Events in Yorktown, VA

Oct

18

– 22

ReenactmentFeatured

Yorktown Victory Celebration

Yorktown Battlefield — Colonial National Historical Park

Annual commemoration of the decisive Allied victory at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. The multi-day event features tactical battlefield demonstrations, Continental Army and French military encampments with living history interpreters, artillery firings, fife and drum performances, patriotic ceremonies at the Yorktown Victory Monument, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Programs are held across the Yorktown Battlefield and in historic Yorktown village.

Battlefield entrance fee applies ($20/vehicle); many programs free with admissionHeld around October 19 each year, the anniversary of Cornwallis's surrender; typically spans a long weekend. Exact dates shift slightly by year.More info →

Jul

4

Festival

Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration

Riverwalk Landing & Yorktown Beach, Yorktown

Patriotic Independence Day celebration in historic Yorktown featuring live music, colonial-era demonstrations, family activities, food vendors, and a fireworks display over the York River. The event draws thousands to the Yorktown waterfront and Riverwalk Landing area, with readings of the Declaration of Independence and tributes to the town's role in winning American freedom.

FreeJuly 4 each year; some activities may shift if the 4th falls midweekMore info →

Jul

10

Reenactment

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music. As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation. 2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument • July: July 25 @ 11 a.m. • August: August 5 @ 6 p.m. • August 15 @

FreeMore info →

Jul

17

Reenactment

Royal Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or PassMore info →

Jul

24

Reenactment

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music. As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation. 2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument • August: August 5 @ 6 p.m. • August 15 @11 a.m. • August 29 @ 11 a.m. • Se

FreeMore info →

Aug

4

Reenactment

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music. As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation. 2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument • August: August 15 @11 a.m. • August 29 @ 11 a.m. • September: Se

FreeMore info →

Aug

14

Reenactment

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music. As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation. 2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument • August: August 29 @ 11 a.m. • September: September 12 @ 11 a.m.<

FreeMore info →

Aug

21

Reenactment

Royal Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or PassMore info →

Aug

22

Reenactment

Lamb's Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or passMore info →

Aug

28

Reenactment

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music. As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation. 2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument • September: September 12 @ 11 a.m. Note: in case of inclement we

Free

Sep

11

Reenactment

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music. As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation. Note: in case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center. Bring your family and friends, enjoy the pageant

FreeMore info →

Sep

11

Reenactment

Before The Siege

Colonial National Historical Park

Step back into 1781 as living‑history reenactors bring the British occupation of Yorktown to life with dynamic demonstrations of camp life, military drills, hands-on activities, and booming artillery fire. It’s an immersive journey into the sights, sounds, and stories of wartime Yorktown!

Free

Sep

11

Reenactment

Royal Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or passMore info →

Sep

12

Reenactment

Royal Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or passMore info →

Sep

19

Reenactment

Lamb's Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or passMore info →

Oct

16

Reenactment

Royal Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or passMore info →

Oct

17

Reenactment

Lamb's Artillery Demonstration

Colonial National Historical Park

Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends. Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Entrance fee or passMore info →

Oct

18

Reenactment

Yorktown Day

Colonial National Historical Park

Join us October 19 for the 245th Commemoration of the Victory at Yorktown, honoring the surrender of British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington and his French allies on October 19, 1781—a decisive victory that ended major combat in the American Revolution and secured independence. Hosted by the National Park Service and the Yorktown Day Association, a coalition of 13 civic, patriotic, and government organizations, this year’s observance features artillery salutes, interpretive programs, exhibitions, a lively parade, wreath-laying ceremonies, and live music. This year is extra special—it follows the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, offering a unique opportunity

Free

Oct

19

Ceremony

Yorktown Day Ceremony

Yorktown Victory Monument, Yorktown

A formal patriotic observance held on October 19 at the Yorktown Victory Monument, organized by the Yorktown Day Association. The ceremony includes addresses by military and civic dignitaries, a parade through historic Yorktown, wreath layings by patriotic and hereditary societies such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution, and military honors. This is one of the oldest continuous commemorations of a Revolutionary War event in the United States.

FreeAlways October 19, the exact anniversary of the British surrender in 1781More info →

Oct

Guided Tour

Siege of Yorktown Anniversary Ranger Programs and Battlefield Tours

Yorktown Battlefield — Colonial National Historical Park

National Park Service rangers lead special guided tours and interpretive programs across the Yorktown Battlefield during the weeks surrounding the siege anniversary. Programs include walks along the allied siege lines, tours of Redoubts 9 and 10 (stormed by American and French troops on October 14, 1781), visits to the Moore House where surrender terms were negotiated, and talks on the role of the French fleet at the Battle of the Capes.

Battlefield entrance fee applies ($20/vehicle)Ranger-led programs run throughout October with peak programming around October 14–19. Confirm specific schedules with the NPS.More info →

Date

TBD

Guided Tour

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Living History Programs

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Year-round and seasonally enhanced living history programs at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (formerly the Yorktown Victory Center). Costumed interpreters demonstrate Continental Army camp life, musket and cannon firings, 18th-century surgical techniques, and colonial farming. Special programming intensifies around key Revolutionary War anniversaries, including the anniversary of the Siege of Yorktown and Presidents' Day weekend.

Adults ~$17; children ~$9 (prices may vary)Living history offered year-round; special Revolution-themed events concentrate in spring and fall. Check museum calendar for specific dates.More info →

Local Events

Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument

Before The Siege

Yorktown Day