Plus a Preview of the Experiences, Festivals, and Celebrations Making Waves This Year—Including Early Buzz for America
Chesapeake
Exciting things are happening in Chesapeake, with fantastic events on the horizon for 2025 and 2026, including festivals such as BikeFest, which will be held May 4, 2025. The event provides an opportunity for friends and family to gather together to enjoy eight miles of paved trails and lots of family-friendly bike activities. Food trucks and music are also part of the festivities; KayaXpedition is a festival held annually in June at Oak Grove Lake where kayakers, canoers, and standup paddleboarders can get together for a day of fun on the water; The Great American Food Fest, normally held at the beginning of October, offers an all-American cookout featuring everything from barbecue chicken to corn on the cob, as well as a variety of other meats, seafood items, veggies, and of course, desserts; the Chesapeake Virginia Wine Festival, an annual event in October the weekend after the Great American Food Fest, provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a taste of more than 20 premier Virginia wines, as well as an extensive selection from the International Wine Village, all benefitting local charities.
For VA250, Chesapeake has not released their planned activities yet, but the Great Dismal Swamp did play a significant role during the Revolutionary War, serving as a refuge for enslaved people and Native Americans. In addition, one significant skirmish during the war happened in the Great Dismal Swamp at the site of the Battle of Great Bridge, which was fought on December 9, 1775. This battle is considered to be the first American victory of the Revolutionary War. The win by colonial Virginia militia forces led to the departure of Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and his power over the Colony of Virginia.
Photo Courtesy of Chesapeake Convention & Visitors Bureau
Franklin/Southampton County
Mark your calendar—2025 and 2026 will bring a wave of exciting events to Franklin/Southampton County, including Spring Fest, which is set for Saturday, April 19, 2025. Spring Fest takes over numerous blocks of the Franklin downtown historic district and will showcase local businesses, crafters, food vendors, artists, educational exhibits, entertainment, and more. The Agricultural and Forestry Museum will be holding their 31st Heritage Day on May 3, which includes music, crafts, model trains running all day, glass blowing exhibitions by Jason Marshall, and much more. Lunch options on the grounds will include barbecue, hotdogs, Brunswick stew, and snacks. “You can’t keep a good fair down,” is the theme for this year’s 44th Annual Franklin-Southampton County Fair (August 6-9) where locals can display their homemade, grown, or produced items, friendly competitions, a talent show, a raffle party, the Miss Franklin/Southampton County pageant, as well as food and exhibit vendors.
Franklin/Southampton County has not released details about their VA250 plans yet. And while Southampton County was not the scene of any major battles during the Revolutionary War, it did contribute to the war effort through its citizens’ service in the militia and as guards for prisoners of the war. However, the county is well-known for the Nat Turner Rebellion in 1831.
Gloucester
Gloucester County is proud to take part in America’s 250th Anniversary by celebrating our rich history and contributions to the nation’s founding,” says Susan Ammons, tourism and marketing supervisor. “From historical exhibits and speaker series to living history demonstrations, educational workshops, and community celebrations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
While specific events have yet to be announced, Ammons notes the Gloucester 250th Committee is working to offer a diverse range of events and experiences that will “highlight Gloucester’s unique heritage while engaging residents and visitors in meaningful ways. One of the most exciting aspects of the Gloucester 250 Initiative is the opportunity to bring history to life in a way that connects people of all ages to our past. Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we can’t wait to share it with residents and visitors alike.”
Ammons also anticipates the special programming will “provide a significant boost to Gloucester’s tourism and hospitality industry, drawing visitors from near and far to experience our unique history, local businesses, and charming accommodations. Increased foot traffic at shops, restaurants, and attractions will create a positive economic impact while strengthening community pride.”
Hampton
Hampton also has a slate of activities lined up to honor America’s birthday, starting this summer. Here’s what’s in store:
• July 4, 2025: In partnership with VA250, Fort Monroe Authority, and the National Park Service, Hampton will host an Independence Day celebration at Fort Monroe that will feature performing artists, a drone show, and fireworks.
• Date TBA: Hampton will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Hampton with a land and sea reenactment. The event will honor the first battle of the American Revolution fought outside of New England, which was a turning point in Virginia’s transition from rebellion to revolution.
• June 12, 2026: Blackbeard Pirate Festival will return to Hampton with visiting tall ships and bands of brigands from throughout the East Coast in preparation for Sail250 VIRGINIA the following weekend. The festival will include free ship tours, pirate battle reenactments, and fireworks.
• June 19, 2026: Sail250 VIRGINIA will involve a parade of sail of roughly 60 tall ships, character vessels, and military grey hulls from 20 countries as they process past Fort Monroe to enter Hampton Roads harbor and the Port of Virginia. This is guaranteed to be the most spectacular location in Coastal Virginia to view this grand maritime salute tour of the nation’s semi quincentennial. Also on June 19, Fort Monroe will be the site of a Juneteenth commemoration marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
• July 4, 2026: Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Isle of Wight County
Visitors to Isle of Wight County, especially around Smithfield, will have an opportunity to choose from a packed schedule of events in the upcoming years. The Isle of Wight County Museum will continue their popular Lunch & Learn series throughout 2025. From May 14 through 18, 2025, the museum will host the VA250 Mobile Museum in conjunction with the Smithfield Arts Festival. The hands-on, interactive, and immersive museum on wheels will provide key stories of Virginia’s rich history. On Friday, July 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the museum invites one and all to assist in ringing the courthouse bell 13 times to symbolize the original 13 colonies.
For the semiquincentennial in 2026, members of Isle of Wight’s VA250 Committee are working on a driving tour of historic sites in Isle of Wight County, which is expected to be completed by early 2026. Visitors and guests will be able to learn about each site’s association with events leading up to and during, the American Revolution. For an event titled Smithfield Maritime Rendezvous, a tall ship will also be anchored at Smithfield Station and will be available for public tours from June 12 to 15, 2026. One project for VA250 is a three-year article series which has been running in The Smithfield Times monthly since January 2024 and will continue through December 2026. Collectively, the subject matter takes readers locally through the buildup to the American Revolution. High Schoolers from Isle of Wight County Schools have created a podcast project inspired by the article series, which is available on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/IsleofWightCountySchools/videos/501718062666116.
Newport News
Newport News will host several events leading up to the 250th Anniversary that will not only honor the country’s history, but that of Newport News as well, says Anne Miller, committee chair of Newport News VA250. “Newport News has a great history that is multi-faceted, multicultural, and ongoing,” she says. “Our events will expose people to the different sites they can visit during their stay. We have a fun city with wonderful citizens and we are looking forward to having them come out and help us celebrate our community and cultural identity.”
Newport News will pay homage to the women of the American Revolution during its annual from September 20-21, 2025 with a special theatre performance. The event will include additional performances and demonstrations and an interactive component featuring local students on September 19.
Photo Courtesy of City of Visit Newport News
A special exhibit will debut in spring 2026 at the Virginia War Museum that will honor America’s relationship with France by showcasing the Merci Train, the French Gratitude train from World War II, as well as the contributions of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat who fought in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Leading up to Independence Day celebrations in 2026, Newport News will also shine a light on the change makers and events that shaped the city during “History is Made in Newport News,” which will feature performances, programs, and activities at various city landmarks throughout the summer.
Norfolk
Norfolk has a big year ahead when it comes to what’s new in 2025! Nauticus, their maritime discovery center, recently went through a $21.5 million renovation project that features new interactive exhibits, a planetarium, a maritime simulator, and a public plaza with stunning views of the Elizabeth River. Don’t forget to take a tour of the USS Wisconsin, which is parked right next door, while you’re there. Another major attraction that has undergone an expansion is the Chrysler Museum of Art’s Perry Glass Studio. This glass blowing studio has now tripled in size allowing for larger demonstrations and group classes as well as additional space for art students and artists to use. In addition, Norfolk Botanical Garden will be presenting the “Garden of Tomorrow,” starting in the fall of 2025, showcasing threatened plants from around the world.
To celebrate America’s birthday in 2026, head to downtown Norfolk and spend the afternoon watching ships from around the world sail into Norfolk’s Harbor, at Sail250 America. More than 60 international tall ships, character, and military vessels from more than 20 countries will dock on Norfolk’s waterfront and throughout the region. Sail250 Virginia is proud to be a part of the annual Norfolk Harborfest celebrations which will continue for seven days through Monday, June 22, 2026. Ships will be open for touring after docking in downtown Norfolk and 4,000 officers, cadets, and crews will be available to engage with visitors. Enjoy lunch and explore Norfolk’s Waterfront with Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment, and much more.
Portsmouth
There’s a full slate of events coming to Portsmouth in 2025 and 2026. The Annual Memorial Day Parade, a Portsmouth tradition since 1884, will be held on May 6, 2025, to salute the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrate Portsmouth’s proud military heritage. It is one of the longest-running Memorial Day Parades in the United States. Umoja Festival (May 23-25), one of the oldest festivals in Virginia celebrating African-American culture and heritage, will feature entertainment in unique and ancient art forms, as well as live music all day on Saturday, May 24; Coinciding with Norfolk’s HarborFest, the 45th Annual Seawall Music Festival (June 6-7) will feature two days of great food, local and national entertainment, and a fireworks display on Saturday night; Shaggin’ 4th of July Celebration (July 4) is a live Beach Music party for those who like to show off their shag stepping; Fall Festival (October 4), provides games, crafts, face painting, bounce houses, hayrides, a petting zoo, hay maze, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Portsmouth will continue and greatly expand its popular “A Port Such As Portsmouth” event for the 2026 VA250 celebration. This is an immersive, interactive, educational, child-friendly, annual spring event commemorating the 1781 British occupation of Portsmouth by turncoat Benedict Arnold. As part of Sail250 America, Portsmouth will also host a fleet of international tall ships and military ships in June 2026. In addition, Portsmouth is planning a Road to Revolution program that will include six markers/interpretive signs and an audio tour linking them for visitors.
Suffolk
Suffolk will be buzzing with excitement this year and next with amazing events, including the Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival, which will be held on April 26, 2025. Organized by Keep Suffolk Beautiful and the Suffolk Art League, the festival promises a full day of creativity, culture, and community, providing visitors with an opportunity to browse the works of more than 200 local artisans, growers, makers, musicians, and educational groups; the 47th Annual Suffolk Peanut Festival (October 9-12) offers concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, a demolition derby, peanut cup race, motorcycle rally, and more, combined with lots of great food and national entertainment; as part of the Peanut Festival fun, the Suffolk Ruritan Club Annual Shrimp Feast is one of the kick-off activities traditionally held at the festival site. Tickets are $40 (sold in advance only) for all the seasoned shrimp and fixings you can eat. There will only be 1,800 tickets sold, and they will not be available for purchase at the gate; the 2025 Annual Artisan Gift Fair (December 6) is an outdoor holiday market featuring artisan-quality gifts, jewelry, soaps, fine art, candles, woodcrafts, crocheted items, jams and jellies, holiday ornaments, wreaths, baked goods, seasonal produce, meats, and more, all accompanied by live music and visits with Santa.
No activities have been released yet for America’s 250th anniversary, but Suffolk was burned by British forces in 1779, largely because of its “naval stores,” which included pitch and turpentine—both essential for shipbuilding—and its easy access to the Nansemond River, which made the area a strategic target.
Virginia Beach
The big news for Virginia Beach tourism in 2025 is the long-awaited opening of The Dome, a new, 5,000-person capacity, indoor-outdoor music hall and event venue that replaces the original oceanfront convention center that closed in 1994. It is located within the Atlantic Park project, a mixed-use development near 21st Street and Atlantic Avenue. The first act scheduled is Three Dog Night, playing on Sunday, May 4, 2025. This is symbolically important because the band was the last act to play at the original venue before it closed. Other acts scheduled to play at The Dome this year include Melissa Ethridge and Joss Stone, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Wynonna Judd, Diana Krall, KEM, Chicago, Papa Roach, Steve Martin & Martin Short, and Ziggy Marley with Burning Spear, to name a few.
Building up to VA250, the city has already held two significant historical events, including a discussion by Andrew Lawler, best-selling author of A Perfect Frenzy and how the Revolutionary War unfolded in Virginia Beach; and the installation of a Historical Marker dedicated to political activist Willis Augustus Hodges, the first Black man elected in Princess Anne County.
Other events for the VA250 celebration in Virginia Beach have not been formally announced yet, but there are dendrochronology projects underway for the Carraway House and Pleasant Hall, both located in the former Kemps Landing area. Historians believe that Pleasant Hall was built in 1769, which would have made it Lord Dunmore’s headquarters, the last Royal Governor of Virginia, whose idea to free slaves to fight for the British played a major role in the Revolutionary War. It may also have been a place where Benedict Arnold, while serving as a British officer, visited Kemps Landing in 1781. A variety of lecture series and exhibits will likely be part of the VA250 celebration.
Williamsburg and James City County
Williamsburg is preparing to host various exciting events and programs highlighting the area’s rich history, cultural significance, and contributions to the nation’s founding,” says Selena Coles, public relations specialist for Visit Williamsburg. “Williamsburg, ‘Where America’s Journey Began,’ will be a central hub for these festivities, given its deep connection to the American Revolution and its role in shaping the nation’s path.”
Locals and tourists alike can expect to see an increase in festivals, concerts and performances, special exhibitions and other celebrations as the Historic Triangle gears up for the 250th Anniversary. Visitors from across the globe are anticipated.
“What excites Visit Williamsburg the most about these events is the opportunity to experience history come alive in a tangible way,” Coles says. “The educational and interactive programs will allow visitors to truly step into the past and better understand the struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices that shaped our nation. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the public to connect with their heritage and celebrate America’s diverse, multifaceted history.”
In March, Colonial Williamsburg hosted the unveiling of portions of famed filmmaker Ken Burns’ documentary The American Revolution, which features many Colonial Williamsburg sites. Additionally, from October 18, 2025, through May 3, 2026, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will commemorate the sestercentennial with the special exhibition “Fresh Views of the American Revolution,” which will showcase new perspectives on the ideals and legacies of the American Revolution through the folk art created by Oscar de Mejo during the 1976 Bicentennial, and through engaging community art programs.
Additional events are in the works culmination with a special celebration on July 4, 2026. Stay updated about events in the Historic Triangle by visiting http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/williamsburg250/
York County
Our VA250 events are designed to unite avid history lovers, outdoor adventurers, and inquisitive mariners for an unforgettable, immersive experience,” says Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County Economic & Tourism Development. “We’re excited to give both locals and visitors the chance to step back in time and experience history where it actually happened. From patriotic ceremonies and reenactments to interactive storytelling and battlefield tours, these events will bring the past to life in an unforgettable way.”
Photo Courtesy of York County Toursim
Programming includes:
• June 4 through June 8, 2025: A week-long commemoration of Lord Dunmore’s role in American history featuring reenactments, musical performances, and family-friendly activities along Main Street and the Yorktown waterfront.
• September 6 and 7, 2025: 1781 Yorktown Before the Siege offers the opportunity to step back in time to see what life was like in the British Camp before the arrival of American and French forces on September 28, 1781. Yorktown’s Historic Main Street will be transformed with military drills, camp life demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and more.
• June 12 through 14, 2026: Sail Yorktown Festival, an official SailVirginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor, will take place along the waterfront. This event will showcase breathtaking tall ships and military vessels along the York River. The celebration will include an opening ceremony on June 12, as well as a Parade of Sail, free deck tours, live entertainment, living history demonstrations, reenactments, live firings, military drills, storytelling, and more.
• July 4, 2026: Independence Day celebrations include a parade down Historic Main Street, live music, and family entertainment during the day, and a bell-ringing ceremony, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, an outdoor concert, and a spectacular fireworks display over the York River during the evening.
For more information, visit http://www.visityorktown.org/737/Virginia250-Celebration
