Memorial Day Weekend in the ‘Burg

Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us, and Williamsburg is ready to celebrate from May 27-29. There’s no place like the ‘Burg to experience this exceedingly patriotic holiday! Between historic festivities, outdoor activities and delicious food and drink events, there are plenty of exciting options for you and your family to enjoy together.

It’s important to remember what Memorial Day Weekend is all about. Besides marking the beginning of the summer season and being a great excuse to celebrate being a proud American, it’s a time to honor the men and women who have died serving in our country’s armed forces. Since Williamsburg is the epicenter of the Revolutionary City, it’s the perfect place for a symbolic weekend full of history, remembrance, and of course, fun!

Here’s what you can expect to see, hear and do in the Historic Triangle this weekend:

FESTIVITIES 

Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall
May 29
There’s a lot going on at Yorktown this weekend, like Yorktown Market Days, a concert series and live music, and beautiful art exhibits. If you’re looking for a solemn nod to the true meaning of Memorial Day, come to York hall from 12 – 1 p.m. for the York County Historical Committee Memorial Day Ceremony. Experience the posting of colors, historical re-enactors, a guest speaker, and the placing of flowers. 

The Fifes and Drums of York Town
May 27 & 29
The Fifes and Drums of York Town is a corps of drummers committed to preserving the art form of Revolutionary-era music. Come see them perform on May 29 from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. for a Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall.

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

Canoeing with the Stars
May 26
Escape to the rarely seen beauties of nature and spend an evening looking at the incredible night sky at York River State Park. From 7:30-10:30, you and your family will canoe down the creek with the company of a guide, the stars and the planets. Reservations are required, and you can come back throughout the summer to experience this peaceful retreat all summer long! Cost per person is $13, but with a family of four or more, cost drops to $8 per person.

Movies Under the Stars
May 26
You don’t have to be “Brave” to watch a movie outside! Grab the whole family and gather under the stars at Chickahominy Riverfront Park at 8:30 p.m. with lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. This Friday, they’re showing Brave (PG), but you can come back to catch more PG flicks on June 30 and September 1!

FOOD

Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens
Weekends, May 26 – June 2
If you appreciate a good food and wine tastings, you can’t skip the culinary adventure that awaits at Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. You can’t get food like this at Busch Gardens just any old time – the park only features these dishes and wines from around the world on special occasions, like Memorial Day Weekend!

Mead Up
May 26 – 28
From 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., “mead up” with friends and family for a sweet Memorial Day Weekend! No other brewery (and few wineries) can sell mead by the glass, but eight times a year the Silver Hand Meadery obtains a special permit that allows them to sell this honeyed alcoholic beverage by the glass. All weekend long, enjoy a variety of mead, great music, tasty food, and…chocolate?! This special three-day event just got even better. 

At King’s Creek Plantation, a wonderful and memorable Memorial Day Weekend awaits! Be safe and have fun, everyone!