musicians, a dance demonstration, toasts, theater, and even a bit of magic and mind reading. Tickets are $150 per person and include the four-course dinner with wine and live performances. Cocktail attire encouraged. Purchase tickets at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop under “Events.”

Washington’s Entertainments is a new program for Gadsby’s Tavern Museum—like dinner theatre, but in the historic ballroom where George Washington celebrated his birthday during the Birthnight Ball. We’ll reveal the magic—quite literally—that Washington witnessed while sharing the stories behind these historic performances. It’s a new tradition that’s not to be missed!

Tickets are also available for the specialty tour, Mind Your Manners! Balls in Early America, on February 9, 6-7 p.m.  and February 10, 10-11 a.m. at Gadsby’s, 134 N. Royal St. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is famous in part because George Washington celebrated his Birthnight Ball here, but there’s so much more to the story! From scandal to social class, balls reveal the political intrigue and power structures that were part of early America. Tickets are $15 per person. Purchase tickets at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop under “Events.”

Gadsby's Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Tavern and Hotel. Named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808, the tavern businesses were central to Alexandria’s port-based economy, offering spaces to dine, spend the night, and enjoy games, performances, music, and dance.

About Gadsby’s Tavern Museum:

As America began as a nation during the late 18th century and emerged in the 19th century, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria as well as the new Federal City of Washington. The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history.  Tavern keepers John Wise and John Gadsby hosted balls, performances, and meetings, and their accommodations were known as the best by travelers near and far. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information, please call 703.746.4242 or visit alexandriava.gov/gadsbystavern.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria:

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information about the Office of Historic Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

For reasonable accommodation or an alternative format, e-mail gadsbys.tavern@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4242, Virginia Relay 711.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969. 

This release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/5489. 

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