Colonial Williamsburg in the Spring
Spring is a lovely time to visit Williamsburg, Virginia. Flowers are blooming as temperatures soar into the 70s by the beginning of April. The town is full of events from concerts to history and beer festivals to bike races. There is something exciting happening almost every day of week. This list is just a sample of events that start once spring officially begins. Plan your Williamsburg getaway around one of these events.
Palace Concert – March 26–May 28, 2024
The historic Governor’s Palace at Colonial Williamsburg comes to life with music on Tuesday evenings in the spring. The recurring event features 17th and 18th century music performed by voice and on harpsichord, flute, and strings. The music chosen has its roots in Virginia and in Europe.
Muscarelle Museum of Art Lectures and Screenings – April 3-May 1, 2024
The Muscarelle Museum is located on the campus of William and Mary. It opened in 1983 and it houses the college’s extensive art collection. Numerous special events are held at the Museum each year. Attending these events while staying at A Williamsburg White House Inn is easy as all are hosted in the Tucker Hall Theater which is located less than a mile from the inn.
- Masterpieces of Italian Renaissance Architecture– April 3, 2024
Part of the Selected Topics in Architecture lecture series, Director David Brashear will present on Italian buildings created during the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Voice of the Photographer: Ron Tarver– April 10, 2024
Part of the Muscarelle Explorations lecture series, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Ron Tarver will discuss his work which explores the many facets of the Black community.
- Film Screening: Exposing Muybridge– May 1, 2024
Edward Muybridge was a 19th century photographer whose breakthrough work brought about modern cinema. This is the first feature documentary about his life and work.
To Hang a Pirate – April 3-May 29, 2024
Innocent or guilty? What would your decision be? When Blackbeard was killed, 15 of his men were captured. Watch a recreation of the trail of Israel Hands and make your judgment. This evening event recurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Capitol General Court in Colonial Williamsburg.
Revolutionary Points of View – April 4-May 30, 2024
Whose side would you have been on before the American Revolution? Hear the different points of views of the Loyalists and the Patriots. This evening event recurs on Thursday evenings on the Capitol Hall of Burgesses in Colonial Williamsburg.
In Defense of Our Liberty – April 5-April 19, 2024
Head to the Magazine Yard in Colonial Williamsburg to enlist in the Continental Army. Learn how soldiers lived and fought for eight years. This event is held outdoors so dress accordingly. The evening event is held on recurring Fridays.
Bike the Bridge – April 6, 2024
Follow the Virginia Capitol Trail from Jamestown Beach Event Park, across Chickahominy River, and into Charles City County. All participants will receive refreshments at rest stops, lunch, and a t-shirt. There are three distances available so everyone can participate. Choose the 15, 25, or 50-mile route and register by April 3.
Williamsburg Farmers Market – April 6-December21, 2024
This is not strictly a spring event but the offerings at farmer’s markets do change quite a bit throughout the year. This is chance to get a true taste of spring. The market happens every Saturday from 8 am until noon. Shop over 40 vendors, watch chef demonstrations, and enjoy live music.
Sunday Storytellers Series: Live Music featuring DJ Kudlz – April 7-April 21, 2024
The Virginia Beer Co. will be offering live original music performed by local artists. Many artists will share the stories behind the songs they have written. The taproom features a variety of continually changing experimental beers. A different food truck visits the brewery each day.
America the Beautiful: Copland and Bernstein – April 11, 2024
The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra will perform a medley of songs from great composers. Arrive early for a pre-conference lecture at 6:30 pm. The WSO was founded in 1984 as a way to bring free concerts to children and others who are not typically able to access live music. They now perform concerts and special events while still bringing music into the lives of children.
Rockefeller Library Community Open House – April 13, 2024
In honor of National Library Week, behind-the-scenes tours will be offered every 15 minutes from 10 am until 12:30 pm. The library houses many unique collections including rare 18th century books and manuscripts. Access to the special collections is usually by appointment only. Be sure to register for a free time slot for a tour during the open house.
Brill Music and BBQ Fest – April 19-21, 2024
Kansas City BBQ Society and Revolutionary BBQ-Brawl Battle on the James take over Jamestown Beach Event Park for a weekend of events. Activities include whiskey, bourbon, and beer tastings, BBQ tastings, live music, and an all-night slow pig roast (with the meat served on Sunday). Daily and weekend event passes are available.
Virginia Garden Week – April 20-27, 2024
Virginia is home to many garden clubs and 48 of them work together to host visitors during peak blooming season. Attendees will be able to tour public gardens and historic sites. This is also a unique opportunity to view private gardens. Williamsburg is featured on Tuesday, April 23 with a tour that includes gardens in the Walnut Hills neighborhood, access to the former studio of artist Nancy Harris, and four Colonial Revival Gardens. Tickets can be purchased in advance and are available now on the website.
Lighting of the Cressets – April 20-June 1, 2024
Enjoy strolling musicians along historic Duke of Gloucester Street as the 18th century streets of Colonial Williamsburg come to life at night. This evening program recurs on Saturday nights.
Pipedreams Live – April 21, 2024
Organist Aaron David Miller has won several prestigious competitions with his improvisational style. The free performance will be held at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church as part of the Open Doors Concerts series.
5K Beer Run – April 27, 2024
The Virginia Beer Co. is hosting this event as part of the Virginia Brewery Running Series. The 5K starts and ends at the taproom and all participants receive a well-deserved beer at the end.
Pirates Invade Yorktown – April 27-28, 2024
Riverwalk Landing and the Waterman’s Museum have planned a weekend with blacksmith demonstrations, sea shanty singalongs, a treasure hunt, and cannon demonstrations. Visitors can also explore a pirate encampment. Do not be concerned; Yorktown is 20 minutes from the inn so you will be safe from the pirates while you sleep.
Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival – April 27, 2024
Live music, lawn games, food trucks, and, of course, beer, will be the highlights of this one-day event at Jamestown Beach Event Park. Not only is the event fun, but 100% of the proceeds benefit Williamsburg non-profits.
Art on the Square – April 28, 2024
Merchants Square becomes the home of a juried art exhibit with proceeds that benefit visual and performing arts organizations in the area. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors will be able to browse through booths of more than 150 artists displaying original and diverse works of art. This is the 58th annual event and you are sure to find something new for your home.