Spring Forward with Family-Friendly Fun in Historic Yorktown

Spring has sprung in Yorktown! From markets and art shows to pirates and BBQ, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Several themed Yorktown Market Days are on the horizon in April and May. Our 2025 season kicks off with the annual Go Green Market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. Special exhibitors—Colonial Beekeepers Association, Master Gardeners of York County and Poquoson, and Republic Services Recycling 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.

If you are looking for a oui bit of fun, stop by the Sister Cities French Market, held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. 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. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a French-themed wine garden. 

Landlubbers of all ages are invited to visit the Historic Yorktown Waterfront to learn lessons and legends from pirates’ lives in the 17th and 18th centuries at the Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27. Vendors will be selling pirate-themed “booty” at the Pirate Invasion Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Activities will take place at 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 musicians in Hampton Roads at the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. There will be performances by the HM Johnson Band, Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos, and the Fifes and Drums of York Town. Purchase tickets here.  

If you’re drawn to art, don’t miss the Art at the River Juried Art Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. 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. A new addition this year will be Yorktown Plein Art, where artists will gather to paint scenic views outdoors.

Shop for antiques and upcycled treasures at the Vintage Market/Car Show on Main Street from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Riverwalk Landing. Up the hill on Historic Main Street, admire more than a dozen fully restored classic cars and talk to their owners. 

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, join us for a very special 20th anniversary celebration for Riverwalk Landing! In 2005, York County developed the shopping and dining venue along the Yorktown Waterfront that has been home for so many memorable events. It will be an evening of food, surprises from local businesses, and a free concert with BrassWind as we celebrate twenty years of making memories at the iconic landmark! 

For each of these events, our free, air-conditioned (and heated) Yorktown Trolley can pick you up at several County public parking lots, such as the Administration Building, Courthouse, and York Hall, and deliver you to Riverwalk Landing or Main Street.