Spring Forward with Lively Events for Longer Days in Historic Yorktown

Spring has sprung in Yorktown! Soak up the sunshine and rejuvenate your soul at our many fun events. From markets and art shows to pirates and BBQ, there’s something for everyone this season.

Several themed Yorktown Market Days are on the horizon in April and May. Our 2024 season kicks off with the annual Go Green Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Special exhibitors—the Hampton Roads Green Trailer, Colonial Soil and Conservation District, the Colonial Beekeepers Association, and Master Gardeners of York County and Poquoson, to name a few—will educate guests on the importance of environmental sustainability. Be sure to bring your reusable bag while shopping for baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps and candles, impressive artwork, and much more. Don’t worry if you forgot your bag! We’ll be giving away free ones, while supplies last.

Say bonjour to our Sister Cities French Market, held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. Local vendors will be serving up macarons, crepes, baguettes, chocolates, and more as we celebrate our connection to Port-Vendres, Yorktown’s sister city since 1990.

All hands will be on deck for Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend, Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28. Landlubbers of all ages are invited to visit the Historic Yorktown waterfront during the two-day invasion to learn lessons and legends from pirates’ lives in the 17th and 18th centuries. Vendors will be selling pirate-themed “booty” at the Pirate Invasion Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 27 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 28. Activities will be held in the Freight Shed, York Hall, Watermen’s Museum, and Riverwalk Landing.

Sample more than 30 local craft beers, savor some delicious BBQ, and listen to the best blues music in Hampton Roads at the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival on Saturday, May 4 from 12 to 6 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

If you’re drawn to art, attend the Art at the River Juried Art Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. Painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, and other artists will line the Riverwalk to display their work with the hope of taking home the People’s Choice Award.

On Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., shop for antiques and upcycled treasures at the Vintage Market at Riverwalk Landing. Up the hill on Historic Main Street, admire and talk to the owners of more than a dozen fully restored classic cars.

The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform at many of these events, including Pirates Invade Yorktown on April 27 and the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival on May 4.

There’s no need to worry about parking. Our free, air-conditioned (and heated) Trolley can pick you up at several County public parking lots, such as the Administration Building, Courthouse, and York Hall, and deliver you at Riverwalk Landing or Main Street.

Sponsored Content by