Just down the road from Colonial Williamsburg and at the end of the Colonial Parkway, is one of the most scenic drives in America – Yorktown, Virginia. It’s worth the trip because each summer Yorktown hosts what has become a local tradition: the  Sounds of Summer concert series.

For 2023 the series begins Thursday, June 1, at Riverwalk Landing. The Thursday-night concerts are held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. through August 10 (no concert July 6). And, all concerts are free!

The Uptown Band kicks it all off on June 1, followed by an exciting lineup that includes a new act coming to the waterfront—Blackout, an all-male band that performs rock-n-roll hits and funky ‘70s and ‘80s dance tunes.

Here’s the list of this year’s lineup:

· June 1 – The Uptown Band
· June 8 – Strictly Bizzness
· June 15 – Blackout
· June 22 – Tidewater Drive Band
· June 29 – Band of Oz
· July 13 – Brasswind
· July 20 – The Deloreans
· July 27 – Cat5 Band
· August 3 – Slapnation
· August 10 – The Main Event Band

Visitors are encouraged to arrive before the concerts begin and enjoy dinner or dessert at any of historic Yorktown’s waterfront restaurants, including Water Street Grille, Carrot Tree, Umi Sushi, Ben & Jerry’s, and Yorktown Pub.

The Sounds of Summer concert series includes a dance floor, friendly games of Cornhole, and to-go food available for purchasing from food trucks. Guests are permitted to bring their own blankets, chairs, and small coolers. No tables, umbrellas or tents are permitted. Concertgoers may bring their own alcohol, but it must be consumed in the designated concert area.

Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public parking lots. The complimentary, wheelchair-accessible Yorktown Trolley runs until 9:30 p.m. during every concert with a modified route that includes some of the stops on the outskirts of town.
In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the York County Event Weather Hotline at 757-890-3520.