Drummer’s Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg May 29 – 31, 2026 – Free Event is Open to the Public to Enjoy

Drummers Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg May 29 – 31, 2026 – Free Event is Open to the Public to Enjoy

Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums, along with fife and drum units from across the United States, will celebrate the tradition of military music during Drummers Call Weekend. A mainstay of the Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums program for almost 20 years, Drummers Call highlights the nation’s military and musical heritage by bringing together groups performing various periods of music including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique musical genre up close and in person and to celebrate the musicians who keep the tradition alive today. All Drummers Call events are free and open to the public. But if you are a local it is a great time to get your Good Neighbor Pass so you can get discounts on shopping and dining while at this event! Not to mention you can always pop into the museum or a trade house for free with your GNP!

Here is the Schedule of Events for May 29 – 31, 2026:

1. Fife & Drum March – Friday May 29th from 4:45 – 5:05 pm

Lose yourself in the Spirit of ’76! Hear the stirring sounds of Revolutionary War field music, courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. Join the corps as they march down Duke of Gloucester Street. More info

2. Successful Campaign – Friday, May 29th from 7:30 – 9 pm

Experience a rousing concert of 18th-century military field music, presented by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps and a special guest. Don’t miss this evening of patriotic entertainment held at the Charlton Stage. This event is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s Drummers Call weekend…More information

3. Grand March and Review – Saturday, May 30 – 12:30 – 3 pm

On the battlefield, the shriek of fifes and the thunder of drums could be heard up to a mile away. Experience the majesty of 18th-century military music up close as the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums lead visiting corps from around the country in a Grand March from the Capitol down Duke of Gloucester Street to Market Square. This event is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s Drummer’s Call weekend… More information

4. Williamsburg Military Tattoo – Saturday, May 30th from 8:30 – 9:30 pm

Drummers Call concludes a thrilling torch-lit march down Duke of Gloucester Street, as Colonial Williamsburg’s Fife and Drum Corps is joined by guest units from across the nation! Originally a signal for soldiers to return to barracks before curfew, tattoos evolved into elaborate displays of military music and displays. The Williamsburg Military Tattoo is a highlight of Drummers Call weekend, offering the rare opportunity to see multiple corps showcase their skills. More info

5. Special Program: Rising Stars

Experience the evolution of fife and drum music as presented by the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band. During this presentation, learn how the band came together and the history behind this rich folk tradition. The musicians in Rising Stars grew up together in the same small county in Mississippi, Tate County, and bonded over their shared passions for sound, rhythm and beats. Each member brings a unique musical aesthetic to the band, and over the years, they have grown comfortable jumping genres and mashing up influences. This event takes place at Hennage Auditorium in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg at requires CW Admission. More information

More about the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums – Founded in 1958, the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums perform in the Historic Area in daily programs from mid-February through December and during special programs observing major holidays. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums are comprised of youth from the local community aged 10–18. Enrollment for the fall 2026 recruit class is now open to rising 5th graders in the school year 2026-2027 in James City and York Counties, as well as the City of Williamsburg. 

History of Fifes and Drums -During the American Revolution, one fifer and one drummer were deployed as a regular component of a company of 75 officers and men. Two boys, generally aged between 10 and 18, marched along with each company. Military field music acted as a melodic communication system that ordered the soldiers’ day and sent vital communications through the chaos of battle. A single fifer and drummer could be heard from nearly a mile off. For more information on the history of fifes and drum corps, visit https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/fifes-and-drums.