Ring in VA250 at Events, Exhibitions & Festivals around Virginia

America turns 250 in 2026, and there are events all year round to celebrate, examine, and explore the nation's anniversary.

There are several signature events taking place, from immersive museum exhibits to a nautical parade of stunning tall ships. But there are also hundreds of other happenings to discover, even if history isn’t your favorite subject. Whether you’d rather run a race or see a fashion show, knit all day or take to the skies, there’s an event you’ll love in Virginia.

Navigate events using the menu below, or simply scroll the offerings. We’ll keep this list updated all year long, so make sure to bookmark the page to stay on top of VA250 events.  
 

JUMP TO: Exhibitions | Sail 250 | Juneteenth | Fourth of July | Festivals | Music & Theater | Special Events
 

⭐️ Events with the star emoji are free to attend.

EXHIBITIONS

Virginia Museum of History & Culture—Richmond

“Revolutionary Allies: Foreign Friends of American Independence”

When: Through November 1, 2026

How To Go: Included with museum admission (adults $15)

The success of the American colonies during the Revolution would not have been possible without foreign allies. Learn about the diplomats, politicians, merchants, spies, money-launderers, and gunrunners — both the obvious and unlikely allies — that helped to win American Independence.
 

“We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth”

When: March 21 – September 7, 2026

How To Go: Included with museum admission (adults $15)

Discover dozens of stories about the immigrant experience in Virginia and see how immigrants have shaped Virginia and our nation at this immersive exhibition. Historical objects, images, and multimedia stations guide visitors through the journeys of those who sought refuge, freedom, and opportunity in the United States.  

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

“Outlander: Costumes Woven in Time”

When: Through May 18, 2026

How To Go: Timed ticket required in addition to museum admission. Get tickets

Fashion, television, and history lovers should make a beeline to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown before May. “Outlander: Costumes Woven in Time” features 26 pieces of clothing art from the first four seasons of the hit TV show. The exhibition is a fascinating take on the convergence of historical events, fictional stories, and how clothes contribute to the narrative.
 

“Fresh Views of the American Revolution”

When: Through August 31, 2026

How To Go: Included with museum admission (adults $20)

Discover new perspectives on the ideals of the American Revolution through the engaging folk art of Oscar de Mejo.
 

“Give Me Liberty: Virginia and the Forging of a Nation”

When: July 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027

How To Go: Included with museum admission (adults $20)

This signature exhibition will highlight Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution as the oldest, largest, wealthiest, and most populous of Britain’s American colonies.

Jamestown Settlement

“Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Virginia”

When: Through July 12, 2026  

How To Go: Included with general admission (adults $20)

Explore a cross-cultural story when you visit “Following the Dragon.” The exhibition features a never-before-assembled collection of rare porcelain uncovered during excavations of James Fort.
 

Mathews Museum

⭐️ “Our Indigenous People”

When: Ongoing

How To Go: Free admission

Artist and public historian Russell Reed serves as curator for a new exhibition at Mathews Museum exploring the Native American cultures of Virginia’s coast. The exhibition includes several artifacts and a handmade dugout canoe.

Mount Vernon

“George Washington: A Revolutionary Life”

When: Ongoing, official opening in July 2026

How To Go: Included with general admission (adults $28)

You’ll find this interactive exhibition in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center at Mount Vernon. Survey 18^th century artifacts, experience a Revolutionary battle in 4D, and step into Washington’s shoes in the interactive theater.
 

Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum

⭐️ “Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month”

When: Through November 1, 2026

How To Go: Free admission

Explore how Black history has been remembered, preserved, and shared over the past 100 years, including the origins of Black History Month and the sites, traditions, and events that honor the past to this day.
 

SAIL 250 EVENTS

⭐️ Sail 250 Virginia

When: June 19–23, 2026

Where: Town Point Park, Norfolk

How To Go: Free to attend

Norfolk will host a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships for ten days in June. Crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will participate in events and programs to symbolize international goodwill.

Check out more events from official Affiliate Harbors below.
 

⭐️ Sails on the Potomac

When: June 12–14, 2026

Where: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

How To Go: Free to attend

See tall ships, plus take part in music, family activities, exhibits, tours, and public art during this weekend of historic fun.
 

⭐️ Sail Yorktown Festival

When: June 12–14, 2026

Where: Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown

How To Go: Free to attend

Get ready for a full weekend of events including tall ship tours, living history exhibits, live music, and a vendor village on the water in Yorktown.
 

⭐️ Richmond SailFest

When: June 12–14, 2026

Where: Dock Street Park, Richmond

How To Go: Free to attend

The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will host a celebration with tall ships, dockside entertainment, historical reenactors, and a fireworks display on Saturday evening.

⭐️ Smithfield Maritime Rendezvous

When: June 12–14, 2026

Where: 415 South Church Street, Smithfield

How To Go: Free to attend

You’ll be able to tour three special guest boats and enjoy educational demonstrations all weekend, but come by on Saturday for live music, an art show, walking tours of South Church Street, and a drone air show.
 

⭐️ Onancock Sails Forward

When: June 12–14, 2026

Where: Onancock Marina

How To Go: Free to attend

Tour the Lady Maryland, a reproduction of a Chesapeake Bay pungy schooner — the only known to be in existence today!
 

⭐️ Blackbeard Pirate Festival

When: June 13–14, 2026

Where: Mill Point Park and Downtown, Hampton

How To Go: Free to attend

An annual tradition and this year part of the Sail 250 festivities, Hampton will be overrun by pirates in June. But don’t worry — there’s only fun in store, from 18^th century garb and vendors to kid’s activities, live music, and fireworks.

⭐️ SailFest

When: June 19–21, 2026

Where: Cape Charles

How To Go: Free to attend

Majestic tall ships sail into Cape Charles, plus look out for free ship tours, period reenactors, local history presentations, kid’s activities, a vendor market, and live music.
 

⭐️ Portsmouth Seawall Festival

When: June 19–22, 2026

Where: Elizabeth River, Portsmouth

How To Go: Free to attend

A four-day celebration with ship tours, live music, family activities, and waterfront entertainment.
 

⭐️ Charter to Chesapeake

When: June 19–23, 2026

Where: Battlefield Park, Chesapeake

How To Go: Free to attend

Get ready for colonial trade demonstrations, crafts, food trucks, and deck tours of the tall ship Sultana, a reproduction of a 1768 schooner.
 

JUNETEENTH

⭐️ Norfolk Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 19–21, 2026

Where: Town Point Park, Norfolk

How To Go: Free to attend

The annual celebration returns to the downtown waterfront in Norfolk with live music, family-friendly activities, and a fireworks finale on Friday evening. 

Know before you go: The event overlaps with Sail 250. 
 

⭐️ Front Royal Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 19, 2026

Where: Farm to Market on Main, Front Royal

How To Go: Free to attend

Honor Juneteenth with food trucks, music, and guest speakers on Main Street. The event will take place from noon until 7 p.m. 
 

⭐️ JazzTeenth Festival

When: June 20, 2026

Where: 24th Street Park, Virginia Beach

How To Go: Free to attend, VIP packages available

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable festival on the waterfront with live performances, cultural programming, family-friendly fun, food, and drinks. Don't miss performances by Keke Wyatt and Vivian Green.
 

⭐️ Henrico Juneteenth Celebration

When: June 20, 2026

Where: Dorey Park, Henrico

How To Go: Free to attend

Shop from 100 local businesses and artisans, enjoy live entertainment, and dine on delicious food at this free community celebration. Little ones will love the fun-filled kids zone. 
 

FOURTH OF JULY

⭐️ Balloons Over Rockbridge

When: July 4–5, 2026

Where: Oak Hill Property, Lexington

How To Go: Free to attend, balloon flights ticketed ($25-$350)

Expect local bands, vendors, food, drinks, and family activities at this unique Virginia event. The star of the show are massive hot air balloons — enjoy a tethered flight or book a piloted flight in advance to take in the festivities from above.
 

⭐️ 250 Years of Forming a More Perfect Union

When: July 4, 2026

Where: Colonial Williamsburg

How To Go: Free to attend

Ring in 250 years in Colonial Williamsburg with patriotic festivities, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, live music, and a dazzling fireworks display.
 

⭐️ Downtown Mall Celebration

When: July 3, 2026

Where: Downtown Mall, Charlottesville

How To Go: Free to attend

The City of Charlottesville is going all out for the 50^th anniversary of the Downtown Mall, in conjunction with the nation’s 250^th. Festivities will include a lantern parade, a music and light show, and live music.
 

See more Fourth of July festivities in Virginia.
 

FESTIVALS

Fiber Festival

When: April 11, 2026

Where: Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, Hanover

How To Go: Get tickets (adults $10)

Celebrate spring, shearing of the sheep, and the history of fiber production at the 5^th Annual fiber Festival. Learn all about wool production as you see experts card, spin, weave, and dye fabrics.
 

⭐️ VMHC IllumiNATION

When: June 25–28, 2026

Where: Virginia Museum of History & Culture

How To Go: Free to attend

A video art project set against the VMHC’s historic façade will take viewers on a journey through time and place, exploring American history. Plus, don’t miss the block party around it, with live music, art, cultural demonstrations, crafts, and games.
 

⭐️ Freedom Food Festival

When: July 3, 2026

Where: Downtown Lexington

How To Go: Free to attend

Join in this tasty picnic-style fare with local chefs and restaurants, all to benefit area nonprofits.

⭐️ Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration

When: July 11, 2026

Where: Oronoco Bay Park

How To Go: Free to attend

The country may be turning 250, but Alexandria will be 277! Enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, and a fireworks display over the Potomac.
 

Williamsburg Beer Festival: History, Hops & Heart

When: November 6, 2026

Where: Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg

How To Go: Tickets start at $40, $20 for non-drinkers

Raise money for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and sample beers from around Virginia at this annual, family-friendly festival.
 

MUSIC & THEATER

“America250: Voices of Virginia”

When: March 14, 2026

Where: Paramount Theater, Charlottesville

How To Go: Get tickets

The Charlottesville Ballet and Opera on the James combine to present a multidisciplinary performance that explores American history, from the founding to today. Expect dance, opera, theater, poetry, and music, created by Virginia artists and American greats.
 

Jefferson Remembers the Declaration

When: Wednesdays – Saturdays, March 18 – July 31, 2026

Where: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

How To Go: Get tickets ($150)

Speak with Jefferson himself (aka historical interpreter Bill Barker) about the trials and triumphs of early Americans during this special theatrical experience. Don’t wait — the experience is only available in 2026.
 

Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence

When: May 2, 2026

Where: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

How To Go: Get tickets

This afternoon of conversation, music, poetry, and theater will delve into the words of the Declaration and their meaning, 250 years on. Get a combo ticket to see a special performance of “Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play” after the program.
 

The Flame of Revolution: 5th VA Convention

When: May 15–16, 2026

Where: Colonial Williamsburg

Witness the debate to declare Independence as costumed performers reenact historic events from 250 years ago and beyond. Performances will take place at Capitol Circle. 
 

“Kings Mountain”

When: September 17 – October 31, 2026

Where: Barter Theatre, Abingdon

How To Go: Get tickets

Live in the moments that led up to the end of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a variety of characters in what’s been called a theatrical tour-de-force. The new play by Catherine Bush was commissioned by VA250.
 

SPECIAL EVENTS

VA250 Fashion & LiberTea

When: March 21, 2026

Where: Francis Land House, Virginia Beach

How To Go: Get tickets

Experience a historic fashion show exploring 250 years of women’s clothing, tracing fashion trends from the Revolution to today. Level up the fun by coming dressed in your favorite fashion era!
 

⭐️ The Great American Birthday Quilt Reveal

When: April 11, 2026

Where: Merchants Square, Williamsburg

How To Go: Free and open to the public

People from all over the country have been creating unique quilt blocks to help create the Great American Birthday Quilt — come see the fruit of their labors as it’s unrolled down Duke of Gloucester Street. Learn the stories behind the squares and join a march to the visitors center, where the quilt will be displayed throughout the year.
 

Virginia International Tattoo

When: April 16–19, 2026

Where: Scope Arena, Norfolk

How To Go: Get tickets

More than 800 performers including military bands, massed pipes and drums, precision drill teams, and dancers will take the stage at this global event unlike any other.

Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K

When: April 18, 2026

Where: Monument Avenue, Richmond

How To Go: Register for the race or cheer for free

Expect to see more Founding Fathers, bald eagles, and Uncle Sams running the 10K this year. Richmond’s favorite race is getting into the VA250 spirit with a special costume contest. Prizes for the “American Spirit” costume category will go to race participants who show off creative looks inspired by American history, heritage, and the spirit of the nation.
 

⭐️ America's Semiquincentennial Celebration

When: April 24–25, 2026

Where: Colonial Williamsburg

How To Go: Register by March 17

Reflect on the history and lived experiences of Tribal Nations whose history goes back much further than the Declaration of Independence. The program will include a dinner, panels and presentations from leading American Indian voices, and a procession of Tribal Nations.  
 

Virginia Resolved

When: June 6–7, 2026

Where: Stratford Hall

How To Go: RSVP for free festivities on Saturday; get tickets for dinner and Sunday program

Learn the story of the Lee brothers (the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence) and the resolution by Richard Henry Lee which would be incorporated into the Declaration during this weekend of fun at the Lee home. Saturday's free programming includes access to food trucks, drinks, live entertainment by The United States Navy Concert Band, and a fireworks show. Get tickets for the Sunday Living History program to see demonstrations, hear colonial music, learn from scholars, and experience a citizenship ceremony. 

⭐️ African Landing Day

When: August 22, 2026

Where: Fort Monroe, Hampton

How To Go: Free to attend

When the first enslaved Africans were brought to English North America in 1619, they traveled from present-day Angola to Point Comfort, now known as Fort Monroe. Honor the legacy of culture, identity, resistance, and triumph at African Landing Day, a moving and participatory event. This year’s commemoration will feature remarks by Djimon Hounsou, Academy Award nominee and founder of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.
 

Run Richmond 16.19

When: September 12, 2026

Where: Starts at Abner Clay Park, Richmond

How To Go: Register for the race

Celebrate the unity in diversity with this run/walk through over 400 years of Black history. The race is celebrating five years of running Richmond this year.
 

Find even more VA250 events, from book talks to stage plays and reenactments around Virginia.

Many voices have shaped Virginia’s story — and they still do. As part of the VA250 Commemoration, share your stories, reflections, and perspectives that connect the past to the present. Share your story.