Food, Fun & Adventure Are in Full Bloom in Historic Yorktown This Spring

Spring is in the air! Flowers are blossoming, the weather is turning warmer, and the days are getting longer. It’s the perfect time to save the dates for the events that are happening in Historic Yorktown.

Several themed Yorktown Market Days are on the horizon in April and May.  Our 2023 season kicks off with the annual Go Green Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 8. Special exhibitors—Colonial Soil, Water Conservation District, Peninsula Master Gardeners, and Colonial Beekeepers, to name a few—will educate guests on the importance of environmental sustainability. Be sure to bring your reusable bag while shopping for fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, dog treats, and much, much more. Don’t worry if you forgot your bag! We’ll be giving away free ones, while supplies last.

Say oui to our Sister Cities French Market, held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 15. Purchase French wine, music, and traditional food, such as bread, pastries, macarons, crepes, and authentic beignets. 

All hands will be on deck for the Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend, April 29-30. During this event, meet meandering pirates and their swashbuckling sidekicks; listen to Clan McCool Gang and sing along to sea shanties; watch a pirate puppet show and cannon firings; create crafts; and much, much more. Vendors will be selling pirate-themed “booty” at the Pirates Invade Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 29.  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 barbeque, and listen to the best blues music in Hampton Roads at the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival on May 6 from 12 to 6 p.m.  Purchase tickets here.

If art is more your jam, attend the Art at the River Juried Art Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 7. 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 Awards.

On May 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., search for upcycled treasures and hard-to-find collectibles 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. 

While you’re on Main Street, step inside York Hall for their Quilts Exhibit, to admire beautiful, handcrafted quilts from past and present.

The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform at the Go Green Market on April 9 and Sister Cities Market on April 15. 

There’s no need to worry about parking during these popular events. 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.