Best Things to Do in August 2024 in Williamsburg, Yorktown and Surrounding Areas!
This is our monthly guide of events you don’t want to miss. These are events that both locals and tourists will enjoy. Events are often free so make sure you check those out! At the bottom of this post we have some month long and repeat events plus great local discounts! Enjoy finding the best things to do in August 2024 in Williamsburg, Yorktown and surrounding areas!
Merchants Square Summer Concert Series
On August 2 from 6 pm to 8 pm come out to hear live music from Kyshona. Lose yourself in the soulful sounds of Kyshona as she serenades you with her powerful vocals and poignant storytelling. Food and drink available for purchase, make sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Family friendly and fun way to spend a summer evening! Learn more about this series!
Sounds of Summer Free Concert Series in Historic Yorktown
Summer in Yorktown wouldn’t be summer without the sound of live music and dancing feet on the Riverwalk Landing every Thursday night. This annual outdoor concert series is free and open to the public. Each show runs on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and the lineup features an eclectic mix of Beach Music, Motown, Pop, and R&B. Below is the August schedule:
Dates:
August 1 – Band of Oz
August 8 – The Deloreans
August 15 – Slapnation
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days is open Saturdays from 8 to noon on the beautiful York River. This month they are honoring the local farmers who work hard to provide homegrown products each week. A crop of activities are planned to celebrate National Farmers Market Week on August 3 & 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Historic Yorktown.
Storytelling Family Day at Jamestown Settlement
On Saturday, August 3 allowing families to delve into a variety of interactive programs from storytelling sessions to make-and-take crafts. Storytelling sessions will be offered throughout the day, Interpretive Program at the ships’ pier, ongoing craft activities including a storytelling craft and a journal craft.
Residents of JCC, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. As part of the “Explore with Your Library Card” program in partnership with Chesapeake Public Libraries, visitors who show their Hampton Roads area library card will receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement admission on Saturday, August 3.
Free Outdoor Movies in Merchants Square – Sunday Evenings
Summer wouldn’t be summer without catching a flick in an outdoor venue. Free Outdoor Movies are back in Merchants Square. This year they are held in the parking lot behind Baskin Robbins. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs. Below is the August schedule:
- 👻❄️ August 4 – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- 🎤🎶 August 11 – Mamma Mia Sing-Along
- 🎸🌟 August 18 – Trolls Band Together
- 🚀🌌 August 25 – Guardians of the Galaxy 3
- 👽🌍 September 1 – E.T.
Open Gyms
Williamsburg Gymnastics will hold their next open gym on Thursday, August 1 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Open Gyms are open to the public. This is the perfect opportunity to practice skills on the balance beams, bars, or vault, or play around on the trampolines, foam pits, or floor spaces. Only $15 per child ages 5 and up. Advanced registration guarantees a spot. Walk ins welcome, but admission is based on capacity. More info.
CDR Superhero Dash: 5K and Family Challenge Obstacle Course
Saturday, August 10 – Can you dress up? Yes! It is encouraged! Can you walk, run or jog – yes, yes, yes. Can kids participate? Yes! Come join a “Super” morning of racing and family fun. The 5K run/walk can be competitive or casual and families will love the SuperHero themed obstacle course. This year, they are introducing the “Super Duper Trike Trek” featuring ten brave riders racing tricycles! Race medals will be awarded in age group categories for Runners and Walkers – Learn more and sign up!
Fee Free Day at National Parks
On six days in 2024, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Come experience the national parks for FREE on August 4 from 9 am – 5 pm for Great American Outdoors Act!
Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status.
The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise. Fee-free days make parks accessible to more people. However, national parks are always economical, with entrance fees that range from $3 to $30. In addition, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park program, and active duty military and citizens with a permanent disability can also get free passes. For more information about the variety of discounted passes available, please visit the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass page. More info.
Colonial Williamsburg Special Event: Conservation in Action
On August 16 from 10 am – 3:00 pm come to see a special pop-up conservation event! Arms conservator Isabelle will be on hand to discuss her work on the Magazine Project and the conservation of firearms. Visitors will get to see a reproduction firearm as it is fully disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled and learn about the creative and innovative methods used by conservators in the lab.
This event will be open for free-flow visitation for anyone with a ticket to the Historic Area. CW Admission Required (or Good Neighbor Pass). More Information
Space Pajama Jam
Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure at the Virginia Living Museum Space Pajama Jam on Friday, August 16 from 6 – 8:30 pm. Come enjoy a stellar DJ-led dance party, where kids aged 3+ can explore the galaxies in style! Fuel up with cosmic snacks and drinks, hit the dance floor, embark on an intergalactic scavenger hunt, and craft out-of-this-world creations to take home. Get ready to blast off into FUN! More information.
Movies in the Park
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. For more information on upcoming movies at New Quarter McReynolds Athletic Complex and our other locations, please visit www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec.
Dates & Movies:
August 17 – The Marvels (2023) (PG-13) 1h 45m @ 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
August 24 – Migration (2023) (PG) 1h 23m @ 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Royal Artillery Firing
Royal Artillery firing cannon on Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park. Come watch a series of cannon demonstrations behind the Colonial National Historical Park Visitor Center. More info
Dates & Times:
August 17(Royal Artillery) – 10:15 am | 11:15 am | 12:15 pm | 1:15 pm
August 25 (Lamb’s Artillery) – 12:45 pm | 1:45 pm | 2:45 pm
Adult Sewing: RikRak Tote Bag with Tabitha Sewer Studio
We all could use some adult time! And check out this cute tote you can make at Tabitha Sewer Studio on Friday, August 23 from 5 – 7:30 pm. Have a flair for the fun and functional? In this class, you’ll learn to create a stylish and sturdy bag adorned with charming rickrack trim. The tote you’ll make will be perfect for carrying groceries, library books, or your latest crafting project. Materials not included… More info
Weekly August Events:
Here are some weekly activities of best things to do in August 2024
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Duke of Gloucester St Williamsburg
Saturday Mornings from 8 am to noon
This is a beautiful market to visit for locals and tourists. Check out your favorite vendors and some new ones too. Bring your family (including your dog – it is pet friendly). Grab a coffee and a fresh baked treat and shop for fresh produce, meats, plants, baked goods, mushrooms, soaps and more! Enjoy the live music as you stroll and take the kids to the POP (Power of Produce) Club (learn more)
2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival
2nd Sundays Williamsburg – Art & Music Festivals is Williamsburg’s only (ALMOST) year-round art & music street festival. The next festival will be August 11 from 11 am – 5 pm.
Guests can stroll the streets of Downtown Williamsburg and take in unique handcrafts from more than 175+ artisans, live music, performing arts and food trucks in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. Wide range of handcrafts and continuous live music & performances. There’s something to be enjoyed by all! ADMISSION IS FREE. Great way to spend the Sunday in the Burg!
For a list of vendors click HERE.
Yorktown Market Days – Historic Yorktown 300 Water Street
Saturday mornings from 8 am to noon – This market has it all – produce, meat, delicious desserts, live music, artisan booths, soap, plants…something for everyone! Bring the kids because there is a lovely sandy beach to dip a toe in after, there are also great restaurants to pop in for lunch. It is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Learn more.
Comedy Night at Precarious Beer Project
Love Precarious Beer Project? Here is another reason to go hang out there with your favorite people…each and every Friday night from 9 – 10 pm, they transform the beer hall into an epic comedy club. Kick off your weekend with nationally touring comedians, DJs and drink specials! This one is for the 18+ crowd but admission is free so come on down!
August Events For the Following Venues:
York River State Park August Programs
As Far as the Stars Night Hike, Canoeing with the Stars, Fossil Hike, River Seine to Sunset Paddle there is something for every age at York River State Park. This park has great events below, dock for canoes and kayaks, fishing, horse trails, hiking trails and some challenging mountain bike trails too! See their August Schedule HERE
Chippokes State Park – August Schedule
Just a hop skip and a free ferry ride from Williamsburg you will find the best place to find fossils and sharks teeth – Chippokes State Park. But they also have amazing programs. Visit here to see their schedule!
Regional Library Events (James City County, Williamsburg Regional & Stryker Center)
James City County Library, Williamsburg Regional Library, and the Stryker Center are all offering a host of different workshops and events this August, ranging from various crafts to movie screenings to storytime meetings. Some unique events are the Tween Lounge, Quiet Time for the Spectrum, and Sourdough Starter. Check out our post on the specifics here!
Get outside and Go Fishing with the Kids!
We have a lot of parks with waterfronts that allow and encourage fishing in the Williamsburg, James City County and York County area. Here is a post letting you know which parks offer fishing, boating and event kayak, canoe and boat rental. Read our post on Where to Go Fishing in Williamsburg
One Day Schedule for Colonial Williamsburg with Kids
If you just don’t know where to start here is a GREAT post on how to spend one day at CW – it is broken down hourly and even tells you how long it takes to walk to the next place. Grab your Good Neighbor Pass so your entry is free and you get shopping and food discounts too. If you have friends and family in town you can purchase their tickets at a discount with your GNP too! Click button below to see this One Day in CW itinerary!
Your Good Neighbor Pass offers discounts on food and beverage and shopping in Colonial Williamsburg stores and resort eateries. If you are a local resident or you teach or work in the area (see post for details) you may qualify for the Good Neighbors pass which gives you unlimited entrance to Colonial Williamsburg museums, historic trade house and discounts on tickets you purchase for friends and family. Here are all the benefits of this pass!
August Deals & Discounts!
Passholders! Call your friends and tell them it’s time for a visit to Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg offers a wide range of events for all ages, from Cry Witch! to the Stables Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Check out their August schedule here, including events at the Art Museum.
Free Admission for Locals* to the Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum in Yorktown
To show appreciation for their neighbors and to honor their commitment to the area, local residents receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with proof of residency. Who is eligible?* visit here for zip codes and details!
Busch Gardens & Water Country USA Discount Tickets!
It you are planning on going one day or multiple days – we have the discounts on tickets for you! Check out our Busch Gardens & Water Country USA Ticket Discounts
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