251st Marine Corps Ball: Nov 7th, 2026

About this event

Celebrate the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball with Wine Country Marines!

Wine Country Marines is proud to support and serve active-duty service members, veterans, and their families—not only in California, but across the country. Our annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball is an extraordinary event that raises critical funds to assist service members and veterans in times of need.

From helping with medical expenses and providing accommodations for families of wounded service members, to offering emergency relief during wildfires and other hardships, Wine Country Marines is committed to being there for our fellow Marines, members of our sister services, veterans, and their families whenever they need it most.

About the Marine Corps Birthday Ball

The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is more than a celebration—it is a living tradition that honors the history, values, and spirit of the United States Marine Corps. It provides a unique opportunity to honor those who came before us, celebrate those who serve today, and look toward the future of our Corps.

The tradition of celebrating the Marine Corps' birthday on November 10 began in 1921, when Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, directing that a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps be read to Marines throughout the world each year.

What began with those annual readings grew into increasingly elaborate celebrations. Marines marked the occasion with formal dances, athletic events, pageants, and other gatherings at posts and stations around the world. By the 1920s, formal birthday celebrations had begun to take shape, establishing traditions that generations of Marines would carry forward.

Over the years, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball has evolved to include cherished traditions such as the reading of the Commandant's birthday message and the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake. The passing of cake from the oldest Marine present to the youngest symbolizes the passing of experience, knowledge, and tradition from one generation of Marines to the next—a powerful reminder that while generations change, the traditions and values of our Corps endure.

This Year's Celebration

The 2026 Wine Country Marines 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 , in the beautiful Barrel Room at Jacuzzi Family Winery in Sonoma, California, in the heart of one of the world's most celebrated wine regions.

Each year, Wine Country Marines brings together Marines, veterans, active-duty service members, families, community leaders, and friends of the military for an unforgettable evening honoring the legacy of the Corps and those who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

Our celebration will once again feature the time-honored traditions of a Marine Corps Birthday Ball, along with a distinguished Guest of Honor who will join us in commemorating the Corps' 251 years of service to our nation.

Wine Country Marines has been privileged over the years to welcome an extraordinary group of Guests of Honor, including Generals Joseph Dunford, James Mattis, P.X. Kelley, Peter Pace, James Amos, and James Conway; Lieutenant General Rex McMillian; Major General Douglas Clark; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Angelo Pasciuti; and Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

This year, we are honored to announce that the Guest of Honor for the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball is Brigadier General Andrew Priddy, the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division.

On November 7, we invite you to join us as we remember those who came before us, honor those who serve today, and celebrate the traditions and values that have united Marines for more than two and a half centuries.

Together, we will proudly celebrate the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps while helping Wine Country Marines continue its mission of supporting Marines, veterans, service members, and their families when they need us most.

Semper Fidelis,

James Brown

Chairman

Wine Country Marines