Memorial Day Weekend Events for 2025 in Williamsburg, VA
Memorial Day Weekend 2025 – Check out Things to Do below!
Remember those who served, there are several local commemoration ceremonies. Beat the heat at Water Country and local pools. Enjoy Busch Gardens, the Food & Wine Festival will remain open on Memorial Day. Local and regional museums have special Memorial Day events like Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. Lots of family fun activities to celebrate the holiday! Here are some of our things to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Williamsburg and surrounding areas! There are tons of posts of events as well so be sure to check our Calendar!
1. Memorial Day Weekend FREE Admission to Colonial Williamsburg For Military*
On Armed Forces Day, Colonial Williamsburg honors the men and women who serve in our nation’s military. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26), all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents can enjoy:
- Access to the quiet & comfortable Liberty Lounge
- Free admission to historic trades and sites
- Free admission to their two world-class art museums Complimentary shuttle service
Special Conditions visit here
2. Memorial Day Commemoration
Palace Green, Colonial Williamsburg
Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 a.m.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation honors the men and women of the United States military who sacrificed their lives to defend our nation with a traditional wreath-laying ceremony. Free and open to the public. INFO
3. Grace Church Memorial Day Prayer Service and Ceremony
Grace Church Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 am
A prayer service will be held in Historic (ca 1697) Grace Episcopal Church. Following the service, a brief ceremony will be held in the Cemetery with playing of “Taps.” This special service will begin at 10 a.m. and include readings and music. After it concludes, those in attendance will be invited to the churchyard for the playing of “Taps” and recitation of the names of each of the 114 known veterans buried in the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, and all deceased men and women who have served our country in uniform. INFO
4. York County’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall
Monday, May 26, 2025 at 12 pm
York Hall
Come and remember and honorthose who gave their “last full measure of devotion” in service and sacrifice for our country. The public is invited to attend the County’s Memorial Day ceremony on the lawn of York Hall, located at 301 Main Street in historic Yorktown, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Just prior to the start of the ceremony, the Fifes and Drums of York Town will march to York Hall (approx. 11:45 a.m.).
Keynote speaker is Dr. Edward Boston of New Bethel Baptist Church, Yorktown. Dr. Boston attended medical school with a full scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Navy. He served activity duty until October 1998, retiring as a Captain with more than twenty-five years of services.
Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 824, will serve as the Color Guard. Wreath laying will be conducted by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 13, the Comte de Grasse Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Moore House Society – Children of the American Revolution.
Military service flags will be presented by the York High School NJROTC, with the National Anthem sung by SMSgt USAF Terry Taylor. The ceremony includes the playing of “Taps.” More Info
5. Annual Memorial Day Celebration
Honor Our Fallen Heroes
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Join us as we gather to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. From members of the armed forces to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and first responders—these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and communities.
A Morning of Tribute and Remembrance
Experience a heartfelt ceremony featuring:
- Honor guard presentation
- Patriotic musical performances
- Ceremonial wreath-laying
- Inspiring guest speakers
This is a FREE community event. Printed programs will be available at the park. Please arrive early for the best seating. More Info
6. Opening of James City County Parks & Recreation Pools – Memorial Day Kick-off!
Chickahominy Riverfront Park (CRP)
Upper County Park (UCP)
Monday, May 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
It’s time to kick off summer! Come out to one of their two outdoor pools (CRP & UCP) and celebrate! FREE ice pops to everyone entering the pool (while supplies last).
7. Memorial Day Patio Celebration
Sweet Tea and Barley
Monday, May 26 from 4 – 8 pm
Family friendly food for the whole family includes: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers with all the fixings, BBQ Beef Ribs, BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings, Grilled Shrimp, Mac n Cheese, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Fruit Salad, and much more! Enjoy a fun family-friendly outdoor dining event featuring live music, lawn games, and cornhole. (Weather Permitting). Reservations required. More Info
8. 20th Anniversary of Riverwalk Landing
Thursday, May 22 – Monday, May 26
York County celebrates the 20th anniversary of Riverwalk Landing. The festivities will include special discounts from the shops and restaurants, a free outdoor concert with BrassWind, lawn games, a magician, raffles, and a roving musician. Many of the businesses will have extended hours, and Riverwalk Restaurant and Water Street Grill will host a concert with Trevor Daniel & the REEF on Friday, May 23, and a Customer Appreciation Party on Monday, May 26. Join this very special birthday party to commemorate twenty years of making memories at Riverwalk Landing!
9. 50 Anniversary Celebration, Opening of Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge and Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens!
It’s a very busy weekend at Busch Gardens. Their fan favorite Big Bad Wolf returns as a great “first” coaster for visitors called Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge. We rode it and loved it – it is the smoothest rollercoaster we have ever been on – theme is great – speeds of up to 40 mph! This is also their 50th Anniversary so expect lots of special commemorative items and themeing! There is also a great free concert on Saturday night Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute at 7 pm (included with your admission) Water Country USA is also open this weekend – make sure to check out High Tide Harbor that opens Saturday May 23 at 1:30pm – High Tide Harbor is the all-new multi-level water play structure, designed for families to explore together. This exciting area features over 100 interactive water elements, including cannons, sprayers, and tipping fountains, ensuring endless fun for kids of all ages. With vibrant and dynamic water activities, High Tide Harbor promises to be the ultimate family-friendly destination for staying cool. More Info & Tickets
Go to the Daily Events Calendar to find all the great things going on throughout the week and weekend!
