Fall Family Days

Mountaintop Activity Center 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Enjoy fun, hands-on activities designed for families at the Mountaintop Activity Center. Write with a quill pen, crack a code with a wheel cipher, and explore mystery objects.  

Farm Shop 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

There will be exclusive tastings of Monticello Farm and Garden foods. Weather permitting the tastings are on the West Lawn under the Community Partner tent. 

A limited-edition, seasonal ice cream tasting will take place while supplies last at the Farm Shop.

5 Senses in the Garden 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM

This family-friendly activity invites young explorers to experience Monticello’s vegetable garden through all five senses. Kids will discover colorful blooms and vegetables, smell fragrant herbs, listen for birdsong and crackling seeds, and explore the textures of fruits and leaves. Afterward, families are encouraged to continue the experience with a tasting at the Farm Shop.

The tour will start at the base of the stairs leading from Mulberry Row to the Vegetable Garden.

Declaration Print Shop 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own Declaration at Monticello. 

Meet Thomas Jefferson 11:30 AM, 12:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM

Guests can meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker) in person in this dynamic and interactive experience.

Music

Dr. Dena Jennings 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM

Physician, luthier, artist, and farmer Dr. Dena Jennings brings the sounds of early string bands and mountain music to Monticello with a modern flare. A seventh-generation Appalachian and award-winning tradition bearer of Affrolachian music and dance, Dr. Dena plays instruments she's built or restored herself — and invites you to sing along. Performances at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. (about 20 minutes each), with time afterward for questions.

Full Schedule

Community Partners