The Virginia Symphony Orchestra FREE Concert

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra FREE Concerts 2025

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will continue the family-friendly summer tradition of offering free outdoor concerts. The VSO will perform under Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor in Yorktown at Riverwalk Landing on Saturday, August 30 and in Williamsburg at Lake Matoaka Amphitheater on Friday, September 5.

Join us for this FREE family-friendly concert at the Yorktown Riverwalk at 7:30 pm

Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown – Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm

The Historic Yorktown waterfront will come alive with the sound of music on Saturday, Aug. 30, when the Virginia Symphony Orchestra takes the stage.

The 27th annual outdoor concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin. This year’s theme, Stars & Stripes & Symphonies, invites audience members to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Concertgoers will hear the sounds of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, a piece that became a symbol of Allied victory, as well as patriotic favorites.

The free concert is presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation with generous support from York County, the York County Arts Commission, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the local community. The volunteer-run Celebrate Yorktown Committee works year-round to raise the money needed to cover the cost of this special evening.

Because the annual Virginia Symphony Orchestra performance draws a large crowd, attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

This year’s performance theme is “Stars & Stripes & Symphonies,” inviting audience members to explore the enchanting connection between music and storytelling. The concert honors the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Experience the powerful sounds of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony—a piece that became a symbol of Allied victory—alongside stirring works that celebrate resilience, unity, and freedom, including Sibelius’ Finlandia and Richard Rodgers’ Victory at Sea. The program also features patriotic favorites by composers like John Williams, William Grant Still, and more in this fun and moving tribute to the American spirit.

PROGRAM:

John Stafford Smith Star-Spangled Banner
Leonard Bernstein Overture to Candide
Jean Sibelius Finlandia, op. 26
Ludwig van Beethoven First Movement of Symphony No.5 in C minor, op.67
Leroy Anderson “The Last Rose of Summer” from Irish Suite
Antonín Dvorák Fourth Movement from Symphony No.9, op.95, E minor (From the New World)
William Grant Still Fanfare for the 99th Fighter Squadron
Joe Garland / Holcombe In The Mood
Richard Rodgers / Bennett Victory at Sea
John Williams Hymn to the Fallen from Saving Private Ryan
Traditional / Lowden Armed Forces Salute
Samuel Ward / Dragon America The Beautiful

*Program subject to change.

Because this performance draws such a large crowd, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and keep in mind the following important traffic reminders:

Parking is available in the two-level parking terrace on Water Street, with handicapped parking located on the lower level.
Additional parking can be found at York Hall, the County Administration Building, York County Courts & Office Complex, and other designated lots throughout town. For this evening only, guests may also park at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown beginning at 5 p.m.
To ease the flow of traffic, no loading of any equipment, chairs, coolers, etc., into vehicles will be permitted during or at the conclusion of the concert at the corners of Water and Ballard Streets and Water and Buckner Streets.
The Yorktown Trolley will not be available during and after the concert. Trolley service ends at 5:30 p.m.

Lake Matoaka Amphitheater – Friday Sept 5 at 7:30 pm

Enjoy a FREE outdoor symphony experience under Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor in this intimate venue under the stars overlooking Lake Matoka.

V for Victory! Hear Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which helped lead the Allied Forces to victory, and celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at this FREE family-friendly concert. Hear spirited works of resilience, unity, and freedom, such as Sibelius’s Finlandia and Richard Rodger’s Victory at Sea. Enjoy patriotic tunes from John Williams, William Grant Still and more at this fun and heartfelt tribute to the American Spirit!

The gates will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. concert. Wristbands will be required for guests to enter due to venue capacity limitations.

Wristbands will be distributed by the venue ticket office beginning at 6:00 p.m. If wristbands run out, the concert will be sold out. Entry into the venue prior to the gates opening at 6:30 p.m. will not be permitted.

PROGRAM:

*Program subject to change.

Beach chairs and blankets are welcome, but nothing that would block the view of other guests. All guests will be required to adhere to any restrictions in place on the day of the performance.

Guests are welcome to bring personal coolers and picnic baskets; however, neither external alcoholic beverages nor glass containers are permitted inside the venue. All bags and coolers will be inspected prior to entry. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase inside the venue. All guests will be required to adhere to any restrictions in place on the day of the performance.

Only certified therapy animals are allowed. Sponsored by: University Events & the W&M Student Assembly

Drivers are encouraged to park in the garage located at 201 Ukrop Way, arriving after 5 pm to allow exiting day traffic to clear the lots. Handicap spaces will be available in the School of Business parking lot, and golf carts will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. for those with mobility issues.

Author

Kristy

Multifaceted role combines marketing, sales, event planning, communications and digital management to support the mission and growth of Williamsburg Families, The Burg Weekender, The Burg Weekly and Localourist. View all posts SEO