Williamsburg’s Local Summer Events

What better time to enjoy Williamsburg and become a citizen of the Revolutionary City than during the warm summer months? Though there’s always an abundance of things to do in Williamsburg, we’ve put together a list of favorite events catering to both locals and visitors.

The Liberty Celebration

This year marks the 240th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Celebration is centered around this historical event. July 3rd and 4th visitors can enjoy music, military drills, artillery demonstrations, wooden musket drills and learn about the sacrifices of Americans who declared independence from Great Britain. The celebration takes place at The Yorktown Victory Center.

Yorktown Independence Day Celebration

The celebration begins at 8am on July 4th with the Yorktown Independence Day 8K run and 5K walk. The annual patriotic parade will then begin at 9am along Water and Main street.

Evening activities feature a bell-ringing ceremony at 7pm, a patriotic concert at 8pm, and end with the fireworks show on the York River.

4th of July Fireworks in Colonial Williamsburg

Enjoy fireworks from Palace Green or Market Square to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Afterward, enjoy the annual march from Palace Green, down Duke of Gloucester Street and ending on Botetourt Street. The fireworks start at 9:15pm.

Yorktown Market Days

Every Saturday this summer Yorktown Market Days is held from 9am to 1pm. Located on the Yorktown waterfront, the market hosts more than 35 local farmers, vendors and local artists. The market features baked goods, fresh cut flowers, fresh produce, meat and seafood, and live entertainment.

Shoppers can also enjoy watching local chefs prepare various dishes on select Saturdays.

Military Band Concert Series

A different band performs each week at Riverwalk Landing, presented by musicians from Langley Air Force Base and Ft. Eustis, VA. The concert starts at 6:30pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

37th Annual Kiwanis Shrimp Feast

This is a Williamsburg tradition that can’t be missed. All you can eat shrimp, hush puppies, coleslaw and baked beans! Enjoy live music, kids’ games, face painting and a raffle. 100% of net proceeds stay within the Williamsburg community to support local charities.

Movies on Prince George Street

Free movie night and free popcorn! Every Sunday night this summer you can grab the kids and come down to Prince George Street for a fun filled, kid friendly movie night.

Movie Schedule:

July 3rd: Minions
July 10th: Elf (XMAS in July with Toys for Tots)
July 17th: Maleficent
July 24th: The Good Dinosaur
July 31st: Inside Out
August 7th: Goosebumps
August 21st: The Quiet Man
August 28th: Star Wars-The Force Awakens

Contemporary Art Center Display

From June 8th to August 31st the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center will be exhibiting at the Stryker Building. Over fifty artists (all members of the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center) have chosen one piece of work to be exhibited. Not only can you enjoy the stunning exhibit, most of the artwork is also for sale.

Engage with the local community, explore art museums and experience what life was like in colonial times. With so many things to do and see, if you’re not exhausted when the summer is over you haven’t seen and done enough!

Are there other events in the historic region that you are looking forward to? Tell us in the comments.