The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, building on the legacy of the UVA founder’s legendary dinner parties, has a series of Feast of Reason events on the schedule for the summer season.
Hosted at Monticello, in Richmond and in Downtown Charlottesville, each event will use an exclusive card deck with question prompts to spark conversation on issues large and small.
“Feasts of Reason at Monticello invite us to gather in the spirit of curiosity, courage, and community — values that animated the founding generation and continue to shape our national conversation,” said Jane Kamensky, president of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. “By bringing together engaged audiences on topics big and small, over food and fun, we hope to spark meaningful conversations that connect past and present, scholarship and public life.”
Schedule
Feast of Reason at Monticello: June 14
On June 14, Monticello will kick off Civic Season with a Feast of Reason in the courtyard of the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center at Monticello. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Food and beverages from the Monticello Café and award-winning wine from Monticello’s own Jefferson Vineyards will be available for purchase. Register here.
Feast of Reason in Richmond: June 22
On June 22, join Monticello for an afternoon of feasting and conversation at Richmond’s Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Registration is free and food and beverages from VMHC’s Museum Café will be available for purchase. Register here.
Feast of Reason in Downtown Charlottesville: June 28
On June 28, join Monticello in Downtown Charlottesville at South Street Brewery, owned by Blue Mountain Brewery, for an afternoon Feast of Reason. Registration is free and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Monticello Mountain Ale, the organization’s beer created in partnership with Blue Mountain Brewery, will be available for purchase. Register here.
Feast of Reason and Founding Friends, Founding Foes: June through October 2025
On June 20, Monticello will launch a special package that includes an evening Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour followed by Feast of Reason. All tickets include a $25 food and drink voucher. A special discount for the evening tour and Feast of Reason is available for students who present a valid college ID. This package will be offered on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Tickets are available here.
Beginning this summer, the Feast of Reason card deck will also be available in The Shop at Monticello, for people to play at home.
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Chris Graham
