Yorktown, Virginia, is a short 12 miles from downtown Williamsburg, Virginia making it a convenient 17-minute drive via the Colonial Parkway. If you haven’t driven the parkway, you are missing something beautiful in every season. As part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, which includes Jamestown and Williamsburg, Yorktown offers a wealth of historical attractions. The Yorktown Battlefield, where the British forces surrendered to George Washington in 1781, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. Also, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown provides fantastic exhibits and living-history programs that chronicle America’s struggle for independence and are dynamic enough to entertain the kids. Beyond its rich history, Yorktown’s Riverwalk area features a scenic waterfront with shops, restaurants, and a beach, offering a blend of educational and recreational activities for all ages. There are some great events coming up in Yorktown.
Upcoming Spring Events
April 12 – Yorktown Market Days’ 2025 season kicks off with the annual Go Green Marketfrom 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Special exhibitors — Colonial Beekeepers Association, Master Gardeners of York County and Poquoson, and Republic Services Recycling to name a few — will educate guests on the importance of environmental sustainability. Be sure to bring your reusable bag while shopping for fresh, seasonal produce; baked goods; meats; flowers; honey; gourmet dog treats; and much more. Free reusable bags will be given away, while supplies last. This event is a collaboration with York County’s Department of Public Works and the York County Beautification Committee.
April 19 – Modeled after the market in Yorktown’s sister city, Port-Vendres, shop for French favorites during the annual Sister Cities French Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing. Purchase flowers and traditional French foods, such as breads, pastries, macarons, baguettes, and crepes. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a French-themed wine garden.
April 26-27 – Landlubbers of all ages are invited to visit the Historic Yorktown Waterfront to learn lessons and legends from pirates’ lives in the 17th and 18th centuries during the Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend. Vendors will be selling pirate-themed “booty” at the Pirate Invasion Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Activities will take place at the Yorktown Freight Shed, York Hall, Watermen’s Museum, and Riverwalk Landing.
May 3 – Sample more than 30 local craft beers, savor some delicious BBQ, and listen to the best blues musicians in Hampton Roads at the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival from 12 to 6 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing. There will be performances by the HM Johnson Band, Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos, and The Fifes & Drums of York Town. Purchase tickets for this event before they’re sold out!
May 4 – Admire the work of more than 30 local artists with the beautiful York River as the backdrop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, and other artists will line Riverwalk Landing to display their work with the hope of taking home the People’s Choice Award during the 12th Annual Art at the River Juried Art Show. A new addition this year will be Yorktown Plein Art, where artists will gather to paint scenic views outdoors.
May 10 – Some things never go out of style, and Yorktown Market Days’ Vintage Market/Car Show on Main Street is the perfect example of that. Search for upcycled treasures and hard-to-find collectibles at the Vintage Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing. On Historic Main Street, admire more than a dozen fully restored classic cars and talk to the owners.
May 22 – From 6:30 to 9 p.m., join us for a very special 20th Anniversary Celebration for Riverwalk Landing! In 2005, York County developed the shopping and dining venue along the Yorktown Waterfront that has been home for so many memorable events. It will be an evening of food, surprises from local businesses, and a free concert by BrassWind as we celebrate twenty years of making memories at this iconic landmark!
Free parking during these events is available at the Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace, York Hall, and several other designated public parking lots. The complimentary, wheelchair-accessible Yorktown Trolley begins its service at 10 a.m. on event weekends and makes several stops around town.
Additional Event Info:
