Best Things to Do in February 2026 in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads area
Best Things to Do in February in and around Williamsburg 2026
You know what is great about February? There are always lots of interesting events because it is Black History Month, as well as Valentines Day and Presidents Day (long weekend)!
So, if you are looking for free fun, or not too expensive things to do this February in the Williamsburg, James City County, Yorktown area (and a little further down the Peninsula) below is the list for you!
2026 Black Artist Showcase
The 2026 Black Artist Showcase at Jamestown Settlement is connecting the past and present through vivid intersections of contemporary art and 17th-century history. The showcase will be open daily on February 1 – March 29 from 8 am-5 pm.
Busch Gardens’ Mardi Gras
Busch Gardens is open and celebrating Mardi Gras every Friday through Sunday, (plus Presidents’ Day) through March 8. Enjoy jazzy live music, forty classic Cajun flavors, and returning favorite Carnaval Imaginique, an electrifying cirque show. Don’t miss this festive event at Busch Gardens!
Parents’ Night out – For the Love of Chocolate
Friday, Feb 6, 2026
6 – 8 pm
Paint on Pottery
Sign the kids up for a fun night out of chocolate, creativity, and dinner on Friday, February 6 at 6 pm. Kids will learn about chocolate, make their own chocolate bark, and paint a personalized heart dish. Pizza, snack and drink included. Sign up.
Don’t miss these upcoming events:
Friday, February 13: Besties & Beachy Vibes – Galentine’s Day Resin Class
Friday, February 14: Waves of Love – Couples Resin Workshop
Saturday, February 28: Swiftie Paint Night – Glitter, Glaze & Good Vibes
Bacchus Wine and Food Festival
The 22nd Annual Bacchus Wine and Food Festival is one of Hampton Roads’ favorite winter events. Don’t miss this event on Friday, February 6 at 6 pm at the Virginia Living Museum. Enjoy fine wines as you stroll through the galleries, there will also be gourmet bites from local restaurants, live music, and a silent auction. Learn more
Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony – Jamestown Settlement – Saturday, February 7 at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm
Join Feather Chen, master of Chinese tea arts, for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Sip aged Pu’er tea and discover the rituals behind every pour. Tickets are $40, there are two sessions limited to 12 guests!
More Info
Tragedy and Romance: Tasting the Ming Dynasty – Jamestown Settlement – Saturday, February 7 at 4 pm
Feather Chen’s, master of the Chinese tea arts, expertise includes tea etiquette, brewing techniques and cultural insights. This illustrated talk explores the spirit of the Ming dynasty through the lens of tea in daily life. By tracing how tea drinking evolved during this period, the talk reveals how changes in politics, aesthetics and philosophy shaped the way people lived, gathered and found meaning in everyday rituals.
Learn more about this timeless beverage and its connections between cultures. Part of your admission.
More Info
3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Celebration featuring Sweet Ellie Photography at Zoom Room Williamsburg
Join Zoom Room on Saturday, February 7 from 6:15 – 8 pm for photos by Sweet Ellie Photography. There will also be “Chocolate-dipped” churros and kissing booth! Each dog must RSVP individually to this event. $25 per dog, up to 2 humans can join in the photos this year! RSVP at Zoom Room Williamsburg (click on “Schedule” at the top of the page) or call 757-808-5657.
Kronos String Quartet
On Sunday, February 8 at 7:30 pm in the Concert Hall of the Music Arts Center at William & Mary. For five decades, San Francisco’s Kronos String Quartet–David Harrington (violin), Gabriela Díaz (violin), Ayane Kozasa (viola), and Paul Wiancko (cello)–has been redefining what a string quartet can be. Kronos has continually expanded its boundaries, turning the string quartet into a living, evolving art form that speaks to the people and issues of today. Tickets
Revving up to the weekend – Join us on Thursday evenings, February 12, 19 & 26, 2026, at Jamestown Settlement for an opportunity to listen to live music, socialize, enjoy a drink at the cash bar and see the art on exhibit during our annual Black Artist Showcase. Enjoy unique performances in a variety of musical styles by celebrated artists Sammy Lee, Roberta Lea and Akeylah Simone.
Tickets are $15 for adults (13+) and $10 for students with valid ID. More Info
Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at the Williamsburg Inn
February 12 – 14 at 2 pm, enjoy a delightful afternoon with your Valentine and friends while indulging in the fine afternoon tea at the Williamsburg Inn with a love-filled Valentine’s Day theme. Expect handmade scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, and more with a signature tea from the Chef Collaboration with the Spice and Tea Exchange. More info
Fun Valentine’s Weekend – Events at Paint on Pottery!
Besties & Beachy Vibes – Galentine’s Day Resin Class
Friday, February 13 at 6 pm
Grab your bestie and celebrate Galentine’s Day with a fun, creative night out! You’ll design a sea shell jewelry dish filled with shimmering ocean-inspired resin—perfect for holding rings and little treasures. More Info
Waves of Love – Couples Resin Workshop
Saturday, February 14 at 6 pm
Skip the crowded restaurants and enjoy a romantic, hands-on date night where you’ll create something beautiful together. Each couple will design a resin ocean heart wood board, pouring shimmering waves of resin to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake More Info
Irina Kulikova – Concert Hall William & Mary – Friday, February 13 at 7:30 pm
Prepare to be transported by the exquisite artistry of Irina Kulikova, one of the world’s most captivating classical guitarists. Hailed for her rich tone, effortless grace, and profound musicality, Kulikova has performed in some of the globe’s most prestigious venues—from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to Carnegie Hall in New York—and is a top prizewinner at over 30 international competitions. With every performance…More Info
Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Williamsburg Inn
Explore a variety of dining options in Colonial Williamsburg for Valentine’s Day, from elegant multi-course dinners to charming themed experiences, perfect for celebrating the day with someone special. Valentine Dining options February 12 – 14…
- Williamsburg Inn Valentine’s Tea – Feb. 12 – 14 | 2 PM – 3:30 PM | Goodwin and Terrace Rooms
- Terrace Room Valentine’s Day Dinner (13th and 14th) Feb. 13-14 | 5 PM – 9 PM | Terrace Room
- Valentine’s Whiskey and Chocolate Experience Feb. 13-14 | 6 – 8 pm | Traditions at Colonial Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Inn Valentine’s Day Brunch
Feb. 14 | 11 AM – 2 PM | Goodwin and Terrace Room - Campbell’s Tavern Valentine’s Day Dinner
Feb. 14 | 5 PM – 9 PM | Campbell’s Tavern
Valentine’s Day Market – Saturday, February 14 – Winter Markets in Yorktown
Valentine’s Day Market – February 14
📅Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
🕝10 AM – 2 PM
📍Riverwalk Landing
Love is in the (chilly) air! Cozy up with your sweetheart—or treat yourself—at Yorktown Market Days’ Valentine’s Day Winter Market. Shop locally grown, crafted, and curated goods, including fresh flowers, decadent desserts, handmade art, and sweet surprises perfect for Valentine’s Day.
There will be stations where you can create a Valentine’s Day surprise at the kids’ craft station, decorate the LOVE letters, snap a photo with your pup at the Canine Kissing Booth, and enter the “Guess the Number of Candy Hearts” competition for a chance to win a vendor prize. For more information, see here.
Ice Skating in Colonial Williamsburg!
How lucky are we in the Williamsburg VA area that with a population of around 101,780 people (Historic Triangle), we have 2 theme parks, 3 world class museums and more just minutes outside the Historic Triangle…and an outdoor ice skating rink where you can ice skate without a coat on most days! You can enjoy the ice rink thru February 28.
If you want to snag a discount make sure you have a Colonial Williamsburg Good Neighbors card (skating discounts are on weekdays ) otherwise ice skating hours and prices are listed here.
Cupid’s Carnaval Cocktail Reception – Globe Theatre Lobby – Busch Gardens Williamsburg Saturday, Feb. 14 at 4:00 pm Don’t have plans yet? Busch Garden’s has got you covered. Join them on Feb. 14 at 4:00 pm for Cupid’s Carnaval Cocktail Reception in Globe Theatre Lobby, featuring two drinks, sweet treats, reserved show seating and a behind-the-scenes look with the cast of our cirque spectacular. Must be 21+ years old and present proper legal ID to purchase and consume alcohol. Spots are limited… Reservations
Personal Belongings Theatre & Performance PBK Studio Theatre Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM
If you had to leave tomorrow, what would you pack? Seemingly on her own, a “Diva” searches for her belongings among piles of suitcases in a baggage claim. What she finds: a tricycle, raincoats, the Mona Lisa, and human bones…. Written in 1975 in Argentina, anticipating the military coup that instate a dictator, this monologue by comedic feminist Diana Razónvich satirizes political detention and exile.
“Personal Belongings”, a bilingual play directed by Dr. Sarah Hart, takes audiences through a whirlwind of tragic, absurd events, as “DIVA” (Amanda Sobrado) loses her sense of place and self – is she coming or going? Come to this one-act to see if she can find her belonging(s). More Info & Tickets
A Culinary Evening with Gowan Pamphlet – King’s Arms Tavern – Saturday, February 21 at 6 – 8 pm
Book your seats for an extraordinary four-course dining experience celebrating the flavors and stories of the past. This is where foodies and history buffs come together for one unforgettable evening of delight…More Info
Yorktown Admirals Night On Saturday, February 21 at 7:05 pm, the Norfolk Admirals will hit the ice as the Yorktown Admirals for a night packed with community pride and excitement at Norfolk Scope Arena. Featuring appearances by The Fifes & Drums of York Town, Tabb Middle School, The York County Department of Fire and Life Safety, York Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, and more! Yorktown residents and their guests can purchase tickets for 20% off the regular price. More info…
Nicole Zuraitis – William & Mary Presents! Music Arts Center Concert Hall – Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM is a 2X GRAMMY winning and 4X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole is a trailblazing artist who is redefining vocal jazz and jazz songwriting, or as she has coined “modern songbook”, earning her a place as one of the top artists and “prolific songwriters” (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond. More Info
The Minutes – February 26-28th at 7:30 pm and March 1st at 2:00pm – Glenn Close Theatre, PBK Memorial Hall W&M Theatre presents: The Minutes, a biting, dark comedy by Tracy Letts that dives into small-town politics and the forces that shape history. Newly appointed Big Cherry city council member Mr. Peel starts to question the town’s leadership after discovering that the minutes from a previous meeting have mysteriously disappeared. What begins as a mundane bureaucratic session devolves into a darkly comic, sometimes unsettling exploration of civic pride, historical revisionism, and small-town politics. The Minutes dares to ask: how far will people go to avoid becoming history’s losers?
More Info & Tickets
Scares that Care: AuthorCon VI
The convention, February 27-March 1 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, draws in thousands of attendees every year who come to meet celebrity guests from the writing world. There will also be vendors, photo ops, film festival, art exhibition and more. Get your three day ticket for only $40! The convention is family friendly, some events require separate tickets (Evening With Psychic and Medium Dakota Lawrence) but will be noted. The mission of Scares that Care each year, is to raise $30,000 to present $10,000 each to THREE families. More info and tickets!
The Early Childhood Music School Presents: Winter Carnival – Friday, February 27, 2026
5:30 – 8 pm
🎉 Mark your calendars for the ECMS Winter Carnival at WUMC! It’s a night packed with fun:
- Games galore 🎮
- A bounce house 🏰
- Face painting 🎨
- Slime bar 🧪
- Video gaming station 🎮
- Instrument petting zoo 🎻
- Silent auction 🛍️
- Food truck treats 🌮
…and so much more!
🎟️ All Access Wristbands will be available for just $10. Family of four $35 and kids 4 and under are free!More Info
Spring Homeschool Days at Colonial Williamsburg
During these special times (February 28 – March 8), homeschoolers and their families can discover history brought to life at a special discounted rate. Come visit the historic sites where Revolutionary ideas were shaped, meet the tradespeople whose craftsmanship supported the War for Independence, and so much more. Visit here
Winter Market – February 28
📅Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
🕝10 AM – 2 PM
📍Riverwalk Landing
It may be cold outside, but the fun is just heating up at Yorktown Market Days’ next Winter Market. For more information, see here.
Colonial Williamsburg First 100 Years Exhibit
Opening February 28, 2026 | This exhibition will be on view in the Henry H. Weldon Gallery.
Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg
🎉 Step Into 100 Years of History—With a Twist! 🎉
Opening February 28, 2026, a brand-new exhibition, Colonial Williamsburg: The First 100 Years, invites families to explore how one bold idea grew into the world’s largest living history museum. The exhibition will be on view in the Henry H. Weldon Gallery and is made possible through the generous support of Don and Elaine Bogus. More info
All the Presidents Homes Trip
Perfect for February’s President’s Day long weekend
This local adventure article was written for us by Brandy Centolanza and she details the local (right in our backyard) and regional former President’s homes. Grab the family, jump in the car and see the Presidential homes, many are a day trip and several are just around the corner. The article gives you tips to know before you go so make sure to read it here.
Jamestown Settlement & American Revolutionary Museum Yorktown – Free Admission for locals*
I had the good fortune of getting to spend a day with 4th graders on their field trip to the American Revolutionary Museum in Yorktown and it made me remember why I love this museum. What an amazing museum we have in our own backyard. Holographic projections telling history to us in the first person. A movie theater in the round that tells the epic story of the last days of the decisive Battle of Yorktown. Your seats shudder when the bombs blast and smokey fog rises from the floor as the guns fire. But this is just on the inside of the museum. Outside museum interpreters are there in a rebuilt Revolutionary period town with a farm and roaming chickens. And that is just what we saw during a two hour field trip. Spend a day there and you will be amazed! *Best part? Residents of Williamsburg, James City County and Yorktown get in free with proof of residency. If you are visiting the area there is a great offer for all 5 historic sites with one ticket. Learn more here.
Black History Month Events in Williamsburg and beyond
Because we just did a post with tons of Black History Month events in this area we wanted to include it on this post about things to do in February. Many of the events on this list are free or very low fee and there are events for preschoolers thru adults, so make sure to visit our Black History Month events page.
Check back we update this post throughout the month!
Visit our Daily Calendar of Events!
Author
