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 25 beds in the mansion. An elevator and second-floor bedroom suite in the mansion can accommodate the physically disabled. The Carriage House has 9 additional bedrooms for those with larger overnight needs. A complimentary breakfast is prepared by our accomplished staff.
Upcoming 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, September 14 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, October 12 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, November 9 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, December 14 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$35 per person
Menu
Apple Gorgonzola Salad
Choice of – Chicken Marsala, Baked Salmon, or the Donaldson Vegetarian Bake
Duchess Potatoes
Seasonal Vegetables
Seasonal Dessert
Iced Tea, Lemonade, & Coffee
Reservations Only
Please call 410-378-2555 or click the link above to purchase tickets
First Sunday Brunch
Beginning in August, please come enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet created by our caring staff. Bring your family and friends to capture breathtaking moments of our picturesque view. Seating is limited.
10 am. – 12 pm.
$35 per person
Sunday, September 3
Sunday, October 1
Sunday, November 5
Menu
Egg Frittata
Bacon
Pancakes
French Toast Bake
Home Fries
Turkey Sausage
Bagels
Tea – Coffee – Assorted Juices
Bring your own bottle of bubbly
Reservations Only
Please call 410-378-2555 or click the link above to purchase tickets
Murder Mystery Dinners
200 Mt Ararat Farm Road, Port Deposit
Whodunnit for Hire and Donaldson Brown Riverfront Mansion have teamed up to bring you themed murder mystery dinner parties. Costumes are highly encouraged.
Doors open for guest arrivals and cocktails at 7 p.m., Murder Mystery Dinner will begin at 8 p.m.
$95 per person, includes three course dinner, tax and gratuity. Groups of 4 or more are discounted. Choose between Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala or Honey Glazed Salmon. BYOB
Limited seating. Advance purchase required. Not sold at the door.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 410-378-2555 or online at donaldson.eventbrite.com
Overnight accommodations are available on a first come, first served basis. Costs $125 per person additional including a continental breakfast in the morning.
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Dead Men Tell No Tales
Saturday, October 14, 2023 – Dead Men Tell No Tales
The year is 1715 and the setting is a pirate ship. Captain Carcass stumbles up from the galley and dies having been run through with a cutlass. Who be responsible? Join us and find out but be warned ye may be accused of the murder and made to walk the plank. Come dressed as a pirate or wench for this interactive murder mystery dinner.
Winter Holiday Events
Come see the estate decked out in our holiday finery.
Holiday Brunch
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$35 per person
Saturday, December 3
Sunday, December 4
Holiday Dinner & Candlelight History Tour
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
$50 per person
Friday, December 8
Baked Salmon, Spiral ham, veggie bake, and more
Business Lunch
Between November 13 – December 15, Donaldson Brown is offering a holiday businesses lunch. Show your staff how much they mean in a beautiful mansion decorated for the holidays. This two-hour event costs $40 per person for a traditional Thanksgiving feast for your private group.
Contact Sue or Evelyn today to schedule.