Gettysburg Festival

Face-to-Face with America's Most Beloved Presidents

Join Abe, George, Teddy and Thomas when The Presidents of Mount Rushmore takes the stage this June as part of the Gettysburg Festival, a 10-day festival from June 10 celebrating American arts, culture and cuisine.

The Presidents of Mount Rushmore, held Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m. at Gettysburg's historic Majestic Theater, brings together the top historical characters on one stage for a one-of-a-kind presentation and performance on the United States Constitution.

"Gettysburg is so often referred to as a town located at the crossroads of Civil War history; this June Gettysburg is also located at the crossroads of arts and culture," said Festival Executive Director Alice Estrada. "What better place than Gettysburg, an iconic place in American history, to feature all four of these celebrated presidents 'in person' and portrayed by the country's most esteemed talent?"

The audience will learn about the Constitution, the views held by these former presidents and the impact this historic document had on four of America's most revered presidents.

George Washington is portrayed by Dean Malissa, the official George Washington at Mount Vernon and the most sought-after portrayer of Washington on the country. Thomas Jefferson is presented by Bill Barker, who portrays the third president at Monticello, the Virginia home of Jefferson. 

Lincoln is portrayed by Jim Getty of Gettysburg. Known as "America's foremost Lincoln portrayer," Getty has been traveling the world presenting the 16th president to millions. Roosevelt is portrayed by Jim Foote, a New Yorker who's been presenting Roosevelt for more than 30 years and traveling thousands of miles around the country each year entertaining and teaching audiences, including the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site.

For more information about top events in Pennsylvania take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Pennsylvania.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the Gettysburg Festival website - www.gettysburgfestival.org. 

Passport DC

Around the World in 31 Days 

Passport DC, a month-long celebration of international culture, returns this May to take DC visitors and residents on a global journey though Washington, DC. 

Now in its fourth year, Cultural Tourism DC’s Passport DC explores the international community that is a vital part of DC culture though street festivals, open houses, embassy events, special performances, and much more. All Passport DC events are open to the public and most are either free or at a low cost. 

The capstone event of Passport DC, the Around the World Embassy Tour, will be on Saturday May 14. From 10 am to 4 pm, more than 30 embassies representing six continents will open their doors to DC visitors and residents. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. Last year visitors were treated to wine tastings, karate demonstrations, sari wrapping lessons, henna demonstrations, and authentic tea room tours. The Around the World Embassy Tour is free event.

Last year, more than 160,000 people participated in Passport DC by visiting the 60 embassies that participated in open houses, participating in the two major festivals, or attending the 37 international events of during May. This year’s signature events include: Short Cut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House (May 7), Around the World Embassy Tour (May 14), National Aisan Heritage Festival: Fiesta Asia Street Fair (May 21), and Meridian International Children’s Festival (May 21). 

In addition to its signature events, Passport DC includes international programming including performances, lectures, concerts, and much more throughout the month.

For more information about top events in Washington DC take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington DC. 

For complete list of Passport DC events visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org.