Calendar of Events 2026
Spring Events
Building a Nation: Benjamin Harrison V & Berkeley’s Manor House Tricentennial Celebration
April 11, 2026
Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion, one of Virginia’s oldest three-story brick houses and birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Enjoy a full day of guided house tours, self-guided garden tours, museum access, hands-on children’s activities, reenactors, period dancing, exhibits and more. The Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence will honor Benjamin Harrison V with a commemorative ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. All tours, activities, and commemorative ceremony are included with regular admission tickets. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Historic Garden Week Tours
April 19 & 20, 2026
Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia
Historic Berkeley, Shirley, and Westover celebrate Historic Garden Week with a special combination ticket which allows access to the extensive grounds, outbuildings, and first-floor interiors of all three historic sites. Tour proceeds help fund the restoration and preservation of gardens throughout Virginia. For more information and to purchase combination tickets visit www.vagardenweek.org.
Homeschool Days
May 1 through 7, 2026
During the first week of May, Berkeley offers special discounted admission for homeschool students and their families. Enjoy a guided house tour focused on eighteenth-century plantation life, explore the museum’s paintings and artifacts, and stroll the five restored garden terraces leading to the James River. Picnic areas are available or bring a blanket and enjoy lunch by the river shore.
Admission: $12 per adult | $6.50 per student (K–12). Tickets purchased upon arrival.
Reservations are required for groups of ten or more. Call (804) 829-6018.
The Making of America: Freedom for Some Exploring the Lives and Contributions of Berkeley’s Enslaved Community
May 16, 2026
This all-inclusive guided tour explores more than four hundred years of Berkeley’s enslaved and enslaver history. Beginning at the Enslaved Quarters and continuing through the main floor of the 1726 manor house, the tour shares the stories of individuals who lived and labored at Berkeley—from enslavement to life as free men and women.
Following the guided tour, guests may explore the colonial kitchen, exhibits, museum, gardens, and grounds.
Tour Begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per person
Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Summer Events
Children's Nature Hunt
June - Aug 2026
Bring the family to Berkeley this summer to explore its rich history while children search for nature treasures along the river shore, gardens, and grounds. Children’s activity brochures and picnic areas are available.
Nature Hunt included with regular admission.
Adventure Awaits: The Berkeley Plantation Puzzle Hunt A Puzzle-Driven Journey Through History
June 20, 2026
Discover Berkeley Plantation in a new way through this engaging, clue-based scavenger hunt designed to challenge your mind and spark your imagination. Participants will work in teams to unravel riddles and follow a trail of thoughtfully crafted clues inspired by beloved adventure stories.
This self-guided experience encourages exploration of the plantation’s historic grounds, revealing fascinating details and hidden spaces along the way. Teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking are essential as you progress toward the final reveal. Well-suited for adult groups and families with older children (upper elementary and above), this hunt offers a rewarding blend of history, discovery, and fun, whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to explore the past.
Game Type: Riddle and Find
Intended Audience: Upper Elementary to Adult
Difficulty level: Beginner and up
Hunt begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your hunt begins)
Cost: $20 per person. Reservations required.
Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
July 4, 2026
Hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Annual commemoration honoring Benjamin Harrison V, one of seven Virginia signers of the Declaration of Independence and eighteenth-century owner of Berkeley Plantation.
Ceremony included with regular admission tickets.
The ceremony begins at noon. Gardens, grounds, exhibits, and house open 9:30-4:30
Hauntings at Berkeley
July 17, 2026
Stories of Berkeley’s paranormal activity make for a fun and entertaining historical tour for the entire family. The evening includes a guided tour of the 1726 mansion, followed by a self-guided stroll through Berkeley’s gardens and grounds.
Tour begins: 7:00 p.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per adult/$9 per child (ages 6–16) Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Secrets, Symbols, and Stories at Berkeley Plantation An Immersive Historical Scavenger Hunt
July 18, 2026
Step into the past and put your sleuthing skills to the test at one of America’s most storied landmarks, Berkeley Plantation. This interactive scavenger hunt goes far beyond the ordinary, inviting participants to solve clever puzzles, crack hidden codes, and decipher intriguing clues inspired by classic adventure favorites.
As you explore the plantation grounds, you’ll uncover lesser-known corners and historic highlights while racing to piece together the final mystery. Success will require teamwork, curiosity, creativity, and just a hint of boldness.
Perfect for adult teams and families with older children (high school and up), this experience is designed for seasoned puzzle-solvers. If you love history with a twist of excitement, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Game Type: Riddles and Ciphers
Intended Audience: High School to Adult
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Hunt begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your hunt begins)
Cost: $20 per person. Reservations required.
The Making of America: Freedom for Some - Exploring the Lives and Contributions of Berkeley’s Enslaved Community
July 25, 2026
This all-inclusive guided tour explores more than four hundred years of Berkeley’s enslaved and enslaver history. Beginning at the Enslaved Quarters and continuing through the main floor of the 1726 manor house, the tour shares the stories of individuals who lived and labored at Berkeley—from enslavement to life as free men and women.
Following the guided tour, guests may explore the colonial kitchen, exhibits, museum, gardens, and grounds.
Tour Begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per person Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Preserving Today for Tomorrow: Berkeley’s America 250 Time Capsule
Aug 29, 2026
Berkeley Plantation will seal and bury a time capsule as part of our ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th and Berkeley’s 300th anniversary celebrations.
This special moment will preserve memories, reflections, and pieces of our present day for future generations to discover. We invite our community to witness history in the making as we place this capsule into the ground — a gift to 2026 and beyond.
Home tours will be offered every hour on the hour, with the final tour beginning at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to tour the manor house and attend the burial ceremony, we recommend reserving the 3:00 p.m. tour.
Burial ceremony begins at 4:15 p.m.
The time capsule burial ceremony is included with regular admission.
Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and preserve today for tomorrow.
Fall Events
Experience Life as a Civil War Soldier - Tour Harrison’s Landing at Berkeley Plantation
September 5, 2026
During the summer of 1862, Berkeley Plantation was occupied by General George McClellan’s Union troops. More than 100,000 soldiers camped in the surrounding fields, while the entire U.S. Navy transported food and supplies between Hampton Roads and Harrison’s Landing. Berkeley’s 1726 manor house served as a field hospital, caring for the sick and wounded following the Seven Days Battles.
While encamped at Harrison’s Landing, General Daniel Butterfield—assisted by his bugler, O.W. Norton—composed “Taps” to honor fallen soldiers. This special Civil War tour brings to life the stories of the men who lived, fought, and healed at Berkeley.
An encampment, with reenactors portraying the troops, demonstrations, and interpretive displays will be available throughout the day.
Tour Times: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per adult/$9 per child (ages 6-16)
Reservations recommended.
Gardens, exhibits, encampment, and house open: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Historic Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour -- Sponsored by Westover Church
Sept 26, 2026
A tour of historic sites, contemporary houses, and gardens in Charles City County. Proceeds to benefit Westover Church and area outreach programs.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://westoverepiscopalchurch.org/
Berkeley Homeschool Days
October 1 through 7, 2026
During the first week of October, Berkeley offers special discounted admission for homeschool students and their families. Enjoy a guided house tour focused on eighteenth-century plantation life, explore the museum’s paintings and artifacts, stroll the five restored garden terraces leading to the James River and navigate Berkeley’s corn maze.
Picnic tables are available or bring a blanket to enjoy a riverside picnic.
Admission: $12 per adult | $6.50 per student (K–12)
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Call (804) 829-6018.
Tickets are purchased upon arrival.
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Oct 1 through Nov 30, 2026
Bring the family to Berkeley to enjoy the colorful autumn gardens, scenic river shore, and engaging exhibits. Pick a pumpkin and make your way through the corn maze. Maze admission is included with regular tour tickets; an additional fee applies to taking home a pumpkin.
Scavenger and nature hunts are available for our young guests.
Picnic tables are available or bring a blanket to enjoy a riverside picnic.
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily
The Making of America: Freedom for Some - Exploring the Lives and Contributions of Berkeley’s Enslaved Community
October 10, 2026
This all-inclusive guided tour explores more than four hundred years of Berkeley’s enslaved and enslaver history. Beginning at the Enslaved Quarters and continuing through the main floor of the 1726 manor house, the tour shares the stories of individuals who lived and labored at Berkeley—from enslavement to life as free men and women.
Following the guided tour, guests may explore the colonial kitchen, exhibits, museum, gardens, and grounds.
Tour Begins: 10:00 a.m. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins)
Admission: $20 per person. Reservations required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.
Twilight Ghost Tours
October 16 & 23, 2026
Berkeley’s History and Hauntings will a “maze” you!
Join us for a guided tour of Berkeley’s 1726 mansion and hear chilling tales of its paranormal past. Afterward, follow a lantern-lit walk through the gardens, grounds, and cemetery. The experience concludes with making your way through Berkeley’s corn maze using only your lantern!
Admission: $24.95 per person. Reservations required.
Virginia Thanksgiving Festival
Nov 1, 2026
Celebrating the First English Thanksgiving in the New World
Join us for a day of history, food, and fun! Enjoy a living history program, tribal dancers, arts, crafts & jewelry vendors, choral music, traditional Thanksgiving foods, and a re-enactment of the Landing of Capt. Woodlief and his men.
Activities & Entertainment: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Re-enactment & Program: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information and to purchase festival admission tickets visit: www.virginiathanksgivingfestival.net
Christmas Events
Centuries of Christmas
Dec 5, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027
Berkeley’s elegant 1726 mansion is beautifully decorated throughout the holiday season. Costumed guides bring history to life with stories at Berkeley spanning four centuries.
Tours conducted daily 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Last Tour Begins: 3:00 p.m.
Christmas Wreath Workshop
December 5, 2026
Join our staff to learn techniques for creating your own Christmas wreath. We have all the items needed to make a beautiful wreath made from fresh greenery cut from Berkeley’s gardens. Make wreath-making a holiday tradition and join us for a festive workshop creating a beautiful wreath to decorate your home for the season.
Workshops begin at 10:00 & 1:00. (Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for check in)
$48 per person. Reservations are required.
Candlelight Christmas Tour
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 2026
Break away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and let your imagination travel back to a Colonial Christmas. Enjoy an exclusive after-hours candlelight tour of Berkeley’s 1726 Georgian mansion. Hear tales of Christmas celebrations of a bygone era, while enjoying traditional decorations of holly, pine, boxwood, and cedar. Following the tour, gather for Christmas caroling and wassail served in Berkeley’s mansion.
Admission: $24.95 per person. Reservations are required.
This tour is also available as a specialty tour for groups of twenty or more on select dates, subject to availability.