Calendar of Events 2024
Spring Events
Children's Nature Hunt
April 1 through 7, 2024
Bring the family to Berkeley and learn its amazing history, while searching for treasures along the river shore, gardens, and grounds. Children’s brochures and picnic area available. Nature hunt included with regular admission tickets.
Historic Garden Week Tours
April 21 & 22, 2024
Berkeley, Shirley, and Westover Plantations celebrate Historic Garden Week with a special combination ticket which allows access to the extensive grounds, outbuildings, and interiors of all three historic sites. Tour proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of gardens throughout Virginia. For more information and to purchase combination tickets, visit www.vagardenweek.org.
Homeschool Days
During the first week in May, Berkeley will offer a special rate to homeschool students and their families. Enjoy a guided house tour and learn about eighteenth-century life on a plantation. Explore the museum of paintings and artifacts and walk the five terraces of restored gardens leading to the James River. Picnic area available or bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic by the river shore. The rate during this exclusive offer is $10.00 per adult / $6 per student (k-12).
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
American Revolution Shipyard Commemoration
May 5, 2024
Gardens, grounds, exhibits, and house are open 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Summer Events
Children's Nature Hunt
June, July, & August 2024
Kid's Day
June 5, 19, & 29, 2024
10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Admission is free for one child (age 16 and under) with one paying adult.
Admission tickets are purchased upon arrival.
Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
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. Hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The ceremony begins at noon. Gardens, grounds, exhibits, and house open 9:30-4:30
Hauntings at Berkeley
July 12, 2024
$19 per adult / $8.00 per child (ages 6-16) Reservations required.
Hauntings at Berkeley
Stories of Berkeley’s paranormal activities is a fun and entertaining historical tour for the entire family. Includes a guided tour through the 1726 mansion followed by a self-guided tour of Berkeley’s gardens and grounds. The tour begins at 6:00 p.m.
$19 per adult / $8.00 per child (ages 6-16) Reservations required.
Experience life as a Civil War Soldier
August 10, 2024
During July and August of 1862, Berkeley was occupied by General George McClellan’s Union troops. Over 100,000 soldiers camped in the surrounding fields, and the entire U.S. Navy brought supplies and food between Hampton Roads and Harrison’s Landing. Berkeley’s manor house was used as a field hospital, bringing in the sick and wounded after the Seven Days Battles. While camped at Harrison’s Landing, General Daniel Butterfield, with the help of his bugler, O.W. Norton, created “Taps” to honor his men.
A special Civil War tour captures the stories of the soldiers while camped at Berkeley. An encampment with reenactors portraying the troops will be available throughout the day along with Jari Villanueva, Taps Bugler. Displays of relics and artifacts found on the property will be on display.
The Civil War tours will begin at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. $19 per person. Reservations are recommended for this special tour.
Gardens, exhibits, encampment, and house open 9:30-4:30
Fall Events
Virginia Thanksgiving Festival at Berkeley Plantation
November 3, 2024
Join us for a day dedicated to history, food, and fun with a living history program, tribal dancers, arts, crafts & jewelry vendors, choral music, Thanksgiving foods and a re-enactment of the Landing of Capt. Woodlief & his men.
Activities and entertainment 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Thanksgiving re-enactment and program 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information, visit: virginiathanksgivingfestival.net
Christmas Events
Centuries of Christmas
December 7, 2024 through January 1, 2025
Christmas tours are conducted daily 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The last tour begins at 3:00 p.m.
Christmas Wreath Workshop
December 7, 2024
$45 per person. Reservations are required.
Candlelight Christmas Tour
December 7, 14, 15, & 20, 2024