Our Events
Donaldson Brown isn’t just a place for elegant weddings and uncomplicated business meetings, it’s an event destination. There are many reasons to consider why you should hold your next gathering at Donaldson Brown. With a history of hosting unique events, we offer guests the ability to create their own special memories on our historic estate with our supportive staff.
Additionally, Donaldson Brown offers our own special events throughout the year, many of which are open to the public. Holiday brunches, luncheons, and dinners often include a scenic tour of the estate with interesting historical “tidbits” that present a unique opportunity to step back in time and relax along the Susquehanna River. And to top it all off, our in-house chef prepares homemade buffets that keep guests coming back time after time.
Whether you’re planning an anniversary party, retirement celebration, birthday gathering, shower, or family reunion, Donaldson Brown provides an elegant and unique setting for your special event. For crowds small or large, we offer you the opportunity to let our home be your home for the day, night, or weekend.
Fees are dependent upon your unique event requests and will be determined after discussions with Donaldson Brown staff.
DONALDSON BROWN IS AVAILABLE TO HOST:
- Retreats
- Group luncheons or dinners
- Rehearsal dinners
- History tours
- Birthday parties
- Anniversary parties
- Bar mitzvahs
- Bat mitzvahs
- Holiday parties
- Group getaways
- Photography location
Overnight Accommodations 
There are 17 beautifully appointed bedrooms ranging from large suites to smaller rooms for a total of 24 beds in the mansion. An elevator and second-floor bedroom suite in the mansion can accommodate the physically disabled. The Carriage House has 15 additional beds for those with larger overnight needs. A complimentary breakfast is prepared by our accomplished staff.
Upcoming Events
Special Events
Murder Mystery Dinners in 2025
Friday, October 17
Friday, November 14 (please note, date change)
Whodunnit for Hire and Donaldson Brown Riverfront Mansion have teamed up to bring you CLUE murder mystery dinner parties. Costumes are highly encouraged. Come dressed as Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, or Mrs. Peacock.
Doors open for guest arrivals and cocktails at 6 p.m. Tour the mansion and relax before a 7pm dinner. $95 per person, includes three course dinner, tax and gratuity. Groups of 4 or more are discounted. Choose between Ms. Peacock’s Cedar Plank Salmon, The Colonel’s Chicken Monterey, The Professor’s Marinated Top Loin, or Mrs. White’s Garden Herb Pasta. BYOB
Tickets must be purchased online in advance at donaldson.eventbrite.com
Want to extend your fun and stay the night after the murder? Overnight accommodations are available on a first come, first served basis for this event only. Stay in one of seven historic suites. Costs $125 per person including a light breakfast in the morning. For groups of eight or more only. Contact DonaldsonBrown@umaryland.edu for more information.
Winter Holiday Events
Candlelight Tour & Dinner
Back by popular demand. Come see the splendor of the mansion at the holiday season. Celebrate with a delicious meal of comfort foods and a bit of the Brown family history.
Saturday, December 6th 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
$55 per person
Tours led by history docent at 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Menu –
cranberry salad w/homemade dressing
Fresh Broccoli & Carrots
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Gravy
Turkey baked to perfection
Pineapple Cherry Spiral Ham
Roasted green beans
Butternut squash
Warm Dinner Rolls
Chocolate & vanilla Roll
Holiday Brunch
Our favorite annual event. Please join our Riverfront team as we celebrate the season and family time with a scrumptious buffet brunch. The waffle bar alone is enough to please even the pickiest appetite.
Sunday, December 13th 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$32 per person
Menu –
Asiago Cheese & Ham quiche
Scrambled eggs
Waffle bar with topping options
Bagels & cream cheese
Fresh fruit
Bacon
Roast beef sliders
Smoked ham & cheddar sliders
Family Portrait sessions will be available with Laura Ames Photography – more information coming soon
Friends Getaway
Grab your closest friends or family and book a Friday-Saturday overnight at Donaldson Brown Riverfront. Play billiards in the game room, enjoy dinner in the crystal dining room, sleep in one of our elegant bedrooms, enjoy the spectacular view of the river, and finish the morning off with brunch. We have yard games and a fire pit above the Susquehanna. It’s your time to connect and make lasting memories.
The mansion will be open to your guests at 4pm on Friday through 11am on Saturday. This package easily accommodates eight to twenty-four guests in any of our seventeen bedrooms. Cost is $200 per person. Dinner choice of taco bar or Italian delights. Please call 410-378-2555 for more details or to book your overnight.
Recurring Events
Historic Mansion Walking Tour & Lunch
Join us at the Ark, our Georgian mansion 200 feet above the Susquehanna for a walking tour led by a member of our elite staff and a homemade, gourmet meal made by our inhouse chef. Learn about the Brown family and see the wonder of this 1930s home. Tour two floors of the mansion and see the amazing view, as our guide tells you stories from the family memoirs.
Thursday, October 9 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – sold out
Thursday, November 13 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, December 11 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$38 per person
Menu
Fresh made Salad
Choice of – Chicken, Baked Salmon, or the Donaldson Vegetarian Pasta
Duchess Potatoes
Seasonal Vegetables
Seasonal Dessert
Iced Tea, Lemonade, & Coffee
Reservations Only
Please click the link above to purchase tickets or contact DonaldsonBrown@umaryland.edu for groups needing specific dates (minimum 14)
Event Photos
