Photo Courtesy Of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
All year long, the Williamsburg area entertains locals and visitors with a wide variety of high-quality events. From favorite annual festivals to summer concert series to beloved holiday traditions, there’s always a great excuse to have a good time in Greater Williamsburg.
With 2026 marking the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the Historic Triangle as the epicenter of our nation’s 250th commemorations, this is an extraordinary time for a visit. Sail Yorktown Festival in June, epic Fourth of July celebrations and Yorktown Victory Weekend in October are some the big 250th events you won’t want to miss. Check out more Williamsburg 250 events, highlighted with a red or blue background, happening in the region.
(See this publication’s Williamsburg 250 section to learn more about the area’s 250th commemorative activities and special keepsakes.)
Events in 2026 & Beyond
February–December, 2026 Regular Season
Williamsburg Farmers Market
Merchants Square, Colonial Williamsburg
On Saturday mornings, shop for fresh produce and local goods from approximately 40 vendors in Merchants Square, along Duke of Gloucester Street. Plus, enjoy live music!
WilliamsburgFarmersMarket.com
March–December
2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival
Downtown and Colonial Williamsburg
During most months of the year, on the second Sunday of the month, experience this family-friendly street fair with approximately 190 artisans, musicians, food vendors and much more. 2ndSundaysWilliamsburg.com
April-September, 2026 Regular Season
(Select Dates for Themed and Winter Markets)
Yorktown Market Days
Riverwalk Landing, Historic Yorktown
Stroll this delightful market along the York River on Saturday mornings and support local vendors while shopping for seasonal produce, unique artwork and handmade goods.
VisitYorktown.org
April 3–19, Select Dates
Williamsburg Players Present:
The Revolutionists
Williamsburg Players, Inc., Williamsburg
Grab tickets and get ready to laugh at this show set during the French Revolution and filled with girl power. WilliamsburgPlayers.org
April 11
The Great American Birthday
Quilt Reveal
Merchants Square, Williamsburg
Witness The unveiling of the Great American Birthday Quilt, which pieces together quilt squares created by Americans all over the country to tell one unified story about our nation. After the reveal, the quilt will be displayed at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.
VisitWilliamsburg.com
April 17–19
Revolutionary Rhythms Weekend
Jamestown Beach Event Park, Williamsburg
Enjoy a 3D drone show, music, history-related activities, VA250 Mobile Museum, food, crafts and much more at James City County’s 250th Commemoration. All ages welcome!
JamesCityCountyVA.gov
April 23-June 21
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
Savor delicious global flavors at this popular annual festival held each spring at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
BuschGardens.com
May 9
Jamestown Day
Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg
Purchase tickets for Jamestown Settlement and discover Jamestown’s early beginnings through a variety of programs and demonstrations at this museum filled with 17th-century history.
JYFMuseums.org
May 15–16
“The Flame of Revolution” Commemorating the 5th Virginia Convention
Colonial Williamsburg
This 250th commemorative event will showcase the resolution the 5th Virginia Convention that set the thirteen colonies on a path to independence. ColonialWilliasmburg.org
June 12–14
Sail Yorktown Festival, an official SailVirginia SM 2026 Affiliate Harbor
Historic Yorktown
Head to Riverwalk Landing and watch tall ships and military vessels sail along the York River. The event schedule also features deck tours, live music, interesting demonstrations and more.
Visityorktown.org
June 14–21, Variety of Events
Juneteenth
Throughout the Historic Triangle
Stay tuned for a number of celebrations, programs and initiatives to take place in Greater Williamsburg in reflection of this historic holiday.
VisitWilliamsburg.com
June 24
Grand Opening of the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center
Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, Williamsburg
Join the grand opening celebration of the region’s new state-of-the-art sports and events facility. Contact GWSEC for more details about the event. GWSportsAndEventsCenter.com
June 25–28
Williamsburg Live
Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg
Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss this four-day weekend celebration in Colonial Williamsburg. Live music, local fare and beverages, and much more. VAFest.org
July 4
Fourth of July at Colonial Williamsburg
Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg
Celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary at this key event, which will include readings of the Declaration of Independence, music and fireworks. ColonialWilliamsburg.com
July 4
Independence Day Celebration
Historic Yorktown
Enjoy a variety of patriotic activities throughout the day on July 4, including a parade in the morning and festivities in the evening, with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the night.
VisitYorktown.org
Aug. 22
Pancake & Bourbon Festival
Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, Williamsburg
Mark your calendar for this tasty festival at Williamsburg’s new sports and events venue!
GWSportsAndEventsCenter.com
Sept. 11–Nov. 1
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
Frightful good times await at Busch Gardens Williamsburg throughout the Halloween season.
BuschGardens.com
Sept. 12–13
Colonial K9 Classic 2026
Jamestown Beach Event Park, Williamsburg
Experience a Dock Dog diving competition, pet-friendly beer garden and a variety of vendors.
MuddyMarleysDogWash.com
Sept. 25–26
Williamsburg Pancake Festival
Merchants Square, Williamsburg
Back for its 2nd year, experience firsthand why Williamsburg, VA, is the “Pancake Capital of the World.” VisitWilliamsburg.com
Sept. 25–27
BurgQuest
Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, Williamsburg
BurgQuest returns for 2026 and this year’s festival will be filled with game play, demos, panels and workshops. Burg.Quest
Oct. 9–10
African Baptist Meeting House
Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg
As part of the 250th commemoration, a dedication of the reconstructed African Baptist Meeting House will take place at the original site of the First Baptist Church on Nassau Street.
Colonial Williamsburg.com
Oct. 17–19
Yorktown Victory Weekend
Throughout Historic Yorktown
Enjoy a weekend filled with family-friendly festivities highlighting the Victory at Yorktown, from the Yorktown Market Days – Victory Market to Yorktown Day activities, plus much more including a multi-million-dollar fireworks competition! VisitYorktown.org
Nov. 7–8
Virginia Cat Festival
Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, Williamsburg
Cat people won’t want to miss this this ultimate celebration of cats. This event is sponsored by the City of Williamsburg. VACatFestival.com
Nov. 13–Jan. 3 2027, Select Dates
Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
With millions of festive lights, Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a holiday favorite that draws back crowds year after year. BuschGardens.com
Nov. 14
100 Anniversary Celebration of Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
Join the fun celebrating Colonial Williamsburg’s 100th anniversary. Stay tuned for event programming. ColonialWilliamsburg.com
Dec. 5, 12, 19
Grand Illumination
Colonial Williamsburg
Families flock to Colonial Williamsburg during December to experience this beloved holiday tradition featuring a variety of festive activities including music and fireworks.
ColonialWilliamsburg.com
Jan. 16–17, 2027
Coastal Virginia Food & WineFest
Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, Williamsburg
Coastal Virginia Magazine is bringing its premier wine festival to Williamsburg in 2027. Sample local libations from top wineries, distilleries and breweries in the region and tastings from the area’s finest restaurants.
GWSportsAndEventsCenter.com
February 2027 (Date TBD)
Virginia Black Film Festival
Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg
Save the date and make plans to attend this celebration of Black History Month.
VirginiaBlackFilmFestival.com
Free Concert Series
Greater Williamsburg also hosts a number of free family-friendly outdoor concerts, including Merchants Square Concert Series (in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square), May through October, and Sounds of Summer (in Historic Yorktown’s Riverwalk Landing), throughout the summer. Stay tuned to local event calendars for event details.
All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.
Want more Events?
CALENDAR: Check out our goWilliamsburg calendar of events to help plan your activities!
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our GoWilliamsburg Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown areas!
