Best things to do in Williamsburg and surrounding towns in April 2023
Our Daily Calendar will give you the run down on what is happening everyday of the week but if you want a list of top events you don’t want to miss in April in Williamsburg, Yorktown, James City County and surrounding cities – this is your list! Come back throughout the month because we are always adding to it!
CW Lights a Palace Garden Glow Event returns March 31 – April 22, 2023 from 8 pm – 10:00 pm
If you haven’t walked the glowing palace gardens don’t miss it this year. This event was created during the 2020 pandemic year when outside events expanded. Luckily this event has returned annually. This year the event will be March 31 – April 22, 2023 in timed entrances from 8 pm – 10:30 pm. If you want to read our review of the event and see pictures visit here, but if you are ready to get your tickets, here link for tickets.
Scares That Care presents AuthorCon II – Friday, Mar 31 – Sunday, April 2, 2023
AuthorCon II (a Scares That Care charity event) is coming to Williamsburg! Enjoy a fantastic weekend with authors and vendors. Special on-site events including workshops, silent auctions, Q&A panels, Readings, and more! Purchase individual or weekend tickets. All funds raised are for Scares That Care, a nonprofit organization that raises money for three recipients each year: a burn victim, a breast cancer fighter, and a child with cancer. More Info
Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Williamsburg Players – March 31, April 1 & April 2, 2023 (Last weekend)
Hey you hep cats and cool kittens! Head over to Rosie’s Jazz Club in 1923 Harlem (you may know it as The James-York Playhouse at 200 Hubbard Lane) to catch the Williamsburg Players performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’! Come enjoy a jazz tribute to the one and only Fats Waller – This is the last weekend, check out dates and times HERE
Trader Joe’s Kids Tours – FREE (but you have to register)
Sign up the kids for Trader Joe’s Kids Tours! They are free and they are back right in time for Spring Break!!! Find foods to match the rainbow, kid will love the behind the scenes tour, and shop around the world! All tours start at either 9:30 am or 11 am! Tours are on the following dates at the Williamsburg Trader Joe’s:
April 3rd, 2023 at 11 am
April 5th, 2023 at 9:30 am
April 6th, 2023 at 11 am
Registration is required and they do fill up so call TJ’s Williamsburg to sign up at 757-259-2135
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Saturdays April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2023 from 8 am – 12 pm
This market boasts produce, meat, seafood, plants, soaps, specialty condiments, baked goods and so much more. Bring the family, bring the dog…or just bring yourself. Grab a coffee and wander DoG St. (Duke of Gloucester St.) and the adjacent parking lot where you will be met with smiling facing and market treats! See this week’s vendors and live music here.
Taste Studio: Easter Bake Sale at Colonial Williamsburg!
Take the stress out of Easter baking and get your baked goodies at the Colonial Williamsburg’s Taste Studio Bake Sale! Colonial Williamsburg is offering an Easter Bake Sale April 6th – April 8th at Taste Studio. Located next to the Williamsburg Inn and across from the Williamsburg Lodge.
Plan to attend one of our select dates over Easter Weekend, between 12 PM -4 PM. We love these events the pies and cakes are delicious and the baked goods are gone as soon as we set them out.
Hand-crafted baked goods perfect for sharing and gift-giving. See Menu Here:
Go Green Market at Yorktown Market Days – Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 8 am to 12 pm
This market launches the 2023 weekly Yorktown Market Days Saturday Markets! Be sure to bring your reusable bags for shopping. There will also be a limited supply of free giveaways on site that day. Look for special exhibitors and educational children’s crafts, activities, and games. Shop for seasonal produce; fresh baked goods; meats; fresh-cut flowers; handmade soaps and candles; honey; gourmet dog treats; and a beautiful display of work from local artists and artisans. More Info
2nd Sunday Arts & Music Festival – April 9, 2023
Head down to downtown Williamsburg (Prince George and Boundary Street to start) and then get ready to stroll, shop and listen to music – and maybe grab some food! This festival has something for everyone – you won’t be disappointed! Learn more here.
Williamsburg Artists Group to Hold Sale at Bruton Parish House on April 14 & 15, 2023
The Williamsburg Artists Group will hold its spring sale at Bruton Parish House in Colonial Williamsburg on April 14 & 15 will feature the work of 20 local artists. Event is free to attend and open to the public.
Dates: Friday, April 14, from 4-8 p.m.; and Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Bruton Parish House is located at 331 Duke of Gloucester St.
Learn more about this event here.
Sister Cities French Market at Yorktown Market Days – Saturday April 15, 2023 from 8 am to 3 pm
Enjoy French music, wine, and featured traditional market products such as fresh-baked bread and pastries, chocolates, macarons, crepes, and authentic beignets (just to name a few!)
Also shop for seasonal produce; fresh baked goods; meats; fresh-cut flowers; handmade soaps and candles; honey; gourmet dog treats; and a beautiful display of work from local artists and artisans. More Info
York County History Day & Watermen’s Museum Chili Cook Off is on April 15, 2023
celebration of York County History on Saturday April 15. The Townwide event will highlight American Revolution Living History, crafts and entertainment at York Hall, Civil War living history, music and exhibits at the Watermen’s Museum, local Organizations at the Community Partner Stage at Riverwalk landing, as well as the Sister Cities French Market from 8-3.
It is also the Annual Watermen’s Museum Chili Cookoff from 12 – 3, See the full schedule of live music and events here.
Summer Camp Fair 2023 – JCC Parks & Recreation -Saturday, April 16, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Make sure to attend the 10th Annual Summer Camp Fair! (FREE) at the JCC Recreation Center – Sunday, April 16 from 11 am to 3 pm. What do you do there?
Plan you kid’s summer in 30 min or less!Meet with camp and program staff and ask your questions.Register your kids for camps, sports, arts and other summer programs.Be one of the first 200 families and get a great SWAG BAG!Camps for kids from Pre-K to 18 years old! Yes camps for teens too!
Mark your calendars and don’t forget the kids – there will be live animals from HHS, The Furry Ear, and Busch Gardens Summer Camps!! And don’t worry if the kids need food – Cool Concession food truck will be there too!! Learn more and See the list of attending camps: 
https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/williamsburg-summer…/
Spring Sidewalk Sale in Merchants Square – April 21 – 23, 2023
Don’t miss the opportunity to find unique gifts, accessories and fashion for everyone in the family at this year’s Spring Sidewalk Sale, April 23 – 25, 2023. Also enjoy outdoor dining and a mouth-watering selection of savory foods you won’t find anywhere else.
This weekend support your favorite merchants during their Fall Sidewalk Sale! With offers ranging from 25% -75% off select merchandise, you’ll find unique gifts, accessories & fashions for everyone in the family. More info
Relay for Life’s Annual Tartans and Tie Dyes at the Watermen’s Museum – Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11 am to 9 pm
Put on your fanciest tartans and tie dye and join Team Shenanigans and Watermen’s Museum in a celebratory mosaic of music to raise awareness and funds for The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life on Saturday April 22 , 11- 9pm. Learn more
Pirates Invade Yorktown Saturday April 29 & 30, 2023
Ye are invited to travel back to the Golden Age of Piracy as Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen’s Museum are invaded by seafaring marauders.
We know all those mini-marauders are bound to work up an appetite as they explore the nearby festival and hunt down treasures on their maps. Take advantage of the Historic Yorktown restaurants as well as food vendors and food trucks that will be serving up lunch, snacks, and cold drinks
Beware of pillagers as pirates invade Yorktown Market Days (Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm)! At this special extended farmers market you can shop for fresh produce and choose from a variety of fresh breads and pastries. See the list of all the events on this Pirate Weekend Read more here
Ongoing Events all April
Art Museum at Colonial Museum – Hennage Auditorium Live Theater events!
Hennage Auditorium is inside the Art Museum of Colonial Museum has live theater daily! The live theater performances are part of your Art Museum admission – or you can use your Good Neighbor Pass or Annual Pass. See the daily schedule here – the shows are amazing!
Baby Lambs at Colonial Williamsburg
It is so simple and yet one of the most fun things to do – especially with little kids. You can learn about all the animals in Colonial Williamsburg’s rare breeds program but in April it is all about the lambs. We have a Pasture Map and list of places to find them on our article: where to find the lambs
Busch Gardens Kids Weekends Sesame Street Forest of Fun™ every Friday – Sunday, March 31 – April 22, 2023
Join your Sesame Street Friends for a fun-filled celebration! Discover a new theme each week with dance parties, games, crafts, Storytime, and other exciting activities. Take your first coaster ride on Grover’s Alpine Express. Try the scavenger hunts, sing along to Let’s Play Together, snap a family photo, and more! If you have 5 and unders you have until May 31st to get the 2 Park Preschool pass for unlimited entrance all spring and summer to Busch Gardens & Water Country USA. Visit HERE to see each weekend theme for Kid’s Weekends!
Easter Egg Hunts & Spring Break Fun 2023
If you are staycationing or visiting Williamsburg this is a post with Easter events like Egg Hunts and fun events that kids and families will enjoy during Spring Break! See the big list here
