Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America!

Honor America’s history in Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown,

where the nation's journey began and its independence was won.

Join us for special events and experiences marking 250 years of independence! As the 2026 Semiquincentennial commemoration approaches, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with America’s storied history – and how Williamsburg shaped it from the very beginning. Explore immersive living history museums, take fascinating tours, and enjoy a variety of year-round adventures. Experience the spirit of freedom like never before in Williamsburg, Virginia! New events will continue to be added, so check back often.

May 26

Memorial Day Commemoration

Colonial Williamsburg

Join us Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m. on Palace Green for a Memorial Day Commemoration. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation honors the men and women of the United States military who sacrificed their lives to defend our nation with a traditional wreath-laying ceremony.

Jun 07

250th Anniversary of Lord Dunmore's Virginia Campaign

Riverwalk Landing
Recurring daily

Lord Dunmore – He’s the man the colonists loved to hate. Join us for a look back at the controversial British leader during the 250th Anniversary of his Virginia Campaign. After dissolving the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg and in the midst of rising unrest, Dunmore…

Jun 14

The American Soldier

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Broadway Producer Salutes American Soldiers on Flag Day - 250 Years of U.S. Army In salute of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on June 14, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown presents “The American Soldier” – a theatrical performance that honors military…

Jul 04

Liberty Celebration

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

This Fourth of July, take in Liberty Celebration and salute the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers a special lineup July 4 to mark the patriotic occasion. Visitors can enjoy interpretive programs, artillery…

Sep 06

1781 Yorktown Before the Siege

Recurring daily

Take a step back in time to see what life was like in the British Camp before the arrival of the American and French forces on September 28, 1781. Yorktown’s Historic Main Street will be transformed with military drills, camp life demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and more!…

Oct 19

Yorktown Day

Riverwalk Landing

Huzzah! Join in the festivities to commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory that paved the way for America and her freedom. The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street. Enjoy a performance by the…

Jun 12

Sail Yorktown Festival, an official SailVirginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor

Recurring daily

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 1776 – The United States of America’s Semiquincentennial. For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering…

Explore Four Centuries of American History

America's history extends far beyond its 250 years of independence. Explore Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown and experience a powerful journey through the pivotal moments that shaped the United States.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg offers an unparalleled experience of America’s founding era, blending meticulously restored colonial architecture with living history in a way that brings 18th-century America to life. As the former capital of Virginia and a hub of revolutionary ideas, Williamsburg lets visitors walk in the footsteps of key figures, witness colonial life firsthand, and participate in interactive experiences that showcase the origins of American independence.

Yorktown

Walk the grounds where the American Revolution reached its decisive victory, marking it as the site of the final major battle that secured American independence. Visitors to Yorktown can explore this pivotal moment through its preserved battlefield, immersive museums, and reenactments that honor the sacrifices and strategies that shaped the nation’s future.

Jamestown

As the birthplace of English America, Jamestown marks the site of the first permanent English settlement established in 1607. Explore the origins of American democracy and cultural exchange through living history, archaeological sites, and reconstructed fortifications. As the foundation of America’s colonial roots, Jamestown provides a profound understanding of the early challenges and achievements that led to the formation of a new nation.