Special Events

March 2010
Women's History Month

Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the contributions of women of the 18th century to the history of our nation with programs throughout the month of March. Scenes, tours, programs and special presentations explore the various roles that our foremothers filled in birthing a new nation.
March 18-21, 2010
Pottery With a Past: A New Look at Salt-glazed Stoneware Collections, Research, and Archaeology

Join Colonial Williamsburg staff members and distinguished lecturers such as David Barker, David Gaimster, Jonathan Horne, and Rob Hunter as they explore the production and distribution of brown, gray, and white salt-glazed stoneware from Germany, Britain, and America.

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April 2010
Religion Month

April is Religion Month at the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, with programming highlighting the role of religion in 18th-century Virginia. See scholarly lectures, actor-interpreter presentations, including Founding Fathers and Nation Builders, a musical program exploring the place of music in the American religious experience and a video on the Great Awakening in Virginia.

View events for Religion Month in the Events Calendar
April 11-12, 2010
64th Annual Garden Symposium

Whether you are interested in designing a formal garden, growing heirloom plants, or making a garden structure, there are many lessons to be learned from historic gardens. Colonial Williamsburg's 64th annual Garden Symposium will focus on design concepts, gardening techniques, and plant selections that have stood the test of time.

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April 17-May 1, 2010
So Far From Scioto

Beginning April 17 and running Tuesday thru Saturday through May 1, witness Shawnee "diplomats" and their reactions to the events of the turbulent spring of 1775. Given instructions to remain in Williamsburg as a security of peace for their tribes in the Ohio, news of bloodshed at Lexington and Concord and Lord Dunmore both seizing the powder from the Public Magazine and then fleeing the city created doubts as to how best they could protect their homeland, when they were "So far from Scioto."
May 14-16, 2010
Drummer's Call Weekend

Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums host other fife and drum units from around the country for a performance of a Military Tattoo on Market Square. Armed Forces Day is honored with a Grand March featuring fife and drum from around the country - a demonstration of soldiers and their field music from various units active during the American Revolution.

Learn more about the Fifes and Drums
Learn more about Drummer's Call Weekend in the events calendar
May 31, 2010
Memorial Day

A modern service honors military veterans who died serving their country. A procession with Fife and Drum support will begin at the Palace and proceed to Bruton Parish Church and the French gravesite. Prayers will be given, wreaths will be placed, and musket volleys will be fired at the Palace and churchyard. A brief commemorative service with musket and cannon volleys will take place at the French gravesite.

Learn more in the Events Calendar
June 24, 2010
Masonic Procession and Sermon

The Feast Day of St. John the Baptist was celebrated annually by the Masonic Lodge of 18th-century Williamsburg. Lodge members processed from the lodge to the church to hear a sermon preached for their benefit by the chaplain of the Lodge. Our modern day re-enactment of this annual event will include costumed interpreters, current members of Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, and guests who are masons who choose to participate.

Learn more in the Events Calendar
June 25 - 27, 2010
Under the Redcoat

Witness the arrival of the British Army as they seize Williamsburg, raise the British flag over the Capitol and commence occupation of the town. Meet with the enslaved community and decide what to do in light of the British arrival. Meet with the women of Williamsburg and see the war from their perspective. Learn how life in 18th-century Williamsburg changed under British rule.

Learn more in the Events Calendar
July 4, 2010
Independence Day

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, was adopted July 4th, 1776. Celebrate the nation's birthday with Fifes and Drums, militia parades, and Colonial Williamsburg's famous Historic Area fireworks

Learn more in the Events Calendar
October 9-10, 2010
Prelude to Victory

Meet part of a vast army on its way to lay siege to Yorktown in what proves to be the decisive battle of the American Revolution. Join other townspeople and offer encouragement as the army displays its proficiency in firing demonstrations. General Washington and his officers address the battalion concerning the upcoming siege.

Learn more in the Events Calendar
November 11, 2010
Veterans Day

Colonial Williamsburg honors America's Veterans with a procession down Duke of Gloucester Street, 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Capitol. The parade culminates in a public ceremony, with militia and cannon crew firing volleys in recognition of those who serve. Hear Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums, and speakers from past and present. Active duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents enjoy free admission passes Friday through Wednesday, Nov. 6-11.

Learn more in the Events Calendar
November 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011
Colonial Williamsburg's Holiday Season

Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmas season in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Special programs, dining, entertainment, hotel packages, events for children, and more are waiting to enchant guests who come to enjoy a magical season they'll not soon forget.

Learn more about Christmas in Williamsburg.
December 5, 2009
Grand Illumination

In the 18th century, illuminations were sometimes held to commemorate the birth of the reigning sovereign. Today, Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination celebrates the winter holidays. Musical performances on multiple stages and fireworks launched from three locations usher in the season with a bang.
December 16, 2010
Whitefield Day

Experience a reenactment of famous 18th-century evangelist George Whitefield's appearance at Bruton Parish Church on Sunday, December 16, 1739. A minister of the Church of England and colleague of John and Charles Wesley, Whitefield was an important figure in the Great Awakening, a series of revivals that swept through Britain and North America in the first half of the 18th century.
December 27, 2010
Masonic Procession

The Feast Day of St. John the Evangelist is an annual day of celebration for the local Masonic Lodge. Costumed interpreters and members of Williamsburg Lodge No. 6 will reenact the annual procession on this date from the Masonic Lodge to Bruton Parish Church to hear a sermon for the occasion and then return to the lodge. Guests who are masons will be invited to participate in the procession.