This is our monthly guide of events you don’t want to miss. These are events that both locals and tourists will enjoy. Events are often free so make sure you check those out! At the bottom of this post we have some month long and repeat events plus great local discounts! Enjoy finding fun things to do in Williamsburg, Yorktown and surrounding areas this August!
Summer Breeze Free Concerts on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm. Food and drink available for purchase, make sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Family friendly and fun way to spend a summer evening!
- Thursday, August 3 from 6 pm to 8 pm:: Corey Harris (Blues & Roots)
- Thursday, August 10 from 6 pm to 8 pm: The Shootouts (Honky Tonk, Western Swing)
- Thursday, August 17 from 6 pm to 8 pm: Bill and the Belles (Americana, Country Strings)
Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series in Historic Yorktown
Summer in Yorktown wouldn’t be summer without the sound of live music and dancing feet on the Riverwalk Landing every Thursday night. This annual outdoor concert series is free and open to the public and runs from June through August. Each show runs on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and the lineup features an eclectic mix of Beach Music, Motown, Pop, and R&B. Here is the August Schedule:
August 10: The Main Event Band
August 24: The Tidewater Drive Band
Teacher Open House – School Crossing – Friday, August 4 to Saturday August 12
They will be having daily giveaways, drawings, and get a stamp on your receipt and you pick a prize. School Crossing your neighborhood toy store and educational material store has been in our community and helping teachers for 34 years!
Come Prepared to:
⭐See new and exciting educational materials.
⭐Virginia’s largest selection of the most current decoratives, games and manipulatives.
⭐Receive the special stamp on your cash register receipt and choose from hundreds of free gifts.
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Yorktown – Aug 5th & 12th in Historic Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days is honoring the local farmers who work hard to provide homegrown products each week. A crop of activities are planned to celebrate National Farmers Market Week from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. August 5 and 12 in Historic Yorktown.
Both dates will feature a performance from the Fifes and Drums of York Town at 10 a.m. Local musicians Lana Puckett and Kim Person (August 5) and Richie Beard (August 12) will provide live entertainment from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. Local personal chef Taylor Duncan will give a cooking demonstration from 9 to 11 a.m. on August 12.
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens
Experience an epic summer of live music at the Busch Gardens® Summer Nights Concert Series. Top artists from genres ranging from Christian to Classic Rock will take the stage every Saturday night from June 17 – August 12 at the Royal Palace Theatre. Stay for the fireworks on every Friday and Saturday night at 9:15PM thru August 12. All concerts are FREE with park admission. Here are the August Shows:
Larger Than Life: The Ultimate Boy Band Experience: Saturday, August 5 at 7:00 PM
Kanstyx: A Classic Rock Tribute to Kansas and Styx: Saturday, August 12 at 6:30 PM
Nuthin’ Fancy: The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute: Saturday, August 12 at 8:00 PM
Free Outdoor Movies in Merchants Square – Sunday Evenings
Summer wouldn’t be summer without catching a flick in an outdoor venue. Free Outdoor Movies are back in Merchants Square. This year they are held in the parking lot behind Baskin Robbins. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs. Here is the August Schedule:
- AUGUST 6 – Frozen: Sing Along Version| start time 8:15PM
Sponsored by Baskin Robbins - AUGUST 13 – Minions: The Rise of Gru| start time 8:10PM
Sponsored by Aromas - AUGUST 20 – Top Gun Maverick| start time 8:00PM
Sponsored by Morgan Stanley - AUGUST 27 – To Be Announced| start time 7:45PM
Sponsored by Three Cabanas
The Copper Fox Ultimate Whiskey Dinner is the hottest ticket in Williamsburg, VA!
Thursday, August 10th at 6pm at the Rockefeller Room in the Williamsburg Inn – Enjoy an exclusive collaboration with the local Copper Fox Distillery, where we will take you on a sensational journey through the world of whiskey accompanied by a 6-course culinary experience. See menu and Get your tickets today HERE
POP Kids Parade – Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at Williamsburg Farmers Market – August 12
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at the Williamsburg Farmers Market on Saturday, August 12, 2023! Kids are welcome to participate in the Power of Produce Kids Parade! Dress as your favorite farmers market produce or flower. Join everyone in front of Illy at 8:45 a.m. to march down Duke of Gloucester Street to the farmers market tent led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. Participating is free, but you must sign up and save your spot! Costumes are strongly encouraged but optional. Don’t miss this “berry” fun time! “Lettuce” know you’d like to join us by signing up today at the market tent, the POP tent, or register online today!
CDR Superhero Dash: 5K and Family Challenge Obstacle Course
Saturday, August, 12, 2023 -Can you dress up? Yes! It is encouraged! Can you walk, run or jog – yes, yes, yes. Can kids participate? Yes! Come join a “Super” morning of racing and family fun. The 5K run/walk can be competitive or casual and families will love the SuperHero themed obstacle course. This year, they are introducing the “Super Duper Trike Trek” featuring ten brave riders racing tricycles! Race medals will be awarded in age group categories for Runners and Walkers – Learn more and sign up!
End of the Summer Splash Part at the JCC Library – August 12, 2023 from 1 pm to 4 pm
August 12 – End-of-Summer Splash Party – Come and say goodbye to a big summer of library fun outside at James City County Library. Make a splash with bubbles, water toys, and more as we send off summer in style. Can’t wait to see you all at this fun FREE event!
1-4 PM – James City County Library
Candlemaking & Room Spray Workshop – Tabitha Sewer Studio – Saturday, August 12 from 1 to 4 pm
Come experience the art of aromatic healing through candle making! In collaboration with Beez Wax Co., their skilled instructor will guide you through the therapeutic practices and importance of aromatic healing while exploring the world of soy candle making and room spray creation. By the end of the class, you’ll proudly take home your handmade aromatic treasures, ready to infuse your living spaces with calming and uplifting fragrances. All supplies provided. Age 15+ Grab a friend or teen and sign up!
BIER FEST is back at Busch Gardens – Friday – Sundays from August 18 – Sept 4 (Labor Day)
Toast to the end of summer at Bier Fest with over 120 craft brews representing 78 breweries throughout the event, with 33 local Virginia breweries. Sip on summer brews and specialty cocktails, paired with savory snacks like loaded pretzel bites, or the iconic Bier Fest giant pretzel. Enjoy new entertainment each weekend with a rotating lineup of local bands. Need a discounted ticket? Check our Busch Gardens’ Discount page!
Community Back to School Event – FREE!
August 19, 2023 from 10 am – 1 pm Lafayette High School at 4460 Longhill Road, Williamsburg
It’s that time again. Back to school event food, fun, supplies August 19, 2023 from 10am-1pm at Lafayette High School. This event is hosted by Real People Educating Others and The 757 Giveback Committee. Spread the word to everyone it’s going to be epic. They will have Gaming Truck, Face Painting, ID-A-Kid, Monster Truck, Bounce House, Free Haircuts, and many more….Don’t miss the action. More info
Weekly August Events:
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Duke of Gloucester St Williamsburg
Saturday Mornings from 8 am to noon
This is a beautiful market to visit for locals and tourists. Check out your favorite vendors and some new ones too. Bring your family (including your dog – it is pet friendly). Grab a coffee and a fresh baked treat and shop for fresh produce, meats, plants, baked goods, mushrooms, soaps and more! Enjoy the live music as you stroll and take the kids to the POP (Power of Produce) Club (learn more)
Yorktown Market Days – Historic Yorktown 300 Water Street
Saturday mornings from 8 am to noon – This market has it all – produce, meat, delicious desserts, live music, artisan booths, soap, plants…something for everyone! Bring the kids because there is a lovely sandy beach to dip a toe in after, there are also great restaurants to pop in for lunch. It is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Learn more
August Events For the Following Venues:
August Programming at the Hennage Auditorium and Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg.
These programs are usually about 45 minutes and have a range of topics. Programs are in the auditorium or in the Art Museum. Your admission ticket, Good Neighbor Pass or Membership will get you in the door. If there is a separate fee it sill be on CW’s event. Here is the August schedule.
York River State Park August Programs
As Far as the Stars Night Hike, Canoeing with the Stars, Fossil Hike, River Seine to Sunset Paddle there is something for every age at York River State Park. This park has great events below, dock for canoes and kayaks, fishing, horse trails, hiking trails and some challenging mountain bike trails too! See their August Schedule HERE
Chippokes State Park – August Schedule
Just a hop skip and a free ferry ride from Williamsburg you will find the best place to find fossils and sharks teeth – Chippokes State Park. But they also have amazing programs. Visit here to see their schedule!
Get outside and Go Fishing with the Kids!
We have a lot of parks with waterfronts that allow and encourage fishing in the Williamsburg, James City County and York County area. Here is a post letting you know which parks offer fishing, boating and event kayak, canoe and boat rental. Read our post on Where to Go Fishing in Williamsburg
One Day Schedule for Colonial Williamsburg with Kids
If you just don’t know where to start here is a GREAT post on how to spend one day at CW – it is broken down hourly and even tells you how long it takes to walk to the next place. Grab your Good Neighbor Pass so your entry is free and you get shopping and food discounts too. If you have friends and family in town you can purchase their tickets at a discount with your GNP too! Click button below to see this One Day in CW itinerary!
Your Good Neighbor Pass offers discounts on food and beverage and shopping in Colonial Williamsburg stores and resort eateries. If you are a local resident or you teach or work in the area (see post for details) you may qualify for the Good Neighbors pass which gives you unlimited entrance to Colonial Williamsburg museums, historic trade house and discounts on tickets you purchase for friends and family. Here are all the benefits of this pass!
August Deals & Discounts!
Passholders! Call your friends and tell them it’s time for a visit to Colonial Williamsburg. You can get them a ticket for 50% off!!
Offer Valid August 1-31, 2023 – Passholders (current Adult Annual Pass, Good Neighbor Pass, Collegiate Pass, or Museum Membership) share your love of time travel! With your current Adult Annual Pass, Good Neighbor Pass, Collegiate Pass, or Museum Membership you can receive 50% off Single-day admission tickets for family and friends. Purchase your Bring a Friend tickets at any onsite ticketing location.
Free Admission for Locals* to the Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum in Yorktown
To show appreciation for their neighbors and to honor their commitment to the area, local residents receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with proof of residency. Who is eligible?* visit here for zip codes and details!
Busch Gardens & Water Country USA Discount Tickets!
It you are planning on going one day or multiple days – we have the discounts on tickets for you! Check out our Busch Gardens & Water Country USA Ticket Discounts