A Revolutionary Year Awaits

Celebrate 250 years of American independence and 100 years of Colonial Williamsburg. From stirring anniversary programs to world-class music, dazzling illuminations to once-in-a-century exhibitions—this is the place where our shared past meets the promise of tomorrow.

Visit the place where it all began. Before they were presidents, Virginians George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg. Meet them and discover the roles that each played in Virginia’s colonial capital and how that prepared them to be Commanders in Chief.

Colonial Williamsburg Military Encampment weekends seek to recreate important, impactful moments from the American Revolution with the help of reenactors from around the country. 

Join us over Memorial Day Weekend to explore America’s founding ideals and honor the men and women who died defending them.

Drummer's Call is an annual showcase of 18th-century military music. Visiting corps from around the country join our own Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums for days of performances throughout the Historic Area. Learn more about military field music and explore the important roles played by fifers and drummers.

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865 when thousands of enslaved people received the news that they were emancipated after Union forces arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enact President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation signed more than two years earlier. In partnership with the Juneteenth Community Consortium, join us in honoring Juneteenth with special programs and reflections.

There's no better place to celebrate our nation's birth than on historic Duke of Gloucester Street. Enjoy patriotic festivities, including public readings of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances, and a dazzling fireworks display to cap the evening.

Celebrate the adoption of the U.S. Constitution by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Join us for in-depth discussions, and the best of Colonial Williamsburg’s historical interpretation, bringing the history of America’s governing document to life.

Celebrate with special events including a commemorative march and ceremony honoring America's veterans over Veterans Day weekend.

We invite guests to join us as we illuminate the night sky above our beautiful colonial capital. In the 18th century, illuminations — the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks — celebrated major events such as the birthday of a reigning sovereign, military victories, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Begin the special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout our streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace.