Strawberry Soirée at President Lincoln's Cottage

This summer, join us for a uniquely delightful evening inspired by Mary Lincoln’s legendary love of strawberries, elegance, and entertainment. Join DC Social Collective and President Lincoln’s Cottage for the Strawberry Soirée, a garden party celebrating charm, connection, and one of the First Lady’s favorite summer traditions.

Held on the historic grounds where the Lincolns escaped the city heat, this soirée invites Washington’s young professionals to dance, and enjoy the breeze (yes—it’s four degrees cooler here!), and enjoy a party Mary would be proud of!

🍓 A Nod to Mary Lincoln
Known for her love of French culture, wit, and summer parties, Mary Lincoln once hosted strawberry-themed gatherings that delighted DC society. This soirée is our way of keeping her tradition alive—with flair.

🎶 Live Music Under the Trees
From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, enjoy live music while you sip, dance, and mingle under the golden hour sky.

🕺 Dance on the Lawn
Kick off the evening with a beginner-friendly swing dance lesson from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Whether you're a novice or a natural, this will get you ready to hit the lawn in style.

🌸 Flower Crowns, Champagne & Garden Games
Craft your own flower crown with a local designer, enjoy curated cocktails and a champagne cart, and try your hand at lawn games. Interpreters will be on hand throughout the house to share the history of the Cottage with you.

🌟 VIP Experience
Upgrade your evening with:

• Open bar access
• Exclusive entry to President Lincoln’s upstairs parlor (rarely open to the public)
• A professional portrait in the parlor and on the historic balcony

🎟️ Ticket Info

• Early Bird General Admission: Early Bird General Admission $60; Early Bird VIP Admission $100 (until July 18 or sold out)
• General Admission: $75
• VIP Admission: $120 (includes open bar, parlor access, and professional photo)

🕰️ Event Schedule (subject to change)

4:30 PM – Doors open, cocktail hour & flower crown workshop

5:00 PM – Swing dance lesson

5:30 PM – Live music begins

7:30 PM – Final call for flower crown workshop

8:00 PM - Music ends, open socializing continues

8:30 PM – Event concludes

👗 Dress Code
Summer cocktail attire encouraged. Think floral dresses, linen, seersucker, wide-brim hats—elegant and breezy.

🚗 Parking & Transportation
Rideshare is strongly encouraged. Valid government-issued ID is required for entry at the Armed Forces Retirement Home gate. Access is limited to designated event areas. Free limited parking is available onsite.

📜 Visitor Guidelines

• Valid government-issued ID required
• Remain within designated event areas
• No pets
• Photography/videography may be used for promotional purposes
• Visit the Cottage website for accessibility and visitor info

📞 Questions?
Call 202-829-0436 or email cwalpole@lincolncottage.org

💐 Support with Sponsorship and In-Kind Donations
Interested in sponsoring this one-of-a-kind event?

• Sponsorship: etanner@lincolncottage.org

🧾 Tax-Deductible Support
Proceeds support the preservation and educational work of President Lincoln’s Cottage, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. A portion of all tickets is tax-deductible.