Best Things to Do in August 2025 in Williamsburg, Yorktown and Surrounding Areas!
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 the best things to do in August in Williamsburg, Yorktown and surrounding areas!
Merchants Square Summer Concert Series
On August 1 from 6 pm to 8 pm come out to hear live music from Cristina Vane. Cristina’s music is as diverse as her background. Raised in Italy, England, and France, and now based in the U.S., she blends blues, folk, country, and rock into a unique sound. Her latest album, Hear My Call, showcases her intricate guitar work, haunting vocals, and evocative storytelling. If you love the raw emotion of early blues mixed with modern energy, don’t miss this show. Learn more about this series!
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days is open Saturdays from 8 to noon on the beautiful York River. This month they are 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 on August 2 & 9 from 8 am to 12 pm in Historic Yorktown.
AquaGlow at Water Country USA
Saturdays, August 2 & 9 from 8 – 11 pm. Dive into the ultimate family-friendly after-hours adventure the park transforms into a neon paradise. Experience electrified party zones featuring a live DJ, explore immersive areas in neon lights and glowing décor, enjoy live entertainment and a bubble party for all ages. Finally, this after hours event offers low wait times on favorite attractions. Don’t miss this electrifying summer celebration! More info HERE
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. Below is the August schedule:
- August 3 – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13)
- August 10 – Snow White (PG)
- August 17 – Wicked (Sing-Along) (PG)
- August 24 – Hook (PG)
- August 31 – TBD
The Butterfly Haven is going on at the Virginia Living Museum, an immersive experience for all ages, where native butterflies flutter around you. Marvel at their delicate beauty, observe the life cycle up close, from tiny eggs to fluttering adults, and discover the essential role native plants play in their survival. With 150 adult butterflies and 40 chrysalises at launch, no two visits will be the same! Museum is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm…Ticket information.
Fee Free Day at National Parks
On six days in 2025, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Come experience the national parks for FREE on August 4 from 9 am – 5 pm for Great American Outdoors Act!
Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status.
The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Fee-free days make parks accessible to more people. However, national parks are always economical, with entrance fees that range from $3 to $30. In addition, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park program, and active duty military and citizens with a permanent disability can also get free passes. For more information about the variety of discounted passes available, please visit the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass page. More info.
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. Each show runs on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Learn more.
Dates:
August 7 – Slapnation
August 14 – The Deloreans
CDR Superhero Trike Trek and Family Day
Saturday, August 9 at 8:30 am at Warhill Sports Complex – The day starts with a fun 1 mile walk then the SuperHero Trike Trek which features tricycle races for young children and adults. There will be hot dogs, ice cream, watermelon, popcorn, a sprinkler station, DJ and more. Can you dress up? Yes! It is encouraged! Can kids participate? Yes! Come join a “Super” morning of racing and family fun. Learn more and sign up!
WISC 25th Anniversary Family Festival & Concert
On Saturday, August 9 there are TWO FREE events open to the public to mark this milestone — bring your family and friends!
Family Festival from 9am–12pm at the WISC. Bounce houses, Teeny Tiny Farm, vendors, raffles, Pinewood Derby & more fun for all ages!
Anniversary Concert at 5 pm at Jamestown Beach. WISC will partner with CultureFix, to bring live music from Johnny St. Clair (Williamsburg), First of the Day (Tampa, FL), and Canaan Smith (Williamsburg native)! Enjoy food + beverage trucks while soaking in the sounds and sunset!
Williamsburg Gymnastics Open Gyms
Williamsburg Gymnastics will hold their next summer Preschool Open Gym on Monday, August 11 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Then their School Age Open Gym on Thursday, August 14 from 10 am – 12:00 pm. Open gyms are open to the public. This is the perfect opportunity to practice skills on the balance beams, bars, or vault, or play around on the trampolines, foam pits, or floor spaces. Only $10 per child for preschool open gym and $15 for school age. Advanced registration guarantees a spot. Walk ins welcome, but admission is based on capacity. More info.
First Africans Commemoration at Jamestown Settlement
On Saturday, August 16 from 10 am – 4 pm at Jamestown Settlement Honor the legacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 with reflections of history and modern perspectives through an African American lens. Programs will explore the history of the Africans who brought their culture, knowledge and traditions to create a new African American culture and how that legacy, after more than 400 years, is expressed today.
This special event is included with museum admission. Residents of JCC, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
Parents Night Out at Baeplex
On Saturday, August 9 from 5 pm-9 pm the BAEPLEX Parent Night Out summer series continues with… STACK, BUILD & PARTY. Games, building challenges, and nonstop fun waiting at Baeplex! More info and registration.
2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival
The next 2nd Sundays Williamsburg – Art & Music Festival is Sunday, August 10 from 11 am – 4 pm. Guests can stroll the streets of Downtown Williamsburg and take in unique handcrafts from more than 190+ artisans, live music, performing arts and food trucks in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. Wide range of handcrafts and continuous live music & performances. There’s something to be enjoyed by all! ADMISSION IS FREE. Great way to spend the Sunday in the Burg! For a list of vendors click HERE.
Royal Artillery Firing
Royal Artillery firing cannon on Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park. Come watch a series of cannon demonstrations behind the Colonial National Historical Park Visitor Center. More info
Dates & Times:
August 10(Lamb’s Artillery) – 12:45 pm | 1:45 pm | and 2:45 pm
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.
Labor Day Weekend Patio Celebration at Sweet Tea & Barley
Saturday, August 30 from 5pm– 9pm Celebrate the end of summer with an evening of live music, lawn games, and delicious backyard-inspired summertime favorites. Reservations required.
August Events For the Following Venues:
Regional Library Events (James City County, Williamsburg Regional & Stryker Center)
James City County Library, Williamsburg Regional Library, and the Stryker Center are all offering a host of different workshops and events this August, ranging from various crafts to movie screenings to storytimes. Some unique events are the Teen Ice Cream Making, Watch & Play Movie, and Bubbles & Foam Party. Check out our post on the specifics here!
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!
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
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