Top Things to Do in Williamsburg in May
Top Things to Do in Williamsburg and surrounding towns in May 2024. In this big list we actually have a couple of other posts like our “Things to Do on Mother’s Day Weekend in Williamsburg” and our “Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend” that will give you another set of events!
Events are in date order so you can plan your month:
Lighting of the Cressets in Colonial Williamsburg
FREE and open to the public.
- April 20 & 27, May 4, 11, 18 & 25, and June 1 from 8 pm–10 pm
Head to Colonial Williamsburg at night on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street – they will be Lighting of the Cressets this spring! The 18th-century lighting brings the streets to life at night – so don’t miss the strolling musicians and make sure to take
Food & Wine Festival at Busch Gardens – Thurs – Sundays in May
Flavors are in full bloom this spring as Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival returns on Thursdays through Sundays from April 25 – June 9, plus Memorial Day. Explore over 150 international flavors at eighteen themed food and beverage locations throughout the park, including NEW menus inspired by Africa and Turkey. With over 85 NEW specialty menu options, and exclusive wine and liquor tastings, every visit offers a new adventure for culinary explorers. Embrace your taste for thrills on the reimagined Loch Ness Monster®.
New Town Tunes – Free Concert Series
May 1 – Revelation
May 8 – *Double Header* Billy Joe Daniel Band and Lenny Holmes Hendrix Forever
May 15 – Captain Mike & the Shipwrecked
May 22 – *Double Header* Identity Crisis and Dog Street Boys
May 29 – The English Channel
June 5 – Shades of Gray
June 12 – *Double Header* Skinner Box and Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Family and dog friendly. Enjoy food and drink for purchase from local restaurants, food trucks and breweries. Learn more
Yorktown Events
Yorktown Ranger Programs – select dates in May (see schedule here)
- Yorktown Battlefield Walk – 10 am
- Ranger Talk 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm
- *Nelson House: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (as staffing allows)
Brews Blues & BBQ – Saturday – May 4, 2024
Attendees can sample dozens of craft beers, dig into some amazing BBQ (available for purchase) and listen as some of the best blues musicians in Hampton Roads at Riverwalk Landing. The music starts with HM Johnson Band at 12:30 p.m. The Jason Cale Band at 3:30 p.m. Another favorite, and back by popular demand, is the wine tent offering tastings included with admission. The tent showcases French, German, and other wine favorites. More info
Art at the River Sunday May 5, 2024
Guests can stroll down the Riverwalk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to marvel at the incredible one-of-a-kind work on display and for sale—paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass arts, photography, woodwork, metalwork, and much more! Visit here for more info
Vintage Market & Car Show – Saturday May 11, 2024
Stroll through our Vintage Market at Riverwalk Landing from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to hunt for upcycled treasures and beautiful collectibles, then head up the hill to Historic Main Street–our showplace for more than a dozen fully restored classic cars.
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8 am to noon
Start your Saturday morning at the Williamsburg Farmers Market – it opens at 8 am runs until noon. You can get baked goods, plants, veggies, meat and even that much needed cup of delicious coffee. Bring your friends, your family, and your dog. If you are wondering who the vendors are – and who is playing live… More Info
Don Giovanni – Opera in Williamsburg – May 10, 12 & 14
WEDNESDAY MAY 10 AT 7:30 PM
FRIDAY MAY 12 AT 7:30 PM
SUNDAY MAY 14 AT 2:30 PM
Fully staged with world class cast with orchestra in Italian with English supertitles. More info and tickets here.
Water Country USA opens for the 2023 Season! May 13
Get ready to take on the park’s thrilling slides, refreshing pools, and lazy rivers. The park opens the following weekends May 13 & 14 & May 20 & 21, and opens daily starting May 26! More info
York River State Park Events – May 2023
Mother’s Day Surf and Turf – May 14, 2023 from 2 pm to 5 pm
Treat mom to an adventure on land and sea with us on May 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. We will paddle the York River to the Fossil Beach. Upon arrival, we will search for prehistoric relics and return. Reservations and rental fees are to be paid in advance. Mom paddles free with a paying paddler. Learn more
See all of the events going on this month at York River State Park here.
Mother’s Day Weekend Events – May 12 – 14, 2023
Here is our big list of events going on on Mother’s Day Weekend. And you can also head to our Daily Calendar to find events on May 12- 14.
Darkoaster OPENS to the Public at Busch Gardens – May 19
Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced that DarKoaster, North America’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, will be available exclusively to Members ONLY ( for early ride access on select dates starting May 11. The park’s tenth roller coaster will open to all park visitors on May 19. Continue reading to see our review of DarKastle… More info
Drummer’s Call Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg – Friday May 19 & Saturday May 20
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. These are really cool events – see all three with times and locations here
King of Glory Children’s Consignment Sale – May 19 & 20
Friday May 19, 2023 – 11am – 7 pm
Saturday May 20, 2023 – 8 am – 12 pm
Shop for new and gently-used seasonal clothing for growing children (newborn to teen), maternity clothing, nursery and children’s furniture/decor, baby equipment, toys, books, videos, puzzles/games, sporting goods and bikes. Learn more
Fun Fest: Spin, Pop, Boom! – May 20 at 11:30 am
Bring the kids to learn all about the chemical reactions in action to this energetic, interactive show. This is a library event at the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center.
Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg & Hennage Live Theatre, Lecture and Music Schedule for May 2023
The programming in the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is forever changing, if you came last month, there will be something new this month, or even this week. Many events are included in your day pass or with your Good Neighbor Pass. See the full list of May events at the Museums here.
Chippokes State Park Events in May 2023
Just a short free ferry ride from Williamsburg is one of the best spots to find sharks teeth. And that is not all Chippokes State Park is known for, they have events going on all week and weekend long. To see what is happening at this local area State Park, visit here.
Memorial Day Events 2023
In the Historic Triangle there are usually quite a few events going on for Memorial Day weekend also known as the unofficial start to summer. So many that we have a separate post for it. Visit here to see all the events going on for Memorial Day including Colonial Williamsburg offering free admission for veterans and military families, May 26-29, and special programming on Monday, May 29. Visit here
- Chippokes State Park Events April 2024Chippokes State Park Events for April 2024 Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and ...
- York River State Park – April & May Events!Ranger Gresham with visitors York River State Park – April & May 2024 The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park visitor center, office, and gift shop are open ...
- Evening Programs at Colonial Williamsburg – Pirates, Witches and Cressets…Oh, my!Evening Programs at Colonial Williamsburg – Yes, there is a night life in CW Add a Little Drama to Your Nightlife! There is a night life in Colonial Williamsburg with their ...
- Immersive escape-room murder-mystery: “Who Conspires” at Jamestown Settlement After Dark – Get Tickets!Reign & Rebellion Immersive Special Event ‘WHO CONSPIRES?’ Returns to Jamestown Settlement After Dark on May 26 & 27 and June 2 & 3 – for ages 12 and up! “WHO CONSPIRES?” ...
- James City County Outdoor Pools Open May 27Outdoor Pools Reopen Memorial Day Weekend Opening Day at the Pools – Sat May 27 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • All AgesIt’s time to kick off summer! Come out to one ...
- Drummer’s Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg May 19-20, 2023 – Free Event is Open to the Public to EnjoyDrummers Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg May 19-20, 2023 – Free Event is Open to the Public to Enjoy Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums, along with fife and drum units from ...
- Summer’s Bounty Afternoon Tea at Colonial Williamsburg – June 22 – 24, 2023Summer’s Bounty Afternoon Tea at Colonial Williamsburg Inn June 22 – 24, 2023Williamsburg InnReservation Times: 2:00pm | 2:15pm | 2:30pm Come and enjoy the fine tradition of Afternoon Tea at The Williamsburg ...
- Top Things to Do in Williamsburg in MayTop Things to Do in Williamsburg in May Top Things to Do in Williamsburg and surrounding towns in May 2024. In this big list we actually have a couple of ...
- DarKoaster at Busch Gardens is the World’s First All-Indoor Straddle Coaster and Opens May 19 (Member preview May 11, 2023)!this post has affiliate links Darkoaster at Busch Gardens – it’s a new indoor rollercoaster, in the former Curse of Darkastle location opens to Members on May 11 and to the ...
- Pick Strawberries on Mother’s Day WeekendPick Strawberries on Mother’s Day Weekend Holly Fork Farm has pick your own strawberries this weekend! Take the family and pick some strawberries. While you are there you can get ...
- Eddie Arning: Artist Exhibit opens May 6, 2023Eddie Arning: Artist Exhibit opens May 6, 2023 at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg The bold and colorful art of Eddie Arning immediately captures one’s attention. The artist’s drawings in ...
- Art at the River – Annual Juried Art Show will return to Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown Sunday, May 7Art at the River is coming for it’s 10th Annual show on Sunday May 7 at the Yorktown Riverfront Art at the River Juried Art ShowHistoric Yorktown Riverwalk LandingFree & ...