250^th Anniversary of Lord Dunmore’s Virginia Campaign
Saturday & Sunday, June 7 & 8   |   10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  |   Townwide
Lord Dunmore, the man the colonists loved to hate, returns to Yorktown during the 250^th Anniversary of his Virginia Campaign. After dissolving the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg and in the midst of rising unrest, Dunmore escaped to a British ship in the York River on June 8, 1775. From there, he organized numerous raids and attacks along the waterfront. We’ll look back at this pivotal moment in American history during a weekend filled with reenactments, musical performances, and family-friendly activities. The Colonial Seaport Foundation’s Luna and Riverwalk Landing will serve as the backdrop as reenactors portraying angry colonists and British soldiers will storm the waterfront. The weekend will also include militia encampments, free deck tours, and a special anniversary ceremony at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. Interpreter and historian Dave Pondolfino will portray Lord Dunmore. In addition, the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be available for visitors to tour for free from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from June 6 to 8 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

Independence Day Celebration
Friday, July 4 | 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Riverwalk Landing & Historic Main Street
Bring your flags and flip flops because the fun begins with a festive parade down Historic Main Street! Evening activities include a bell-ringing ceremony, patriotic concert, and a spectacular fireworks display over the York River. Grab your red, white, and blue gear and come celebrate where America won her independence. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

1781 Yorktown Before the Siege   
Saturday & Sunday, September 6 & 7  |   10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  | Yorktown Battlefield & Historic Main Street
The redcoats continue their reign in Yorktown with this popular event. Visitors can experience the village as it might have appeared in September 1781 under the occupation of British forces commanded by Lord Cornwallis. Reenactors will portray colonists conducting daily chores, British soldiers performing military drills, doctors discussing 18^th century medical procedures and diseases, and more. The event will take place on Historic Main Street and Redoubts 9 and 10 at the Yorktown Battlefield.

Yorktown Market Days – Victory Market   
Saturday, October 18   |   9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  |   Riverwalk Landing  
It won’t take long before Cornwallis and his crew are run out of town, and the festivities begin. This special-themed farmers market celebrates the Victory at Yorktown. Local artists will be selling patriotic handiwork such as glassware, paintings, and woodwork. Local vendors will be selling American favorites such as apples, baked goods, meats, honey, seafood, and more. 

Yorktown Day
Sunday, October 19   |   9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   |   Victory Monument & Historic Main Street
The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade in the afternoon down Main Street to commemorate the victory at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform during the parade and at a special ceremony at the Victory Monument. In addition, visitors may tour several historic buildings, the York County Historical Museum, the Watermen's Museum, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and Battlefield roads. 

Yorktown Tea Festival
Friday, November 7 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | $
During the third annual Yorktown Tea Festival, immerse yourself in the world of tea as you sample unique blends, and learn about historic teas and herbal blends, as well as the culture and politics of tea on the eve of the American Revolution.

2026 Milestone Events
The festivities continue in 2026 with two major milestones – the Sail Yorktown Festival and the 250^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. From June 12-14, 2026, visitors will embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Sail Yorktown Festival, an official SailVirginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor event. Guests can witness breathtaking tall ships and military vessels as they grace the York River. The excitement kicks off on Friday, June 12, with an opening ceremony. Throughout the weekend, visitors will enjoy a spectacular Parade of Sail, free deck tours, live entertainment, living history demonstrations, reenactments, live firings, military drills, storytelling, and more. On July 4, 2026, Yorktown celebrates the birth of the nation with a parade, patriotic concert, family activities, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The day will end with a spectacular fireworks display over the York River. 

     Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public lots. The complimentary, wheelchair-accessible Yorktown Trolley runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 23 to September 1, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 2 to November 16.

     For more information on these events, visit www.visityorktown.org/va250, or call Visit Yorktown at 757-890-5900.  Events are subject to change without notice. For inclement weather updates, please call the Event Weather Hotline at 757-890-3520.

 
Additional photos are available at https://bit.ly/4jYkrKd