CULPEPER LAFAYETTE BICENTENNIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Celebrate General Lafayette’s Return – Experience Rich History and Small-Town Charm in Culpeper, Virginia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet less than 1.5 hours from Washington, DC. Named by Travel and Leisure as “one of the best small towns in Virginia.”
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Greenwood Military Reception with General Lafayette
1931 Orange Road
Culpeper, VA 22701
Come visit one of Culpeper’s oldest homes, Greenwood. Experience the arrival of Gen. Lafayette and former President Monroe by horse-drawn carriage onto the front lawn
Guests arrive to 1820s period music
- Gen. Lafayette & former President Monroe arrive escorted by a mounted Honor Guard
- 1st Virginia Cavalry
- First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry
- Visiting French Military Polo Team
- United States Polo Team
- Presentation of the Colors by the Combined Forces Color Guard
- Performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and "La Marseillaise" by the Fauquier County Community Band Brass Ensemble
Welcome Remarks by Chuck Schwam, Exec. Director of American Friends of Lafayette;
Comments by General Lafayette (Mark Schneider)
Service of iced toddies in souvenir cups by the Daughters of the American
Revolution, Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, to “all hands,” as offered in 1825
Guests are invited to participate in docent-guided tours of historic Greenwood to see period antiques and Lafayette memorabilia
This event is free of charge, but guests must register to attend. Because it is a private home, we are limited to the first 50 members of American Friends of Lafayette to respond. Please register here.
Beginning at 11:30 am in the Town of Culpeper
You are cordially invited to a Civic Reception at the Depot District (Commerce Street between Culpeper and Davis Streets) with General Lafayette and former President James Monroe
*Addresses by Civic Leaders, plus Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of American Friends of Lafayette, and General Lafayette (Mark Schneider)
*Performances by Culpeper County High School and
Eastern View High School Bands and Choruses
*Masonic Hall Reception with General Lafayette and President Monroe for refreshment and photo opportunities!
*Costumed Historic Interpreters along Davis and Main Streets
*Museum of Culpeper History Exhibits and Walking Tours
Culpeper Hosts a Hero
The American Friends of Lafayette Traveling Exhibit
Culpeper Minutemen: Icons of Independence
Making Good Men Better: Freemasonry in Culpeper
*Free Activities for Families – Available at Visitor Center
Scavenger Hunt • Coloring Contest
*Complimentary Wine Tasting
*Hamilton Sing-along!
*French-inspired food, wine, and elegant morsels – available for purchase
Downtown attendance is open to all and no registration is required. Come see all that our historic town has to offer!
And end the day in Culpeper as General Lafayette did in 1825!
Costumed Grand Lafayette Ball, 7 – 11 pm
Saturday August 23 from 7-11 pm at
Mountain Run Winery - Culpeper VA
Celebrate the spirit of Lafayette’s Grand Ball hosted in Culpeper 200 years ago! An evening of elegance and merriment held in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette’s historic return to Culpeper. English Country Dance called by Mr. Charles Steplively and Ms. Elaine Sturgeon to a historical live quartet, light supper and hosted bar.
Historic, Military, Hunt or Modern Formal Attire
Mountain Run Winery • 10753 Mountain Run Lake Road, Culpeper
Ball tickets begin at $100 with some exciting add-ons, with an additional 10% discount offered for AFL members. To receive your discount, please register here by using the code CurNonAFL:
https://culpeperminutemen.us/lafayette-bicentennial?fbclid=IwY2xjawLBGJlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKRE5sRVhxbjB6UmRoMzNZAR5Mu8ZgRfdxXqkAwb3d7DtL2TsHrWTPo2DnUn4HKcZlX4ymJq3HXuQxI3TdjQ_aem_hmu7gm0RfmkmqgjhbJvHyw
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Sunday August 24 from 11 - 4 pm
Liberty Hall Polo Club - Brandy Station VA
The Colonial Allies Challenge Cup features active-duty U.S. and French military players competing together as allied teams. The tournament celebrates America’s first alliance through sport, ceremony, and pageantry—set across three historic venues in Virginia’s horse country.
VIP Hospitality Tent - Tailgating - General Admission
For additional details, tickets, and a 10% discount using the code CurNonAFL:
https://culpeperminutemen.us/lafayette-bicentennial?fbclid=IwY2xjawLBGJlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKRE5sRVhxbjB6UmRoMzNZAR5Mu8ZgRfdxXqkAwb3d7DtL2TsHrWTPo2DnUn4HKcZlX4ymJq3HXuQxI3TdjQ_aem_hmu7gm0RfmkmqgjhbJvHyw
The Culpeper Lafayette Bicentennial Committee and Culpeper Minute Men welcome you to an action-packed weekend in our charming town, August 23-24, 2025!
Vive Lafayette!
Where to Stay!
Hampton Inn By Hilton & Suites
Culpeper Minute Men Rate $172+tax
This 3-star hotel offers free WiF, an indoor pool, fitness center and a 24-hour front desk. Just minutes from Downtown Culpeper, 10 minutes to Liberty Hall Polo Club. Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is 35 miles from the property.
CMM Rate is in link - book online below
Book Now
Farmhouse at Blue Rock Inn
Culpeper Minute Men Rate - 10% off
Perfect for Groups - Sleeps 10
The Farmhouse at Blue Rock is a luxury Airbnb vacation rental. Five bedrooms, five and a half bath home with designer furnishings, porches, and patios to enjoy the crisp mountain air, and a hot tub to soak under the stars.
Book Now
Fountain Hall - Downtown
Culpeper Minute Men Rate - 10% discount
Located in historic downtown Culpeper, just two blocks from the civic reception and unique restaurants, specialty shops, breweries, parks, and the Amtrak station.
Watch Lafayette's carriage from the front porch of your inn!
Book Now
Blue Rock Inn - little Washington
Site of our Friday Arena Game & Reception
A classic Virginia country inn set at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fine dining restaurant, pub, outdoor patio, and equestrian center. 30 Minutes to Culpeper, Mountain Run and Liberty Hall Polo Club activities.
Contact Reservations for Lafayette Rate
Book Now
Vacation Rentals in Culpeper Co
Culpeper Minute Men Regional VRBOs
Our region has many historic farms stays and large beautiful vacation homes for larger groups and families looking to experience county life.
Check out AirBnB
