Not seeing an event listed? The content on this page is actively being updated, you can also view Happenings 2023 and Happenings 2022 to view past events.
Visit Holidays at the Mansion for last season's events.
October 16, 2024
The third annual ‘Boots on the Square’ event at the Executive Mansion was unbridled fun! The most well attended ‘Boots on the Square’ to date, over 200 Virginia state employees enjoyed boot scootin’ to country hits spun by K95, Kickin’ Country Line Dancing instruction and entertainment, fresh popped kettle corn from Blue Ridge Kettle Korn, and the chance to meet some very special guests—horses of all sizes!
Hats off to the Virginia Department of General Services and the On the Square program for bringing our dedicated state employees together to celebrate their hard work with fun-filled events from May through October!
October 10, 2024
October is the perfect time to raise a glass to Virginia wine! Surrounded by industry leaders and wine enthusiasts, The Governor and First Lady toasted Virginia Wine Month at the Executive Mansion, where Virginia wines are served year-round. Join over two million annual visitors and experience the magic of Virginia Wine Country this October. Learn more at the Virginia Wine Board website and read the Governor’s proclamation here.
October 4, 2024
With the Governor’s proclamation naming October ‘Virginia Pumpkin Month,’ we thank owners Jeff, Liz, Eli, Hannah, Vayda, and the entire Parrish Pumpkin Patch family for ensuring The Executive Mansion is officially ready for fall.
One of nearly 400 commercial pumpkin growers and contributing to Virginia’s $15.5 million industry, Parrish View Farms is part of the agribusiness and agritourism that makes Virginia 9th in the nation in pumpkin production. Read the Governor’s proclamation here.
September 26, 2024
September is Kinship Care Awareness Month! Last week, The First Lady and Governor joined Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet Kelly in welcoming kinship families and advocates to the Executive Mansion in celebration of their impassioned, selfless resiliency and to recognize the recent legislation passed to support them.
In Virginia, over 190,000 children thrive in loving homes led by relatives or close family friends. Every child deserves a safe environment that honors their family and culture, and together we’re fostering community ties and ensuring a brighter future for all children.
September 24, 2024
The Governor and First Lady welcomed nearly 200 Virginians to the Executive Mansion in celebration of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the Commonwealth! With a backdrop of art created by Hispanic-Americans, Panamanian dance, and Latin music, the event highlighted magnificent and colorful cultures. Thank you to the members of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board for your guidance and advocacy that strengthens the Spirit of Virginia.
August 28 and 29, 2024
In partnership with the Virginia Department of General Services, state employees enjoyed a special preview of “Celebrating the Commonwealth,” the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion’s third installation!
Now open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this exhibit includes 70+ works in partnership with dozens of institutions, private lenders and artists across the Commonwealth. Click here to plan your visit today or here to discover the Art Experience virtually.
August 28, 2024
The Governor and First Lady joined Secretary Matt Lohr, the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, and more in front of the Executive Mansion to raise a glass to the Commonwealth’s 350+ craft breweries during Virginia Craft Beer Month!
In Virginia, the craft beer industry is a growing with $1.638 billion total economic impact in brewing, distribution, retail and related businesses, ranking #1 among southern states for breweries per capita and #16 in the U.S. Read the Governor’s proclamation here.
July 30, 2024
Farewell Governor’s Fellows! Over the past 8 weeks, these young Virginians immersed themselves in all aspects of government and gained valuable, hands-on experience. Thank you for sharing your talents with the Commonwealth!
Click here to learn more about the Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program and how to apply for next year.
June 13, 2024
Governor Youngkin proclaimed the week leading up to Father’s Day as Virginia Fatherhood Week! In recognition, the Governor and First Lady held a reception at the Executive Mansion welcoming fathers and fatherhood organizations alike, celebrating the positive impact of fathers and father figures in the lives of all Virginians. A special thank you to EveryLife Diaper Corp. for blessing one lucky father with “Diapers for Life” and to the fathers who shared their uniquely challenging, yet equally fulfilling experiences with fatherhood. Read the Governor’s proclamation here.
June 5, 2024
This June, Governor Youngkin welcomed esteemed members of the Governor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and other community members to a reception at the Executive Mansion in celebration of Pride Month. With the instrumental support and engagement of this community, the Youngkin administration continues to work toward a shared goal for the advancement of advocacy and collaboration, reaping the countless benefits of unity and mutual respect. Thank you to each guest for their tireless effort and dedication in strengthening the Commonwealth!
June 5, 2024
Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Steam-H Essay Contest! Hosted by the Virginia Council on Women, the Annual STEAM-H Essay Contest is open to high school senior girls pursuing majors and careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and health care. In following their dreams, these remarkable young women are forging a path to a bright future for themselves and the Commonwealth. Learn more about the contest on the Virginia Council on Women's website.
May 23, 2024
The resounding contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community are integral to the spirit of Virginia and beyond! The First Lady and Governor were grateful to welcome nearly 200 Virginians into the Executive Mansion last week in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, toasting to the diverse array of cultures within this vibrant community. Many thanks to the talented performers from Sayaw Diversity and all those in attendance for your presence at this most special evening!
May 8, 2024
The First Lady welcomed Petersburg’s Blandford Academy's Girls with Pearls students and families, alongside representatives from the YMCA, Petersburg school board, Mayor’s office and more, to Capitol Square for tours and tea.
A partnership between the Petersburg's Women's Club, the First Lady’s office and Communities in Schools, the mentorship program exists to equip the next generation of young female leaders with life skills for the future.
Discussing topics like financial literacy, different career paths and educational opportunities, as well as etiquette, health and hygiene, mentors and mentees alike learned a lot throughout their semester together.
May 7, 2024
The First Lady joined the Governor in honoring the 2024 teacher of the year award winner, Avanti Yamamoto, at the Executive Mansion. Avanti has taught math at Atlee High School in Hanover County for the past 8 years, inspiring students to achieve beyond what they thought possible. The First Lady's mother was a schoolteacher as well and understands the impact a passionate and caring educator can have on a student. The First Lady thanks Avanti for her commitment to fostering our next generation of leaders and congratulates her on this milestone achievement.
May 3, 2024
In honor of Mother’s Day, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed foster mothers from across Virginia to the Executive Mansion to celebrate the unwavering love, strength, and dedication that mothers bring to our families and communities. To all the biological moms, adoptive moms, stepmoms, foster moms, or mother figures, your impact is immeasurable. For the mothers who are no longer with us, your memory lives on in our hearts. To the moms who have lost a child, your strength is palpable and admired. The First Lady wishes the Commonwealth of Virginia a beautiful and joyful Mother's Day!
April 26, 2024
For the first time in over a decade, Virginia’s current and former governors came together to break bread around the Executive Mansion dining room table, toasting to the incredible opportunity and rich responsibility that comes with serving the Commonwealth and its people. The First Lady and Governor are immensely grateful to have been a part of this historic evening amongst Virginia’s dedicated leaders.
March 27, 2024
The First Lady and Governor hosted the Executive Mansion’s annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Virginia Egg Board, Virginia Egg Council, Virginia Poultry Federation and the Virginia
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This year, the Egg Farmers from Virginia’s Egg Council donated 7,200 eggs for distribution to families in need throughout Richmond via the Central Virginia Food Bank’s Feed More. To celebrate this amazing contribution, children and their families from the Massey Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital at VCU joined in an afternoon of fun and conversation with the Governor and First Lady as the hunt for hidden eggs throughout the mansion took place.
March 26, 2024
To celebrate and honor women and the contributions they have made in Virginia and across the country, Governor Glenn and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed nearly 200 women to the Executive Mansion for an evening of fellowship during Women’s History Month. Together, women from every corner of the Commonwealth gathered to acknowledge the extraordinary women who have paved the way for progress and inspired the legacy of our Commonwealth. Amongst these women was former Secretary of Administration, State Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Lisa Hicks-Thomas, who kindly shared her experience serving on the Virginia Women’s Monument Commission and the integral role she played in the monument’s planning and execution.
March 21, 2024
Making up 47.6% of Virgnia’s workforce and owning 44.3% of businesses in our Commonwealth, women are making their mark in Virginia’s most prominent industries. Welcoming business and industry leaders, chamber of commerce members and entrepreneurs, the First Lady and Governor raised a glass to the remarkable achievements of our Commonwealth’s businesswomen. A special thank you to Vanitha Khera and Ellen Victoria Luckey for sharing your professional journeys and sage advice, Kelly Phillips of KP Kake Pops and Erin Kennedy of OMG OCPs for the sweet treats and Renee Hall for providing beautiful music!
March 14, 2024
Referred to as “the Pope of American cuisine,” award-winning Chef Patrick O’Connell has been the heart and soul of The Inn at Little Washington since its 1978 inception. A self-taught sole proprietor, Chef O’Connell established roots in Little Washington, Virginia through resourceful partnerships with local farmers and artisans, making #homehistory as the Inn evolved into Virginia’s first and only restaurant to receive three Michelin stars.
Following an exclusive look at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s limited time exhibition, ‘Julia Child: A Recipe for Life,’ The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome Chef O’Connell, also featured in the exhibit and a dear friend to Child, back to the Executive Mansion for lunch. Opening March 16th, the exhibition explores Child’s culinary and personal journeys, emphasizing her undeniable authenticity, curiosity, and zest for life.
February 28, 2024
With bright smiles and even brighter futures, the 2024 Class of House and Senate Pages have spent the last eight weeks garnering leadership skills, civic knowledge and invaluable experiences. Serving the house and senate chambers for over 150 years, this program is open to 13 and 14-year-olds from across the Commonwealth and offers hands-on involvement in Virginia’s legislative process. The Governor and First Lady had the chance to welcome this year's House and Senate Pages to the Executive Mansion for a reception in celebration of a wonderful session and learn about their accomplishments and goals.
February 26 and 27, 2024
Thank you to the legislative, executive and administrative assistants of this year’s General Assembly session! The First Lady and Governor were thrilled to welcome the teams that keep the offices of Virginia’s legislators running and intact to the Executive Mansion last week in appreciation of their vital role in our legislative process. Your work is admired and revered by all!
February 20, 2024
The Governor and First Lady were honored to welcome members and friends of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission to the Executive Mansion following a wonderful day of activity in the Commonwealth's capital. Virginia’s history is the nation’s history, and through the leadership of partners like Carly Fiorina, Virginia’s National Honorary Chairperson, the First Lady and Governor Youngkin are committed to showcasing the unparalleled contributions Virginia made to the cause of liberty. To learn more about Virginia's involvement in the national commemoration, visit the VA 250 website.
February 9, 2024
Virginia’s legislators rely on the support, love and partnership of those they hold dear to navigate the months during session and beyond. The First Lady cherished time spent over lunch at the Executive Mansion with the ‘Better Halves’ of Virginia’s legislators and was honored to learn more about their lives and experiences.
February 8, 2024
This Black History Month hundreds from across the Commonwealth will gather in Virginia’s executive home. The Governor and First Lady welcomed community, faith, and business leaders, educators, creatives and change-makers to the Executive Mansion as guests reflected on the incessant strength and resilience of Black Americans. Thank you especially to the students of Norfolk State University's Gospel Choir for sharing your talent and grace!
January 10, 2024
And so it begins! The First Lady and Governor are overjoyed to have Virginia’s home filled with legislators again as they hosted a reception following the Governor's State of the Commonwealth Address. As we toast to our amazing Commonwealth, we are reminded of the invaluable opportunity to come together and serve its people.
January 9, 2024
Held for over 55 years on the morning of the first day of the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Session, the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast provides legislators, constituents, and Virginians an opportunity to come together in bipartisan and nondenominational fellowship and pray over the legislative session and year ahead. ‘The Night Before,’ The First Lady and Governor welcomed those involved in the planning of this decades long tradition to the Executive Mansion in appreciation of their commitment to our Commonwealth.