Top 5 Events in Williamsburg
Calendar: All dates and times are subject to change; please call ahead or go online before attending.
May 4: Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival
Enjoy down home blues, microbrews and BBQ from throughout the region. Noon–6 p.m. Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. 757-877-2933. VisitYorktown.org
May 5: Ironman 70.3 Virginia
Athletes will swim 1.2 miles in the Chickahominy River followed by a 56-mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run on the Capital Trail. 6 a.m.–4 p.m. Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Williamsburg. Ironman.com
May 17–June 23: Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy authentic tastes from around the world; samplings available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Busch Gardens Williamsburg. 757-229-4386. BuschGardens.com
July 4: Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate our nation’s birthday in Williamsburg with the Fifes and Drums, militia parades and Colonial Williamsburg’s famous evening program of fireworks. ColonialWilliamsburg. 888-965-7254. ColonialWilliamsburg.com
Sept 15- OCT 28: HOWL-O-ScREAM at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens’ annual horror fest, Howl-O-Scream, features sinister tricks and terrifying fun for brave guests who dare to enter. Included with park admission. 6 p.m. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. 757-229-4386. BuschGardens.com
ONGOING EVENTS
Through April 21: American Adventure
Blending historical accuracy and the complexities of real life and death decisions, American Adventure delivers a truly unique and effective learning experience. Virginia Living Museum, Newport News. 757-595-1900. TheVLM.org
Through–December 21: Williamsburg Farmers Market
Every Saturday, over 35 vendors offer a variety of local products, including seasonal produce, seafood, meats, baked goods and more. 8 a.m.–Noon. Merchants Square, Williamsburg. 757-259-3768. WilliamsburgFarmersMarket.com
Every Friday Night: Live Jazz and Oysters on the Half Shell
There’s nothing quite like an evening filled with live jazz and well-balanced cocktails to evoke citified vibes. 6–8 p.m. The Trellis Bar and Grill, Williamsburg. 757-229-8610. TheTrellis.com
Every Saturday Night: Standup Comedy at the Comedy Club Williamsburg
Enjoy a hilarious stand up performance at the Comedy Club of Williamsburg. 8 p.m. DoubleTree Hotel, Williamsburg.757-286-9448. ComedyClubWilliamsburg.com
Every Second Sunday: Friendly Hours
Friendly Hours is an inclusive time where guests with mobility, cognitive or physical challenges can experience The Mariners’ Museum in a less crowded environment. 5–7 p.m. The Mariners’ Museum and Park, Newport News. 757-596-2222. MarinersMuseum.org
Weekends in July: Summer Fun Two-Wheeled Weekends
Enjoy music, food trucks, bike and brew rides, vendors and more. Brass Cannon Brewing. 757-566-0001. BrassCannonBrewing.com
March 1–31: Berkeley Homeschool Month
During the month of March, Berkeley Plantation will offer a special rate to homeschool students and their families. Berkeley Plantation, Charles City. 804-829-6018. BerkeleyPlantation.com
March 10–December 8: 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festivals
Stroll through the streets and take in unique arts, hand crafts and live music in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg. 2ndSundaysWilliamsburg.com
April 1–30: Children’s Nature Hunt
Bring the family to Berkeley Plantation and learn its amazing history, while searching for treasures along the river shore, gardens and grounds. Berkeley Plantation, Charles City. 804-829-6018. BerkeleyPlantation.com
April 5–May 28: Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends
Everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends are hosting a party just for kids at Busch Gardens. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Busch Gardens Williamsburg. 757-229-4386. BuschGardens.com
April 6–Nov. 30: Smithfield Farmers Market
Offering locally grown produce, baked goods, handcrafted items and entertainment each Saturday! Free. 9 a.m.–Noon. Smithfield. 757-759-4118. SmithfieldFarmersMarket.org
April 13–Oct. 26: Yorktown Market Days
This waterfront farmers market offers live music, food trucks, chef cooking demonstrations and a variety of vendors. Free. 8 a.m.–Noon. Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. VisitYorktown.org
April 27–May 4: Garden Club of Virginia’s Statewide Historic Garden Week Tour
Experience the harmonious blend of over 250 of our state’s beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks in cites throughout Virginia. VAGardenWeek.org
May 11–Sept. 2: Shark Zone
Enjoy the wonders of our vast ocean and learn more about our friends in the deep blue sea. Virginia Living Museum, Newport News. 757-595-1900. TheVLM.org
May 17–June 23: Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy authentic tastes from around the world; samplings available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Busch Gardens Williamsburg. 757-229-4386. BuschGardens.com
May 30–June 2: Newport News Greek Festival
Authentic Greek food and pastries with lots of entertainment. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Newport News. 757-596-6151. NewportNewsGreekFestival.org
June 1–Aug. 31: Tuesday Kid’s Day
Berkeley Plantation invites families to experience 18th century history, explore the gardens and grounds, and walk the same floors as our founding fathers. Berkeley Plantation, Charles City. 804-829-6018. BerkeleyPlantation.com
June 6–Aug. 29: Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday, enjoy the sounds of summer with music that will get you on your feet and swaying to the beat. Free. 7–9:30 p.m. Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. VisitYorktown.org
June 28–Aug. 11: Summer Nights
Visit Busch Gardens summer evenings for special entertainment, culinary experiences and a fun nighttime atmosphere. Busch Gardens Williamsburg. 757-229-4386. BuschGardens.com