WHAT'S NEW FOR GROUPS

STATEWIDE

The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the fight for independence. Virginia had a defining role in the creation of our nation. Virginia’s history is America’s story. Special exhibits and events are planned throughout 2025 and 2026. Visit Virginia.org/groups/va250 for group tour itineraries and information.

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

Kings Dominion in Doswell is added the “world’s tallest and longest” winged launch coaster in time for the 2025 season. The thrilling ride, dubbed Rapterra, features a 0-65 mph launch, a 145-foot-tall wingover and over 3,000 feet of track.

The Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Downtown Richmond opened in summer 2025 with a variety of live performances including Dwight Yoakam and Weird Al Yankovic. The venue seats 7,500 people and offers stunning views of the downtown skyline.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond

• Give Me Liberty is a new exhibition from March 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026. This exhibition will stimulate a deep appreciation for the continental and global forces in addition to the individual actions that resulted in a model of democracy that would change the world.
• Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865, explores the lives of free Black Virginians as they achieved their freedom, fought for their civil rights and persevered within a legal system that did not recognize them as equal. Exhibit runs from June 14, 2025 until July 5, 2026.
• We The People, explores the lives of many people who, over the centuries, have made Virginia the unique place it is in America and the world, and the dramatic impact of the immigrant experience throughout Virginia’s history as people arrived from the four corners of the globe. Exhibit runs from March 21, 2026 until September 7, 2026.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond – upcoming special exhibits:

• Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. The exhibition from the collection of musical and cultural icons Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys is expansive and features over 130 works of art by 40 Black artists from Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean. Exhibit runs November 22, 2025 – March 1, 2026
• The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art, a new exhibition that will be on display November 14, 2026 to March 14, 2027, will explore the fascinating story of Impressionism from its birth in 1874 to its legacy in the early 20^th century.

The Science Museum of Virginia’s, Richmond - upcoming exhibits:

• Survival of the Slowest runs from May 23 – September 7, 2026. Featuring a variety of live animals, this touring exhibition explores overlooked species that have used perceived disadvantages that help them not only survive but thrive in a world full of fast animals at the top of the food chain.
• Rescue, explores techniques, emergency situations and the various life-saving equipment used by rapid response personnel. This exhibition will be on display July 13, 2026 – January 17, 2027.

Shenandoah Mansions is the first boutique hotel in Richmond’s Fan neighborhood. The 73-room hotel, opened in 2025, is the latest from New York City-based hotelier Ash. It will feature a retail space and the third location of Ash–Bar, an all-day dining concept and European cafe.

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center in Charlottesville will open in spring 2026. The new facility will feature 214 guest rooms and suites, approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible state-of-the-art conference space, a full-service restaurant, a café, outside terraces and a rooftop bar.

Monticello’s new Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour explores Jefferson and Adams complicated relationship. Allies in 1776, rivals later and friends in retirement. Recommended for ages 12+. On select dates an evening dining program with a Feast of Reason is offered.

Bloomsbury, the 18th-century Taylor family home in Orange County, is now available for tours, by appointment only, through the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage. The original wing of the home was built by Capt. James Taylor, III between 1729 and 1740.  Dendrochronology will be performed in October 2025 to clarify the construction date. The addition was added by the Quarles family circa 1797.

Caesars Virginia, a premier destination resort casino opened in Danville in December 2024. Property includes a 320-room hotel and a world-class casino gaming floor with over 1,300 slots, 85 live table games, 24 electronic table games, a WSOP poker room and a Caesars Sportsbook. In addition, the resort features a full-service spa, pool, 12 high-quality bars and restaurants, a 2,500-seat state-of-the-art live entertainment theater and 51,300 square feet of meeting and convention space.

The Bee Hotel is a historic and stylish boutique hotel in the River District of Danville, Virginia. It offers 47 spacious rooms, many with kitchens, free WiFi, Smart TVs, and a rooftop terrace with a fire pit.

Nestled in the center of Historic Old Towne Petersburg, the reimagined Hotel Petersburg, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, opened its doors in December 2024. The newly restored 64-room upscale boutique hotel masterfully blends historical preservation with modern amenities. The property features a restaurant, rooftop bar, and outdoor courtyard.

Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in Petersburg is expected to open in 2027 - The planned casino resort will include a 200-room hotel, 75,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 4,000 seat venue for concerts and events and several dining options. A temporary casino will open in January 2026.

COASTAL VIRGINIA – CHESAPEAKE BAY, HAMPTON ROADS, EASTERN SHORE

Sail250^® Virginia is honored to be among the elite group of US ports selected to host the 2026 Sail250^® America international fleet. 60+ ships from 20 nations will sail into Norfolk and affiliate harbors in the Chesapeake  Bay Region from June 12-23, 2026.

Atlantic Park, Virginia Beach – opened August 2025, this new development contains the first surf park on the East Coast featuring Wave Garden technology and will generate 1,000 waves per hour and accommodate 40 surfers at one time. The complex contains over 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space along with a 3,500-seat indoor/outdoor theatre.

Owl Creek Landing in Virginia Beach is open. Nautilus Tower, a first in the U.S. and ADA accessible, offers stunning panoramic views and a thrilling slide down option. There is also a treetop canopy walk and Children’s Treehouse Village.

Built in 1902, the Cornland School is an enduring testament to the strength and determination of African Americans from the Reconstruction Era through the dawn of the Civil Rights Era. Not long after emancipation, the school was established by formerly enslaved people and operated from 1903 until 1952. The Cornland School Museum is the first phase of the future Historical Village at the Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake, VA. To schedule a free tour of the Cornland School Museum, call 757-382-6411.

The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, opened a $4.3 million expansion to its 23-acre campus. The 5,000 sq. ft. Wild Care Center, along the museum’s outdoor boardwalk trail, creates a literal window into the world of veterinary and preventative animal care, nutrition, and the connection between humans and the environment.

The Norfolk Botanical Gardens continues construction of the Garden of Tomorrow. Slated to be finished in spring 2026, the Garden of Tomorrow focuses on accessibility, sustainability and improving the garden’s green impact. The garden expansion includes the Brock Parking Garden, Brock Entry Pavilion, Brock Environmental Education Center and the two-story 26,000 ft. Perry Conservatory featuring a second-story Skywalk and a Dale Chihuly art collection. Guests will not want to miss this nature immersion experience.

Norfolk Casino, Norfolk is expected to open in late 2027 - The Pamunkey Indian Tribe planned casino resort alongside Norfolk’s Harbor Park is set to be a $500 million resort and casino with a 200-room hotel, attached parking deck for about 1,300 cars, a spa, sports bar and grill, steakhouse, rooftop event space and multi-purpose event center. A temporary casino, The Interim Gaming Hall, will have 130+ slot machines.

Art and culture lovers will find much to love at the Chrysler Museum’s newly-expanded Perry Glass Studio, slated for a March 2025 grand opening. Tripling in size and offering more educational programs, the museum will further cement the studio's reputation as a world class glass institution. 

Nauticus has undergone major renovation. The $21.5 million Reimagine Nauticus project features new interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a maritime simulator, and a public plaza with stunning views of the Elizabeth River. These new exhibits focus on interactive play, teaching visitors about Norfolk’s history as a port city, how we impact our environment, exhibits that dive into the design of sailboats and more.

Norfolk is also excited to become a popular cruise destination. Starting in February, Carnival Cruise Line will offer year-round cruises to ports in the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas on the Carnival Sunshine, bringing a renewed sense of excitement for travelers to and from Mermaid City. 

Norfolk’s ever-popular Naval Station Bus Tours have returned, offering a true behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval installation. The 60-minute tour includes the homes of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, Chambers Field Air Station and the fleet’s ships. 

Rivers Casino Portsmouth Rush Street Gaming, broke ground on a $65M hotel project on Oct. 15. The Landing Hotel Portsmouth will be an 8-story, 106-room property that will include 32 suites and two “super suites” with indoor and outdoor spaces. The hotel is slated to open in early 2027.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg  The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, an all-new family-friendly inverted roller coaster. Riders experience over 2,500 feet of track, traveling up to 40 miles per hour, while bolting through the streets of an abandoned Bavarian village.

Great Wolf Lodge has fully renovated and redesigned guest suites and conference center with new digital equipment, flooring, wall paint and furnishings.

Colonial Williamsburg will be hosting special events and programming in 2026 tied to important events in our nation’s history. Below are just a few:

• Early 2026, Colonial Williamsburg: 100 Years exhibition opens at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
• Spring 2026, the Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center opens. Includes a public laboratory where guests can observe and interact with archaeologists, participate in hands-on experiences and view curated collections.
• July 4, 2026, Colonial Williamsburg commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation with festivities including the public reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances and fireworks display.
• November 2026, Colonial Williamsburg, the world's largest U.S. history museum, celebrates its centennial.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – upcoming special exhibits:

• Fresh Views of the American Revolution is a new exhibition from October 18, 2025 to May 3, 2026. Discover new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art of Oscar de Mejo created during the 1976 Bicentennial and through engaging community art programs.
• Give Me Liberty and Forging of a Nation is an exhibition first shown at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture which will move to Yorktown from July 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. The exhibition will explore the unique and essential Virginia people, events, and sites that helped bring liberty and democracy to a nation.

Jamestown Settlement – upcoming special exhibit:

• Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Virginia is a new exhibition from November 15, 2025 to July 12, 2026. The special exhibition will explore compelling discoveries that connect the early years of the Jamestown colony and Asia. Featuring Chinese porcelain uncovered during excavations of 1607 James Fort at Historic Jamestowne.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Ebbitt House, the first ever expansion of Washington, DC’s world famous Old Ebbitt Grill, is coming to Reston Station in 2025. Ebbitt House will feature a 300-seat indoor dining experience with two bars, along with 125 outdoor seats and a patio bar. The menu will include curated offerings of the American classics for which Old Ebbitt Grill is known.

Opened in downtown Fredericksburg, The Publisher, a 98-room full service Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel, that stands on the site of the once daily Fredericksburg newspaper, the Free-Lance Star, will feature 1,800 sq. ft. meeting/event space, a full bar and restaurant, and many other amenities. Recently awarded 4-diamond from AAA.

Time Mission in Manassas is an indoor adventure time travel themed challenge game for kids and adults. Technology-based activity center with 25 portals which can accommodate a group of 120 people.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Spotsylvania is expected to open in November 2026. The resort will feature over 175,000 sq. ft. of indoor waterpark, outdoor pools, interactive indoor adventure park, 6 restaurants, 907 suites and a spacious 150,000 sq. ft. convention center.

The art of blacksmithing might have faded but at the newly opened Lawless Forge in eastern Loudoun. Small groups can bond over fire and furnace, hammer in hand during a three-hour long blacksmith class. Among items you can learn to make are knives, bottle openers and BBQ forks.

George Mason’s Gunston Hall is restoring its magnificent river-side garden, which will enhance the authenticity of the historic property, reveal much about the Founding Father himself, and provide an educational setting as distinctive as Mason’s original garden design for the signature landscape feature of his home – the Home of American Rights. The restoration is the culmination of more than four decades of archaeological research. 

The JW Marriott at Reston Station is now open. It is Virginia's first JW Marriott and only the second in the Washington, D.C. region. The 28-story glass and concrete high-rise adjacent to the Wiehle-Reston East station on Metro's Silver Line features a JW Club, fitness facility, fine-dining restaurant, a signature bar, and a café. The hotel offers 25,000 square feet of premier event space, including a 9,000 square foot main ballroom and multiple intimate meeting rooms.

Level99 opens at Tysons Corner Center in 2025 as a first-of-its-kind destination for adults. Featuring real-world, interactive, social gaming with over 50 physical and mental challenges set in immersive, artistic environments, the space will include installations from local artists, opportunities for groups and player-vs-player, and a food and beverage area.

The National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir unveils a new exhibit curated specifically for the U.S. Army’s 250^th Birthday and America’s 250^th Anniversary commemoration. The exhibit, CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War, features more than 280 artifacts in a 5,000 square-foot exhibition space and is on display through June 2027.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY AND VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

The Virginia Scenic Railway in Staunton has expanded service and more passenger cars due to its immediate popularity. Travelers can sit back and enjoy the modernized ambiance of a 1940s passenger dining car or a dome car through some of Virginia’s prettiest scenery, including the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Two route options, Alleghany Special and Blue Ridge Flyer, offered Thursday – Sunday. Tickets include the 3-hour tour, meal, dessert and beverage. Group and private charters available.

Buc-ee’s opened its first location near Harrisonburg on I-81.

Mountain Coaster, Massanutten Resort – Opening in 2025, “Mountain Mayhem;” with a total length spanning 3,380 feet offers an exhilarating downhill experience covering 2,156 feet of terrain, with two 360-degree spirals along the track. Each ride is around six minutes. The innovative design gives riders full control over their speed for a customized experience.

Conveniently located near James Madison University, Spark by Hilton Harrisonburg University Area is now open. A pet-friendly hotel that caters to both business and leisure travelers, the Spark by Hilton offers lodging minutes away from local restaurants, shops, and breweries in the heart of Harrisonburg.

Three Hills Historic Estate & Spa is a 64-room boutique inn coming to Warm Springs in the former residence of Mary Johnston, the first woman to top The New York Times bestseller list. This regional treasure was built in 1913 and is under-going renovations for a planned opening in fall 2025 with a spa to come soon thereafter.

Spark by Hilton Roanoke Airport opened in spring 2025, offering a convenient location just minutes from the airport.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA - BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, HEART OF APPALACHIA

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, opened in November 2024, features a 300-room hotel (additional 350 rooms will added later in tower 2), five restaurants, four bars and lounges, new entertainment options, wedding and convention facilities, top-notch retailers, and an indoor and outdoor concert venue that will further solidify Bristol as the true “Birthplace of Country Music.”

The Giles County Trail Center – the gateway to numerous attractions and outdoor experiences across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia – opened to the public May 10, 2024. The region’s best in-class hub, located on the grounds of historic Mountain Lake Lodge and near the Appalachian Trail, directly connects visitors to 20 miles of trails, natural beauty and cultural activities. In addition, a new four-mile loop trail to Bald Knob will make the highest point in the New River Valley readily accessible to hikers of all skill levels and allow public access to trails

The 20^th Anniversary of ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network is happening in 2025. Supporting local artisans and small businesses, the Artisan Network celebrates Southwest Virginia’s rich culture of music, art, and much more.

FOR MORE EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS SEE WHAT'S NEW IN VIRGINIA