Revel in a summer evening in Hillwood’s luscious gardens and experience an outdoor film like nowhere else in D.C.

Explore the gardens and collection at Hillwood before taking in Mamma Mia!, a film based on the ABBA-inspired musical in which a bride-to-be (Amanda Seyfried) in Greece attempts to solve the mystery of her paternity by reading her mother's (Meryl Streep) diary.

Help set a festive atmosphere in our best picnic spread competition. Our judges are charmed by:

• Themed spreads with connections to the film
  • i.e. celebrations of oceans and coastlines
• Early 2000s fashion and character look-alikes
• Props including tablecloths, flameless candelabras, and centerpieces

The winner will receive an annual membership to Hillwood and the admiration of fellow film-goers.

This event is rain or shine. In the event of rain, the screening will be moved to indoor locations. Please note that rain may modify the location and timing of the program.

EVENT TIMELINE

5-5:30 p.m. | Pick up the perfect memento in the museum shop

6-8:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

• Enjoy the mansion, gardens, and greenhouse
• In the spirit of the film, celebrate coastal environments by visiting Hillwood's newest exhibition Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean
• Picnic in style on the Lunar Lawn

8-8:30 p.m. | Judging for best picnic spread. Winners will be announced before the film.

About 8:45 p.m. | Mamma Mia! begins

Until about 9:30 p.m. | Purchase sandwiches, snacks and beverages (including beer and wine) from Merriweather To Go

About 10:30 p.m. | Hillwood closes after film ends

PICNICKING INFORMATION 

• Please bring your own picnic blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the lawn. 
• Picnicking is welcome at this event. Please note our liquor license does not allow patrons to bring in outside alcohol.  
• Food and drinks, including beer and wine, will be available from Merriweather To Go. 

ABOUT THE FILM

Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited bride, has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day.