Garden Strolls

Learn about the French-inspired elements that make the French Parterre a work of art, as well as a perfect space to entertain. Talk led by John Sonnier, gardener, on Saturday, and by Kathy Tutem, garden docent, on Sunday.

Saturday: 10:30 am, 12 noon & 2 pm
Sunday: 2:30 pm & 4 pm

Contredanse from the Queen's Dancing Master

Learn a country dance that was enjoyed at court in this interactive performance for all ages.

Saturday: 11 am & 2 pm
Sunday: 2 pm

The Rendez-vous

A young lady is surprised in the garden by an ardent gentleman she met at last night's ball. This short pantomime includes a dance excerpt.

Saturday: 11:30 am & 3 pm
Sunday: 3 pm

French Collection Highlights

Join Liana Paredes, chief curator, to learn about the magnificent French art that dazzles you as you enter the mansion.

Saturday: 12 noon, 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Sunday: 2 pm & 4 pm

Common Courtesies Expected by the King While Walking in His Garden

Learn to bow, offer and accept a hand, and use "the language of the fan" in an interactive performance for all ages.

Saturday: 12 noon & 3:30 pm
Sunday: 3:30 pm

Marie Antoinette Costumes

Join Howard Kurtz, curator of costumes and textiles, as he explores Mrs. Post's fascination with Marie Antoinette and discusses the many Marie Antionette costumes worn by Mrs. Post to charity balls in Palm Beach and New York City during the 1920s.

Saturday: 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Sunday: 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm & 4:30 pm

Fanciful Music

Chamber music and airs from the comic operas of composer Andre-Danican Philidor (the Enlightenment's master of chess and music) will be performed.

Saturday: 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm & 4 pm
Sunday: 2:30 pm & 4 pm

An Amusing Interlude

Enjoy a brief look into the comedic dances including the antics of the harlequin.

Saturday: 1 pm & 4:30 pm
Sunday: 4:30 pm

Beauty Patch Parlor

Prepare for a day of French festivities by decorating your face with a beauty patch (called a mouche). These patches were often round, but could also be cut in fanciful shapes, such as moons, stars, or even animals. (Where one's mouche is "placed" tells others oh, so very much about you!)

Saturday: 10 am–7 pm
Sunday: 1–5 pm

Princely Pastimes

Try your hand at games French children enjoyed in the 1700s, including jacks, solitaire, ninepins and the Game of Graces.

Saturday: 10 am–7 pm
Sunday: 1–5 pm

Out of the Woodwork—Art Workshop

Create your own miniature wooden chest-of-drawers inspired by the elaborate marquetry as seen on Hillwood's French furniture.

Saturday: 10 am–7 pm
Sunday: 1–5 pm

French Festival Express Menu

(Cash only, please. Prices include tax)