From Music to Arts and Eats, Summer Fun Heats up in Williamsburg  

Vacation is all about indulging the senses, and a summer trip to Williamsburg really packs a “wow” factor. From a colorful exhibit of historical Oscar-winning costume designs to colonial-era dance lessons or tasteful temptations like afternoon tea service, there’s something special brewing everywhere in Williamsburg this season.  

Concert Dancing - Influencer Governor's Palace Carriage Ride

Tailor-made Immersion 

An exhibit from two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter is included with admission at Jamestown Settlement, where her work converges with fashions from the 1600s and 1700s. Carter’s creativity on TV shows and films like “Roots,” “Amistad,” “Malcolm X,” and “Black Panther” transcends time and captivates the imagination. But no matter what century her work portrays, Carter’s extensive historical research is the same process used by those creating the other works on display this summer: the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation tailors who dress the interpreters who depict America’s earliest settlers. Besides their sumptuous attire featuring beads, brocade, and haberdashery, visitors can check out their inspiration: period portraits and surviving garments from as early as the 17th-century.  

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Step in Time 

If everything old is indeed new again, then the Governor’s Palace is the place to be. On most Wednesdays and Fridays throughout summer, check out historic routines that bring to life 18th-century steps like minuets and country dances. Each costumed performer will demonstrate their footwork for the audience and put on a show – and ask the audience at select intervals whether they’d like to participate.  

Governor's Palace Garden 

Williamsburg Tea Party 

Tea factors heavily into the footprint of colonial America, making Williamsburg’s Spice and Tea Exchange popular among visitors and locals alike. But this August, a new brew that’s an exclusive collaboration with the chefs at the Williamsburg Inn will be featured at the Inn’s Summer’s Afternoon Teas. The classic Terrace Room will host several seatings for a botanical and garden-themed menu with freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries, all accompanied by live Irish harp music.  

food at williamsburg inn anna hartman terrace room williamsburg inn anna hartman

Concert Halls of Fame 

The Hall of Burgesses played an instrumental role in the nation’s early history – making it apropos that today it hosts Capitol Chamber Music Concerts. This summer, on Tuesday nights, a rotation of members from the Governor’s Musick Ensemble (typically a selection of violins, viola, and cello) will put on period shows and share details about how lyrical and instrumental prowess demonstrated rank in Colonial Williamsburg’s gentry.  

A Full Lineup

Want to check out Williamsburg’s other bounty of tempting tuneage? The good times roll for music lovers most nights of the week, and rotating local bands put on free shows with pop, Motown, jazz, and rock covers throughout the summertime at several locations. Even better, many of the outdoor events include craft beer stalls and food trucks to make it a whole evening for those who brought their picnic blankets for concerts under the stars.  

Sounds of Summer Concert Series Billsburg Brewery Live Music - Sean Smith

Keeping it Fresh 

The tunes are as fresh as the summer produce at Williamsburg Farmers Market and Yorktown Market Days (each held on Saturday mornings). A selection of local singer-songwriters or bands performs weekly for shoppers to enjoy as they pick up fruits and veggies, treats from area chocolatiers, florists, soapmakers, cheesemongers, bakers, beekeepers, and more.  

In Williamsburg, there’s a free kids POP (“power of produce”) Club running throughout the season. Each child can sample treats, and when they answer questions about what they’ve learned, they earn POP “bucks” to buy something to take home. For adults, weekly chef demos give them a taste of what they can make at home with that week’s bounty.  

In Yorktown, the sprawl also includes glassware, artwork, gourmet baked dog treats, and incredible views of the York River — where picnic blankets are welcome.  

Food & Drink Events Williamsburg Farmers Market flowers

Talk About a Revolution 

The 1781 British Occupation of Yorktown was the last major land battle of the Revolutionary  War, leading to the surrender of General Cornwallis. Instead of something static in history textbooks, however, that pivotal event in the nation’s freedom will come to brilliant life in Yorktown on August 3, when living history stations and exhibits mark the 243rd anniversary of the arrival of the British forces in Yorktown.  

Yorktown Victory Monument - Sean Smith

Where to Stay and Enjoy it All 

With so many ways to play, you’ve got to have places to stay–and Williamsburg has options in spades. Those just booking their lodgings will want to check out Williamsburg's Packages & Deals page for details on how to save with hotel and inn discounts and bundles that include free breakfast, museum, attraction, and theme park tickets.