Best Things to Do in Williamsburg and Yorktown in September (& Hampton Roads) 2023 Edition

We keep updating this list of great things to do all month long so scroll down to the week we are in the month and you will see great events still left to do in September 2023!

If you live in Williamsburg, you probably know that we have an amazing number of cultural and entertainment events for such a small town, but maybe you are new here…or maybe you are coming to visit…and you are looking for things to do in Williamsburg, VA.

So the folks at The Burg Weekender & WilliamsburgFamilies.com have put together a big list of some of the best events in Williamsburg for September 2023. There are a lot of them and even more on our Williamsburg Events Calendar.

WANT TO ATTEND A WORKING REHEARSAL OF AN OPERA?

Ever wanted to see the behind the scenes work that goes into putting together an opera? Now is your chance. Register (free) to attend a working rehearsal of Opera in Williamsburg’s upcoming production of Die Fledermaus, free with registration (not a full run of the opera) on Friday, September 1, 2023 – 10:00 AM Please sit at the assigned areas — do not sit in front of the stage director.. Once you register please check your email for possible updates before heading for the rehearsal. Register here

Counter Cultures: Rebellion

September 2 • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Uncover the role of protest, rebellion and revolution in American history through a series of historical character portrayals during “Counter Cultures: Rebellion,” a special program on Saturday, September 2, in conjunction with the Reign & Rebellion special exhibition. Encounter patriot/traitor Benedict Arnold in 1780, freedom fighter Gabriel Prosser’s wife Nan in 1800, suffragist Mary A. Nolan in 1917 and Civil Rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in 1964.

Enjoy music of rebellion by Chuck Two Bills, and then contribute your own mark of graffiti to the “Walls of Resistance: Raise Your Voice” art project hosted by Steve Prince, the Muscarelle Museum’s distinguished artist in residence. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Symphony Under the Stars – Virginia Symphony Orchestra FREE Concert – Saturday, Sept 2, 2023

Symphony Under the Stars – Virginia Symphony Orchestra FREE Concert – Yorktown Riverwalk Landing – Saturday, Sept 2, 2023 | 7:30 PM – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony Under the Stars to bring live orchestra to all for free! See the full concert schedule on their website. All concerts are a FREE musical offering to residents and visitors. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as the concerts are well-attended! More info

Movies in the Park: LUCA (PG) 1h 57m

Movies begin roughly 15 minutes after sunset Saturday, September 2, 2023
Charles Brown Park, 1950 Old Williamsburg Rd, Yorktown

Movies begin roughly 15 minutes after sunset. Concessions will be available for purchase at each movie. You are encouraged to bring blanket and/or chairs for the showing. More info

Merchants Square Free Outdoor Movies: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Start time 7:45PM – Sunday, September 3, 2023. (FREE) This is the last summer 2023 outdoor movie for Merchants Square – head to the parking lot behind Baskin Robbins & the Peanut Shop for a movie under the stars. All movies start at sunset. More info

Yorktown Market Days – Yorktown’s Saturday Farmers Market (FREE Event)

• Yorktown Market Days – Yorktown’s Saturday Farmers Market (FREE Event) – Saturdays 8 am – noon – Head down to the beautiful waterfront in Historic Yorktown and visit produce, bread, meat and artisan booths. They have food trucks and free parking. There are restaurants and local stores to visit as well. This is a must visit weekly market. Learn more.

Opera in Williamsburg presents: Die Fledermaus (The Bat)

Performances are Saturday September 9 at 2:30-5 PM, and Monday September 11 at 7:30-10 PM, at the Crosswalk Auditorium in Norge, 7575 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Opera in Williamsburg presents: Die Fledermaus (The Bat).  Live fully-staged opera with world-class cast.  Free parking.  Concessions offered at the venue (cash preferred).  In the original German, with English dialogue and supertitles.  Reserved seats.  Tickets and details at  https://www.operainwilliamsburg.org

Williamsburg Farmers Market – Weekly from 8 am to Noon

• Williamsburg Farmers Market – Weekly from 8 am to Noon at Francis Street Parking Lot (P6) at 410 W Francis Street in downtown Williamsburg. This is both a local and tourist favorite Saturday event in downtown Williamsburg. In addition to produce, bread, and meat vendors they also have live music. Learn more.

Rhythms on the Riverwalk FREE Outdoor Concerts in Yorktown Thursdays 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

Rhythms on the Riverwalk 2023 Fall Concert Schedule:

• September 7 — HM Johnson Band
• September 14 — Runnin’ Shine
• September 21 — The Michael Clark Band
• September 28 — The Heather Edwards Band
• October 5 — County Seat Band
• October 12 — Good Shot Judy

Bring a lawn chair, blankets, your dancing feet and your favorite peeps. And there will be food trucks at each event. See all the details and info on each band here.

Brighton Beach Memoirs – Williamsburg Players – September 8 to September 24, 2023

About the show: Part one of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy draws a portrait of the writer as a young teen in 1937 living with his family in the crowded, lower middle-class Brooklyn neighborhood of Brighton Beach. Eugene Jerome, standing in for the author, is the narrator and focus of the play. Obsessed with baseball and girls, Eugene must cope with the mundanity of family life in Brooklyn: his formidable Jewish mother Kate, his overworked father Jack, and his worldly older brother Stanley…More info or GET TICKETS!

Yorktown Market Days – First Responders Market
Saturday, Sept. 9
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There won’t be any cause for alarm if you’re in Historic Yorktown on September 9. Emergency vehicles and personnel will be on-site to educate and answer your questions about what it’s like being a first responder. While you’re there, be sure to express your gratitude to the firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, emergency communications dispatchers, and public works officials who protect our community. 

You won’t want to miss the York County Fire & Life Safety’s fire truck and safe house, the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office’s patrol cars, crime prevention trailer, motorcycles, K-9 unit, and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Weapons Station Bomb Squad.

Watermen’s Museum Oyster Roast
Watermen’s Museum
Saturday, Sept. 9
12 to 3 p.m. $

Shell-ebrate your love for seafood during this annual fundraiser! Enjoy fresh-roasted or raw oysters from various local sources, regular and gluten-free clam chowder with or without bacon, hot dogs, sides, desserts from Carrot Tree, and more.

Get discounted tickets in advance (through the Watermen’s Museum gift shop or local partners) or buy your tickets at the gate on the date of the event. Call 757.887.2641 for more information.

Colony Auto Enthusiast Annual Car Show

September 10, 2023 – Merchants Square (FREE event)
From Duke of Gloucester Street at Henry Street to Nassau Street come check out this year’s Colony Auto Enthusiast Annual Car Show, featuring 1930-40’s era cars including four Woodies, a display of early Porsche cars, and a display of new, all-electric cars in addition to many interesting cars from their members and the local area.

Audition Notice: Mack & Mabel at Williamsburg Players – Sunday Sept 10 & Monday Sept 11, 2023 from 7 – 9 pm

Get your songs ready and head to this audition at the Williamsburg Players! Show will run at the Williamsburg Players -from November 3 to November 19, 2023. See the cast breakdown and show details here.

Fall Sidewalk Sale in Merchants Square, Williamsburg

• Fall Sidewalk Sale in Merchants Square -September 8 – September 10, 2023 from 10 am – 5 pm. On support your favorite merchants during our Fall Sidewalk Sale! With offers ranging from 25% -75% off select merchandise, you’ll find unique gifts, accessories & fashions for everyone in the family.

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Returns to Take Over the Night

• Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Returns to Take Over the Night starting select nights September 8 to October 31, 2021 – Once the day turns to night, Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® returns in full force, taking over the entire park with five haunted houses, four terror-toriesTM, four sinister shows, and unsuspecting horrors awaiting their victims at every turn. Guests can test their thrill threshold with seven coasters at night, offering a completely different ride experience. Learn all about this year’s terrifying event…

2nd Sundays Arts & Music Festival (FREE)

• 2nd Sunday Art & Music Festival – September 13, 2023 from 11 am – 5 pm – Just as the title indicates this is a monthly event that includes live music at various stages set up in Downtown Williamsburg with set amongst artisan booths selling handmade items from soaps, t-shirts, home accessories, to art, jewelry and food! It is free, family friendly and dog friendly and really the best way to spend the 2nd Sunday of the month.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (PG)

Sat., Sept. 16 – Movies begin roughly 15 minutes after sunset
McReynolds Athletic Complex, 412 Sports Way, Yorktown

Movies begin roughly 15 minutes after sunset. Concessions will be available for purchase at each movie. You are encouraged to bring blanket and/or chairs for the showing. More info

Drool in the Pool at Chickahominy Riverfront Park

• Drool in the Pool at Chickahominy Riverfront Park – For the first time, this popular event is being held on a Sunday. On Sept. 17, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., all well-behaved dogs are welcome to the close-out of summer swimming. Held in partnership with James City County Parks and Recreation, Drool in the Pool will continue to be held at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park Pool located at 1350 John Tyler Highway in Williamsburg.- learn more

FALL AFTERNOON TEA – Williamsburg Inn

Sunday, Sept. 17 | Monday, Sept. 18 | Tuesday, Sept. 19 | from 2 pm – 4 pm

Enjoy a lovely afternoon with friends and loved ones with the fine tradition of Afternoon Tea, in the Goodwin Room at The Williamsburg Inn, with a botanical and autumn themed menu featuring Smokey Black Tea. This tea has hints of vanilla and citrus to capture autumn nights around the bonfire, while the leaves are brilliantly changing their colors. Relish in a selection of handmade freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches and pastry delights served with a signature tea from the Chef, in collaboration with the Tea and Spice Exchange of Williamsburg’s Market Square. Heighten your experience with the sounds of live Irish harp music.

Gluten Free? They can accommodate…Learn more, see menu and book your reservation!

Constitution Day Events at Colonial Williamsburg

Sunday, Sept 17 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm – Free and Open to the Public

Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution with a free event, “To Support and Defend,” on the lawn in front of the Art Museums. Through music and the spoken word, the framework of our nation’s government and the cherished founding document will be honored on its 236th anniversary. The program features a combined ensemble of members of the USAF Heritage of America Band, the USA Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Band, the US Fleet Forces Band, and the Marine Detachment Navy School of Music. In addition, the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums will perform. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket! More Info

Annual Watermen’s Museum Yorktown Folk Festival

Saturday, Sept 16, 2023 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Sunday, Sept 17, 2023 12 to 6:30 PM

Annual Watermen’s Museum Yorktown Folk Festival – Come have fun at the Annual Yorktown Folk Festival on September 16th and 17th, 2023.  We will have music for the whole family: Folk, Blues, Maritime, Rock and Roll, Celtic, and Sea Shanteys, and even more genres.

This family friendly festival features musicians and dancers from all over Virginia. Free music is hosted on multiple stages from 10 on Saturday and from Noon on Sunday.

The Festival will present music and dance on four different stages. Past performances by local bands, musicians, and dancers include ShantyGrass, Bob and Jeannie Zentz, John Ashby, Betty Sobash, Bennie and Kathy Nelson, Ralph Motley and Friends, ShantyGrass, Sideshow, Charlie Perry, Billy Joe Trio, Mosquito Caberet, LCV Project, Poison Dwarf, Fiddler’s Green, Clan MacCool, Mark Mason, Winsome, Joe’s Day Off, Baxter Hardinge, Scrapper T Duo, Danaka, Joe Kaplenk, Jerry Sowers, Nathan Lienard, Stephen Cristoff , Two If By Sea, Tidewater Show Band, Peninsula Ukulele Players,  Accordions Rule, Audio Portrait, Kountry Kickers, Rose and Sword Dance Academy, The Drunken Weasels, and many more.

Performances are Free and Open to the Public. Music schedule and more info here.

Picnic on the Pier – After Hours at the Jamestown Settlement

Blues, Barbecue & Stunning Views – September 22 • 6 – 8 p.m.
Shake out your picnic blankets and make plans for an evening of blues, barbecue and stunning sunset views during this year’s Picnic on the Pier at Jamestown Settlement.

Set along a picturesque backdrop of the James River waterfront, spend time with friends savoring delicious barbecue and beverages from Williamsburg favorites Old City BBQ and The Virginia Beer Company. Live music from Virginia’s Blues Ambassador will have your toes tapping, fingers popping and hips shaking to the sounds of The Bobby BlackHat Band….keep reading

CANCELLED – Harvest Festival- Chickahominy Riverfront Park

Cancelled due to weather – Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11 am – 3 pm – The Harvest Festival is back! Join James City County Parks & Recreation for this fun, fall annual family tradition! The festival features free activities for the kids including face painting, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, inflatables! The trackless train will be there. All rides are FREE; hop aboard for a tour of the park’s scenic view! The American style gas locomotive features a smoke system, public address system, bell, horn and three passenger cars, one is ADA accessible. All cars have seatbelts, a child-proof latch and floor lights.

Scarecrow Stuffing is back too by popular demand, so come make the biggest, the best, and maybe the only scarecrow in your neighborhood…keep reading….

Fit Fest! at the WISC

When: Saturday, September 23rd  9am-11am
What: A FREE fun-filled fitness event for all ages!

Sample size portions of Les Mills, HIIT, Power Hour, Total Body Row, Bounce, and Barre.  Each class will last 20 minutes with a 10 minute break in between to cool off, grab water, and move on to the next. (if they want!) A Power Performance obstacle course will be set up on back turf for kids ages 8 and up, arts/crafts/games upstairs for kids of all ages, and childcare is provided for the tiniest humans. There will be snacks, raffles, samples, and discounts for participants! More Info

The Halloween Spooktacular for Kids at Busch Gardens

• Halloween Spooktacular for Kids at Busch Gardens –Saturdays & Sundays starting September 23, 2023 through Oct 29, 2023. A Sesame Street® Halloween Event Celebrate not-too-spooky daytime family fun at Busch Gardens’ Halloween Spooktacular in the Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™. On Saturdays & Sundays from Sept. 23 – Oct. 29, kids (ages nine and under) are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy our ALL-NEW Trick-or-Treat Trail in the Wild Reserve. Plus, join in the fun with the Countdown to Halloween Show, dance parties, a festive hay maze and a costume parade alongside favorite Sesame Street friends. New themes every weekend, unique activities and special photo opportunities offer a different experience with every visit.

Yorktown Art Stroll – Sunday, Sept 24, 2023

Freight Shed & Riverwalk Landing – Sunday, Sept. 24 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See how creators master the art of their unique craft at the Yorktown Art Stroll. More than 35 artists will showcase their visual talents – from acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings to glass, photography, pottery, jewelry, and painted furniture. Hear acoustic harmony from Audio Portrait from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by the Yorktown Arts Foundation and York County with support from the York County Arts Commission. More info

Lighting of the Cressets – Duke of Gloucester Street – Sept 28 -30 from 6 pm to 9 pm

The historic Duke of Gloucester Street never looks a beautiful as it does for the Lighting of the Cressets. This is free and open to the public. Head down and just stroll the street as they bring our 18th-century streets to life at night with music. Learn more

Special Event: Indigenous Short Films  Friday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m.  Richmond’s acclaimed Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival comes to Williamsburg to share a series of short films written, directed, and produced by Indigenous artists. This free program features 12 films with rich subject matter depicting Native American life of today and the past. Learn how the land and rivers are central to Indigenous worldviews and meet artists and storytellers honoring and continuing the traditions of their ancestors.  More Info

Live Theater and Events at the Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg for September

Live Theater and Events at the Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg for September – from George Washington’s first skirmish to Nation Builders and the historians who portray them tackle myths of their 18th-century world to daily crafts for kids…this museum has literally something for everyone. Check out the full daily programming for September here.

York River State Park Events for September 2023

York River State Park Events for September 2023
The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park visitor center, office, and gift shop are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. This park has great events from Canoeing with the Stars, River Seining to Girl Scout Day, and dock for canoes and kayaks, fishing, horse trails, hiking trails and some challenging mountain bike trails too! See the all the York River State Park September events.

Chippokes State Park Events for September 2023

Chippokes State Park is know as one of the best spots for finding sharks teeth on its shore line but they also have a lot of events. Most of them are free and perfect for all ages. The park itself is beautiful and a day trip there including a trip on the FREE Scotland Ferry – is time well spent. See the September schedule of events.

Bookmark this post so you can check back – because when new events come up we will add them below! We have also included a few events from the Hampton Roads area because they are less than an hour drive and completely worth it!

We have these Best things to Do in Williamsburg monthly guides of events to help you plan your fun time. Check them all out here, and check make sure to check out the pages we have below!

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