Pirate Invasion comes to Yorktown - April 24 & 25, 2021

Golden Age of Piracy as Riverwalk Landing and the Watermen’s Museum

Saturday, April 24, 2021 & Sunday, April 25, 2021

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 on April 24 & 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations and fun for lads and lasses of all ages. Explore a pirate encampment, sing along to sea shanties, take part in a town-wide treasure hunt, and witness exciting cannon demonstrations.

Sail Ho!
Tall Ships Spotted at Riverwalk Landing

Guests can test their Sea Legs when they sail the waters of the York River with Captain Mayhem on his Pirate Adventure Cruise! The Captain is always looking for pint-sized recruits to help raise the sails, tie knots, and steer the ship. No worries. He hasn’t forced anyone to walk the plank… yet. While the Pirate event itself is free, all sails aboard the Schooner Alliance require paid tickets. The number to call for reservations is 1-888-316-6422. Kid-friendly pirate cruises run both Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 1:30 p.m. with more adult-focused sails at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

The visiting Schooner Virginia will also be docked at the pier all weekend. The tall ship will make its voyage from Norfolk to Yorktown for the public to step aboard and learn the history of the magnificent vessel. Due to COVID-19, tours will be allowed with limited capacity. The Virginia is a reproduction of the last all sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association. The original ship sailed for pilots from 1917-1926, training apprentices in seamanship and navigation. The ship will be open for free deck tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“X” Marks the Spot
Treasure Hunt for Landlubbers

Children will have the opportunity to collect coins, jewels, eye patches, and other booty at various businesses and attractions in a town-wide Treasure Hunt. Be sure to download the treasure map at www.visityorktown.org and at Visit Yorktown on Facebook to see why “x” marks the spot at local businesses. Participating businesses include Watermen’s Museum Gift Shop, Patriot Tours & Provisions, Yorktown Bookshop, Auntie M’s American Cottage, Gangsta Dog, Gallery at York Hall, On the Hill Gallery, and Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters. Kids can keep their treasures as souvenirs of the event.

Arrr Ye Hungry?
Grub for Starving Sailors& Scallywags

All Historic Yorktown restaurants will be open, and in the spirit of the event, Yorktown Market Days will run until 3 p.m. with several food truck options including Coastal Thirst and Boyd’s Tasty Dogs. Water Street Grille will set up outside the restaurant with kid-friendly takeout items and will also accept walk-in parties (reservations not accepted). Carrot Tree will have several grab-and-go picnic options, perfect for guests to eat lunch along the Riverwalk or down at the Beach Picnic Area. The Yorktown Pub and Larry’s will be serving lunch, so families can grab something to eat before or after hitting up all the fun. And up the hill on Main Street—Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters & Petite Cafe has sandwiches, salads, dips, and desserts.

Weigh Anchor and Hoist the Mizzen!
Best Ways to Navigate the Event

Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration Building, and other designated public lots. The complimentary, wheelchair accessible Yorktown Trolley will also be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yo-Ho-Ho
Also Happening Around Town

Pirate Invasion Farmers Market: On Saturday morning, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., take advantage of Yorktown’s waterfront farmers market. Enjoy live music; food trucks; and a variety of vendors and artists!

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Learn more about our nation’s story through exciting indoor galleries with period artifacts and immersive environments and films. Don’t miss “The Siege of Yorktown” shown on a 180-degree surround screen complete with dramatic special effects like smoke and vibrations from the cannon and musket fire!

In the outdoor areas, you’ll find a re-created Continental Army encampment to learn about the life of a soldier and to take in daily demonstrations of medical treatment; camp life and cooking; and flintlock musket firings. Explore a Revolution-era farm, based on a real-life 18th-century family, where you can help with chores related to the house, kitchen, tobacco barn, gardens, and crops. The museum has adapted operations with safety protocols for everyone’s enjoyment. Museum admission is free to James City County, York County, and the city of Williamsburg neighbors with proof of residence.

Yorktown Scenic & Sunset Sails: The Schooner Alliance will sail into the sunset at 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Spend a romantic evening scanning the horizon for dolphins, osprey, and other wildlife. An earlier sightseeing sail will also take place at 4 p.m. Tickets are required. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board.